States in a secret deal over prison death claim
THE States has reached a secret settlement in a £325,000 damages claim following the death of a man in prison six years ago.
Alan Schofield, 64, died from a heart attack at Les Nicolles on 11 July 2008. The architectural technologist, who worked for the States, was serving a six-week prison sentence, imposed on 28 June that year, for his second drink-drive conviction.
On 11 January 2010, an inquest found that Mr Schofield had died from natural causes but failings in his care were highlighted.
In October 2011, Mr Schofield's widow, Patricia, began an action against the States of Guernsey, acting through the Home Department, and then prison governor Terry Wright, for £325,516 for damages resulting from alleged negligence.
The claim was disputed.
In August last year the States tabled a potential third party claim against doctors Mary Hotton and Timothy Gill who were contracted to provide medical services within the prison at the time but that action was later withdrawn.
The matter was set for trial last Friday but the start was delayed while negotiations continued.
The Royal Court was then told the parties had agreed a settlement.
