Spice Death: Inquest Reveals Prison Failures

An inquest into the death of inmate Mark Bates at HMP Lowdham Grange has concluded that he died from the use of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as Spice. The 32-year-old was found unresponsive in his cell on March 26, 2025.

The jury returned a verdict of misadventure, stating that failures to arrange a psychiatric review and deficiencies in the Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork (ACCT) process significantly contributed to his death. Bates had a known history of mental health problems and was transferred from HMP Forest Bank in June 2023.

At the time of his death, Bates was being monitored under the ACCT system, which requires hourly checks. However, prison officers faced difficulties in rousing him on the morning of his death, and there was a lack of documented evidence of proper training for staff conducting these checks.

Communication issues, particularly during staff changeovers, were also cited as a contributing factor. The inquest heard that Spice is a widespread and persistent problem in prisons nationwide, an issue acknowledged by the jury as ongoing since 2017.

While the assistant coroner noted the changes implemented by the prison and healthcare provider, he expressed satisfaction that lessons had been learned.