Celeste Craig, 26, died by suicide in HMP Styal after telling friends she would see them tomorrow. Mental health support issues found.
Celeste felt safer inside prison than outside, but she didn’t receive proper mental health support before she took her own life. She was found hanged in her cell at HMP Styal, a Cheshire prison, on October 23, 2016. She struggled with both drugs and her mental health.
The report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, released this month, revealed staff missed chances to assess her mental health and suicide risk adequately. It also identified issues with the emergency response. These failures occurred at the women’s prison.
Celeste was featured in an ITV documentary. Friends described her as lovely, warm, and kind. Another inmate remembered her as a good person who helped others navigate their sentences and dealt with bullying. A friend also described Celeste as fun and full of life.
The report detailed Celeste’s multiple prison stays since 2009, noting her history of drug misuse and homelessness. She had attempted suicide previously. Telling staff and inmates that she felt safer and more comfortable in prison.
After receiving a 20-week sentence for theft in July 2009, Celeste informed staff that she was experiencing drug withdrawal. As a result, suicide monitoring was initiated; however, it was stopped on August 2, as staff believed she no longer posed a risk.
Upon her release on September 16, Celeste returned to HMP Styal on October 4. Staff observed signs of possible drug use, leading to her transfer to a separate unit. She admitted to drug use and was placed in cell confinement for five days.
The report, based on interviews, revealed that staff were concerned about Celeste’s unusual behavior, prompting them to contact the mental health team. A nurse evaluated her, finding her paranoid and distrustful, believing she was being followed.
The nurse suggested that paranoia may be drug-related, but Celeste rejected this explanation. Unconcerned about suicide, the nurse scheduled another appointment in six days. Celeste moved back on October 10, still paranoid.
On October 11, a guard contacted mental health, but no assessment could be done at that time. Inmates reported that Celeste’s mood improved later, and she attended substance abuse sessions. She reported feeling better and referenced getting out of “spice mode.”
On the day of her death, some inmates noticed she was upset. However, by 5 p.m., she appeared happy. After lockdown, an officer locked her cell 38 minutes later, where Celeste told two inmates she would see them tomorrow.
Around 9:30 p.m., a neighbor requested officers to quiet Celeste’s music, so the officer looked into her cell. He saw her hanged. They unlocked the door at 9:32 p.m. and used an emergency pouch.
Additional staff arrived and began CPR, and an ambulance was called. Paramedics continued treatment but pronounced her dead at 10:39 p.m. The cause of death was asphyxiation, with only prescribed antidepressants present in her system.
The PPO determined that some suicide risk factors were present but not viewed holistically, especially considering ongoing drug use. Staff judgment, relying on experience, skills, and tools, is vital for suicide prevention.
The PPO stated that staff did not adequately consider all risk factors, relying instead on Celeste’s behavior and words. They should have taken into account her history and drug use. The mental health nurse should have started monitoring on October 8.
While it isn’t certain that monitoring was required, and the decision is a difficult one, all risk factors should be considered. There is no indication that all were considered. Furthermore, not all staff were trained in suicide prevention.
The mental health team didn’t assess her on arrival. A meeting with a nurse was cut short, and the report noted that she missed an appointment earlier.
The clinical reviewer highlighted missed mental health concerns, along with a four-minute delay in calling the ambulance. The PPO emphasized that all staff should be aware of their emergency roles.
The inquest into her death, concluded in 2024, determined that she died by suicide. A BBC report revealed that Styal had the highest number of women’s prison suicides. Former inmates described it as “hell on earth” and stated it isn’t a place for vulnerable women.
The ECHO reported another prison death in December, with Alex Davies dying at the prison on Christmas Eve. The PPO website shows numerous ongoing death investigations.
A prison spokesperson issued a statement expressing their thoughts were with Celeste’s family. They stated they accepted the ombudsman’s advice and have improved staff training and support.