Inmate 'wanted' by gangs after making '£250K a month' in prison found dead in cell

Inmate 'wanted' by gangs after making '£250K a month' in prison found dead in cell Johnpaul Digweed, 36, was serving a 25-year prison sentence for supplying vast amounts of drugs when he was found dead in his cell at HMP Garth in April 2024 A dealer who was said to have made £500,000 every couple of months from supplying drugs inside prison was found dead in his cell. Johnpaul Digweed, 36, was serving a 25-year prison sentence for supplying vast amounts of cocaine and heroin when he was found hanged in his cell at HMP Garth, in Lancashire, in April 2024. A public report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), which investigates all deaths in custody, found there was no evidence the dad had been at a heightened or imminent risk of suicide when he died. But ombudsman Adrian Usher identified concerns about staff not following guidance when carrying out welfare checks, although he said he could not be sure this would have changed the outcome in Digweed's case, the Liverpool Echo reports. Mr Usher said there was information that Digweed might have been worried about money at the time of his death. He said there was "significant evidence that [Digweed] was involved in prison drug culture" and that "he was found in possession of a mobile phone numerous times". The ombudsman said: "Throughout his time in Garth, the prison received significant intelligence that he was involved in organising drone deliveries of drugs and other illicit items, and on six occasions, he was found with a mobile phone in his possession." Intelligence from the prison's security team indicated Digweed, who used the EncroChat handle "Diorpaw", was "involved in organising drone deliveries to the prison of contraband including mobile phones". Mr Usher said that in February 2024, "an intelligence report showed that certain prisoners on C Wing, including Mr Digweed, were making about £400,000 to £500,000 every couple of months from the proceeds of contraband sent into the prison by drone". However, the intelligence also showed Digweed was under pressure from other people inside the prison. In November 2023, CCTV showed four prisoners entering his cell, after which he was found with slash injuries. He claimed he had fallen over, but his security file suggested the incident was related to a drug debt and gang activity. Investigators found Digweed's only prison record reference to suicidal thoughts was when he was on remand. However, while using cocaine in September 2023, he harmed himself by making superficial cuts to his chest. The ombudsman found there was no evidence the prison had started suicide and self-harm support procedures, known as ACCT. Recordings of Digweed's prison calls in the days before his death appeared to show his relationship with his partner was under strain. However, in calls to a female relative, he sounded "in a good mood" and joked he had "a few years left in me". The ombudsman's report said the last time he spoke to his partner was on April 12, when he called her drunk and she asked him to call back when he had sobered up. She said he had not given any indication that he was feeling low or suicidal. Digweed was last seen alive during a routine prisoner count at 7.39pm on April 12. At 5.17am the following day, his observation panel was covered, and it was covered again during a welfare check at 9.07am. The staff responsible took no action. At around 11.30am, an officer unlocked the cell but did not look inside. Digweed was found dead by another prisoner. The ombudsman's report said that on the day of his death, the prison received intelligence from inmates that Digweed was "wanted" by organised crime gangs outside the prison and was worried about debts. The ombudsman found there had been a missed opportunity to identify Digweed's risk following the incident in September 2023. Mr Usher said the prison had also "dealt with individuals" involved in the roll call and welfare checks, but he was concerned there was a "more widespread problem with how staff respond to finding covered observation panels", meaning checks were not being carried out correctly. The clinical reviewer concluded the healthcare Digweed received for his physical health was equivalent to what he would have received in the community. However, she also concluded his mental healthcare was moderate and that he had not received appropriate support after harming himself in September 2023. The PPO made a number of recommendations, including that the governor show how the prison will challenge blocked observation panels to comply with local processes and put in place an assurance process to ensure all staff look through the observation panel before unlocking cells. The Prison Service previously confirmed it would cooperate in full with the PPO investigation. Digweed, previously of Harlech Road in Crosby, was arrested in March 2021 and convicted of seven counts of conspiracy to supply drugs, as well as one count of money laundering. Prosecutors said he could be connected to the supply of at least 30 kilos of cocaine and 12 and a half kilos of heroin. Judge David Swinnerton said Digweed was a "proud dad" who behaved in a "close, loving and supportive" way towards his family. For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at [email protected] or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.