Hartlepool offender David Lancaster died just two days after release from Durham Prison
An investigation into the death of a Hartlepool offender who took his own life within days of being released has found there was little indication he was at a heightened risk.
David Lancaster died of hanging aged 42 on 30 November in 2022, just two days after his release from Durham Prison.
His death was examined as a matter of course by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
Mr Lancaster, who had a long history of offending, was remanded in custody to HMP Durham on charges of criminal damage and harassment on 12 November 2022.
In the past, he had experienced depression and anxiety and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He also had a history of substance misuse and had previously engaged with the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team (DART).
He had tried to take his own life on several occasions while in the community.
As a result when Mr Lancaster was remanded, prison staff started suicide and self harm prevention procedures.
He was prescribed antidepressants and he reported that he was coping well in prison and felt safer and calmer.
However, he declined to engage with prison substance misuse services stating he then had no issues with drugs or alcohol.
Mr Lancaster was released from prison on November 28 after being convicted of the offences and given a suspended sentence by the courts.
He was last seen at around 4am on November 29 by a friend. His body was discovered at home by his uncle the following day.
A toxicology report found a level of cocaine in Mr Lancaster’s blood “in the range associated with fatality”.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and Durham Prison were not notified of Mr Lancaster’s death until eight months later at the end of June 2023 for reasons unknown.
In its recently published report the ombudsman, stated: “Although he had these risk factors, we are satisfied that there was little to indicate that Mr Lancaster was at heightened risk of suicide in the time before his release from prison, or that there was any specific risk information that should have been shared between prison and probation staff or support agencies."
The ombudsman did not find any issues of concern and offered its condolences to those who knew him.