A Scots dad who stabbed his son in a row over a damaged book took his own life after experiencing ‘shame’ about his crime.
Gary Roe was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Low Moss on November 16, 2019, after previously suffering from low moods in the months before.
Jail staff issued a code blue alert and performed CPR before the 50-year-old was rushed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he was pronounced dead.
Roe, of Greenock, was handed a six-year-sentence in October 2018 after he admitted assaulting his son Declan, then 20, to the danger of his life.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry was told that the dad-of-five suffered from episodes of depression and had made a mental health self-referral in the weeks leading up to his death.
During a meeting with a senior nurse, Roe was said to have become “emotional” when disclosing the death of a child many years ago.
He also discussed his “shame in relation to the offence for which he received the sentence of imprisonment in which his son was the victim”.
His mood was noted as being “low but appropriate to context” and a follow up appointment was booked despite him denying being suicidal.
Staff became concerned that Roe was potentially being bullied by his cellmate and was subsequently transferred to a different room approximately eight to 10 weeks before he died.
The hearing was told that he maintained a good relationship with his family and occasionally spoke to his son Declan who is said to have forgiven him for the attack.
Following the FAI, Sheriff Andrew Cubie has ruled that there was “nothing to indicate that there was a risk of Mr Roe taking his own life”.
He added: “Although he had expressed concerns about seeking single cell status, pain relief, depression medication, sleep patterns and his work arrangements none of these factors (including, but not restricted to, his own self reporting), either individually or cumulatively, had given rise to any concerns about suicidal ideation.
“He had been moved from a potential bullying environment. He was both working and taking advantage of the prison educational facilities.
“He had regular and frequent contact with family and friends. The fact that he had arranged to buy a birthday card at or on the date of his death indicates a degree of future planning.
“He had been monitored in accordance with the Scottish Prison Service suicide prevention strategy, had made self-referrals and had regular meetings with the general practitioner, none of which interactions gave rise to any concerns about suicidal ideation; his mood was monitored as confirmed by the fact that it was noted on 16 August 2019 that his mood was low but “appropriate to context”.
“Accordingly, while it is clear that Mr Roe suffered from depression and had other ongoing concerns he did not during his time at HMP Low Moss present as an individual who appeared to be at risk of suicide or self-harm.
“There are no identifiable precautions which could reasonably have been taken that might realistically have resulted in the death being avoided.
“Finally, I join with all parties in offering my condolences to the family of Mr Roe.”
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