Investigation and inquest
I make this report under paragraph 7 Schedule 5 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013.
On 1st October 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Marlon Roy WATSON aged 32. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8th January 2020. The conclusion of the inquest was Suicide by hanging.
The jury’s findings were: A. Basic circumstances: Marlon Roy Watson was a serving prisoner at HMP Dovegate when he died by hanging in his cell on 29th September 2018.
B. Probable causative factors: Breakdown of relationship with partner, bullying, debt, poor mental health and use of illicit substances. Combined effect of this being too much pressure.
C. Possible causative factors: The mental health team’s reliance on self-referral and prison mentors rather than a pro-active approach. Admin errors leading to missed opportunity for support and unanswered/unacknowledged phone calls from sister. Failure for different health care teams to have access to relevant patient information.
Circumstances of the death
Marlon Roy Watson was a serving prisoner at HMP Dovegate when he died by hanging in his cell on 29th September 2018.
Coroner’s concerns
1. At the inquest there was a concern that members of healthcare staff at HMP Dovegate do not have a full and proper understanding of the ACCT process. I would appreciate reassurance that appropriate initial training and refresher training takes place and that (if possible) this is audited.