Inquest after man dies on first night in prison

Josh Tarrant, 34, was taken into custody at HMP Elmley on 31 October 2023 and died on1 November

An inquest will be held into the death of an inmate who went into cardiac arrest following a restraint on his first night in prison.

Josh Tarrant, 34, was taken into custody at HMP Elmley, on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, on 31 October 2023 and died in the early hours of 1 November.

He reportedly suffered a psychotic episode before being restrained by prison staff and later going into cardiac arrest.

A 16-day jury inquest into his death is to open at Kent and Medway Coroners Court on 17 November.

Mr Tarrant's family have raised concerns about his restraint and an alleged medical mistake during his cardiac arrest, which they claim may have left him without air for 16 minutes.

The inquest will also look at whether any of the events leading to Mr Tarrant's death breached his human rights.

Kent Police launched an investigation in the month following his death. The incident was also noted by the police and probation ombudsman.