Geoffrey Talbot Morris

Geoffrey Talbot Morris, an 83-year-old man from the Isle of Wight, was imprisoned for historic child sex offences spanning three decades. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to 28 charges related to the sexual and indecent assault of children, involving both boys and girls on the Isle of Wight and the mainland. The court heard that Morris had engaged in sex acts with girls as young as eight and nine years old.

Morris received a custodial sentence of 18 years and ten months at that time. He was initially held at HMP Isle of Wight before being transferred in 2021 to HMP Verne in Dorset, where he resided on a specialist unit for prisoners with mobility or social care needs. Morris suffered from multiple chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and limited mobility.

On 10 June 2024, Morris was found dead in his cell at HMP Verne during a routine morning check. Prison officers conducted a roll call at 7:42am, with one officer believing he saw Morris move his foot in response to a greeting. However, less than an hour later, at 8:20am, a support care worker discovered he could not be woken. The prison GP pronounced him dead shortly after 9am.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Morris died from ischaemic strokes caused by severe atherosclerosis, a major cardiovascular disease. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) investigated the circumstances of his death and published a report highlighting concerns over the routine checks. The PPO noted it was 'unlikely' Morris had moved during the 7:42am check, as rigor mortis was already present when he was found. One officer involved was on only his second day on the job.

The PPO report stated that while no systemic failings were found, officers must ensure they can see a prisoner's face and confirm their well-being during checks. The clinical reviewer praised the standard of healthcare Morris received as good. An inquest held last month concluded that Morris died from natural causes.

The case was handled by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, as indicated in custody images from 2018.