Investigation and inquest
On 27/05/2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Samuel William Gale, 18 . The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 15 October 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was Open conclusion. The cause of death 1a Hanging
Circumstances of the death
Samuel Gale was received into custody at HMP Doncaster on 3rd May 2014. He was 18 years of age, a first time inmate who faced serious charges of rape. Furthermore, it was recognised by prior custody officers and healthcare nurses that he was very distressed at being barred from attending his father’s funeral by his mother and siblings who blamed him for his father’s suicide in February 2014. He had self-harmed and made an attempt at suicide recently and at times felt suicidal. He was immediately placed on an ACCT and half hourly observations were directed. On 16th May the ACCT was closed and he was found hanging the following day.
Coroner’s concerns
i) The ACCT was closed by a person who had previous dealings with Samuel without reference to healthcare, the chaplaincy or a unit manager or any officer who had carried out an ACCT review.
ii) The Deputy Director was asked to consider whether only the person who is primarily responsible for a prisoner’s ACCT should be the one to close it.