Terminally Ill Prisoner Handcuffed While Sleeping Sparks Concerns

A man named Nathan Walters died in custody. His sister said he was handcuffed while asleep. The pre-inquest hearing happened in Preston. Nathan was 37 and from Manchester. He was in three prisons: HMP Garth, Lancaster Farms, and Preston Prison.

The court heard about Nathan’s health concerns spanning from 2017 to 2019. The focus included the pain relief given. He died at St John’s Hospice in Lancaster on April 22, 2023.

Danielle Walters, Nathan’s sister, attended remotely. She said Nathan was terminally ill and complained about handcuffs while sleeping in prison.

Danielle said his condition got much worse as he moved between prisons and the hospital for medical help. Danielle said her brother struggled to sleep and only slept during her visits.

The coroner, Nicholas Rheinberg, explained that Lancaster Farms lacked 24-hour nursing. Needing a different place, the prison service moved Nathan to Preston Prison’s medical wing due to his pain level.

While at HMP Garth, Walters reported pain in his abdomen, and doctors asked him for blood tests for a diagnosis. He initially refused the test because he feared needles but agreed the second time.

Nathan died in St John’s Hospice, reportedly taken there very late. Coroner Rheinberg said no actions could save him, stating the death was from natural causes.

The final inquest is on June 2. Witnesses will give statements, including a cancer specialist’s testimony.