Aiden Jackson: Report finds prison officer's failures in inmate's death

Aiden Jackson was jailed in 2011 for the murder of David Cowley

A prison officer's actions "fell below" expected standards after an inmate died in his cell, a report has found.

Aiden Jackson, 28, from Sleaford, was serving a life sentence for murder when he was found dead at HMP Gartree, in Leicestershire, on 20 September 2021.

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) said an officer "did not take appropriate action" when checking on Jackson.

The Ministry of Justice said it had reissued guidance to staff.

Jackson had a history of mental health issues and was being monitored for self-harm and suicide risk at the time of his death.

A report by the PPO said his cell's observation window was obscured and the officer failed to make the relevant welfare checks during his nightly patrol.

'Systemic failure'

In the report, the PPO's Adrian Usher said: "The actions of the night patrol officer fell below the standard required and it is disappointing that he stated that he was unaware of the correct procedure."

The PPO said there was "historic evidence of systemic failure" to address blocked cell observation windows at HMP Gartree, near Market Harborough

Mr Usher said he would have recommended disciplinary action for the officer but the staff member had already left the service.

The PPO report stated there was "historic evidence of systemic failure" to address blocked cell observation windows but the governor had taken "several actions" to solve the problem including staff retraining and repeated guidance.

"The issue of blocked observation panels has come up in three other death investigations at Gartree, and in 2021 we made a recommendation to the Governor to remind staff of the correct procedures," the report said.

Mr Usher's report said the PPO would not make further recommendations as there was "an ongoing effort to solve the problem".

Jackson was jailed in 2011 for the murder of David Cowley after luring the 67-year-old to a disused quarry near Sleaford in November 2010.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with Aiden Jackson's family and friends.

"Staff have been reissued guidance on the proper procedures to follow around blocked observation panels."