**Convicted Child Abuser Dies in HMP Frankland Amid Staff Failings**
A convicted paedophile from Carmarthenshire, who was serving a life sentence for a string of heinous offences against children, has died while in custody at a high-security prison. Lawrence Johnson, aged 82, passed away at HMP Frankland in County Durham earlier this year. An investigation into his death has since exposed shortcomings in prison staff’s response to his deteriorating health.
Johnson, once a resident of St Clears High Street, was jailed in 2000 for a total of 13 offences committed against two young children. The court found him guilty of three counts of indecent assault against a young girl, while the remaining ten offences – including five of buggery and five of indecent assault – were committed against a young boy. Johnson was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of eight years and three months to reflect the severity of his crimes.
The details of Johnson’s life after sentencing remained largely out of the public eye until his medical decline in January 2024, which brought new scrutiny to procedures within HMP Frankland. Prison and medical records show that Johnson suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although the official investigation noted that he inconsistently took his prescribed medication. Additionally, he had been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a potentially fatal condition, but declined further medical monitoring or follow-up screenings.
On 13 January 2024, at 5:53 pm, Johnson activated the cell bell to report feeling unwell to staff. When approached, he did not specify his symptoms, merely stating that he was “not well.” The attending officer promptly radioed for healthcare staff at 5:58 pm and, a few minutes later, escorted them from the wing gate to Johnson’s cell.
However, when a nurse arrived and requested access to conduct a closer examination, the officer on the scene, believing he lacked the authority to do so, did not open the cell door immediately. Instead, he radioed for the custodial manager, in line with what he believed to be correct protocol. The custodial manager did not arrive to open the cell door until 6:07 pm, at which point Johnson was visibly struggling to breathe and quickly became unresponsive. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead less than an hour later, at 6:55 pm.
A subsequent report by Prisons Ombudsman Adrian Usher revealed a significant failure in procedure. Usher highlighted that, according to local protocol, all staff at HMP Frankland have the authority to open cell doors during patrol state to allow prompt medical attention. The investigating ombudsman stated, “My investigation found that when healthcare staff asked an officer to open Mr Johnson’s cell door to allow them to conduct observations on him, the officer did not. The officer was unaware that all staff have the authority to open cell doors.”
Mr Usher’s findings underline a critical gap in staff training regarding emergency procedures at the prison. In his recommendations, he called for managers to conduct monthly audits to ensure staff are familiar with night-time and emergency protocols. This, he suggested, was vital to guaranteeing timely and adequate medical intervention in future cases.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of staff education and adherence to protocol within the prison system. While Lawrence Johnson’s case will inevitably provoke strong reactions given his crimes, his death in custody highlights the ongoing challenge facing the prison service to balance security, due process, and the welfare of all those held within its care.
The ombudsman’s report has prompted HMP Frankland to review its training and emergency procedures, with assurances given that further steps will be taken to mitigate similar failings in the future. The case remains a matter of public interest, raising questions both about prison healthcare and the protection of vulnerable residents, even when those individuals are convicted of the most serious offences.