Investigation into death of prisoner, 35, at Royal Lancaster Infirmary Hospital concludes
An investigation into the death of a 35-year-old man at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary Hospital has now concluded.
Police were called at 5.13pm on Saturday, January 25, to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary hospital to support prison officers who were already present guarding prisoner Derek Macdonald who had become unwell and agitated.
Lancashire Police officers arrived at 5.20pm and supported HM Prisons colleagues in restraining the man.
At 5.27pm Mr Macdonald’s medical condition worsened, and he stopped breathing and became unconscious. He was given CPR, but he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later at 6.30pm.
Following enquiries, a prison officer in his 30s, was arrested on Friday,January 31, on suspicion of manslaughter. He was released under investigation but has now been told he will face no further action.
This follows a full and thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding Mr Macdonald’s death.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Our thoughts remain with his loved ones. His family have been told of the latest developments.”
The matter will now proceed to inquest.
The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and they carried out an independent investigation solely into the role of the police during this incident.