CHILD SEX OFFENDER DIED AFTER FALL FROM PRISON TOILET AT HMP FRANKLAND
A child sex offender was pronounced dead after falling off the toilet in his County Durham prison cell, an inquest heard.Douglas Clayton was seven years into his 22 year prison sentence at HMP Frankland when he suddenly died in his cell on December 22, 2024.
The 80-year-old, who was jailed for historic offences from the 1970s, was said to have been suffering from a number of health issues, causing a "slow decline" in his health.
An inquest into his death at Crook Coroners' Court on Monday (December 15) heard details of the final days of Clayton's life.
The court heard that on December 21, the day before he died, staff raised concerns about his lack of eating but Clayton said he was "feeling better" and was locked in his cell by 5pm.
He was then subject to checks through the night, but he activated panic alarm at 3.24am on December 22 that saw officers and members of the healthcare team rush to his cell.
A statement from acting detective sergeant Coburn of Durham Police said: "A prison officer looked through the window and found him sitting on the toilet.
Two others from the healthcare unit responded to assist the officer.
Before they entered his cell, Clayton had fallen from the toilet on to the floor." Clayton at this point had rolled on to his back and was asking staff for help, but became unresponsive.
CPR then began on Clayton and an ambulance was called to the scene - but he was pronounced dead at 4.16am.
Dr Jennifer Boulton, a Home Office pathologist carried out a post-mortem examination on Clayton - detailing his cause of death was a lung infection brought by COPD and coronary heart disease.
Acting sergeant Coburn added: "There was nothing untoward located on his body or in his cell.
There were no injuries found as well as no signs of third party involvement.
"There had been no concerns regarding his mental health during his time in prison.
He had been moved to HMP Frankland in 2021.
"His health conditions included significant cardiac issues, COPD, diabetes, stage three kidney disease, heart disease and swollen legs.
He had also previously received a triple bypass surgery.
Such conditions brought about a slow decline in his health.
Assistant Coroner for County Durham and Darlington, Crispin Oliver, concluded Clayton died of natural causes.
Mr Oliver said: "I simply need to say that he died at HMP Frankland, and he died a natural death." A Prisons and Probations Ombudsman investigation into Clayton's death remains ongoing.
