Killer Found Dead in Prison Cell After Officer Failed to Conduct Welfare Check
A convicted murderer was discovered deceased in his prison cell by a fellow inmate, following a failure by prison staff to perform mandatory welfare checks, according to a newly released investigation report. Patryk Skupinski, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of Coventry mother Marlene Doyle, was found lying face down in a pool of vomit at HMP Gartree near Market Harborough.
Details of the Incident and Investigation Findings
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman report outlines that on January 29, 2025, Skupinski was found unresponsive by another prisoner approximately twenty minutes after an officer unlocked his cell door without checking on him. This occurred despite prison policy requiring officers to obtain a positive response from inmates or open cell doors during roll checks.
Earlier that morning, at 7:13 am, an officer had conducted a roll check but did not follow proper procedures. Investigators concluded that given paramedics noted rigor mortis upon arrival at 8:45 am, Skupinski was almost certainly already deceased during that earlier check. The officer involved later stated he was unaware he was supposed to carry out welfare checks, believing his role was solely to unlock doors.
Cause of Death and Prison Response
A post-mortem examination determined Skupinski died from ischaemic heart disease combined with synthetic cannabinoid use. A tampered vape device, commonly used to inhale illicit substances, was discovered in his cell following his death. An inquest jury concluded he died by misadventure alongside a pre-existing heart condition.
In response to the incident, HMP Gartree has reviewed its morning check procedures and is ensuring all staff are aware of welfare check policies. The deputy governor confirmed managers would reissue the unlock policy to each staff member, requiring signatures to confirm understanding. The prison has also updated its local security strategy to mandate staff open cell doors if they cannot see the prisoner inside.
Background on the Prisoner and Prison Conditions
Skupinski, 38, was convicted in October 2023 for murdering 32-year-old Marlene Doyle, who was found with serious head injuries at their Coventry flat after concerned relatives raised the alarm. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years.
During his incarceration, Skupinski had maintained he did not use drugs and his prison record contained positive entries commending his good behavior. He worked as a cleaner and later as a mentor in the prison workshop. However, HMP Gartree has identified drugs entering via drones as a significant ongoing problem, with the Independent Monitoring Board noting concerns about contraband infiltration linked to debt, violence, and bullying.
Healthcare Response and Systemic Issues
The investigation also examined healthcare staff response after the alarm was raised. An independent clinical reviewer found that naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was not administered until ten minutes after healthcare staff responded, with only one dose given. The reviewer noted this would not have changed the outcome as Skupinski was already deceased but made three recommendations to the head of healthcare.
Skupinski represents the eleventh prisoner to die at HMP Gartree since January 2022. Following his death, the prison was unable to contact his mother, Hanna Skupinski, who had been jailed for assisting an offender after her son's murder and subsequently deported to Poland. Authorities worked through the Polish Consulate to notify his brother and arrange repatriation of his body.
A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "We have invested over £40 million in new prison security nationally, including £10 million on anti-drone measures, to clamp down on contraband."
