Donald Glen

Donald Glen, a 78-year-old man from Tonge Fold in Bolton, Greater Manchester, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in December 2022 following his conviction for historic sex offences against children. He had been found guilty of two counts of rape of a child under 13 and ten counts of sexual assault on a child under 13. These offences, which took place in the past, involved serious sexual abuse that had a devastating impact on the victim.

The case was investigated by Greater Manchester Police, with Detective Constable Stacey Gardner of Bolton CID leading the effort. Following Glen's sentencing, Gardner commended the victim's courage, stating: "Sexual abuse can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on victims. This investigation demonstrates our ongoing and determined commitment to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice." She further praised the victim for their "courage, strength and dignity" in coming forward and supporting the investigation, adding that the sentencing offered some closure and that GMP would support anyone who has experienced sexual abuse.

While serving his sentence at HMP Wymott in Lancashire, Glen died on 7 July 2023 from heart disease. An investigation into his death was conducted by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Adrian Usher, whose report was published this week. The report detailed that NHS England commissioned an independent clinical reviewer to assess Glen's clinical care at the prison. The reviewer concluded that "the clinical care Mr Glen received at Wymott was of a reasonable standard and equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in the community." Two minor recommendations were made regarding healthcare practices, unrelated to his death.

Usher's office also investigated non-clinical aspects of Glen's care and found no issues of concern, making no further recommendations. The report was shared with His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service and the prison's healthcare provider, Practice Plus Group, who identified and corrected two minor factual inaccuracies. Glen's next of kin were informed of the investigation and raised queries about his healthcare, which were addressed in the clinical review. An inquest held on 12 March 2024 ruled that Glen died of natural causes, a conclusion echoed in Usher's report.

The case underscores the long-term consequences faced by convicted sex offenders, even after sentencing, as Glen passed away in custody just over three years into his 17-year term. Greater Manchester Police's involvement highlights their commitment to prosecuting such crimes and supporting victims.