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

Chapter 8:
SUNDAY 23 AUGUST TO THE MORNING OF THURSDAY 27 AUGUST
Summary
8.1 During this period, Mr Lodge was based on G wing. He was taken to Huyton
police station where he was charged with grievous bodily harm on Officer Brownley as a
result of the incident at Whiston and was remanded in custody until 8 September. Unless
he could get bail he would not be released on 28 August as expected. His girlfriend was
concerned for his safety and telephoned the prison twice. Two officers and two chaplains
concluded that Mr Lodge was not at risk of self-harm and that there was no reason to
open an F2052SH.
Sunday 23 August: Ms A visits
8.2 On Sunday 23 August, Sonny’s girlfriend visited him in Manchester prison for the
first time.
Monday 24 August: Charged with grievous bodily harm
8.3 On Monday 24 August, Mr Lodge was taken to Huyton police station where he
gave a statement and was charged with grievous bodily harm on Officer Brownley. Mr
Lodge’s legal representative told the inquiry that the scarring from when he cut his arms
in June was quite horrific and she recalled saying on tape during the police interview that
the injuries were still very evident. He was remanded in custody by the magistrates’ court
next day, Tuesday 25 August. He made a further application for bail which a judge in
chambers would decide on Friday 28 August. Forms completed by police and prison
officers transferring custody recorded that Sonny Lodge had a history of attempted
suicide and might have suicidal tendencies.
Tuesday 25 August: Ms A’s telephone call
8.4 Mr Lodge’s girlfriend, Ms A, said in her witness statement for the Coroner that
she spoke to Mr Lodge’s legal representative, who told her he was “a bit down”. Ms A
was worried Mr Lodge might hurt himself again so she telephoned the prison. She told
the woman she spoke to she was worried about her boyfriend who “was a self-harmer”.
The woman told her not to worry and that she would get someone to check on Mr Lodge.
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