David Nash

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Independent investigation into
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
the death of Mr David Nash,
a prisoner at HMP Bure,
on 2 October 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
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© 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 HMPPS in ensuring the standard of care received by
those within service remit is appropriate then our recommendations should be
focused, evidenced and viable. This is especially the case if there is evidence of
systemic failure.
3. Mr David Nash was convicted of sexual offences and was sentenced to six years,
six months in prison. He died in hospital of a brain tumour on 2 October 2023, while
a prisoner at HMP Bure. He was 37 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr
Nash’s family and friends.
4. The PPO family liaison officer wrote to Mr Nash’s next of kin to explain the
investigation and to ask if she had any matters she wanted us to consider. She did
not respond.
5. The initial report was shared with HM Prison and Probation Service HMPPS.
HMPPS did not find any factual inaccuracies.
6. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr Nash’s
clinical care at HMP Bure.
7. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Nash received at Bure was
of a good standard and equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive
in the community. She was satisfied that Mr Nash was managed with compassion
and cared for by confident, competent staff during his time at HMP Bure with
evidence of good multi-disciplinary team working. There was also evidence of kind,
respectful and compassionate interaction between healthcare and custodial teams
and Mr Nash.
8. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Nash’s care.
9. We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. Mr Nash’s death was expected,
and a prison family liaison officer (FLO) was in place. The FLO supported Mr
Nash’s family throughout his illness and arranged to meet his mother at the hospital
when his health deteriorated. Mr Nash’s mother asked the FLO to be with Mr Nash
when he died as she would not arrive at the hospital in time. She arrived shortly
after Mr Nash died and thanked the FLO for being with him. We consider the
provision of family liaison to have been good practice. We make no
recommendations.
Inquest
10. The inquest into Mr Nash’s death concluded on the 31 May 2024. The coroner
confirmed that Mr Nash died of natural causes.
Adrian Usher July 2024
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