A man who orchestrated a heinous crime, luring a collector to his flat and ultimately ending his life, has passed away in prison. Paul Paget, the perpetrator behind the tragic manslaughter of Anthony Bubbins, met his demise at the age of 59 while incarcerated. The chilling details of the crime involved using shoelaces to bind Mr. Bubbins’ hands and a sock to obstruct his airways, leading to his untimely death. The appalling incident unfolded in January 2018 when Paget was sentenced to 15 years and six months for manslaughter and burglary by the courts.
Paget’s death occurred in 2023, reportedly due to a heart attack while housed in the high-security Kent prison, HMP Swaleside. A prisons ombudsman report, following his demise, highlighted various shortcomings on the part of prison staff involved in Paget’s case. The trial at Newport Crown Court shed light on the harrowing discovery of Mr. Bubbins’ lifeless body in Paget’s residence, revealing the cruel and callous manner in which Paget had taken a precious life. Mr. Bubbins, a collector of coins and valued items, fell victim to Paget’s malevolent scheme after being lured to the killer’s dwelling.
Paget’s actions leading up to the crime included a series of thefts from Mr. Bubbins’ abode, with subsequent attempts to pawn off the stolen goods in Newport and Cwmbran. Following the discovery of Mr. Bubbins’ body, which had been left in a deplorable state, Paget attempted to escape justice by fleeing to Devon. However, law enforcement managed to apprehend him with incriminating evidence linking him to the crime scene. Despite his claims of accidental death in a confrontation, Paget was convicted of manslaughter, resonating with the victim’s family and the court as a despicable act of violence and callousness.
During the sentencing phase, a poignant statement from the victim’s daughter, Emily Bubbins, painted a picture of profound loss and anguish at the hands of Paget’s malevolence. The court proceedings revealed the true extent of Paget’s criminal history, marked by a pattern of theft and violence, including a previous robbery where he had subjected a worker to a similar fate. Paget’s transfer to Swaleside in 2019 brought to light his deteriorating health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and lung issues, which ultimately contributed to his demise.
The prisons ombudsman’s report following Paget’s death highlighted systemic failures in providing adequate healthcare and intervention for his myriad health issues. The findings underscored the need for improved medical monitoring and care planning for inmates with long-term conditions upon their arrival at the facility. Despite Paget’s demise being attributed to natural causes, the report indicated lapses in medical care and response protocols within the prison setting. Recommendations were made to prevent similar incidents in the future, urging enhanced medical management for inmates with complex health needs.
Paget’s passing marked the 22nd death in Swaleside within a three-year period, prompting calls for better oversight and healthcare provisions for inmates with chronic conditions. The tragic saga of Paul Paget and Anthony Bubbins serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of heinous crimes and the importance of upholding justice and accountability within the prison system. The legacy of those affected by such senseless acts of violence continues to endure, underscoring the need for ongoing reform and vigilance in safeguarding inmate welfare and rehabilitation efforts.