Teenager found hanged at Wetherby Young Offender Institution

Neil Puffett
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

A 17-year-old boy has died after being found hanging in his cell at Wetherby Young Offender Institution (YOI) in Yorkshire.

Clark pronounced dead at 8.55am on Monday after being found hanging in his cell. Image: Phil Adams
Clark pronounced dead at 8.55am on Monday after being found hanging in his cell. Image: Phil Adams

Ryan Clark, who was on remand, died shortly after being found hanging in his cell on Monday morning.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "At approximately 7.51am on Monday, 18 April, HMYOI Wetherby prisoner Ryan Clark was found hanging in his cell.

"Healthcare staff attempted resuscitation and paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead at an outside hospital at approximately 8.55am.

"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation."

The death comes after concerns were raised about the impact of ongoing closures of establishments due to falling custody levels.

Internal Youth Justice Board (YJB) documents, seen by CYP Now, revealed that two significant incidents in YOIs, including a riot, appeared to be linked to the decommissioning process.

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