18 April 2019

Before HM Coroner David Horsley

Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Coroners Court
1 Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AJ

Open 10am, Tuesday 23 April – expected to last 4 days

Anthony Walker, 66, died on the 16 November 2017 in an Approved Premises (formerly known as bail hostels) following his release from Winchester prison. The inquest into his death opens Tuesday 23 April 2019.

Anthony is described by his family as being passionate about his garden. He enjoyed fishing and spending time away in his caravan. He was originally from the Isle of Wight and his family report that he had a history of mental ill health.

He arrived at The Grange Approved Premises in Portsmouth on 3 November 2017. Thirteen days later, on the morning of 16 November, he was found hanging. He was not cut down from the ligature until the ambulance arrived.

Rebecca Wray, daughter of Anthony said: “As a family we are left heartbroken by the tragedy of losing a father, grandfather, husband, brother and son. We feel we are left with many questions as to how Anthony came to die and what processes were in place to safeguard him. We hope that the inquest will help us learn what happened and give us some of the many answers that we are seeking.”

ENDS

NOTES

For further information, please contact Lucy McKay or Sarah Uncles on 020 7263 1111 or email Lucy; email Sarah

INQUEST has been working with Andrew’s family since his death. The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group member Sam Genen of Scott-Moncrieff solicitors and Andrew Deakin of 39 Essex Chambers.

A photo is available on request.

Approved Premises, formally known as bail hostels, are residential units for people following release from prison. They are run by either voluntary organisations or the National Probation Service. The Grange where Andrew was housed was managed by the National Probation Service.

Analysis of official statistics published by the BBC highlights that deaths of people following release from prison have risen significantly in recent years.