Investigation Initiated Following Prisoner’s Death in Custody

An inquiry has commenced following the death of an inmate who was being held at a private correctional facility. Jake O’Brien’s body was discovered on Tuesday at HMP Forest Bank, a category-B institution situated in Salford. The passing of Mr. O’Brien has prompted an independent investigation, initiated by Adrian Usher, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Mr. Usher stated that the oversight body intends to examine the circumstances preceding the prisoner’s death and will issue a conclusive report once an inquest has been finalized. Concurrently, a spokesperson for the correctional facility, which is managed by the French prison services provider Sodexo, verified that the investigation had been initiated, “as with all deaths in custody”. She indicated that the prison could not provide additional comments while the inquiry is ongoing, but conveyed that “our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time”. Furthermore, Mr. Usher extended his sympathies to Mr. O’Brien’s family and friends.