Former Prisoner Dies of Heroin Overdose Days After Release
Ged Corbett, 37, was found dead from a heroin overdose just three days after leaving HMP Thameside in South London. Homeless and battling long-term substance abuse, his tragic death raises urgent questions about support for vulnerable ex-inmates.
Struggles Behind Bars and After Release
- Corbett was serving time for breaching a sexual offences order and had a previous assault conviction.
- He was enrolled in a methadone detox programme at Thameside and warned repeatedly about overdose risks after detox.
- Despite advice, Corbett wanted to stop methadone treatment before release.
- He was trained to use naloxone, a life-saving overdose reversal drug, and was given a supply on release.
Homeless and Cut Off From Help
Upon release on August 16, 2023, Corbett faced housing woes. His request to live in Woolwich was denied due to outstanding domestic abuse allegations. Efforts to find temporary housing in York, where he previously lived, failed because of council restrictions on offenders with sexual convictions.
Corbett left prison with no home and no phone. He missed appointments with his housing officer and couldn’t be contacted by his Community Offender Manager. After just 24 hours without communication, he was recalled to prison.
Found Dead on London Street
On the morning of August 19, a passerby discovered Corbett outside a London address. Emergency services arrived but couldn’t save him. A post-mortem confirmed heroin toxicity caused his death through acute respiratory depression and coma.
An inquest in January 2024 ruled the death drug-related. The Prison and Probation Ombudsman’s report noted Corbett’s ongoing addiction struggles and confirmed he received appropriate care in prison. It praised efforts to secure housing but admitted they ultimately failed.
Calls for Better Support After Prison
Serco, which manages HMP Thameside, expressed condolences to Corbett’s family. A spokesperson said, “We were saddened to learn of Mr Corbett’s death and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
This heartbreaking case highlights ongoing challenges in supporting vulnerable offenders after release, especially those battling homelessness and substance misuse.
