A recent inquest has uncovered concerning details surrounding the death of a prisoner named Shane Richard Davies who was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Cardiff in 2022. The inquest revealed that Mr. Davies had repeatedly requested his prescribed medications, which he did not receive during his time at both HMP Bristol and HMP Cardiff prior to his death. Despite asking for his medications upon arrival at HMP Cardiff and through a medication hatch on his wing, Mr. Davies was not given the necessary medication and instead was scheduled for a mental health assessment.
The inquest also highlighted how Mr. Davies had sought a nurse’s assistance on the night he was found unresponsive, and how prison staff had conducted welfare checks on him before discovering him in his cell. Descriptions of Mr. Davies’ struggles with alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues were shared during the inquest, with his mother expressing that despite his challenges, he did not express any interest in suicide. Mr. Davies was serving a 25-month sentence for drug dealing at the time of his death.
Medical records indicated that Mr. Davies had a history of substance abuse and mental health conditions, for which he was prescribed various medications including an antidepressant, antipsychotic, and opioid substitute. However, it was revealed that he did not have consistent access to these medications while in prison. Despite requesting his medication multiple times, there were delays and obstacles in providing him with the necessary treatment.
The inquest also explored the circumstances leading up to Mr. Davies’ death, including interactions with prison staff and fellow inmates. Testimonies from a cellmate and prison officers shed light on Mr. Davies’ behaviour and interactions in the days before he was found unresponsive in his cell. Concerns were raised about the availability of healthcare professionals and the decision-making process regarding Mr. Davies’ medical needs.
The inquest highlighted the challenges and gaps in the healthcare system within the prison environment, and raised questions about the timely and appropriate provision of medical care to inmates. The testimony from witnesses underscored the importance of addressing mental health issues and medication management for individuals in custody, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The inquest into the death of Shane Richard Davies continues to unravel the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing, shedding light on the complexities of providing adequate healthcare in a prison setting. The revelations from the inquest serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in the criminal justice system and the critical need for comprehensive medical support and intervention to safeguard their wellbeing.