Inquest into Bidford man who hanged himself in prison
A BIDFORD man who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend by setting fire to her home hanged himself just a month after being handed a long prison term – an inquest has heard in Birmingham.
Daniel Watkins, aged 35, had told people that if he received a lengthy jail term, he would kill himself.
He was admitted to Birmingham Prison in June last year and hanged himself on a wing stairwell in December.
His mother, Theresa Jones, said although her son had been in prison before, this time was different because he was facing a lengthy sentence.
On 7th December Daniel Watkins rang her mobile and left a message saying: “That’s it, I’ve had enough, I’m going to slit my wrists.
”But Theresa said she “wasn’t concerned” because he had made similar threats before. Daniel Watkins pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder following the blaze in Chapelhouse Lane, Cradley, on 3rd June.
The fire left a 34-year-old woman and a six-year-old girl in hospital, where they were treated for smoke inhalation. Daniel Watkins was sentenced to ten years in jail.
Prison officer Richard Taylor, who assessed Daniel Watkins when he was admitted on remand, told the inquest any inmate thought to be at risk of suicide or self-harm was assigned an ACCT status - Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork.
When he was first admitted to prison Daniel Watkins was allocated ACCT status because he had tried to kill himself by setting himself on fire.
“He was facing charges of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life,” said Mr Taylor.
“He told me he’d set fire to his ex-partner’s home and thought he had killed her so tried to set himself on fire.”
The jail’s GP said Daniel Watkins had a £40-a-day heroin and crack habit, and was put on a methadone programme.
The Coroner asked Mr Taylor if it was possible for Mr Watkins to be “selling” his prescription medication to other inmates.
“There is a problem with drugs in Birmingham Prison,” Mr Taylor said. Sometimes medication is sold to pay off a debt, or to obtain other drugs.”
The inquest continues and is expected to last until Thursday.
