A statistical bulletin published by the Ministry of Justice shows the highest number and rate of self-harm incidents in prison since recording began in 2004 and a rise in deaths over the past 12 months.

The statistics include:

  • In the 12 months to September 2024, there were 317 deaths in prison custody, an increase of 4% from 304 deaths in the previous 12 months. Of these, 88 deaths were self-inflicted, a decrease of 4% from the 92 self-inflicted deaths in the previous 12 months.

  • In the 12 months to June 2024, the rate of self-harm was 876 incidents per 1,000 prisoners (76,365 incidents), up 13% from the 12 months to June 2023 to a new peak, comprising of a 20% increase in male establishments to a new peak.

You can read more about the statistics here.

The government has introduced emergency short-term measures to ease the current strains on the prison system, such as the early release scheme. However, the number of prison deaths is an indisputable mark of the ongoing concerns within the system, including the access to mental healthcare for vulnerable prisoners.

It is frequently overlooked that, more often than not, those in prison are victims of significant disadvantages at some points in their lives. Prison deaths disproportionately affect the most disadvantaged and vulnerable within our society.

Here at Farleys, we have a wealth of experience in representing the families whose loved ones have died in prison.

Where a death occurs in police or prison custody, an inquest will be required by law. Through the inquest process, bereaved families can pose questions surrounding the death, often bringing about valuable learning opportunities from the death of their loved one and, subsequently, meaningful change.

Another important aspect of an inquest is that Coroners have the ability to make a Prevention of Future Deaths report where anything revealed by the investigation gives rise to a concern that circumstances creating a risk of other deaths will occur.

We have recently represented families in the following inquests:

If you’re looking for legal advice or representation at the inquest into the death of a loved one, contact our inquest specialists at Farleys today on 0845 287 0939, get in touch by email, or use the online chat below.