A grieving mother has spoken out about the tragic death of her daughter, who she claimed was mistreated before taking her own life in a prison on Christmas Eve. Alex Davies, a 25-year-old woman suffering from severe borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder due to past sexual abuse, was discovered dead in a segregation cell at a UK jail. During an 11-day inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, it was revealed that Alex should have been placed in a mental health facility instead of the prison where she ultimately passed away. The jury concluded that neglect played a role in her untimely demise.

Stacie, Alex’s distraught mother, expressed her anguish, stating, “Alex was not just my daughter but also my closest companion. She only sought help, but the conditions in prison made her feel like she had no choice but to end her own life.”

Psychiatrists highlighted that Alex should have been admitted to a mental health hospital rather than being incarcerated. She spent 27 days in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU), a type of segregation, against guidelines that advise against keeping at-risk prisoners in such units without exceptional circumstances.

Represented by legal experts from Broudie Jackson Canter, Stacie demanded accountability for the treatment her daughter received. She condemned the prison’s actions, likening Alex’s experience to being treated as subhuman.

Alex had a history of mental health struggles and had seen her condition worsen after being removed from a particular medication and facing legal issues. The inquest revealed several lapses in Alex’s care, including a failure to properly assess her risk of self-harm and a lack of continuous monitoring despite warning signs.

The family’s legal representatives emphasized the need for significant changes in how vulnerable individuals are treated within the prison system to prevent future tragedies like Alex’s. They called for improved support and care for inmates struggling with mental health issues.

In response to the case, a Prison Service spokesperson acknowledged the failures in Alex’s care and expressed condolences to her loved ones. The prison has taken immediate steps following the incident and is prepared to implement recommendations from the Prison and Probation Ombudsman’s forthcoming report.

For those seeking mental health assistance, contact the Samaritans for support.