Mystery over death of ‘kind-hearted and generous’ Hull man
28-YEAR-OLD HAD WRITTEN NOTE SAYING HE FELT UNWELL JUST HOURS BEFORE HE DIED
HOW a “kind-hearted and generous” Hull man died after being found slumped at his desk will remain a mystery, an inquest heard.
While a post mortem found Liam Lawson died of natural causes, the forensic pathologist Dr Michael Parsons conceded he could not say exactly what caused the 28-yearold’s death.
Liam was discovered at the desk of his G wing cell at Hull Prison on October 28, 2019. There was a handwritten note nearby which described how he had been feeling unwell.
A jury inquest in Hull heard from Dr Parsons revealed there was no evidence of trauma or any drugs or other substances in his system to explain his death. He concluded the medical cause of death was natural causes but could not say exactly how he died. He did note Liam previously complained of a racing heart, sweating and feeling light-headed.
He said: “While his death is natural, the exact mechanism for that is best described as unascertained.”
Dr Parsons was concerned there may have been some underlying but undetected heart condition and he even took the step of warning Liam’s family to get tested for such a condition but these, thankfully, proved negative.
Liam had been handed a five-year prison sentence in May 2019 for arson with intent to danger life or reckless as to whether life endangered after setting fire to a plastic crate outside his neighbour’s door in Beverley Road on February 2, 2019. The family of Liam, who were unable to attend the hearing, wrote an emotional tribute which was read out at the inquest.
It said: “Liam was born two months early after years of trying for a baby. Naturally, he was very much wanted and loved. Liam was extremely intelligent and loved sports. His humour was unique and he made everyone laugh. He also loved nature and would often go out on walks with his nan who he was very close to.
“He gained many awards, including in football and karate. He was a black belt in karate by age 11. He was also into technology and built his own computers. Liam was kind-hearted, generous and helpful. We miss him enormously every day. He will always be in our hearts.
“Unfortunately, Liam got into drugs and we tried to help him but he did not want it. But we always stood by him and were there if he needed us. We are devastated and there is no greater tragedy than to lose your child. Our lives have changed forever.”
His family also said Liam seemed tired and under the weather in the weeks before his death.
In their statement, his family said: “Liam went to the gym in prison and looked after himself, but in the last couple of weeks before he died he looked red-eyed and tired. He said he had trouble sleeping and had three jobs at the prison. We suggested to drop one of them but he feared losing his privileges.
“He also said he did not know how he was going to start over again from scratch once he was released. We told him we would help and that he should keep upbeat and positive.”
Concerns were raised over the non-prescribed painkillers and epilepsy drugs found in Liam’s system. The family’s representative suggested Liam may not have sought medical help for fear he would be disciplined.
The inquest heard that there had been a problem with prescribed medication being sold, given away or stolen among prisoners when Liam was in Hull Prison. This issue was raised by the Prison Ombudsman in a report following an investigation into Liam’s death.
Gary Sword, head of residency and safety, told the inquest major improvements had since been made.
He said: “In 2018-19 there were a total of 511 incidents when prisoners were found under the influence of illicit drugs. That dropped to 370 in 2019-20, then dropped to 98 in 2020-21 and in 2021-22 it has fallen further to 32.
“Levels of violence and self-harm has also fallen sharply in the last three years with 60 per cent fall in violence and 30 per cent fall in selfharm. Self-harm is at its lowest in the five years I have been there. In the nine comparable prisons across the country we have the lowest rate.”
Mr Sword also told the inquest there have been improvements made regarding the dispensing and control of prescribed medication.
He said: “Each cell now has a medication safe with the
prisoner given a combination number to open it. In some cases the medication is taken by the prisoner while under supervision to ensure it is taken.
“If a prisoner is unwell, medical staff are subject to patient confidentiality so the prisoner should not fear repercussions but there needs to be an element of trust. As a result of Liam’s death, we now have weekly task meetings regarding prisoners misusing prescribed drugs so we can proactively tackle the issue.”
Prison officer Aaron Middlehurst gave evidence at the inquest and described how he found Liam in his cell that day. He explained how Liam was upbeat on the day he died after learning his sentence for arson may be reduced.
Mr Middlehurst said: “Liam was a trusted prisoner and was a wing worker. That meant he would welcome new prisoners and show them the ropes.
“On the day he died, he was upbeat. He said he was hoping his sentence would be reduced due to changes in the law around arson and that the intent to endanger life might be removed, meaning he could be out in a few months.”
After unlocking the cells, a prisoner alerted Mr Middlehurst to a problem with Liam. He found Liam unresponsive and put him in the recovery position and medical help was called, but he sadly died.
Mr Middlehurst said: “In all my encounters with Liam he seemed upbeat and was polite to staff. He often made jokes. He never said he was struggling with his situation and never complained to me about any
ill health. What did puzzle me is why he left a note rather than use a bell in his cell to get medical help.”
One of Liam’s fellow prisoners told the inquest how he found Liam unresponsive in his cell.
The prisoner said: “I’ve known Liam for 13-14 months as we served time together. He seemed to be coping with prison life fairly well and was focused on his work supporting new prisoners coming in.
“He never argued with anyone and seemed to get on with his fellow prisoners. He was very helpful.
“On the day he died he seemed his normal self and after lunch I went to his cell. I shouted to him but he didn’t respond so I shook his shoulder and then saw his face and realised something was wrong and feared the worst. I called for help and we felt for a pulse. He was then given CPR and we left.”
Another prisoner also gave evidence at the inquest. He spoke about how he tried to help Liam but he never gained consciousness.
He said: “I knew Liam quite well and we were neighbours on the wing. He was a decent person. People cope in different ways with prison. Liam did suffer anxiety from time to time but he never let it get the better of him. It was just there in the background.
“I spoke to him briefly that morning and he seemed a little out of sorts and was not feeling particularly great. I told him he should seek some medical help.”
Despite attempts by prison staff and paramedics, Liam was pronounced dead.
The inquest continues and the jury were expected to deliver their conclusion yesterday.
Liam was kind-hearted, generous and helpful. We miss him enormously every day. He will always be in our hearts
Liam Lawson’s family