An inmate who died in prison had 'consumed various drugs', an inquest heard. The body of Darren Rawlinson was found in his cell at Forest Bank prison in Salford on January 29, 2017.
The 38-year-old, originally from Stockport, had just two weeks of a three year sentence left to serve.
Area coroner Peter Sigee told the jury at the inquest at Bolton coroners court they were likely to hear evidence Mr Rawlinson had 'consumed various drugs while in detention, which more than minimally contributed to his death'. The inquest heard Mr Rawlinson’s body was found in cell 24 in the G1 wing at Forest Bank at 12.05pm on Sunday, January 29, 2017.
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Marie Durning, head of security and operations at Forest Bank, said in the months before his death the prison had received a number of intelligence reports that Mr Rawlinson was smuggling 'illicit substances' - including spice - into the prison through his job in the kitchens. During a search of Mr Rawlinson's cell, prompted by one of the intelligence reports, two tablets of unknown substance and some cigarettes papers were found.
But Ms Durning said there was no evidence to prove the smuggling allegations against Mr Rawlinson. The inquest also heard that Mr Rawlinson had a long history of drug use including heroin and crack cocaine.
When he transferred to Forest Bank from Lancaster Farms prison in April 2016 a urine test found traces of opiates and cocaine and he was also on a prescription for methadone.
In a statement Mr Rawlinson's mum Glynis Stokes said her son had been 'in prison for most of his adult life'. She described him as a 'social drug user' who was 'impulsive'.
Mrs Stokes said Mr Rawlinson was serving a three year prison sentence for his role in selling a stolen mobile phone. At the time of his death he had just two weeks left to serve, she said, and told her he was 'putting a life of crime behind him'.
When she learnt of her son's death Mrs Stokes said 'My whole life fell apart'. She added: "He was a wonderful, loving, funny son with so many friends. I loved him with my whole heart and soul.”
Mrs Stokes said she had been told that before his death Mr Rawlinson had been sent back to his cell as he was too ill to carry out his job in the prison kitchen. She said she wanted to know if enough was done to help her son and if he would still be alive if he'd been prescribed medication.
The jury inquest, which has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, is expected to last 10 days.
*Proceeding
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