GERALD COPPEL'S TRAGIC END IN MANCHESTER PRISON: ABUSER DIES AT SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITAL AFTER SENTENCE
In May 2022, the tragic death of Gerald Coppel, a convicted paedophile whose actions cast a long shadow over his victims' childhoods, was reported at the age of 73.Coppel, who had been serving a 14-year prison sentence, passed away on February 4 at Salford Royal Hospital, just two years after his sentencing.
His criminal history includes a series of heinous acts committed against three young girls in the south Manchester area.
Coppel was found guilty of multiple charges, including 19 counts of indecent assault, with 13 counts involving victims under the age of 13 and six involving victims under 16.
These offences spanned several years, during which he exploited the innocence of his victims before subjecting them to abuse.
Following his conviction at Manchester Crown Court on March 20, 2020, Coppel was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
According to the details presented at an inquest held at Bolton Coroners' Court, Coppel had been in custody at Salford’s Forest Bank Prison since 2019.
The court heard that he had entered prison with significant health issues that persisted throughout his incarceration.
Coroner Peter Sigee, who oversees cases in Manchester West, noted that Coppel was never placed in the general prison population but was confined to the healthcare unit, indicating ongoing medical concerns.
During the pre-inquest review on May 10, the court was informed that Coppel was transferred to Salford Royal Hospital during the final stages of his illness.
Laura Hackney, representing Sodexo Ltd., which manages operations and healthcare services at Forest Bank Prison, stated that Coppel had been refusing treatment for his condition prior to his death, complicating efforts to address his health needs.
Further details revealed that Coppel had been suffering from serious health problems, which ultimately contributed to his demise.
The coroner’s investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding his death, including his health status and the care he received while in custody.
The case underscores the tragic end of a man whose criminal actions left lasting scars on his victims and who spent his final years confined in a healthcare setting, away from the general prison population, battling significant health issues.
