A coroner has slammed the way a probation service hostel where three residents have died has been run - with 'inadequate' staffing levels and a known culture of drug taking. Bolton Coroners Court heard eye-opening evidence on Tuesday (April 12) from workers and management involved with St Joseph's approved premises, in Eccles, during the three months Craig Akhtar Bissa lived at the site.
The court heard Mr Akhtar Bissa, from Rochdale, had wanted to join the army but his dad wanted him to go to college instead. Farzana Akhtar, Mr Akhtar Bissa's sister, said her brother was not interested in college and ended up 'falling into the wrong crowd' before spending two terms in prison and suffering mental health issues as a result.
The 27-year-old moved to St Joseph's on January 31, 2019, after being released from Risley prison on licence. Mr Akhtar Bissa became unwell on March 31 that year but refused hospital treatment, despite the advice of paramedics who attended.
