Multiple failures found by jury to have contributed to death of Aaron Taylor
David Baines represented the family of Aaron Taylor, a prisoner who took his life at HMP Garth, in an eight-day Article 2 inquest before a jury.
The jury found multiple failures in measures to prevent self harm and suicide and multiple missed opportunities by staff at all levels within the prison (including a nurses, a doctor, mental health nurse, prison officers, prison offender manager, senior prison officer and governor) to support or offer suitable or appropriate care or resources. Such failures included inadequate preventative steps and assessments, a lack of documentation, an inability to adhere to policies and procedures and a lack of professional curiosity. The jury found these failures all probably contributed (on the balance of probabilities) to Aaron’s death.
The jury also found multiple serious failures and inadequacies to provide minimal or adequate mental health interventions, which also possibly contributed to Aaron’s death.
Following the conclusion of the coronial investigation, the Senior Coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen issued Regulation 28 report(s) to Prevent Future Deaths to both the Ministry of Justice (with respect to the adequacy of ACCT training and key work provision) and the private healthcare provider Practice Plus Group (with respect to the absence of an in-house psychologist).
The case received coverage in Lancs Live, Lancashire Evening Post, Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, and MSN.
More information on the inquest can also be found on Farleys Solicitors website.
David was instructed by Kelly Darlington and assisted by Natalie Tolley and Cliona Carey of Farleys Solicitors.
