Milad Fathy

Milad Fathy, a resident of the Hyde Park area in Leeds, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Leeds Crown Court on 24 January 2023 for a series of serious offences including sexual assault, robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a bladed article.

The offences occurred in May 2022. Fathy sexually assaulted one young woman and, a few days later, robbed another of her mobile phone. During the sentencing hearing, the judge described Fathy as a 'woman’s worst nightmare' and noted that he exhibited a 'deep-seated hostility towards women'. Fathy had been remanded in custody at HMP Leeds since June 2022 following his arrest by West Yorkshire Police.

Tragically, just five days after receiving his sentence, Fathy was found dead in his cell at HMP Leeds on 29 January 2023. An investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) revealed that his death was the 12th self-inflicted death at the prison since the start of 2020, and the fourth in a seven-week period from December 2022 to January 2023. The report highlighted that recent sentencing of this nature can act as a trigger for suicide, and noted Fathy's history of substance misuse and depression. He had previously been monitored under suicide and self-harm prevention procedures (ACCT) between June and August 2022.

The PPO report stated: 'While I am satisfied that staff checked his welfare in line with expectations following his sentencing – and that it is not unreasonable that they chose not to start new ACCT procedures at the time – this case is a reminder that in a busy local prison there are prisoners who might be at risk and that staff must remain vigilant to potential risk factors and triggers.' Additionally, the ombudsman found that the prison's healthcare provision 'did not meet expectations', as Fathy's antidepressant prescription was not reviewed. Recommendations included ensuring staff create care plans with treatment plans and review timescales.

A Prison Service spokesperson responded: 'Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Milad Fathy. We have taken steps to address the number of self-inflicted deaths at HMP Leeds, including through improved staff training and additional investment in healthcare.' The report was published in 2025, underscoring ongoing concerns about conditions at HMP Leeds, also known as Armley Prison.