Child rapist took own life in prison cell

Anthony Payling (36) was sentenced in 2018 for offences including two counts of rape against a teenage girl.

He died on December 10, 2020, at 10.30am at HMP Doncaster, a category B prison run by Serco and which holds around 1,445 male and youth offenders.

The court heard how Payling was found on the floor of his single occupied cell and was unresponsive.

He had deep cuts to both wrists from a razor included in a hygiene health sanitary pack, the inquest heard.

Assistant Doncaster Coroner, Mr Matthew Stanbury, opened a jury inquest to ascertain whether there were clear signs that he intended to end his own life.

Evidence was heard from Payling’s brother, representatives of Serco and HMP Doncaster and emergency service staff.

Brother Dean said the pair were close as children but had lost contact over the years.

Police transcribed phone conversations between Payling and a friend on December 9 and 10, told the court that Payling said he “cried for the first time in his life” and had a “nervous breakdown” because of the death of his mother and his brother not returning his calls.

Hours before his death, Payling’s friend asked if he was “going to do something stupid” to which he replied “no mate”.

Mrs Sara Lockwood, an assistant director at HMP Doncaster, said Payling had regular contact with prison officers and support workers since his arrival on remand in September 2017.

She said that Payling “did not show any signs” of a patient who would self harm and was granted “special duties” because he was a “genuine” and “compliant” prisoner.

Mr Stanbury questioned if some of the entry observations recorded were not “as thorough” as they could have been, which Mrs Lockwood accepted.

Karen Hinsley, head of healthcare at Practice Plus Group, said staff were given “specialised training” to help and support vulnerable prisoners.

She said Payling was classed as “low risk” and showed no signs of being vulnerable from conversations and assessments with health workers.

The inquest heard how Payling had contracted Covid-19 on December 1 and became “reluctant” to engage with personnel regarding his health and feelings.

The jury returned a verdict of suicide.