Recurring concern

Unsafe control of electrical systems in prison cells

First to latest report 11 Feb 2021 — 17 Jan 2024

Reports that mention this concern
2
Times this concern has been raised
2
Stated actions linked to this concern
1

What this concern includes

Includes failures of controls specifically dedicated to prison-cell electrical safety, including timely remedial maintenance of electrical faults and authorised, risk-assessed and time-limited isolation of cell power.

What is not included
  • Excludes generic prison maintenance, staffing or lockdown-capacity deficiencies unless they directly concern the safety control of cell electrical systems.
  • Excludes general electrical-equipment maintenance outside prison cells.
  • Excludes unrelated cell hazards, fire-detection systems, telephones, call bells or other prison safety systems unless the assertion specifically concerns electrical safety of the cell system.
  • Excludes the underlying risk of self-harm or fire where no deficiency in a prison-cell electrical safety control is identified.

Reports and published responses 2 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Nottinghamshire

    AI-generated summary

    Kane Christopher Boyce · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Kane Christopher Boyce, a serving prisoner at HMP Lowdham Grange, was found with a ligature around his neck on 3 October 2021 and could not be resuscitated. The jury found that alcohol intoxication and the failure of staff to share information, open an under-the-influence log, adequately monitor him, and consider risk when isolating cell power and ignoring cell bells contributed to his death. The report raised concerns about these practices, staff understanding of relevant policies, learning from deaths in custody, and organisational candour.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of policy governing the isolation of power to cells

    Wider context from the report

    “2. Isolating power to cells As above, I have seen no policy which supports the isolation of power to cells including who has the power to make such a decision, how long the power should be isolated for, and whether staff are required to consider any risk factors when determining whether to isolate power to the cell. ”

    Source location

    Kane Christopher Boyce · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  2. Staffordshire South

    AI-generated summary

    Michael Richie DOBSON (‘Mike’). · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Michael Richie Dobson (‘Mike’) died by hanging in prison on 24 November 2019 after applying a ligature to himself. The report identifies concerns about the availability of basic cell maintenance during lockdown, noting that delays in repairing electrical faults could create opportunities for prisoners to harm themselves. It also refers to poor mental health, illicit drug use, fractured family relationships, and difficulties engaging with relationships and support.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Delays in remedial maintenance for cell electrical faults during lockdown

    Wider context from the report

    “The hanging incident occurred after prison lockdown. Shortly prior to this the electricity supply for the sockets in the cell had tripped. Mike had used his cell bell to call a prison officer and he was told it would be sorted out but probably not until the next day. The inquest also heard that in some cases (not Mike’s) that cell lights will trip and this tends to take out four cells. It is also possible that other damage may be caused to cells. I am aware that there are very limited staff and security concerns following lockdown. If however prisoners become aware that remedial action may not take place until the following day this does provide a potential (either deliberate or accidental) for prisoners to harm themselves. I wonder if it is possible for some form of basic maintenance to be available during lockdown hours. If this concern appears more to be a national one rather than a local one then please feel free to pass it on to whoever it is appropriate to deal with it. ”

    Source location

    Michael Richie DOBSON (‘Mike’). · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Maintain an out-of-hours process for promptly reporting and rectifying cell electricity faults through an on-call facilities officer and Duty Manager escalation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In response to the Regulation 28 letter dated 11th February 2021, (case ID; ████████), regarding the investigation and inquest in the death of Mr Michael Richie Dobson, HMP Dovegate’s Safer Custody department have ensured that there is a system in place to remedy electricity faults within cells during out of hours facilities times.”

    Source location

    2021-0035-Response-from-Serco-Home-Affairs-HMP-Dovegate-Redacted
    Page 1 · response
    Published 15 February 2021

    Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026