Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Crime Solicitors

Inquest told that failings in prison service contributed to death of vulnerable prisoner (19 May 2015)

Date: 19/05/2015
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Inquest told that failings in prison service contributed to death of vulnerable prisoner

An inquest in Norfolk has been told that failings in the prison service contributed to the death of a prisoner who had protested his innocence for 11 years before admitting killing a pensioner, online publisher EDP24 reports.

Simon Hall, 36 – formerly of Hill House Road in Ipswich – was given a life sentence for stabbing 79-year-old Joan Albert at her home in Capel St Mary on 16 December, 2001.

Hall was found unconscious in his cell at HMP Wayland, near Thetford, at 5.25am on 23 February 23, 2014 – just months after he confessed to killing Mrs Albert.

Before confessing, he had spent 11 years trying to clear his name – his family had mounted a high-profile campaign locally and Hall won the support of MPs and appeared in the BBC documentary Rough Justice.

Hall had unsuccessfully appealed his conviction in 2004 – and applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) for a review in June 2005.

Although the CCRC referred Hall’s conviction for appeal, it was not overturned. A second appeal was submitted to the CCRC, which was accepted in February 2012.

He finally admitted his guilt in 2013 while a prisoner at Hollesley Bay open prison, near Woodbridge.

The Hall family’s legal representative told the inquest that there had been “systemic failures” when Hall was transferred from Hollesley Bay to HMP Wayland.

Reports had stated Hall was at “high risk of suicide, harm and absconding”.

It was reported that at the time of Hall’s death, doctors had indicated his death was not a surprise.

The inquest heard that while at Hollesley Bay, Hall had taken overdose in February 2013 – and had asked to be sectioned in March 2013. He had confessed to the murder in July 2013, and attempted another overdose in September.

The family’s concerns centre on the information given by one prison to another when Hall was transferred.

Senior coroner for Norfolk Jacqueline Lake said:

“I do have my concerns about the information handed over on the transfer.”

The inquest at Norwich coroner’s court was attended by Hall’s widow Stephanie and his two brothers – as well as legal representatives from the prison service and Serco.

There will be a five-day inquest into Hall’s death in November, which will be heard by a jury.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers – Prisoners’ Rights

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise prisoners on their rights while in custody and on licence, including access to healthcare and mental health services in jail – and prisoners’ requests and complaints procedures.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers regularly visit police stations and prisons to advise on criminal law and prisoners’ rights – and can also advise on compensation claims against the prison service or police for injuries sustained in unprovoked assaults while in police custody or in prison.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis crime lawyer can usually reach a client within an hour.

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid lawyers.

For expert legal advice on prisoners’ rights in custody, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 legal advice or 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.


For all Crime related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.