A tragic incident occurred at HMP Cardiff as a 64-year-old prisoner, Decland Mooney, was found dead in his cell due to staff failing to conduct a crucial welfare check. The ombudsman report revealed that Mr. Mooney should have been checked on just 30 minutes before he was discovered unresponsive. He had been remanded to the prison in October 2020 on assault charges and sadly passed away on December 6 of pneumonia caused by emphysema.
A prison officer mentioned that he saw Mr. Mooney in his cell in the morning adjusting his shoes, and the inmate acknowledged his presence. However, when another officer later checked on him, Mr. Mooney was found curled around the toilet, bleeding from the nose. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at 10:02 am.
The report highlighted concerns about the lack of welfare checks on Mr. Mooney, especially at crucial unlock times. It suggested that earlier intervention might have made a difference in his case. Staff reported Mr. Mooney’s behaviour as hostile and unusual, leading to interventions like self-harm monitoring procedures and disciplinary actions for possessing alcohol in his cell.
Mr. Mooney’s daughter raised concerns about alleged use of force against her father before his death. However, the prison’s records showed limited information on such incidents. The report recommended improvements in mental health decision-making and record-keeping regarding the use of force.
The ombudsman’s report brought to light systemic issues in the prison’s policy regarding welfare checks. Recommendations were made to ensure staff verify prisoners’ safety and welfare during unlock procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragic death of Mr. Mooney sheds light on the importance of thorough welfare checks and proper documentation within correctional facilities to ensure the well-being of inmates. The prison is urged to implement the recommended changes to prevent such incidents in the future.