Andrew Barraclough

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Independent investigation into
the death of Mr Andrew
Barraclough, a prisoner at
HMP Stafford, on 30 May 2024
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Third Floor, 10 South Colonnade Email: mail@ppo.gov.uk T l 020 7633 4100
Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU Web: www.ppo.gov.uk
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OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
© Crown copyright, 2025
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1. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman aims to make a significant contribution to
safer, fairer custody and community supervision. One of the most important ways in
which we work towards that aim is by carrying out independent investigations into
deaths, due to any cause, of prisoners, young people in detention, residents of
approved premises and detainees in immigration centres.
2. If my office is to best assist His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in
ensuring the standard of care received by those within service remit is appropriate,
our recommendations should be focused, evidenced and viable. This is especially
the case if there is evidence of systemic failure.
3. On 29 July 2022, Mr Andrew Barraclough was convicted of sexual offences and
sentenced to 16 years in prison.
4. On 30 May 2024, while a prisoner at HMP Stafford, Mr Barraclough died of a
malignant tumour of the lung caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (lungs
become scarred and breathing becomes more difficult) and chronic obstructive lung
disease. He was 61 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr Barraclough’s family
and friends.
5. The Ombudsman’s office wrote to Mr Barraclough’s son to explain the investigation
and to ask if he had any matters he wanted us to consider. He did not respond.
6. The initial report was shared with HM Prison and Probation Service
(HMPPS). HMPPS did not find any factual inaccuracies.
7. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr
Barraclough’s clinical care at HMP Stafford.
8. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Barraclough received at
Stafford was of an excellent standard and equivalent to that which he could have
expected to receive in the community. The clinical reviewer found that healthcare
staff should be commended for the high quality of patient centred care provided
throughout Mr Barraclough’s time in Stafford.
9. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr
Barraclough’s care.
10. We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. We make no recommendations.
Inquest
11. The inquest into Mr Barraclough’s death concluded on the 18 November 2024. The
coroner confirmed that Mr Barraclough died from natural causes.
Adrian Usher June 2025
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman 1
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Third Floor, 10 South Colonnade Email: mail@ppo.gov.uk T l 020 7633 4100
Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU Web: www.ppo.gov.uk
OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE