The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Oliver Carter of Irwin Mitchell, Allison Munroe KC of Garden Court Chambers and Philip Dayle of No5 Chambers. They are supported by INQUEST Senior Caseworker Jodie Anderson.
The below content has been reproduced from an INQUEST press release.
Azroy Dawes-Clarke, a 28 year old Black man, died after ligaturing and subsequently being restrained by staff at HMP Elmley, on 10 November 2021. An inquest has now been opened to examine the circumstances of his death.
On 23 April 2020, Azroy was recalled to prison for breaching his licence and was taken to HMP Elmey. On 25 October 2021, prison staff restrained Azroy after he was alleged to have refused an order to return to his cell whilst collecting his medication. Shortly after, Azroy is said to have tied a ligature and said that he intended to take his life. Following this, his mental health continued to deteriorate and he was placed on an Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT), a safety plan for prisoners at risk of self-harm and suicide.
On 9 November, Azroy barricaded his cell and tied a ligature again. He pressed his cell bell. Azroy told prison staff that he felt under threat and that he wanted to end his life. Staff responded by moving Azroy to the prison’s inpatient unit and placing him in anti-ligature clothing. The following day, at around 4.40pm, a healthcare assistant reportedly found Azroy on the floor of his cell having ligatured. Paramedics were called after the nearby officers were alerted.
Whilst trying to put clothes on Azroy, he became distressed. Officers responded by using force and applying handcuffs. Azroy became unresponsive while being restrained. Azroy went into cardiac arrest on the way to hospital and was pronounce dead at the hospital shortly after.
Azroy was reported to have had a history of self-harm and suicide whilst in prison, although this was not something his family were ever made aware of. He also had several physical health conditions that required ongoing treatment.
Azroy was a semi-professional football player and loving father of four. He loved music and fantasy movies, especially Lord of the Rings and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. His family describe him as kind-hearted and compassionate and always putting the needs of others before his own.
The inquest will examine the circumstances of Azroy’s death, the use of force before his death and the care he received in prison, and is expected to last 3.5 weeks.
