Jail hailed 'impressive' weeks after inmate death
BBCA prison was hailed as "one of the most impressive" in the country two weeks after an inmate was found dead in his cell there.
An inquest last week heard Nigel John Keenan died at HMP Haverigg on 13 March 2025, with a jury concluding "heightened stress and worry" ahead of his release probably contributed to his suicide and opportunities may have been missed by prison staff to assist him.
Weeks later, between 31 March and 10 April, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) staff inspected the open jail in Millom, Cumbria, and praised it in their report for its safety and mental health support.
HMCIP said the cause of Keenan's death would not have been known at the time of the inspection.
In the inspection report, HMCIP said: "Strong leadership by an experienced governor and his highly capable deputy meant that Haverigg, a Cumbrian open prison holding 490 prisoners convicted of sexual offences, was one of the most impressive jails in the country."
Inspectors assessed safety at the prison as "good" and said staff were proactive in managing mental health concerns.
Keenan - known as John - had been sentenced to five and a half years in jail in June 2022 for offences including engaging in sexual activity with a child.
His inquest heard that, because the 62-year-old was a registered sex offender, it had been difficult to find suitable housing and it was confirmed to him just eight days before release that he could live with his brother.
Evidence showed Keenan had been concerned about paedophile hunters operating in the area and the jury found a breakdown in the relationship with his partner before release may also have added to his anxiety and stress at that time.
'Safest prison'
HMCIP's 2025 inspection report said discharge planning arrangements at Haverigg were "good".
It also referred to an "impressive" four-week pre-release course which prisoners could attend within three months of their leaving date to help the transition into life in the community.
The inquest heard Keenan had declined the offer of attending the course.
After the inquest, the HMCIP spokesperson said: "In our survey, 97% of respondents due to be released in the next three months were receiving help to prepare for it, which was considerably higher than the average for open prisons."
They said "almost all prisoners" released in the 12 months to March 2025 had an address to go to.
The inspectorate said all deaths in custody were investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and the inquiry into Keenan's was still ongoing.
The spokesperson said inspectors collected information from many sources including staff, prisoners and visitors, as well as observing interactions and reviewing "a wide range of documentation".
They said: "During our inspection of Haverigg, many prisoners told us that it was the safest prison they had been in, and we found good support for prisoners who sought help for mental health issues, identification of those who required additional support, and continuous work from leaders to prevent self-harm."
Support and advice for issues raised in this report can be found via the BBC Action Line.
