Chorley prison officer charged over death of inmate at HMP Liverpool

A Chorley prison officer has been charged in connection with the death of a prisoner in Liverpool.
By Matthew Calderbank
Published 1st Dec 2022, 14:51 BST
Updated 1st Dec 2022, 16:13 BST
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Custodial manager Paul Fairhurst, 63, of Belmont Drive, Chorley is charged with gross negligence manslaughter after an inmate took his own life at HMP Liverpool in 2018.

Senior prison officer Rachel Jameson, 31, of Middleton Drive, Whiston has been charged with the same offence.

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The charges are in connection with the death of inmate Anthony Paine, 35, who killed himself at the Walton jail on February 19, 2018.

Custodial manager Paul Fairhurst, 63, of Belmont Drive, Chorley, faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Anthony Paine, who took his own life in his cell at HMP Liverpool in February 2018Custodial manager Paul Fairhurst, 63, of Belmont Drive, Chorley, faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Anthony Paine, who took his own life in his cell at HMP Liverpool in February 2018
Custodial manager Paul Fairhurst, 63, of Belmont Drive, Chorley, faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of Anthony Paine, who took his own life in his cell at HMP Liverpool in February 2018

He was found unresponsive in his cell and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Mr Paine, who had severe mental health problems, had been jailed for 18 months in January 2018 for affray and endangering the public after climbing on to a roof.

Following an investigation by Merseyside Police, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised manslaughter charges against the two members of staff in connection with the dad's death.

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They appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, December 1), where they were further accused of failing to discharge general health and safety duty at work.

Senior prison officer Rachel Jameson, 31, of Middleton Drive, Whiston faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of a prisoner at HMP LiverpoolSenior prison officer Rachel Jameson, 31, of Middleton Drive, Whiston faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of a prisoner at HMP Liverpool
Senior prison officer Rachel Jameson, 31, of Middleton Drive, Whiston faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter in connection with the death of a prisoner at HMP Liverpool

The prosecution alleges that the pair failed in their duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

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The charge alleges that the two colleagues “failed, while at work to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and of other persons who may have been affected by your acts and omissions at work.”

At Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, they spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.

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Anthony Paine, 35, killed himself in his cell at the Liverpool prison in 2018. It was reported he had severe mental health problems and had been jailed for 18 months for affray and endangering the public after climbing on to a roofAnthony Paine, 35, killed himself in his cell at the Liverpool prison in 2018. It was reported he had severe mental health problems and had been jailed for 18 months for affray and endangering the public after climbing on to a roof
Anthony Paine, 35, killed himself in his cell at the Liverpool prison in 2018. It was reported he had severe mental health problems and had been jailed for 18 months for affray and endangering the public after climbing on to a roof

They were not asked to enter pleas and District Judge James Hatton released them on unconditional bail ahead of a further appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on January 5.

Statement from the CPS' special crime division

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS' special crime division, previously said: "Following a review of the evidence, custodial manager Paul Fairhurst, 63, and senior officer Rachel Jameson, 31, have both been charged with gross negligence manslaughter as well as failing to ensure that appropriate measures were considered and implemented to prevent harm under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

"The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against these defendants are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice proceedings."