Peter Lynch died two months after he was jailed for his role in the Rotherham riots outside a hotel housing asylum seekers
(Image: PA Media)
A grandfather from Rotherham who died in prison after the summer riots will have his mental health scrutinised at inquest – including whether there were “missed opportunities” to support him behind bars.
Peter Lynch, 61, of Wath upon Dearne, died at HMP Moorland in South Yorkshire on October 19, 2024 as a result of hanging, two months after receiving a two years and eight months sentence.
He had been convicted following disorder outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, where body-worn camera footage showed him shouting “you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them” and “scum” at police officers with riot shields.
At a pre-inquest review on Thursday, Doncaster senior coroner Nicola Mundy set out the parameters of the full inquest, which will take place before a jury at Doncaster Coroner’s Court beginning on July 20.
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Ms Mundy confirmed the inquest will examine Mr Lynch’s initial arrest and detention by South Yorkshire Police, his time at HMP Doncaster and subsequently HMP Moorland, as well as any mental health assessments carried out during the 10-week period from his arrest to his death.
Regarding his time at HMP Moorland, the coroner said the jury will examine “matters which may have impacted on his mental health”, “whether there was any evidence of increased vulnerability” and “whether there were any missed opportunities to put further support in place.”
An earlier hearing revealed Mr Lynch was facing an accusation of breaching prison regulations at the time of his death. Ms Mundy said it was not the inquest’s role to reach any conclusion about his guilt or innocence regarding that allegation, but acknowledged it as “a potentially significant event” which the jury will examine.
The coroner said it was appropriate to consider how Mr Lynch’s conviction and sentencing affected his wellbeing, but emphasised: “I will not be criticising in any way judgments of other courts.”
Mr Lynch was detained on August 4, 2024 outside the hotel, where he was photographed holding a placard alleging the corruption of MPs, judges, the media and the police. He was among more than 100 men convicted at Sheffield Crown Court following the Rotherham disorder, which resulted in injuries to 64 police officers, as well as four dogs and a horse.
The court had been told Mr Lynch had diabetes, thyroid problems and angina, and had recently experienced a heart attack. He had been married for 36 years and was father to four grown-up children and grandfather to three.
Several relatives attended Thursday’s hearing in person, with another participating via videolink. The inquest is expected to conclude on August 4.
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