Homelessness may have played role in death of man who took own life shortly after prison release, watchdog finds

Mr Docherty was sentenced to 16 months in prison for robbery in April 2022, and received mental health support during his term.

The report said he had previously harmed himself and had been monitored under Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) procedures several times in prison. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was prescribed medication.

“These are significant risk factors by themselves,” the report said, adding: “In addition, 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.”

A number of supported housing providers had declined to accommodate him on release due to his history and behaviour in shared accommodation, and their concerns about his substance misuse, the report said.

Stoke City Council was notified on 23 July that Mr Docherty would be released from custody homeless, and he left prison on 4 August.

The report said a probation officer helped him make a “homeless tonight” application to the council, but he slept in a tent provided by his father after finding that no temporary accommodation was available.

A probation officer requested emergency accommodation again on 9 August, but was told there was still none available, according to the report.

Mr Docherty was found dead on 10 August, with an inquest confirming he died by suicide, the PPO said.

After the inquest, area coroner for Staffordshire Emma Serrano sent a prevention of future deaths report to Stoke City Council and HMP Stoke Heath.

Ms Serrano’s report said that Mr Docherty had no accommodation upon his release from prison and was unable to be referred to the community mental health team or access a GP.

“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe you have the power to take such action,” the coroner’s report states.

In a response from Stoke City Council to the coroner’s report, the council acknowledges the “tragedy” of Mr Docherty’s death and expresses sympathy to his family and friends. However, it added that there was no “absolute duty” on a local housing authority to provide accommodation for all households or individuals who present as homeless.

The authority said Mr Docherty had been assessed by a housing officer on the day of his release but was found not to be in “priority need” so the council did not have a duty to provide interim accommodation for him.

The council added: “We as a local authority take our responsibilities to those leaving custody extremely seriously, but regrettably do not have sufficient accommodation or resources available to make an offer of immediate accommodation at the point of presentation to everyone, regardless of priority need.”

A growing number of people in England are leaving prison with no accommodation, according to government homelessness statistics published last week.

In 2024-25, the number of households owed a prevention duty due to departure from institutions (including prison, hospitals and looked-after child placements) rose by 25% to 4,430.

Stoke City Council was approached for additional comment.

If you or you believe a person you know is at risk of suicide, you can reach the Samaritans here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.