Andrew Barraclough

Andrew Barraclough, a 61-year-old man, was serving a 16-year custodial sentence for sexual offences at HMP Stafford, a prison designated for sex offenders, when he passed away on 30 May 2024.

Barraclough had been convicted of sexual offences three years prior to his death and was sentenced on 29 July 2022. The exact nature of the offences was not detailed in the report, but they were serious enough to warrant a lengthy prison term in a specialist facility. During his incarceration, Barraclough's health deteriorated due to underlying medical conditions.

A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) revealed that Barraclough died from a malignant tumour of the lung, caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive lung disease. These conditions led to scarring of the lungs and progressively difficult breathing. An inquest held in November 2024 concluded that his death was due to natural causes.

Following his death, a review of Barraclough's care at HMP Stafford was commissioned by NHS England. The review found that he had received an 'excellent standard' of clinical care, equivalent to what he would have expected in the community. The PPO report commended the healthcare staff, stating: 'The clinical reviewer found that health care staff should be commended for the high quality of patient centred care provided throughout Mr Barraclough’s time in Stafford.' The PPO also extended condolences to Barraclough’s family and friends.

The PPO conducts independent investigations into deaths in custody to ensure accountability and improve standards. This case highlights the challenges of managing serious health conditions within the prison system, particularly for long-term inmates convicted of grave offences.