Report of the Inquiry into the circumstances of the Death of Bernard ...

was not aware of Sonny’s history of self-harm nor the concerns expressed by his
girlfriend that week. He ordered four days’ cellular confinement and prospective forfeiture
of 14 days’ remission.
1.32 The adjudicating governor told the chaplain the outcome of the hearing and that
he wanted to keep Sonny away from the wing because he felt unease about apparent
animosity between Sonny and the officer he was said to have assaulted. The chaplain
visited Sonny twice during the day and spoke on the telephone with his girlfriend. He
applied himself to practical matters on Sonny’s behalf. From Sonny’s conversation and
demeanour he did not think he was suicidal.
Sonny Lodge’s death
1.33 An officer recalled later that Sonny had been sitting normally in his cell when he
did the roll check at about 4.40 pm. The evening meal was usually served from about 6
pm. Prisoners in the segregation unit were unlocked one at a time to collect their meal.
On 28 August the meal was delayed by 15 to 20 minutes because of the death of a
prisoner on another wing. At about 6.20 pm an officer opened Sonny’s cell to find him
slumped against the pipes under the window with a ligature made of bed sheets around
the window bars and his neck. The officer called for assistance. The senior officer
brought scissors from the office on the floor below and cut the ligature while two officers
supported Sonny’s weight.
1.34 A health care officer and a nurse responded to the emergency call and attended
the cell with equipment. They attempted cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and requested
the doctor and a 999 ambulance. The prison medical officer came from the reception
area at 6.42 pm. He pronounced Sonny Lodge dead at 6.45pm.
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