Three prison workers deny allowing inmate's death

Three prison workers have denied responsibility for the death of an inmate while he was being restrained and moved to another cell, a court heard.

Christopher Pearson, 42, died after suffering a cardiac arrest while under their care at HMP Leeds on 10 September 2021.

Custody night manager Leanne Hollis, 38, from Barnsley, pleaded not guilty to misconduct in a public office and care workers Aimee Adam, 33, and Merjury Chitadzinga, 49, both pleaded not guilty to wilful neglect at Leeds Crown Court earlier.

All three were granted unconditional bail and are due to stand trial at the same court on 3 July 2028.

The court heard that while Pearson was being relocated to another cell, excessive force was used and the methods were "inappropriate and dangerous".

Both Adam, of Creswell, Worksop, and Chitadzinga, of Swinton, Rotherham, also failed to assess Pearson properly and check on his "health and wellbeing", the court was told.

According to the campaign group Inquest, Pearson had mental health problems and the prison had placed him on a safety plan for vulnerable prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm.

Recorder of Leeds Judge Guy Kearl KC told the defendants they must stay in touch with their barristers as their trial date may be called sooner.

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