Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

Death at HMP Bristol: Family seeks answers at inquest

City

The family of a father-to-be found dead in his cell at HMP Bristol is hoping for answers at an inquest into his death. A statement from law firm, Irwin Mitchell.

Callum Smith, 27, from Cheltenham, had recently begun suffering from paranoia and delusions when he was remanded in custody at HMP Bristol in February after allegedly making threats to commit criminal damage. He was discovered hanged in his cell six days later on March 2, 2016, and pronounced dead at the scene.

Callum’s family instructed expert civil liberties lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and whether it could have been prevented.

Callum’s partner Libby Smith said:

“Callum was a doting dad who was very excited about the birth of our second child, who he never got to meet.

“He had started struggling with mental illness and I was relieved when he was taken into custody as I thought there he would be safe from self-harm and get the help he needed to get better. He died before I got to visit him.

“Our daughter, who is just four years old, really misses her daddy and doesn’t understand why he isn’t here anymore. I just want answers so that one day when our children are old enough I can explain what happened to him.

“If mistakes were made in Callum’s care then it’s important we find out what they were so that lessons can be learned and standards improved.”

Callum’s mother, Sandra Smith, said:

“Callum was my eldest child and his death has left our family distraught. He was dearly loved we all hope that the inquest will get to the bottom of why he was able to take his own life.”

An inquest into Callum’s death will be held before a jury at Avon Coroner’s Court in Bristol on May 15 before the Senior Coroner for Avon Maria Voisin. It is expected to last two weeks.

The inquest will consider a number of issues including the adequacy of information provided to the prison by Gloucestershire Constabulary about Callum’s risk of self-harm and the implementation and adequacy of risk assessments and suicide prevention procedures at the prison.

Gus Silverman, an expert civil liberties lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Callum’s family is understandably anxious to understand whether his life could have been saved and hope that their questions will be answered at this inquest.”

Support:

The Samaritans – 24 hours a day to provide emotional support for people who are struggling to cope, including those who have had thoughts of suicide.

Call: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Assertive Contact and Engagement Service – supporting people to access mental health services.

Call:  0117 239 8969 (Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm).

Bristol Men’s Crisis House – for men experiencing mental health problems where hospital admission might be the only other alternative available.

Call: 0117 934 9848

Homeless support:

St Mungo’s, The Compass Centre, 1 Jamaica St, Bristol BS2 8JP Phone: 0117 944 0581

Addiction support:

Bristol Drugs Project, 11 Brunswick Square, BS2 8PE

Call: 0117 987 6000

 

Keep the Lights On

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?

Join now

What makes us different?

Comments

Report a comment. Comments are moderated according to our Comment Policy.

  • Bristol Prison is a cruel place , for most,

    Reply

  • Bristol prison run by cruel people, you can find everything in that prison from drugs and more ….you will be never find hope , trust , light and help doesn’t matter who you are if they don’t like you they will make your miserable until you kill your salf or they will kill you. Their answer, I am sorry he was had menal health issue. I believe people who run HMP Bristol they have mental health problem.

    Reply

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Editorial: Why the Cable will be shining a light on child imprisonment

The Cable's investigations lead introduces our new long-term reporting strategy that puts impact at its heart – starting with a deep-dive on child prisons and exclusion from society.

‘I was a prisoner of my mind’: how a Bristol charity is helping to cut reoffending among young men

Key4Life, based in Easton, is helping to reduce youth reoffending in Bristol through an innovative rehab programme aimed at men under 30 who are leaving prison or at risk of going inside.

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Paul Simmons, armed robber turned TikTok addiction mentor

After more than 20 years in prison, Paul has turned to TikTok to work through his own trauma and regrets, and help others along the way.

‘Drill music can be used for positive change’

For 35 years, Bristol has been home to a charity which lets prisoners create music on the inside. Now, a sister record label is supporting them to launch music careers after release.

Revealed: Homemade Spice infiltrates Bristol prison

Drones, rampant violence and under-staffing as HMP Bristol struggles to deal with Spice problem.

Unlocking the cells: Bristol’s history of prison reform

From rioting in 19th century to fighting for prisoner rights in the 1970s, Bristol has a long history of attempted prison reform.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning