A mother has paid tribute to her “very bright” son during an inquest into his death. Shane Richard Davies, a 33-year-old prisoner, was frustrated at being denied his prescribed antidepressant while in custody, the first day of his inquest revealed. In August 2022, Mr. Davies was found unresponsive with a ligature around his neck in his HMP Cardiff cell and later died in the hospital.
Mr. Davies, who had recently transferred to Cardiff prison from HMP Bristol, was not able to access two types of mental health medication that he had been prescribed before his imprisonment. His mother, Karen Davies, described him as having had a good upbringing in Aberystwyth and being close to his two younger brothers. She highlighted his interests in skateboarding, roller-skating, cycling, and his fluency in Russian and English.
However, Mr. Davies faced challenges in school, believed to be related to dyslexia, and later struggled with drug problems, leading to his exclusion from a school and involvement in criminal activities. His mother detailed his journey through art college, drug use, and eventual imprisonment for drug dealing. She mentioned his ongoing struggles with alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues, exacerbated by the death of his father in 2011.
The inquest heard details of Mr. Davies’ mental health history, drug dependencies, and the challenges he faced in accessing prescribed medications while in custody. His mother expressed concerns about his treatment at HMP Bristol, where he reported not receiving his prescribed medication. The inquest continues with a focus on Mr. Davies’ time at HMP Cardiff.
The testimony provided by healthcare professionals and prison staff shed light on the complexities of managing mental health and substance use disorders in custodial settings. The inquest will further explore the circumstances leading to Mr. Davies’ tragic death, as his family seeks answers and justice for their loss.