A MAN in his 60s was recently found dead in a toilet at the national reception at Kumlaanstalten. The man, who had been sentenced to eight years in prison for committing a series of serious rapes against a girl who was under 15 years old in the 2000s, was discovered by correctional officers who were trying to wake him up. He had been in custody since last year when the verdict was delivered.
The incident has prompted a coroner’s investigation, which has now been completed. According to the investigation, the lack of space in both the detention center and the institution played a role in the man’s death. The investigator noted that the fact that the inmate was moved during a time crunch and a weekend was unfortunate and likely influenced the course of events.
Additionally, the man’s transport order did not contain a note about his risk of suicide. This information didn’t reach Kumlaanstalten until the day after the man was already found dead. When the man was admitted to Kumlaanstalten, a suicide screening was carried out, but no background check was done on him in the correctional care register, which is a necessary routine.
The investigator called this a key factor in the events leading up to the man’s death. Kumlaanstalten has been recommended to communicate to employees the importance of doing background checks in the prison register in connection with the suicide screening of inmates.
Suicidal tendencies can be a key factor in prison situations, and it’s important to take them seriously. Suicide hotlines and professional help are available for anyone suffering from suicidal thoughts. In case of an urgent situation, it is crucial to contact 112. There are a number of helplines available for both adults and children, and a caring adult or professional is always within reach and ready to help.