A PAEDOPHILE who told a child he was using witchcraft to help cast out spirits, told prison staff he did not want to be resuscitated, prior to his death.

In September 2017, Steven Matthison, formerly of Keir Hardie Avenue, Stanley, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for child sex offences.

The 56-year-old was sent to Frankland jail, in Durham, following the revelation that he used his claimed sorcery skills as a means of controlling and manipulating the vulnerable victim, who was too young and naive to see through his stories.

The Northern Echo:

Matthison told his victim the youngster had made the spirits angry, but as he was “possessed” they would have to make payment for his protection on behalf of both of them, by allowing him to carry out sexual abuse.

He was charged with 18 offences, including ten of rape, plus others of indecent assault, indecency with a child and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

READ MORE: Stanley sexual abuser said he was using witchcraft to rid child of 'evil spirits'

However, a new report has showed that while serving his sentence at Frankland Prison, Matthison died of bronchopneumonia and heart failure.

An investigator from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman said Matthison had complex needs and on May 2020, he signed an order saying he did not want to be resuscitated if his heart or breathing stopped.

He lived with heart disease, inflamed heart tissue,cirrhosis of the liver and had a history of strokes.

Karen Johnson, assistant ombudsman said: “On July 4, Mr Matthison went to hospital because he had difficulty breathing. He was discharged back to Frankland on July 7 and hospital staff recorded that he had worsening symptoms.”

The convicted rapist was sent back to hospital briefly in August 2020, due to his deteriorating health and in October, healthcare staff moved Matthison to a palliative care cell.

He died in November 2020.

NHS England asked for a clinical review of Matthison’s care at Frankland.

The report states: "The review found that Matthison’s long-term health needs and risks were assessed and reviewed in a timely manner and in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. The reviewer also found that there was good communication between prison and healthcare staff."