Tragic Incident: Man Hit by Train and Killed Days After Release from Prison
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a man named Darren Stokes, aged 40, was hit by a train and tragically killed just days after being released from prison. This incident occurred after Mr. Stokes was discharged homeless from HMP Cardiff, where he had spent three weeks on remand, following the dropping of a harassment charge that led to his imprisonment. A report by the prisons ombudsman found no failings by the authorities in his case.
According to the ombudsman’s report, Mr. Stokes did not engage with housing support services before his release from prison. Despite having a history of substance misuse, mental health concerns, and homelessness, he declined support from the mental health team during his time in HMP Cardiff. When a resettlement worker approached him regarding housing assistance upon release, Mr. Stokes did not actively engage, although he was added to a tracking system for prisoners at risk of homelessness.
On May 4, 2023, Mr. Stokes was released from HMP Cardiff as the charge against him had been dropped. He left the prison without probation supervision, as he had not been convicted of any offense. Shortly after his release, on May 16, he was hit by a train near Pangbourne railway station in Berkshire. The driver reported that Mr. Stokes had deliberately run in front of the train, with no other individuals involved in the incident.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr. Stokes had sustained multiple injuries from the collision and had likely used amphetamines before his death, which may have affected his decision-making abilities. The ombudsman’s report highlighted that there were no indications from Mr. Stokes to prison staff about being at risk of suicide, and he did not raise any concerns about his mental health or emotional well-being.
Following Mr. Stokes’ tragic death, HMP Cardiff introduced a resettlement pack to provide information to released prisoners on handling homelessness and accessing support services. The pack includes details on substance misuse services, and all prisoners are now given this information regardless of their engagement with the resettlement team.
An inquest into the incident concluded that, considering Mr. Stokes’ recreational drug use and mental health issues, his death resulted from fatal injuries sustained by placing himself in the path of the train. The prison notified community outreach teams upon his release, although Mr. Stokes refused to engage with resettlement workers. This devastating event has prompted additional measures to support vulnerable individuals upon release from custody.
The case of Darren Stokes serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from prison back into society. The circumstances surrounding his untimely death shed light on the complexities of supporting ex-offenders with mental health issues and substance misuse histories. In response to this tragedy, efforts have been made to enhance support mechanisms for released prisoners in similar circumstances.
As we reflect on this heartbreaking incident, it underscores the importance of holistic support systems for vulnerable individuals re-entering society post-incarceration. The lessons learned from Mr. Stokes’ story will hopefully contribute to improved practices in assisting those in need of housing, mental health, and substance misuse support upon their release from prison.