Prisoner ‘took his own life’

all credits: Coventry Telegraph
published – 7th January 2009

A prisoner who was found hanged in a cell was a “fit young man” just months away from being eligible for parole when he apparently killed himself, an inquest was told yesterday (Tuesday).

Michael Bailey was looking forward to being reunited with his family when his mental state suddenly deteriorated at HMP Rye Hill, near Dunchurch, in March 2005.

The 24-year-old changed from being a confident and articulate man to being quiet and subdued in a few days, the inquest in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, was told.

He was placed on suicide watch following “strange” behaviour – including taking his clothes off in the exercise yard, reciting the Lord’s Prayer and mumbling incoherently.

Tom Osborne, assistant deputy coroner for Northamptonshire, told the jury: “Over the course of a few days beginning on March 18 2005, he went from looking forward to being reunited with his family to a man who had become anguished, confused and, at times, violent.”

Bailey, from Ladywood, Birmingham, was found hanging on March 24 2005.