A prisoner died after barricading himself inside his cell, an inquest has concluded. Shane Richard Davies was found alone in his prison cell at HMP Cardiff with a ligature around his neck in August 2022. The hearing at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court was told how the 33-year-old had been frustrated at being refused his prescribed antidepressant while in custody. He had recently transferred to Cardiff Prison from HMP Bristol where he had been denied two types of mental health medication that he had been prescribed before he was imprisoned.
The inquest revealed that Mr Davies, of Knox Road, Cardiff, had barricaded the door so he could not be seen by the nurse on the night in question. He had not left a note, and his psychological state at the time was unclear. Tragically, he died on August 28 at the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff. The medical cause of death was given as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and hanging. The jury hearing the inquest returned a narrative conclusion stating no intention of death could be ascertained.
Mr Davies’ mother, Karen Davies, described her son as a “very bright” person with a good upbringing who had enjoyed skateboarding, roller-skating, and cycling in his youth. He had worked at a skate shop in Aberystwyth before attending art college in Hereford at 16. His struggles with alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues began after the death of his father in 2011. He later moved to Bristol, where he continued to battle his demons.
This tragic case highlights the importance of providing proper mental health care and medication to prisoners. For confidential support, the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock, 365 days a year on 116 123. The inquest’s findings shed light on the difficulties faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues in the prison system. The loss of Shane Richard Davies serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adequate support and care for vulnerable individuals in custody.