A WINCHESTER prisoner died two days after his release, a report has said. 

Basingstoke man Ryan Smith, 39, of no fixed abode, died on October 27, 2022.

An independent investigation was recently published into his death by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

Mr Smith was jailed for 19 months for actual bodily harm on March 26, 2021. He was released from HMP Winchester on October 25, 2022.

The report, written by Adrian Usher, said: “On October 19, a practitioner from Ingeus met with Mr Smith for his initial assessment. During this assessment, Mr Smith said that he did not want to go into supported accommodation because he thought there would be a lot of drug use there, and he did not want to surround himself with that lifestyle again.

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“Mr Smith declined to engage with the support offered by the substance misuse team in prison and signed a withdrawal form.

“On October 26, Mr Smith attended his initial appointment at the Basingstoke Probation and CRC Office. Mr Smith admitted that he had used illicit drugs in prison and that his drug test may be positive. Mr Smith said that he no longer injected drugs as he knew this would be extremely risky, due to the hole in his leg from previous injecting. Mr Smith said he thought he would die if he injected drugs again. During this appointment, Mr Smith was encouraged to present himself to Inclusion.”

The report added that Mr Smith booked an appointment with Inclusion, the drugs and alcohol rehabilitation service, for October 27. However, he was found dead by a friend.

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At the inquest held on November 28, 2023, the coroner concluded that Mr Smith’s death was accidental.

The report added: “We are satisfied that prison and probation staff offered Mr Smith appropriate support with his substance misuse issues.

“While prison and probation staff appropriately referred Mr Smith for accommodation in a timely manner, he was released homeless. The provision of suitable accommodation for people leaving prison, particularly for those with complex risks and needs, is an issue that extends beyond the remit of HMP Winchester and local probation services. Housing, accommodation services and the local authority may want to be aware of the issues raised in this case.”