A former prisoner, identified as Ged Corbett, was found dead from a heroin overdose just three days after being released from HMP Thameside in South London. The individual, who had been homeless following his release, had a long history of substance misuse, which ultimately contributed to his tragic death.
Corbett, who was 37, had been serving a sentence at HMP Thameside after breaching the terms of a sexual offences order. He was sentenced in April 2023, shortly after being released from HMP Hull following a previous conviction for assault. Upon arrival at HMP Thameside, Corbett was already enrolled in a methadone detoxification programme to manage his withdrawal from heroin.
During his time in prison, Corbett was placed under the care of the prison’s Substance Misuse Service (SMS). A comprehensive care plan was implemented for him in May, which included harm minimisation advice, education on the dangers of drug misuse, and guidance on safe needle use. He was also warned about the risk of overdose following abstinence from heroin. Despite these warnings, Corbett expressed a desire to discontinue his methadone treatment entirely before his release, against the advice of medical staff.
In the months leading up to his release, Corbett was taught how to safely administer naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and he requested a supply upon leaving prison. He was also informed of the heightened risk of overdose following a period of detoxification.
Upon his release on August 16, 2023, Corbett received a supply of naloxone and additional training information. His release was complicated by housing difficulties, as his request to live in Woolwich was denied due to outstanding domestic abuse allegations. Efforts to secure temporary accommodation in York, where Corbett had previously lived, were unsuccessful due to space limitations and the council’s requirement for more advanced notice for housing individuals with sexual offence convictions.
Corbett was released without securing housing and failed to attend an initial appointment with his assigned housing officer. With no mobile phone, his Community Offender Manager (COM) was unable to contact him, leading to his recall to prison after 24 hours without communication.
Tragically, on the morning of August 19, a member of the public discovered Corbett outside an address in London. Emergency services arrived but were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at 11:24 am. A post-mortem examination concluded that Corbett had died from acute respiratory depression and a coma caused by heroin toxicity.
An inquest held in January 2024 confirmed that Corbett’s death was drug-related. The Prison and Probation Ombudsman’s report highlighted Corbett’s long-standing struggles with substance misuse and confirmed that he had received appropriate treatment during his time at HMP Thameside. The report also commended his COM for liaising with support agencies and making housing referrals, though efforts to secure housing were ultimately unsuccessful.
A spokesperson for Serco, the company that manages HMP Thameside, expressed condolences to Corbett’s family, stating, “We were saddened to learn of the death of Mr Corbett, who we supported during his time at HMP Thameside. Our thoughts are with his family and those who knew him.
Corbett’s death has raised further concerns about the support provided to vulnerable individuals after their release from prison, particularly those dealing with homelessness and substance misuse issues.
