Prison detox regime contributed to Prisoner's death

A jury sitting at Manchester Coroner's Court found that a programme of heroin detoxification operated at HMP Manchester which involved the use of Dihydrocodeine (DF118) was not clinically proven to be effective.

The jury found that the detox regime coupled with the frequency and quality of night patrols contributed to the death of Andrew Williams. Andrew took his own life in June 2004. Whilst HMP Manchester no longer uses DF118 as part of its detox regime, Prison Service witnesses indicated that it was still in other British prisons.

HM Coroner for Manchester, Nigel Meadows has indicated that he intends to use his reporting powers under Rule 43 of the Coroner's Rules to invite the Prison Service to undertake a review into whether DF118 is appropriate for heroin detoxification in prisons. Sarah Bourke instructed by Pannone LLP acted for Andrew Williams' family in the inquest.

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