A tragic incident involving a man accused of being involved in a kidnapping plot has come to light following a report by the Prisons Ombudsman. Robert Frith, a 65-year-old former psychiatric nurse from Holyhead on Anglesey, died by suicide in HMP Berwyn in Wrexham. The report highlighted several mistakes that occurred before his death on November 14, 2020, just five days after he was remanded in custody for his alleged involvement in a child kidnap plot in Gaerwen. It was revealed in Caernarfon Crown Court that Mr. Frith’s co-defendants were later convicted of conspiring to kidnap a child under 10 years old, with fears of satanic abuse being a driving factor behind the plot.
At the time of his remand at HMP Berwyn, it was Mr. Frith’s first experience in jail. Despite having no history of attempted suicide or self-harm, the ombudsman’s report indicated that he had a long-standing dependency on alcohol and was provided with medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. Staff at the prison noted that Mr. Frith expressed anxiety due to his incarceration and the inability to contact his partner, who was also involved in the case. Moreover, he was unable to reach out to his brother as his phone had been confiscated by the police upon arrest.
The ombudsman’s report shed light on inadequacies in the prison’s care for Mr. Frith, with reception procedures not fully considering the nature of his offense or the potential risks associated with it. The report also highlighted shortcomings in informing Mr. Frith of restrictions on his communication, as well as the state of his cell upon placement. Recommendations were made for the prison to review its reception procedures, enhance communication with prisoners regarding phone restrictions, and improve overall risk assessment protocols, especially for first-time inmates.
The tragic incident involving Mr. Frith occurred shortly after 8:25 am when a prison officer discovered him in his cell, having taken his own life. The ombudsman, Sue McAllister, emphasised the need for prisons to thoroughly evaluate all risk factors and implement robust procedures to prevent such incidents in the future. The inquest jury later concluded that Mr. Frith’s death was a result of suicide, further underscoring the importance of adequate mental health support in correctional facilities.
In a separate development, Mr. Frith’s co-conspirators in the kidnap plot were sentenced in 2021, with gang leaders Anke Hill and Wilfred Wong receiving lengthy prison terms for their roles in the abduction. The case highlighted the disturbing nature of the plot, with the perpetrators targeting a child under their care. The aftermath of the incident prompted calls for increased awareness of child safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals from such heinous acts.
The heartbreaking outcome of Mr. Frith’s time in custody serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals within the criminal justice system. The complexities of mental health, dependency issues, and the stress of legal proceedings can have dire consequences if not addressed effectively. The investigation into his death sheds light on the need for holistic support systems and improved procedures to safeguard the well-being of those in custody.