Man’s jail suicide recorded as unlawful killing by Milton Keynes inquest

Coroner’s jury made first-ever finding after hearing of failings at Woodhill prison that contributed to Robert Fenlon’s death

The death of a man who took his own life in prison in Buckinghamshire has been recorded as an unlawful killing, in what is believed to be the first finding of its type by an inquest jury.

The family of Robert Fenlon – who have been campaigning since his death while on remand at Woodhill prison in March 2016 – called on authorities to engage in “serious reflection” after the finding by the inquest, which was told of a catalogue of failures.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org