An inmate at Strangeways prison tragically took his own life after revealing to his family that he was only allowed out of his cell for 90 minutes each day, according to a recent report. Lee Gorst, aged 35, was discovered hanged in his cell at HMP Manchester on April 25, 2023. Gorst, who had previously been sentenced to 13 years and four months for attempted murder and false imprisonment in 2013, had been released on license in January 2020 but was later recalled to prison in June 2021 for robbery, unlawful wounding, and making threats to kill.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman released a report shedding light on Gorst’s experience, where he described Strangeways as ‘a dump’ and alleged that knives were being smuggled in by drones nightly. Gorst also claimed that prison officers frequently forgot to let him out of his cell for meals and expressed shock at the level of violence within the facility.
Following an inquest, a coroner ruled Gorst’s death as suicide. The PPO report highlighted that the prison was under a ‘restricted regime’ due to staffing issues, leading Gorst to spend prolonged periods alone in his cell. Gorst’s letter, discovered posthumously, detailed his distress at being confined for up to twenty-two-and-a-half hours daily with strict control over his every moment.
PPO investigators disclosed that prisoners were only allowed out of their cells for around two hours daily during that period. In October 2024, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, issued an urgent notification to the Secretary of State for Justice concerning the deteriorating conditions at Strangeways, labeling it as the most violent and squalid prison in the UK, plagued by organized crime and drug trafficking.
The report highlighted that Gorst had expressed his struggles with the lengthy sentence and dissatisfaction with the prison environment during conversations with his partner. Gorst’s lack of a proper induction and key work support at Strangeways led to prolonged isolation in his cell, adversely impacting his mental well-being.
Gorst’s body was discovered during a routine check for ‘afternoon association,’ revealing operational challenges at the prison that hindered prisoners’ engagement in purposeful activities. The delayed response of paramedics and the prison staff’s security checks raised concerns about the emergency procedures in place. Gorst’s death marked the 16th fatality at HMP Manchester since April 2020.
Days before his passing, Gorst expressed deep depression and hopelessness in conversations with his partner, citing the harsh conditions at the prison. His calendar entry on April 22, where he wrote ‘my last day,’ and a letter addressed to his family as his ‘suicide letter,’ indicated his deteriorating mental state and despair. Concerns were raised about the lack of adequate support and opportunities for prisoners at HMP Manchester.
In response to the tragic incident, the Prison Service noted improvements in prisoners’ out-of-cell time at HMP Manchester due to increased staffing levels. For emotional support, the Samaritans helpline is available 24/7 at 116 123, or individuals can reach out via email, in-person visits, or the Samaritans website.