Checks on prisoner ‘adequate’

It is impossible to say whether hourly checks on Stacey Spinks – who died in custody after complaining of chest pains – would have prevented his death, an inquest has heard.

Spinks, who had previously complained of chest pains to escape custody, was found unresponsive during a morning check on February 20, 2016, while in Rimutaka Prison.

An autopsy found Spinks died of coronary artery thrombosis or blockage of the flow of blood to the heart.

Coroner Chris Devonport said he was satisfied ‘‘proper checks have been undertaken’’ but reserved his findings at the inquest held at Wellington District Court yesterday.

Spinks, who was known as one of New Zealand’s most prolific burglars, complained of chest pains just after midnight on February 20 last year.

Soon after, a nurse arrived and checked on Spinks. He appeared to be fine, was offered Panadol and went back to sleep.

Devonport said one issue was the nurse had requested hourly welfare checks that were not carried out.

But two-hourly observations were still done throughout the night which was more than usual, the coroner noted.

Asked if hourly checks on Spinks would have allowed him to be resuscitated, Derek Perkins, regional clinical director for the Department of Corrections, said: ‘‘It is impossible to be definitive.’’

Spinks had more than 300 convictions for burglary and was known for his method of offending – he was quietly spoken and polite and often dressed in a suit.

While in custody in Christchurch in 2002 he complained of chest pains, was taken to hospital and ran off and burgled a restaurant before being caught.