Edward Houghton

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Independent investigation into
the death of Mr Edward
Houghton, a prisoner at
HMP Whatton,
on 14 February 2025
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, 2026
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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 23 November 2023, Mr Edward Houghton was sentenced to three years in
prison for sexual offences. He began his sentence in HMP Lincoln before being
transferred to HMP Whatton on 5 August 2024.
4. Mr Houghton died of inoperable oesophageal cancer (a non-removable malignant
tumour in the oesophagus) on 14 February 2025, at Hayward House Hospice. He
was 82 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr Houghton’s family and friends.
5. The Ombudsman’s office contacted Mr Houghton’s nephew, his nominated next of
kin, to explain the investigation and to ask if he had any matters he wanted us to
consider. Mr Houghton’s nephew did not have any specific questions.
6. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer, to review the clinical
care Mr Houghton received at Whatton. The clinical reviewer’s report is attached as
Annex 1. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Houghton
received at Whatton was of a good standard and equivalent to that which he could
expect to receive in the community. The clinical reviewer identified that Mr
Houghton had complex physical health needs and commended the quality of care
he received throughout his time in prison, including through multi agency review
meetings as his health declined.
7. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Houghton’s
care. We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. We make no
recommendations.
8. We shared the initial report with HM Prison and Probation Service. They did not
identify any factual inaccuracies.
9. We also shared the initial report with Mr Houghton’s nephew. He did not make any
comments.
10. The inquest into Mr Houghton’s death concluded on 4 March 2025, recording a
verdict of natural causes.
Adrian Usher October 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