Inmate died 10 days after prison transfer

A man found dead in his cell in a prison in Nottinghamshire had been transferred 10 days earlier, an inquest has heard.

David Loch was transferred to HMP Lowdham Grange on 27 March 2025 from another jail, but the 35-year-old was found dead on the morning of 6 April.

An inquest at Nottingham Coroner's Court heard he had synthetic cannabinoids - commonly known as Spice - in his system at the time he died.

The jury was also told some checks on him were not carried out as they should have been.

Loch was held in segregation at HMP Full Sutton, Yorkshire, before being transferred to Lowdham Grange, and had a history of self-harming.

However, the court heard that at a healthcare screening on arrival, he was not deemed to be at risk.

Staff were told he had a history of using alcohol and Spice, but had said he had not used substances for about 18 months.

At about 09:00 BST on 6 April, staff unlocking his cell found him sitting on his bed with a vape machine in his hand.

He was confirmed deceased at 09:21.

Frances Hollingbury, a forensic pathologist who carried out an autopsy on Loch, told jurors there were no external injuries or signs of natural disease that caused or contributed to his death.

She said two strains of Spice were found in his system, adding: "In my opinion, it is the use of the synthetic cannabinoids that has resulted in Mr Loch's death."

Jurors were told by Simon Burge, assistant coroner, that "not all of the checks were carried out when they should have been" before Loch was found dead.

Hollingbury said it was not possible to say if proper checks could have led to emergency treatment that may have saved Loch's life, adding Spice can affect people "very rapidly" and has no known treatment.

The inquest continues.

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