Prisoner died after being found unresponsive in cell

Saria Hart was described as "stubbornly independent" by her mother

An inquest has opened into a woman found unresponsive in a Derbyshire prison.

Saria Hart, 26, was taken to hospital after being discovered at HMP Foston Hall but died nine days later in Royal Derby Hospital's intensive care unit, on 13 October 2019.

An inquest into Hart's death, which was opened in front of a jury at Derby's Council House on Wednesday, heard she had a history of mental health problems and had been in prison on a number of occasions.

The jury heard Hart had threatened to self-harm at the point of her arrest in August 2019.

Hart's mother, Karen Brown, spoke at the inquest, explaining that her daughter spent time in care growing up.

Born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, Hart arrived at Foston Hall in August 2019, where she was subject to a risk management plan, the inquest heard.

She had lived in Stone, Staffordshire, prior to going into custody.

On 4 October that year, she was found unresponsive in her cell and was subsequently taken to hospital.

Senior coroner Peter Nieto told the inquest Hart was alleged to have assaulted members of prison staff the day before she was taken to hospital.

Ms Brown described her daughter as "a very sociable girl" who "loved being around people", but said she could be "self-destructive".

She added: "[Saria] did not know how to show her emotions without violence.

"I took her to the GP to get help with her mental health. I don't think she ever got enough support."

Mr Nieto read out a summary of Hart's post-mortem examination, which identified the cause of death as hypoxic brain injury.

Hart had no injuries to suggest sustained assault or restraint, the inquest heard.

The jury also heard from Foston Hall's current governor and head of healthcare, neither of whom were employed by the prison when Hart was there.

They provided background information on the prison, including health provisions for inmates and guidance for handling mental health crises.

The inquest, which is due to continue for eight days, also heard evidence from a prison officer employed at Foston Hall when Hart arrived there.

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