Misuse of medication 'intractable problem' at jail

Bottles that could be used for illegally brewed alcohol were found stacked outside a cell window at HMP Guys Marsh during a recent inspection

Tackling the misuse of drugs, including prescribed medication, remains an "intractable problem" at a Dorset prison a report into a prisoner's death has found.

Sheldon Jeans, 32, was found collapsed in his cell at HMP Guys Marsh near Shaftsbury in November 2022 after taking "hooch" and 4 different prescription drugs.

Jeans, from Portsmouth, had a history of substance misuse and told staff he was struggling following the deaths of his aunt and father the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) said.

The PPO's investigation found Jeans' treatment in prison had been satisfactory and that the prison was taking "proactive steps" to cut the supply of illicit alcohol and drugs.

It follows a report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in April that found alcohol and drugs were easy to get hold of at the jail and that its culture had deteriorated since a previous visit in 2022.

And in 2019 the Minsitry of Justice said drugs, tobacco and mobile phones were smuggled inside stuffed into dead rats.

Following his inquest, Sheldon Jeans' family said prisons must rehabilitate

A jury at an inquest in July found the levels of drugs and alcohol found in Jeans' body would not have killed him on their own.

But it concluded his posture resulted in fatal respiratory depression which he had not intended.

Dorset coroner Rachael Griffin said Jeans was found in his cell with "excessive amounts of medication he was prescribed, had previously been prescribed and [had been] discontinued."

The Ministry of Justice and other bodies responsible for care at the jail have until 19 September to respond to the coroner's concerns.

Speaking after the inquest Jean's family said: "Serving time in prison is about accountability but it must also provide rehabilitation."

"It is crucial that prisoners with mental health and substance misuse problems are protected" they said "so that one day they can get back on track and return to the community."