Barrister: Marcus Coates-Walker
Source: AvMA Lawyer Service Newsletter
Summary: Having represented the family at the inquest into the death of Mr Andrew Goldstraw who was found hanged in his cell at HM Prison Winchester, Marcus explores the key issues in the case, including: (a) the time of death; (b) the failure to carry out roll checks; (c) the assessment and management of the risk of self-harm and suicide of inmates; (d) the provision of anti-depressant medication; and (e) the availability of ‘Spice’ in the prison. Marcus also looks at the criticisms made of the ‘SystmOne’ computer system which is used to store and manage the medical records of prisoners nationwide and how it presents an ongoing risk of contributing to similar deaths to that of Mr Goldstraw.