An inquest confirmed today (May 6) that a HMP Liverpool prisoner who died in his cell in 2018 took his own life.
Ian Thomas Galtress, 47, was found dead in his cell at HMP Liverpool on October 14, 2018. The inquest, which began on April 25 at Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool, saw the jury unanimously conclude the death was suicide caused by hanging and compression on the neck.
Galtress, a chemical tank engineer from Noctorum, Wirral, was often described as “happy go lucky” by those who knew him. But he suffered a mental health breakdown in 2015 due to drug misuse, family issues and losing his job.
READ MORE: HMP Liverpool prisoner who took his life inside cell was not on 'suicide watch'
Galtress continued to suffer from mental health problems throughout his time in prison. He was involved in violent incidents twice, kicking another inmate’s teeth out and stabbing a cell mate in the face multiple times with a broken mop handle – after which he was not allowed to share a cell.
Galtress said that he had become paranoid in prison and didn’t know why he attacked his cellmate. He had been referred to substance abuse services but wasn’t seen as “acutely unwell”.
Concerns were raised by inmates who knew Galtress well but he was not placed on an ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) – the care planning process for prisoners identified as being at risk of suicide or self-harm.
An ACCT is also referred to as “suicide watch”. A mental health assessment carried out was found to be adequate with an appropriate follow-up and prison officers did not deem him to be at risk of suicide.
A statement from Galtress’ estranged wife, Lisa Galtress, also detailed concerns about his mental health, saying he was “in a bad way” by the time he went to prison.
The former engineering worker, who was remanded to the Walton prison on June 19, 2018 on the charge of robbery, barricaded himself into his single occupancy cell. Staff were not able to enter for seven minutes, after which they started CPR.
An ambulance arrived at the scene at 10.38am and paramedics intervened but Galtress did not respond and was declared dead at 11.12am. No alcohol or drugs were detected.
His mum, Joan Galtress, described her son as a “very sensitive person” and said he was a committed father. His sister, Nicola Galtress, said his death had left a void in her life and called him “very caring and conscientious” and a “loving dad”.
In a letter sent to his sister while in prison, Galtress said he kept getting into fights and was being moved around the prison. He felt he “may never get out of here alive” and said “it’s rough in here and I mean as rough as toast.”
If you’re struggling or need advice, you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
