Dylan Lee Davies, 28, drowned after prison release. A report cites errors in his release and lack of support.
The report looked into Dylan’s release from HMP Cardiff on December 17, 2021. Six days later, he was at a plant where staff observed him seeming heavily drunk and confused. He thought it was a hospital before falling into a waterway and dying.
Dylan was from Aberavon. People saw him as a loving dad and friend, though drug use made his life hard later on, especially after his dad died from an overdose.
He went to jail in 2019, admitting to burgling an elderly couple’s home where they stole £4,000. DNA led to his arrest, and the wife felt traumatized by the break-in.
Dylan apologized in court for his actions, despite previous convictions for burglaries. He got out in April 2021, but prison recalled him in November 2023 for breaking release rules.
The report writer, Kimberley Bingham, noted Dylan’s mental health issues, including depression and a personality disorder. He was due in prison for only 28 days. However, he told staff he had no support needs upon his release.
His probation reports indicated housing and drug issues, which suggested otherwise. The team should have checked other available information, not just his words. Luckily, they found him some support through people who knew him.
Dylan left prison on a Friday. His first probation meeting revealed he lacked housing. He missed later meetings and appointments, breaching his release conditions. The weekend made getting help even harder, as no one planned a backup or followed up on his case.
Dylan went to the Ecolab plant in a confused state. Staff feared he might fall, which tragically happened. He disappeared, prompting a five-day police search that ended with finding him dead in the water near a building.
His family said he made stupid mistakes. A report showed drugs in his system. The coroner determined he died from misadventure, a mix of drowning and the effects of drug use.
The prison needed to improve release planning to reduce potential harm. Most UK prisoners no longer leave on Fridays, as it’s too difficult to get appropriate help and support before Monday.