Coroner fears more drug deaths at prison

A coroner warned there could be more prisoner deaths unless action is taken to address drug misuse and indeterminate sentences.

Milton Keynes coroner Sean Cummings investigated the death of Ronald Meikle in his cell at HMP Woodhill on 30 April 2024.

He died from the effects of synthetic cannabinoids, often known as Spice, and the coroner found "illicit drugs were readily available" at the prison.

Following Meikle's death, HMP Woodhill recruited a permanent drug strategy lead to brief staff on tackling the issue.

It also promised a "zero-tolerance approach" to prisoners blocking the observation panel in their cell door, after it emerged Meikle's had been covered on the morning of his death.

"The jury heard evidence that officers deliberately avoided opening blocked hatches to escape abuse from the prisoners then or later," wrote Cummings in a Prevention of Future Deaths report.

He raised "serious concern" that blocked observation panels "were not consistently challenged or cleared, and that visual welfare checks were therefore not always effective".

The inquest, which was held in 2024, noted that Meikel had grown up in care and suffered childhood trauma.

He was imprisoned for 33 months in October 2011, but his indeterminate sentence (IPP) meant he was still in jail 13 years later after he "did not satisfy parole" boards.

The inquest found this "had a profound psychological effect on Ronnie".

"Prisoners under an IPP sentence are known to feel frustrated and helpless," said Cummings.

"I am concerned that Mr Meikle's IPP status was not sufficiently recognised as a material risk factor requiring structured support, regular review and coordinated care."

Cummings also raised concerns about the lack of support for Meikle, who "had vulnerabilities" including self-isolation, debt, fear of other prisoners and substance misuse.

He also highlighted the pressures facing the prison staff, and said there was "weak supervision" and "poor staff-prisoner engagement".

"I am concerned that repeated identification of these issues has not resulted in sufficient or sustained remedial action, creating an ongoing risk of further deaths", concluded Cummings.

The Ministry of Justice directed the BBC to the prison's action plan, written in response to Meikle's death.

In it, the prison said its group director would "ensure a focus on clear ... communication with staff and prisoners", explaining why observation panels should not be blocked.

Its drug strategy leader would also "upskill staff on actions to take when a prisoner appears to be under the influence of drugs".

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with Mr Meikle's family and friends.

"Action has already been taken at HMP Woodhill, including strengthening training for staff and new processes for supporting prisoners under the influence of drugs. We are also investing £40m in new security measures to stop drugs getting into prison in the first place."

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