John Sykes

OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Independent investigation into
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
the death of Mr John Sykes,
a prisoner at HMP Holme House,
on 31 August 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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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. Mr John Sykes died from mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke
like episodes (MELAS syndrome - a genetic condition primarily affecting the
nervous system and muscles) on 31 August 2023, at HMP Holme House. He was
60 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr Sykes’ family and friends.
4. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr Sykes’
clinical care at HMP Holme House.
5. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Sykes’ care.
6. The PPO family liaison officer wrote to Mr Sykes’ next of kin to explain the
investigation and to ask if they had any matters they wanted us to consider. We did
not receive a response.
7. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Sykes received at HMP
Holme House was of a good standard and equivalent to what he could have
expected to receive in the community. He made no recommendations.
8. We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. We make no recommendations.
9. The initial report was shared with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
HMPPS did not find any factual inaccuracies.
Adrian Usher
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman February 2024
Inquest
10. At the inquest held on 13 May 2024, the Coroner concluded that Mr Sykes died of
natural causes.
OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
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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