The recent HM Inspectorate of Prisons report into HMP Leeds has brought to light the deeply concerning conditions within the prison estate, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
According to the Chief Inspector of Prisons, HMP Leeds recorded the highest number of suspected self-inflicted deaths in any adult male prison in England and Wales between 2022 and 2025, with 16 suspected suicides in just three years. The report highlights concerns that overcrowding, inadequate mental health support, and delays in hospital transfers under the Mental Health Act, have all contributed to this toll. Although the prison is certified for 655 inmates, it held 1,088 prisoners at the time of inspection.
These findings are not isolated. They reflect a broader crisis in the prison system, where vulnerable individuals are often left without the support they desperately need.
At Farleys, we have extensive experience of representing bereaved families at inquests following deaths in prison settings. Our recent cases include:
- The inquest into the death of Jason Lee McQuoid at HMP Risley, where the jury found several failures with Jason’s care.
- The inquest into the death of Oliver Davies at HMP Hewell, where the jury found Oliver’s death was contributed to by neglect and found a number of failings contributed to his death.
- The inquest into the death of JE, where the Coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, as he found concerns with the discharge of patients from hospital back to prisons.
For many families, the inquest is the only opportunity to understand what happened and to seek accountability. Our team at Farleys is committed to ensuring that families are supported throughout this process, with compassion and expertise.
We also work closely with specialist barristers and organisations such as INQUEST.
Legal Aid funding is often available for inquests involving deaths in custody, and we can assist families in securing this support.
If you have lost a loved one in prison and wish to speak about legal representation, please contact our inquest team today on 01254606008, get in touch by email, or use the online chat below.
