Wrong inmate's family told of HMP Frankland cell death

Officers were sent to the home of the wrong Mohammed Ahmed's relatives, after one of two inmates with the same name died at HMP Frankland on March 12, 2024.

A report released this week revealed the prison, in Brasside, picked the wrong contact details off a visitor list.

The Prison Service apologised for the error and said steps have been taken to prevent a repeat of the blunder. 

The report, from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), said: “The initial details obtained for Mr Ahmed’s next of kin were taken from a visits list and were, in fact, incorrect and for another prisoner of the same name.

"This should not have happened.

HMP Frankland is home to some of the UK's most notorious prisoners. (Image: STUART BOULTON) “It is good practice, particularly in the long-term estate, for next of kin details to be regularly reviewed so that they are readily available if needed.” 

Police were sent to the home in the West Midlands force area after Ahmed's death. An inquest at Crook Coroners' Court concluded last month that he died by a method of suicide.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for the distress caused and have written to the family concerned. This error was quickly identified and corrected, and steps have been taken to prevent this happening again including annual checks of next of kin details.”

Ahmed was convicted in 2003 of trying to kill his wife but ruled unfit to plead and sent to a secure hospital, the PPO report reveals. Doctors later decided he was being “dishonest” about his symptoms. He was sent back to court and jailed for ten years.

(Image: STUART BOULTON) He was freed on licence in June 2009 but recalled six months later to HMP Birmingham after being charged with grievous bodily harm against his probation officer. In July 2010 he was convicted and given an imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence with a minimum of five years.

In December 2014 Ahmed was transferred to HMP Frankland.

He rarely joined in prison life and had little contact with other inmates, the PPO report said.

His dad was listed as a contact Ahmed never used prison phones to speak to him, but had occasional contact by mail with family and friends, the report all states.

He was not understood to have any mental health issues, it revealed, and repeatedly denied any thoughts of suicide or self-harm, and refused help when offered.

At 5.43am on March 13, 2024, officers found him dead in his cell during a routine check.

A medical emergency was called but staff saw he had been dead for some time, and resuscitation not attempted. Paramedics confirmed his death at 6.31am.

The report said: “Mohammed had not given staff any reasons for concern about his risk of suicide or self-harm while in prison.

"He had been in prison for 14 years but chose not to engage with other prisoners or staff unless he needed something. He consistently denied thoughts or intent to harm himself.”

The report added: “Staff tried hard to engage with Mr Ahmed, despite his resistance."

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