AN inquest into the death of a Westcliff man who was found unresponsive in his prison cell has concluded that multiple failures contributed to his death.

Daniel Weighman, 38, from Westcliff, died on January 6, 2023, three days after he was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Chelmsford.

A jury has concluded that multiple failures by prison and Castle Rock Group healthcare staff contributed to his death.

Daniel’s prison and medical records included that he had a history of psychotic symptoauditory hallucinations for which he had previously received treatment.

However, between his arrival in October 2022 and his death in January 2023 he was not seen by the mental health team despite a referral.

Chloe Weighman, Daniel’s sister, said: “Danny, at his core, was a kind and loving person, and while he made a few mistakes in his life, he never deserved this.

“HMP Chelmsford has taken Danny from us. If Danny was given the support he so desperately asked for, we would not be where we are today. He was repeatedly failed by the prison and healthcare service, who failed to carry out their basic responsibilities towards him, and we have paid the ultimate price for those failures.”

Daniel was the third eldest of eight siblings and was a family-oriented son, father, and brother.

He was on remand at HMP Chelmsford after breaching his licence conditions at the time of his death.

In December 2022, Hodge, Jones and Allen solicitors say Daniel’s behaviour in prison started to change. He became increasingly agitated, which was noticed by friends, family, and the prison officers, and this led to one of his cellmates asking to be moved.

On January 1, 2023, he reported that he would self-harm. Neither prison officers nor a paramedic who spoke to him opened a Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork support plan.

The jury concluded that the failure to open a plan on this day contributed to Daniel’s death.

On, January 3, Daniel said he was “hearing voices” and he needed to be seen by the mental health team. Later in the afternoon he was seen with self-harm injuries.

Although a plan was opened, the jury concluded that staff did not follow best practice procedures, and that observation levels were not appropriate, both of which contributed to Daniel’s death.

Two hours later he was found unresponsive in his cell, and, despite optimal hospital care, he died on January 6, 2023.

The jury delivered a narrative conclusion, highlighting several failings which contributed to his death.

EPUT and CRG healthcare have been contacted for comment by the Echo.