Investigation and inquest
On the 27th April 2011 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Ryan Patrick John Clark aged 17 years. The Investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 28th January 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was accidental death, the medical cause of death being attributable to 1(a) hanging.
Circumstances of the death
On the 30th March 2011 the Deceased was remanded into custody at HMYOI Wetherby where he resided until his death on the 18th April 2011. On the 4th April 2011 the Deceased was located in Cell D4-47. Prior to the Deceased's death he was subjected to bullying and intimidation from other trainees residing on D wing.
At approximately 7:30am on the 18th April 2011 the Deceased was discovered in his cell in a lifeless condition with a ligature around his neck. The Deceased was transported to Harrogate District Hospital where his death was certified at 8:50am the same day.
Coroner’s concerns
At HMYOI Wetherby
(1) The Personal Officer Scheme was not properly implemented and did not operate effectively vis a vis trainees;
(2) ACCT checks of a trainee were not made and/or were not made in accordance with the times prescribed by the trainee's ACCT document;
(3) The correct procedure when conducting a roll count of trainees was not adopted by Prison Officers;
(4) Prison Officers were not fully conversant in the administration of first aid and CPR and had not received regular refresher training in relation thereto.