CHILD ABUSER ANDREW HADWIN DIES IN PRISON AFTER NEGLECT AND MISMANAGEMENT
Andrew Hadwin, aged 39, was in HMP Durham awaiting sentencing for serious crimes including child neglect and rape.He was convicted alongside his partner Cheryl Pickles, with whom he made children endure prolonged physical and emotional abuse, scavenge for scraps, and suffer what was described as "sadistic" cruelty over many years.
Hadwin was found dead in his prison cell just two weeks after a jury declared him guilty.
The inquest revealed that Hadwin's death might have been preventable if a crucial diabetes check, which was not performed the day before he died, had taken place.
The jury concluded that "He was not adequately tested.
Such a failure probably contributed to Mr Hadwin’s death.
[His] own diabetes mismanagement also probably contributed to his death.
"We consider Andrew Hadwin consciously chose on multiple occasions not to take his required medication.
We consider that [he] did intend to take his own life." A detailed 17-page report, released by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman, described how Hadwin, who arrived at HMP Durham on January 17, 2023, with pre-existing conditions including type one diabetes, was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis on January 19.
Despite hospital treatment, he was discharged without an up-to-date medication list and continued to receive an insufficient insulin dose, leading to worsening health.
On February 2, he exhibited symptoms such as stomach pains, heavy breathing, and a rapid pulse, but staff failed to escalate his urgent health needs.
He was later found slumped on the toilet, with staff unable to provide timely medical attention, leading to his death despite attempts at CPR.
The report condemned the prison staff's failure to perform proper health checks and called for improved healthcare protocols, staff training, and escalation procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
His victims never saw justice, as he died before serving his sentence.
