Mark Culverhouse
Mark Culverhouse, 29, died in custody at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes (UK).
Culverhouse had been recalled to jail after threatening to harm himself, and arrived at HMP Woodhill on 18 April 2019, Maundy Thursday evening, the start of the Easter bank holiday weekend. On 23 April, he was taken to the segregation unit after fighting with another inmate, and less than an hour later was found unresponsive. He died the following day in hospital and an inquest jury concluded he died from suicide.
In June 2021 a coroner has called for an urgent review following the suicide of Culverhouse who detained unlawfully after his release was delayed by a bank holiday.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“This meant that Mr Culverhouse took his life at a time when he should not have been in prison custody. We are concerned that this was able to happen even though those involved followed the relevant policies correctly,” said Elizabeth Moody, deputy prison and probation ombudsman (PPO).
“I consider that there was a clear link between his unlawful detention and his eventual death… and, in order to prevent similar deaths in the future, I believe an urgent review is required and the system changed to ensure that the calculation of the release date is made prior to the decision to recall being taken. This will avoid the possibility of anyone being unlawfully imprisoned in this country under similar circumstances,” senior coroner said.
CASE STATUS:
The FBI initiative group requested clarifications on the current case from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Justice Minister and Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland, and British Home Secretary Priti Sushil Patel. The initiative group considers it necessary to combat unlawful detentions and, if necessary, can provide legal and informational assistance to the family of the victim.