Jones, Richard

Independent investigation into
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
the death of Mr Richard Jones,
a prisoner at HMP Littlehey,
on 16 September 2023
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
© Crown copyright, 2024
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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 16 September 2023, Mr Richard Jones died of bilateral bronchopneumonia
(inflammation caused by an infection in both lungs) caused by squamous cell
carcinoma of the oropharynx (throat cancer) while a prisoner at HMP Littlehey. He
was 69 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr Jones’ family and friends.
4. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr Jones’
clinical care at HMP Littlehey.
5. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Jones received at HMP
Littlehey was of a good standard and equivalent to that which he could have
expected to receive in the community. She found that Mr Jones received excellent
palliative care and end-of-life care planning.
6. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Jones’ care.
We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. We make no recommendations.
7. The initial report was shared with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
HMPPS did not find any factual inaccuracies.
8. At the inquest held on the 25 March 2024, the coroner concluded that Mr Richard
Jones died of natural causes.
Adrian Usher January 2024
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman 1
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