A man was found dead just days after being released from prison two months ahead of schedule. Steven Hatch, aged 46, had requested a lower opioid prescription during his time in prison as he aimed to overcome his addiction. However, shortly after leaving prison, he tragically took a lethal mix of drugs leading to his demise.
According to a report by prisons ombudsman Adrian Usher, Mr. Hatch had been sentenced to eight months in jail on September 26, 2022, for a burglary conviction. While inmates typically serve half their sentence, Mr. Hatch was granted release in late November under a home detention curfew. Sadly, he was discovered deceased on December 6.
Mr. Hatch had a history of battling addiction to substances like heroin and crack cocaine, though he had recently transitioned to alcohol. The findings reported that he had been using friends’ prescribed opioid medication when unable to get his desired substance. Despite efforts to treat his addiction, including doses of methadone and discussions about alternative treatments, Mr. Hatch’s addiction ultimately led to his untimely death.
The prison’s substance misuse team had been involved in Mr. Hatch’s treatment plan, cautioning him about the risks of drug use and exploring alternative medication options. Mr. Hatch had expressed a desire to switch to Buvidal, a slow-release drug for treating opioid addiction, following his release. His wish was being considered, and he was scheduled for further consultations on these options.
Tragically, Mr. Hatch’s failure to attend medical appointments and adhere to prescription guidelines contributed to his demise. Post-mortem results revealed that his death was due to mixed drug toxicity involving heroin, methadone, pregabalin, and an illegal sedative. A coroner later confirmed that his death was drug-related.
The prisons ombudsman’s report did not identify any deficiencies in the support provided to Mr. Hatch during his incarceration. Various interventions were made to address his addiction issues, including discussions on treatment plans and referrals to community drug and alcohol services for ongoing support post-release.
Despite the efforts to assist Mr. Hatch in overcoming his addiction, the tragic outcome highlights the challenges individuals face in battling substance abuse, particularly during the critical post-release period when continued support and vigilance are crucial.