Coroner Warns of Risk of Future Deaths at Wormwood Scrubs
Critical of authorities after refugee takes his own life
Wormwood Scrubs Prison. Picture: Chmee2
A refugee was found dead in his cell in Wormwood Scrubs Prison days after refusing food and talking about suicide, according to a coroner’s report.
Prison staff failed to check up on Ketheeswaren Kunarathnam every day despite concerns.
A coroner’s report has revealed Mr Kunarathnam was found dead on 23 February, 2018 after taking his own life.
Ketheeswaren was given indefinite leave to remain as a refugee in the UK after he was tortured in Sri Lanka. But he was detained for 28 days at Wormwood Scrubs on September 6, 2017 before the Home Office extended his stay under a deportation order.
Staff hired by the prison did not have basic training and overworked prison officers failed to keep a log of his refusal to eat food.
During this time in prison, other options were not explored by immigration officers and Ketheeswaren was not made aware he could apply for asylum, a coroner’s report has said.
Paperwork was sent to his cell but the report criticised communication between the prison and the Home Office.
Papers were lost and phones were unanswered. Email addresses were also unavailable, meaning prisoner requests were not dealt with quickly or at all.
Senior Coroner Lydia Brown said, “Immigration Officers did not attend to Mr Kunarathnam’s requests in good time, particularly in the weeks leading up to his death. The Immigrations Officers did not take into account Mr Kunarathnam’s specific needs.
“He did not take bad news well and reacted badly to it. This wasn’t always factored in when dealing with him and his particular worries surrounding his immigration.”
Dates and times were missing from Ketheeswaren’s documents and, if conversations took place, they were not recorded.
The prison failed to review the state of Ketheeswaren’s mental health.
Ms Brown wrote, “During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.
“In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you.
“During the inquest, it became apparent that a certain number of prisoners in HMP Wormwood Scrubs were detained for deportation reasons after the conclusion of their prison sentence.
“There seemed to be a marked disparity between the information and advice available to a detained prisoner, compared with a free individual or one in a deportation centre.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ketheeswaren Kunarathnam. We will consider the coroner’s findings and respond in due course.”
Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter
February 8, 2022