HMP Styal is once again under scrutiny after another tragic inmate death, this time involving 35-year-old Sarah Boyle, who died from self-inflicted injuries on July 20 at Wythenshawe Hospital. This incident has triggered an official investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), as the prison continues to grapple with a distressing record of similar cases.

Ms. Boyle’s untimely death is part of a concerning pattern at the women’s facility, which has witnessed multiple suicides over the years, making it one of the prisons with the highest number of such occurrences in England. The most poignant of these was the case of 18-year-old Annelise Sanderson, who died in her cell in December 2020 under dire circumstances that pointed to systemic failures in care and oversight.

The current investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding Ms. Boyle’s death and whether more could have been done to prevent this tragedy. An inquest is expected to open soon, providing further details about the events leading up to her demise.

HMP Styal, which houses approximately 480 inmates, has been criticized for its handling of vulnerable prisoners, particularly those with mental health issues. The death of Christine McDonald in 2019, who was also found after self-harming in her cell, led to an inquest ruling that neglect had played a part in her suicide. This incident highlighted significant lapses in the prison’s healthcare protocols.

Following these incidents, the prison has reportedly increased its mental health budget significantly, but critics argue that systemic changes are still needed to address the root causes of these tragedies. The Ministry of Justice has emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce the female prison population and enhance rehabilitative services to address the complex needs of women in custody.

This latest death raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of these reforms and the overall strategy for safeguarding vulnerable inmates at HMP Styal. As the community and families of the deceased seek answers, the spotlight once again falls on the criminal justice system’s ability to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for those it incarcerates.

For those affected by the issues raised in this report, support is available through Samaritans at 116 123 or via their website at samaritans.org, as well as through the CALM website at thecalmzone.net/get-support.