Prisoner who died in cell told staff he would kill himself

INQUEST HEARS INMATE MAY HAVE USED SPICE

- CHRIS SLATER

AN inmate found dead in his cell at Forest Bank prison told staff escorting him there that he was going to take his own life, an inquest has heard.

John Neil Winchcole, 36, was discovered as cells were unlocked at the Salford jail on the morning of Monday, September 10, 2018. He couldn't be resuscitated and he was declared dead at the scene.

An inquest into his death has now begun before a jury at Bolton Coroner's Court.

They have heard that Mr Winchcole was reported to have told those escorting him to the jail that he was going to take his own life and that he spent several weeks on the healthcare wing before being moved into 'normal' prison accommodation.

They have also heard that an entry on a prison intelligence system suggested he may have been under the influence of Spice at lock-up on September 9, the night before he was discovered, inquest was the told.

Whilst another entry said there was a concern he may be being 'bullied' by another prisoner and had 'had a watch taken off him.

In 2008, Mr Winchcole received an indeterminate sentence, also known as a IPP, and served a 'portion' of his sentence at Forest Bank.

He was released after a decision by the Parole Board in July 2017.