Patryk Jalocha, a 24-year-old Polish national on remand for attempted murder, was found dead in his cell at HMP Manchester (Strangeways) on November 5, 2024, amid a scandal involving a prison officer who falsified a suicide monitoring record. The officer was subsequently sacked for gross misconduct, according to a report by the Prison and Probation Ombudsman published in June 2026.
Background and Charges
Jalocha, who had been living in West Bromwich, was arrested on August 5, 2024, and charged with the attempted murder of a woman found stabbed on Highgate Road in Walsall, as well as aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm. He was initially remanded to HMP Birmingham on August 6, his first time in prison. During a health assessment, he denied any history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts.
Due to the nature of his offences, Jalocha was identified as a potential Category A prisoner and transferred to HMP Manchester on August 12. He was placed on a landing for younger and more vulnerable Category A prisoners.
Legal Proceedings and Deportation Threat
On September 5, Jalocha was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for firearm possession and six months for affray and possession of an offensive weapon and cocaine, to be served concurrently. He remained on remand for attempted murder and aggravated burglary. On September 9, the Home Office's Foreign National Offender Returns Command (FNORC) deemed him a person of interest, as a conviction could lead to a sentence of over 12 months and possible deportation.
On September 20, Jalocha was served a notice of liability to deportation, which he refused to sign until consulting his solicitor.
Suicide Monitoring and Failures
Jalocha's mood declined, and on September 29, prison staff initiated ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) suicide and self-harm monitoring after noticing he had become withdrawn and spent most of his time asleep. Monitoring was stopped on October 15 but restarted on October 26 when superficial scratches were found on his arm.
On November 4 and 5, two staff members observed graffiti in Jalocha's cell, including a drawing of a man hanging, but did not examine it or question him. At approximately 10:55 PM on November 5, an officer discovered Jalocha hanged. Emergency response included CPR, but he was pronounced dead at 11:45 PM.
Ombudsman Findings
The investigation found that a night patrol officer did not complete required ACCT checks immediately before Jalocha was found hanged and falsified the record to indicate he had done so. The officer also failed to radio a code blue emergency. The governor dismissed the officer for gross misconduct.
Ombudsman Sue McAllister stated: "The Governor rightly dismissed the officer for gross misconduct but I am conscious that this failure in duty of care will make difficult reading for Mr Jalocha's family."
Recommendations
The report recommended that prison governors ensure staff take due account of graffiti, handwritten notes, and drawings, and take appropriate action. It also called for robust assurance processes to ensure staff understand responsibilities during medical emergencies, including prompt use of emergency codes.
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