Drug use 'prevalent' in prison when inmate died

Drug use at a jail in Nottinghamshire was "prevalent" at the time an inmate died, an inquest jury has found.

Raymond Wallace, 52, died at HMP Lowdham Grange on 26 January last year, having been found unconscious in his cell by other prisoners.

A jury at Nottingham Coroner's Court on Thursday found he died from "the use of synthetic cannabinoids", with heart disease also recorded as a contributing factor.

Returning a conclusion of drug-related death, the jury said evidence found in Wallace's cell indicated he had been using synthetic cannabinoids - often known as Spice - through a modified vape.

The jury said Wallace was last seen alive at about 12:00 GMT on the day he died, when his cell was locked until 14:15.

Shortly before 15:00, the alarm was raised after other inmates had entered his cell and asked prison officers for help.

Despite receiving emergency treatment he was declared deceased at 15:42.

Assistant coroner Helena Gallagher said she would not issue a prevention of future deaths report, saying she was "pleased to hear about changes" made in the prison, including on sharing information between prison and healthcare staff and screening for drugs.

She thanked the jury for their service, and offered condolences to Wallace's family, who attended via videolink.

"I can tell he was very much loved and is very much missed," she said.

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