Inmate dies after being found unresponsive in cell
GoogleA watchdog is investigating the death of an inmate who was found unconscious in his cell.
Raymond Dowson, 40, was found unresponsive on 3 May, 2025, by officers at HMP Deerbolt in Barnard Castle, County Durham.
He was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, given tests and put on oxygen but on 5 May, he was declared dead.
Both the Prison Service and Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) are investigating and will publish their findings at an upcoming inquest on 3 December.
Ms Dowson believes her son should have been checked on more regularly due to his diabetes.
She said: "The prison liaison officer stated that he was given breakfast and was found unresponsive at lunch.
"It sounds like they left him too long between checks.
"Raymond used to call me twice a week and he said that Deerbolt was rife with drugs and all the inmates were taking them and bullying him."
A HM Prison Service spokesperson explained that prisoners had various options available to them to raise issues, including a written complaints process.
They said: "HMP Deerbolt prisoner Raymond Dowson died on 5 May. As with all deaths in custody, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."
Adrian Usher, the prisons and probation ombudsman, confirmed there was an ongoing independent investigation into the death of Mr Dowson.
He said: "Our final investigation report will be made public after the inquest concludes."