A report into her death by the prisons watchdog has raised concerns as to how Lisa Sherrington was able to smuggle drugs into HMP Low Newton, near Durham
The 50-year-old died from inflammation of the brain, caused by the herpes virus. She had been imprisoned at HMP Low Newton from July 25, 2022, after she was charged with possession of class A drugs with an intent to supply.
The report has revealed that Sherrington, who had a history of drug misuse, died whilst in custody just a month later on August 26.
An investigation into her death reveals that Sherrington, who used a wheelchair due to formerly being in an induced coma, was subject to a search upon her arrival.
A nurse noted on her health screening that she was insulin dependent due to diabetes, had a history of taking and smoking drugs and seizures – and noted that Ms Sherrington perhaps had undiagnosed epilepsy. Just a day later, she suffered a seizure and was swiftly taken to hospital.
A subsequent search then found 18 packages of drugs hidden internally and four packs of antibiotics were found in a wheelchair pouch.
She was returned to prison on July 28 due to no beds being available in hospital but suffered another seizure on August 2 whilst in bed just after 8am.
Just over three weeks later on August 26, she died in hospital at 4.10pm and her death was recorded as being due to brain inflammation caused by the herpes virus.
Following her death, concerns have been raised about the fact that Ms Sherrington was able to smuggle drugs into the prison.
The report, from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, noted: “Ms Sherrington’s death was caused by a viral infection and there is no indication that illicit drug use contributed to her death.
“Nevertheless, we are concerned that Ms Sherrington was able to smuggle drugs into Low Newton. Body scanners, which can detect drugs secreted internally, are not currently cleared for use in women’s prisons.
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“We therefore accept that it would have been difficult to detect the drugs that Ms Sherrington had secreted internally.
“However, we are concerned that Ms Sherrington was able to bring in four packs of antibiotics through reception. Searching procedures for wheelchair users should be reviewed.”
It has now been recommended that the prison governor should review searching procedures for new prisoners arriving in wheelchairs.
