Suffolk HMP Highpoint report after Mohammed Uddin death

An independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman into the death of HMP Highpoint prisoner Mohammed Sayeef Uddin, who was found dead in his cell on December 28, 2022, has identified several issues in his care. 

Mr Uddin was serving a sentence of three years for drug offences when, on November 1, 2022, he was transferred to the Stradishall prison. 

The report stated Mr Uddin had a long history of substance misuse but no history of mental health issues, self-harm or suicidal ideation.

It said shortly after he arrived at Highpoint he became paranoid and anxious, believing other prisoners could read and hear his thoughts.

Suicide and self-harm prevention procedures (known as ACCT) were started on November 9 and were still in place when he died.

HMP Highpoint in Stradishall, near Newmarket (Image: Newsquest)

The ombudsman report found Mr Uddin's ACCT was "poorly managed" with "no oversight" by the case co-ordinator and a "lack of input from the mental health team". 

It reads: "We found little evidence that Mr Uddin’s risks were reviewed, despite the significant deterioration in his mental health and isolation from the regime." 

The clinical reviewer concluded the care Mr Uddin received for his mental health in the prison was "not equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in the community".

They found the talking therapy provision at HMP Highpoint at the time was under strain due to a long waiting list and Mr Uddin did not receive key work during the 10 weeks he spent there due to staffing pressures.

The report states that, since Mr Uddin's death, managers had made efforts to "increase delivery and prioritise the most vulnerable prisoners" which the ombudsman said may have benefitted him.

Recommendations for the prison include the governor reviewing the ACCT processes and the head of healthcare reviewing the process for mental health assessments.

The ombudsman report said the governor should also ensure staff are aware of their responsibility to identify and support prisoners who self-isolate, to reduce risks.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Our sympathies remain with Mr Uddin’s family.

“We have already taken action in line with the Ombudsman’s recommendations including strengthening the processes in place to support those at risk of self-harm or suicide.”

They said the service has improved ACCT management at HMP Highpoint, including increasing the number of staff to support with mental health provision and improving training for officers.