An inmate at Strangeways prison tragically took his own life after revealing that he was only allowed out of his cell for a mere 90 minutes each day, according to a recently released report. Lee Gorst, aged 35, was discovered hanged in his cell at HMP Manchester on April 25, 2023. Gorst, who had been serving a 13-year and four-month sentence for attempted murder and false imprisonment since 2013, had been released on license in January 2020 but was subsequently recalled to prison in June 2021 for charges of robbery, unlawful wounding, and making threats to kill.
The report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman shed light on Gorst’s grievances about Strangeways, describing it as ‘a dump’ where knives allegedly entered via drones nightly. Gorst had expressed distress over being frequently forgotten by prison officers when it came to meals and was taken aback by the prevalent violence in the prison.
Following an inquest, a coroner ruled Gorst’s death as suicide. The report highlighted the prison’s ‘restricted regime’ at the time, attributing Gorst’s extended periods of isolation in his cell to staffing issues. Gorst’s distress was evident in a letter discovered posthumously, where he detailed being confined alone for the majority of the day, lamenting the strict control over his every minute.
An inspection in October 2024 prompted HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, to issue an urgent notification to the Secretary of State for Justice, citing a concerning deterioration within the prison. Described as ‘squalid’ and ‘the most violent in the UK’, Strangeways faced challenges from organized crime groups and the rampant drug supply within the antiquated facility, severely compromising safety for both inmates and staff.
The report pointed out that Gorst’s concerns during his conversations with his partner resonated with the Inspectorate of Prisons’ findings. Arrival at Strangeways lacked a proper induction for Gorst, depriving him of essential support services, leading to prolonged periods of isolation that adversely affected his well-being.
Gorst’s body was discovered during a routine check for ‘afternoon association’, highlighting the limited time prisoners spent outside their cells due to the constrained regime in place. The delay in emergency response raised questions, with paramedics taking 14 minutes to access Gorst’s cell. Regrettably, Gorst became the 16th prisoner to die at HMP Manchester since April 2020.
In the days leading to his death, Gorst confided in his partner about his struggles and disdain for the prison environment. He expressed despair over his lengthy sentence, the prison conditions, and the minimal time spent outside his cell. His calendar note indicating ‘my last day’ and the content of his suicide letter painted a poignant picture of his mental state and despair over his indefinite confinement.
The report also highlighted a distressing knife incident involving fellow inmates shortly before Gorst’s demise, further contributing to his distress. Acknowledging the improvements in prisoner’s out-of-cell time post-Gorst’s death, a Prison Service spokesperson emphasized the enhanced deployment of staff to address the issue.
For those in need of emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7.