Daniel Fielding was known to suffer from mental health problems and had a history of self harm
Daniel Edwin Fielding died at HMP Liverpool on January 19 2024
The jury has been sent out to consider its conclusion in the case of a man who killed himself at HMP Liverpool. Daniel Edwin Fielding, 38, was found hanged in his cell on the morning of January 19 last year.
The dad-of-one, who arrived at the prison on remand on October 13 2023, was known to suffer from mental health problems, and was on mood-stabilising medication. He had been placed on an emergency Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) twice due to incidents of self harm – once on December 13, and again on December 30 – but these were closed following further assessments.
At his inquest this week, coroner Johanna Thompson said: “Danny had a history of problems with his mental health and some illicit drug use, and he had made attempts to end his life and to harm himself in the past.
“He was sadly found in his cell on the morning of January 19 2024.”
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- Young Persons Advisory Service provides mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- British Red Cross offers a free and confidential coronavirus support line on 0808 196 3651 which offers callers the opportunity to speak to a friendly volunteer for a chat if they are lonely, worried or need practical support, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, or email supportline@redcross.org.uk
Elsewhere, the Jade L Roberts Project supports women and men in suicidal crisis in Merseyside. They also offer support for people suffering from mental health issues. You can contact them on 0151 245 5671.
His cause of death was determined to be neck compression due to hanging. Toxicology tests also found a breakdown of a synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as spice, in his system.
Sending the jury out to consider its conclusion, she urged members to consider “what were Danny’s health problems on arriving at Liverpool prison; whether any concerns were brought to the attention of the prison staff in respect of Danny’s risk of self harm or suicide, and if so what actions were taken; whether the ACCTs were appropriately opened and closed; (and) whether staff were aware of any concerns of Danny being at risk of suicide”.
She said: “We have heard a great deal of evidence of Danny having a difficult history of suicide attempts and self harm in prison. Danny’s mum set this out in her statement, and it was echoed in evidence by many officers and healthcare staff who saw Danny after he was remanded at HMP Liverpool on October 13.”
Previously in the hearing, Mr Fielding’s mum Margaret Farley said she had called HMP Liverpool seven times to express concerns about her son’s mental health. These calls occurred on October 13, 17 and 22, December 7, 11 and 20, and January 9.
She also said: “The calls I had from (Danny) were up and down. At times he was really upset, crying, telling me he couldn’t cope, and at other times he was quite cheerful, telling me he was OK and would be out soon.
“On January 18 Danny called me as usual that morning. He told me he was really down and wanted to end it all. I told him to speak to someone.”
On the same day, he also spoke to substance abuse co-ordinator Frances Rae on the phone, who said the 38-year-old “seemed normal” and did not express any thoughts of self harm or suicide.
Ms Thompson said: “Helen Drury (Mr Fielding’s key worker) also gave evidence about January 18. She said on that day she thought Danny seemed happy. She got him a vape and described him as being ‘so happy’ at that. She thought Danny was fine and had no concerns about him.”
Mr Fielding was found unresponsive in his cell the next morning, with a note discovered nearby. At around 8am, a fellow prisoner saw him inside his cell and informed another prisoner, who notified the staff.
The inquest continues.