Senior Coroner Condemns “Inhumane” Treatment of Man Who Took His Own Life in Prison
A senior coroner has spoken out against the “inhumane” and “indefensible” treatment of a man who tragically took his own life while serving an indefinite prison sentence. Scott Rider, who had been in prison for 17 years under an imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence, ended his life at HMP Woodhill in June 2022.
Rider, who was convicted of grievous bodily harm in 2005, was serving an IPP sentence with a minimum term of 23 months but no specified end date. Days before his death, Rider expressed to a prison worker that he had lost all hope of ever being released. His sister, Michelle Mahon, described the sentence as “disgusting” and stated that her brother felt his crime did not warrant a never-ending punishment.
The senior coroner for Milton Keynes, Tom Osborne, has called for a review of all prisoners serving IPP sentences in light of Rider’s tragic death. The controversial IPP punishment was introduced in 2005 and abolished in 2012, but nearly 3,000 individuals remain in prison under this sentencing structure. Osborne warned that without urgent action, more deaths could occur among IPP prisoners.
Campaigners have criticized IPPs as a “death sentence by the back door,” citing the high rate of self-harm among IPP prisoners and the significant number of self-inflicted deaths in custody. Wayne Gregory, another individual serving an IPP sentence, shared his experience of feeling trapped in a cycle of severe anxiety and self-harm.
The Ministry of Justice has faced calls to review the cases of existing IPP prisoners, but has expressed concerns about public safety if sentences were retrospectively changed. However, advocates for reform argue that post-release supervision and support could be written into legislation for IPP prisoners to ensure public safety while addressing the inhumane aspects of the current system.
Lord Blunkett, who introduced IPPs during his time as home secretary, has acknowledged the need for reform, stating that the government now has the opportunity to “get it right.” As the MoJ prepares to respond to the coroner’s report, the conversation around the treatment of IPP prisoners and the need for reform continues to gain momentum.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the appropriate helpline for support. In the UK and Ireland, contact Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org. In the US, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741. In Australia, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. International helplines can be found at befrienders.org.