Inquest begins after three prisoners found hanging in HMP Lowdham Grange cells just weeks apart

A seven-week inquest has begun into the deaths of three Nottinghamshire prisoners who were all found hanging in their cells within a period of just 19 days. Anthony Binfield, David Richards and Rolandas Karbauskas died at HMP Lowdham Grange between March 6 and 25 last year.

The deaths came just six weeks after management of the prison changed hands from Serco to Sodexo, believed to be the first private-to-private company transfer. The facility was taken over permanently by the Government just over a year later due to deteriorating safety, prisoner conditions and staffing levels.

Six inmates had died at the category B prison, which can hold 900 men, after the contract changed hands. Opening the joint inquest at Nottingham Council House on November 4, area coroner Laurinda Bower said all three men died from hangings.

"In the space of just 19 days these three men all died in circumstances where it appears they died by their own hand... while at Lowdham Grange," she said. "This happened within the first six weeks of Sodexo taking control of the prison as a private provider."

Mr Binfield, 30, had been a prisoner at Lowdham Grange from August 2021. He was found in his cell on Houseblock Two on March 6 before being declared dead by paramedics at 10.19pm.

Mr Richards was moved to the category B prison on February 24 last year after being sentenced to 27 years behind bars for the attempted murder of his wife in Essex. The 42-year-old was formerly the boss of male stripper group Dreamboys.

He was placed on an induction wing upon his arrival at the prison, but was found unresponsive with a ligature around his neck on March 13, the same day he was told he was being moved onto an established wing. Mr Karbauskas arrived at the same induction wing a week after Mr Richards' death, where he was placed eight cells further down.

The 49-year-old was moved to the facility after being sentenced to life behind bars in November 2022 for the murder of a man at a remote property in Lincolnshire. Five days later, on March 25, he was discovered unresponsive in his cell with a ligature around his neck and was declared dead at 10.55am.

An 11 person jury was selected for the inquest, which is expected to conclude in late January. Legal representation for the families of Mr Binfield and Mr Richards in court, as well as barristers for Sodexo, Serco, the Ministry of Justice and Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust.

Where to find help

The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.

• Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
• Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
• PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
• Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
• Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
• Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.