A former prisoner took his own life less than a week after being left homeless on his release from custody.

Darren Docherty was found dead in woodland near Stoke-on-Trent on August 10, 2023, six days after his release from HMP Stoke Heath in Shropshire.

The 48-year-old had been living in a tent after referrals to supported housing providers had been declined, with Stoke-on-Trent City Council having no emergency accommodation available.

Mr Docherty had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a history of self-harm and drug abuse – all considered 'significant' risk factors for suicide.

But an investigation into the death by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman found that Mr Docherty's homelessness could also have been a contributory factor.

Ombudsman Adrian Usher says that prison and probation staff had acted appropriately by referring Mr Docherty to local authorities and homelessness charities, and his report makes no recommendations.

The PPO investigates all post-release deaths that occur within 14 days of a person's release from prison.

In his report, Mr Usher states: "Mr Docherty was released homeless from prison and spent almost a week before his death living in a tent. While we cannot be certain, it is possible that this was a contributory factor to his self-harm.

"Although Mr Docherty was released from prison without any suitable accommodation, we consider that the prison and probation staff suitably prepared for his release by promptly completing accommodation referrals to local authorities and homelessness charities.

"Nevertheless, this case is a reminder to prison and probation staff that of the increased risk of suicide and self-harm of homelessness on release.

"There were no particular signs that Mr Docherty was contemplating suicide in the time before his death and in the circumstances, we do not think that probation staff could have done any more to support him."

Mr Docherty was sentenced to 16 months in prison for robbery in April 2022.

During his sentence he received mental health care and was subject to assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) procedures due his risk of self-harm and suicide – he had cut himself and spoke of taking his own life.

Two months before his release the ACCT procedures were closed, with Mr Docherty saying he had no thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Probation staff attempted to secure post-release accommodation for Mr Docherty but were unsuccessful.

Mr Usher's report states: "The probation officer said that due to Mr Docherty's housing history and behaviour within shared accommodation settings, and concerns surrounding his substance misuse, a number of supported housing providers declined his referral due to him requiring 'too high support needs'.

"She also completed a Duty to Refer to Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 23 July, to notify them that Mr Docherty would be released from custody homeless."

Mr Docherty was released on August 4, and while a probation officer helped him make a 'homeless tonight' application to the city council, no accommodation was available.

The report says that Mr Docherty spent the night in a tent.

During an appointment with a probation officer on August 9, Mr Docherty expressed disappointment that his referral for short-term accommodation had been declined and said he was worried because he had no housing.

The probation officer asked the city council about emergency accommodation but again none was available.

Mr Docherty was found dead the next day, and an inquest confirmed that he died from suicide.

A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service said: "Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Darren Docherty at this difficult time.

 "While the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman made no formal recommendations to HMPPS, we recognise the findings and are working closely with our partners to improve continuity of care for those leaving custody."

The city council has also been approached for comment.

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