HMP Lowdham Grange: How a troubled prison reached breaking point

HMP Lowdham Grange: How a troubled prison reached breaking point

The information you’ve provided details a series of issues and deaths at Lowdham Grange Prison, which has a capacity for about 900 inmates. The prison changed hands from Serco to Sodexo on 16 February 2023, marking the first time one private operator took over from another in England and Wales. This transition was difficult, with reports of strained relations and operational challenges.

### Key Points:

– **Transition Issues:** When Sodexo took over, there were problems including fewer prison officers planned to operate despite concerns, and some leased computers were taken by Serco, affecting the safer custody team.

– **Deaths at Lowdham Grange:** Numerous inmate deaths have occurred, some resulting in inquests that highlighted failings in care and welfare checks. Prevention of future death reports have been issued by coroners urging improvements.

### Notable Inmate Deaths:

– **Nigel Saunders (Nov 2018):** Death ruled accidental; prison service failings in care found.
– **Christopher Smith (May 2019):** Death contributed to by neglect.
– **Kane Boyce (Oct 2021):** Found hanging; inquest found multiple failings in care.
– **Anthony Binfield (Mar 2023):** Death ruled suicide; note expressed feeling let down by the system.
– **David Richards (Mar 2023):** Death ruled accidental; missed welfare check.
– **Rolandas Karbauskas (Mar 2023):** Death ruled suicide; issues with translation and welfare checks.
– **Ricky Crosher (Oct 2023):** Suicide with neglect contributing; Sodexo accepted findings.
– **Matthew Osborne (Nov 2023):** Suicide; inquest revealed officers playing football with toilet roll instead of attending duties on the segregation unit; some officers dismissed or resigned.

### Aftermath:

– The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) acknowledged failings and began taking over control of the prison after the series of deaths.
– Sodexo and Serco both responded to the inquests and findings, accepting responsibility and promising improvements as applicable.

If you need more information about Lowdham Grange or assistance on a specific aspect of this case, feel free to ask!

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More