Alleged sex offender who passed away in prison ‘should have received better mental health support’
A recent report by Wales Online tells the story of Sion Evans, a prison inmate who tragically took his own life at HMP Parc in Bridgend. Evans was facing serious sexual offence charges when he died on August 12, 2022. The 38-year-old had been remanded on April 8 of that year, following a suicide attempt just two weeks prior. Upon his arrival at the prison, staff initiated self-harm monitoring due to his fragile state.
In May, Evans was moved to the ‘safer custody unit’ as his behaviour became increasingly erratic, and his mental health deteriorated. However, his troubles persisted as he engaged in disturbing behaviour within his cell. Evans also experienced a significant weight loss during his time in custody. By the end of June, there was a slight improvement in his behaviour, leading to his transfer back to a standard wing on July 6. Subsequently, on July 15, the self-harm monitoring was ceased.
Tragically, on August 11, the day after meeting with his solicitor, Evans was found hanged in his cell at 9:56 am. An inquest held in January determined that his death was a result of ligaturing, with unclear intentions. The Prisons Ombudsman, Kimberley Bingham, highlighted concerns regarding the care Evans received leading up to his passing. She noted that there was a significant delay in Evans receiving a mental health assessment after being referred on April 9, only to be seen on May 7.
Bingham also pointed out the lack of glasses or contact lenses provided to Evans, despite his severe short-sightedness. The report emphasised the need for an effective system for urgent mental health referrals and timely assessments for significant weight loss. Recommendations were made to improve healthcare practices in the prison, including tracking and executing mental health referrals promptly.
In the wake of this tragedy, the case raises important questions about the mental health support available to inmates in the prison system. The report prompts a closer examination of the procedures in place for identifying and addressing mental health concerns among those in custody. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the criminal justice system and the importance of adequate mental health support.
The report also sheds light on the impact of the delay in mental health assessments and the significance of timely interventions for individuals in distress. In light of these findings, it is crucial to address the gaps in mental health support within the prison system to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. The recommendations made in the report underscore the need for improved mental health care practices and timely interventions for individuals in custody.
The story of Sion Evans serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and challenging circumstances faced by individuals within the prison system. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and intervention strategies to prevent further loss of life. Moving forward, it is essential to prioritise mental health care within the prison system to ensure the well-being and safety of all individuals in custody.