Prison staff had ‘no concerns’ about teenager who took own life, inquiry told

William Brown, 16, also known as William Lindsay, died at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in October 2018.
The inquiry is taking place at Falkirk Sheriff Court (Jane Barlow/PA)
PA Wire
Lauren Gilmour18 January 2024
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A prison officer involved in the decision to remove a teenager who later killed himself from a suicide prevention programme said there were not “any concerns” about him, an inquiry has heard.

A fatal accident inquiry at Falkirk Sheriff Court is examining the circumstances of the deaths of Katie Allan at Polmont Young Offenders Institution in June 2018 and William Brown, 16, also known as William Lindsay, who took his own life at the facility four months later.

Mr Brown, who had been in care repeatedly, was found dead in his cell on October 7 – three days after being admitted as there was no space in a children’s secure unit, having walked into a police station with a knife.

Ms Allan, a student at Glasgow University, was found dead in her cell on June 4 as she was serving a 16-month sentence for drink-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Giving evidence on Thursday, prison officer Natalie Cameron, 34, said she had been in the case conference where the decision was made to take Mr Brown off a suicide prevention programme.

I didn’t think he was a risk

Polmont manager John Dowell

Mark Stewart KC, representing Mr Brown’s family, asked Ms Cameron if staff had enough time to reasonably reach a decision about taking him off the programme.

Ms Cameron said: “At the time, none of us had any concerns.”

Paperwork showed Mr Brown was placed on the programme upon his arrival at Polmont on October 4, 2018 at around 7.20pm.

It also stated he was “very nervous” and had a previous history of self-harm and suicide attempts as well as drug and alcohol abuse.

He received 30-minute observations, and in the morning, Ms Cameron and a colleague had an informal discussion with Mr Brown about the night he had had.

Ms Cameron told the inquiry the decision was made to remove him from the suicide prevention programme based on his “demeanour” and “body language” that morning.

She added: “At the time, none of us felt like there was any need to keep William on (the suicide prevention programme).”

Evidence shown to the inquiry, including a programme referral and other case notes, stated Mr Brown had a previous history of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.

They also stated he had attempted suicide in the past while in a secure unit.

Mr Stewart asked Ms Cameron why she had not asked to see any paperwork in relation to Mr Brown ahead of his first case conference where the decision was made.

Ms Cameron said: “I’m sorry, I don’t really have an answer to that.

“I didn’t feel like I had to look into it anymore.”

Advocate depute Leanne Cross asked Ms Cameron what her decision would have been had she seen the paperwork.

She said: “My decision would probably be different.”

Later on Thursday, Polmont manager John Dowell, 54, was also asked about paperwork relating to Mr Brown, while giving evidence.

He told Ms Cross he trusted colleague Brian Leitch to read the paperwork because of his “years of experience”.

Mr Dowell told the inquiry he was unaware of Mr Brown’s history of mental health issues or drug and alcohol abuse.

The manager, who at the time had worked for the Scottish Prison Service for more than two decades, said he had to “make a decision” about a case conference for himself.

He said: “I had formed my opinion on that (case conference) and I didn’t think he was a risk.

“I thought he was very chatty, very smiley, I thought he was a good communicator to be honest.”

The inquiry, before Sheriff Simon Collins KC, continues.

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