Two women have died within just seven days at HMP Styal, the women’s prison located in Cheshire, sparking concerns over safety and staffing levels. Laura Parry, aged 59, was found dead on December 15 on the Waite Wing. Only six days later, 46-year-old Sarah Jackson died on December 21 in the Valentina unit, a specialised area for prisoners requiring temporary care.
Authorities have stated that the two incidents are not linked but have prompted urgent investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.
Details of the Deaths
Laura Parry was found dead on the Waite Wing on December 15. Sarah Jackson passed away on December 21 in the Valentina unit, which is used to provide temporary respite care for inmates.
Prison Service Responds
A spokesperson for the Prison Service expressed condolences to the families of both women. They confirmed that the deaths are being thoroughly investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, who aim to uncover the full circumstances behind these losses.
History of Trouble at HMP Styal
HMP Styal has faced ongoing challenges related to inmate safety. Last August, an inmate died following a medical episode that led to cardiac arrest. In July of the previous year, inmate Eileen McDonagh died while in custody. Between 2018 and 2019, four inmates died within a 15-month period, including three who had recently arrived at the prison.
Official Report Highlights Safety Struggles
The 2022 report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, described safety at HMP Styal as “reasonably good” but noted four self-inflicted deaths since 2018. Three of these deaths occurred during the early days of custody, highlighting the need for better support for vulnerable inmates.
Staff Shortages Fuel Safety Concerns
HMP Styal continues to struggle with staff shortages, which delay improvements in supervising vulnerable prisoners. This shortfall impacts the prison’s ability to respond promptly to incidents of violence and urgent requests from inmates.
About HMP Styal
Originally an orphanage, the site was converted into a women’s prison in 1962. The prison has a capacity of up to 422 inmates housed across Edwardian-style house blocks surrounded by tree-lined avenues.
Ongoing Challenges and Next Steps
The recent deaths underscore ongoing issues with inmate safety and wellbeing, particularly for those at risk of self-harm. There is a pressing need for enhanced supervision and increased staffing levels to prevent further tragedies. Officials are expected to review current prison procedures and implement necessary changes swiftly.
The investigations by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will provide critical insight into how these deaths occurred and what measures can be taken to avoid future losses.
Originally published by UKNIP.
