Investigation and inquest
On 8 May 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ryan Stephen TRIMMER, aged 29. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 20 May 2019. The conclusion of the jury at the inquest was:
Cause of death:
I a. Hypoxic ischaemic brain injury
I b. Hanging
II. Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder
Narrative Inquest conclusion of:
Ryan deliberately chose to attach a ligature to himself but did not intend that the outcome be fatal. The following matters caused or contributed to Ryan’s death; lack of phone calls, relationship, HMP Lewes prison staff resourcing on the healthcare wing, the complex nature of EUPD, inadequate ACCT reviews.
Circumstances of the death
Ryan Trimmer was remanded to HMP Lewes on 4 March 2017. He had a history of self harm and suicide attempts. An ACCT was opened by reception staff. Ryan was found with a ligature around his neck on 4 March, 6 March and 20 April and he self harmed on 30 March.
Ryan was found hanging in his cell on 22 April and he died in hospital on 26 April 2017.
Ryan was on an ACCT throughout this entire period.
Coroner’s concerns
The ACCT process was ineffective. They jury made a factual finding of inadequate ACCT reviews. The Court heard evidence of the ACCT Pilot Scheme underway in certain other prisons. HMP Lewes should be considered as a priority facility for future extension of the ACCT Pilot Scheme.
Prison staff are often first responders to medical emergencies of prisoners, but not all have received first aid training. One frontline prison staff member gave evidence that he had not received training in 16 years of working for HMPS and felt he needed refresher training.