- Nottinghamshire Police have launched a criminal investigation into the management of HMP Lowdham Grange after five prisoners took their own lives within nine months.
- The probe follows concerns raised by senior coroner Laurinda Bower over systemic failures and potential criminal negligence after private firm Sodexo took over the jail in February 2023.
- Inquests found that neglect, falsified suicide monitoring checks, severe understaffing, and unsafe living conditions contributed to the deaths of the five men.
- Following the string of self-inflicted deaths, the Ministry of Justice stepped in to take the prison back into public control, with Sodexo agreeing to pay a financial settlement.
- Police confirmed they received the coroner's report in May and that an investigation is under way, though no arrests have yet been made.
- If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
- If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
IN FULL
Police launch criminal probe after five deaths at scandal-hit prison
