A Nottinghamshire prisoner who took his own life was not a cause for concern moments before his death, an inquest has heard. Nigel Saunders was found hanged in the showers of the segregation unit at HMP Lowdham Grange on November 17 2018.
The 31-year-old was on an open act - a care plan to reduce his risk of harm - at the Serco-run facility and had self harmed on the days leading up to his death, jurors at Nottingham Council House heard. Assistant coroner Laurinda Bower, presiding over the inquest, read out a statement from a prison custody officer on Tuesday, May 10.
The officer, Kieran Thacker said he had spoken to Saunders "throughout the day" leading up to his death. "I took him out of his cell and he was laughing and joking, talking about his family and the burn on his leg," he recalled adding that he took Saunders from his cell again at 2.52pm.
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"He didn't give me cause for concern." Recalling the incident, Mr Thacker stated: "When I got there he was on the floor and my colleagues gave him CPR. I was really shocked, I still find it really difficult to understand why he took his own life."
Recollections are 'quite different'
Also giving evidence was Ed Pyke, a prison chaplain at the time, who told the inquest it had been a "very normal afternoon" at the prison. He recalled using the hatch to check on Saunders alongside Mr Thacker, whilst he was in the shower room.
"I remember Nigel being stood closer to the door, my memory was that he was getting changed ready for a shower." However, Ms Bower said this recollection was "quite different" to Mr Thacker's who said Saunders appeared to be washing his hair at the time.
"I wouldn't choose to change anything that I have said," Mr Pyke replied. The inquest continues.
