Tony Williams

OFFICIAL - FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Independent investigation into
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
the death of Mr Tony Williams,
a prisoner at HMP Littlehey,
on 4 February 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, 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. In October 2021, Mr Tony Williams was sentenced to six years imprisonment for
sexual offences. He died in a hospice from kidney cancer on 4 February 2024, while
a prisoner at HMP Littlehey. He was 55 years old. We offer our condolences to Mr
Williams’ family and friends.
4. The Ombudsman’s office contacted Mr Williams’ wife to explain the investigation
and to ask if she had any matters she wanted us to consider. She had no questions
but asked for a copy of our report.
5. NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to review Mr
Williams’ clinical care at Littlehey.
6. The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Williams received at
Littlehey was of a good standard and was at least equivalent to that which he could
have expected to receive in the community. He made no recommendations.
7. The PPO investigator investigated the non-clinical issues relating to Mr Williams’
care.
8. We did not find any non-clinical issues of concern. We make no recommendations.
Adrian Usher
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman August 2024
Inquest
The inquest, held on 4 September 2024, concluded that Mr Williams 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