Michael Shilton

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Independent investigation into
the death of Mr Michael Shilton,
a prisoner at HMP Stafford,
on 15 June 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, 2026
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Summary
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 1 May 2024, Mr Michael Shilton was sentenced to six years in prison for sexual
offences. He died in hospital of a stroke on 15 June 2024 while a prisoner at HMP
Stafford. He was 73 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr Shilton’s family and
friends.
4. The Ombudsman’s office contacted Mr Shilton’s wife to explain the investigation
and to ask if she had any matters she wanted us to consider. She did not respond
to our letter.
5. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr Shilton’s
clinical care at Stafford.
6. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Shilton received was of a
good standard and equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in
the community. She made no recommendations.
7. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Shilton’s
care.
8. We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. We make no recommendations.
9. The initial report was shared with HMPPS. HMPPS did not find any factual
inaccuracies.
Adrian Usher
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman October 2024
Inquest
At the inquest, held on 27 November 2025, the Coroner concluded that Mr Shilton died
from natural causes.
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman 1
OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
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