TIMOTHY RALPH DIES OF CANCER IN HAMPSHIRE PRISON DAYS BEFORE RELEASE
In a tragic end to a prolonged battle with terminal illness, Timothy Ralph, a 57-year-old man from Hampshire, passed away while incarcerated at HMP Exeter, just days before he was scheduled to be released.The circumstances surrounding his death were detailed during an inquest held at Exeter’s County Hall, shedding light on his final days and the medical care he received.
Mr.
Ralph was serving a four-year sentence for sexual offences committed against a child.
Despite having an application for compassionate release due to his terminal cancer, the request was ultimately denied because he was due to be released shortly after his death.
His health had significantly declined, prompting his transfer from HMP Dartmoor to the palliative care unit at HMP Exeter, where he was moved to receive specialized end-of-life care.
Born in Hampshire, Timothy Ralph had been in custody since September 27, 2017.
Initially held at Winchester Prison, he was later transferred to Dartmoor.
As his condition worsened, prison authorities decided to move him to Exeter on November 28, 2019, to better manage his palliative needs.
The inquest revealed that by December 3, his health had rapidly deteriorated, and he was transported by ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital suffering from sepsis, which was secondary to a chest infection.
Following treatment, Mr.
Ralph was discharged and returned to HMP Exeter on December 11.
However, his health continued to decline, and a consensus was reached that he should remain in prison for end-of-life care, in accordance with his wishes not to be resuscitated.
His family was present during his final hours, providing support as he succumbed to his illness on December 17, 2019.
An independent investigation conducted by the Prisons and Probation Services Ombudsman found no clinical concerns regarding his care.
The inquest, led by assistant coroner Luisa Nicholson, concluded that Mr.
Ralph’s death was due to natural causes, specifically multiple cancers including lung cancer.
The case highlights the complexities of managing terminal illnesses within the prison system and raises questions about the timing of compassionate release applications in such circumstances.
