BRAVE CHELMSFORD PRISON OFFICERS RUSH TO SAVE CONVICTED PAEDOPHILE ANTHONY QUIGLEY FROM FLAMES
In July 2013, a harrowing incident unfolded within the confines of Chelmsford Prison that would test the courage and compassion of its staff.Anthony Gerald Quigley, a 55-year-old inmate with a troubling criminal history, was found engulfed in flames inside his cell, prompting a swift and heroic response from prison officers who risked their own safety to attempt a rescue.
According to a detailed inquest held at Essex Coroner's Court in May 2014, the incident occurred on the second landing of D Wing, specifically in Cell 2, shortly after the prisoners' lunch break.
Witnesses testified that a fellow inmate, acting as a cellmate, was the first to raise the alarm, alerting staff to the emergency.
Officer Keith Danbury responded promptly, signaling a “Code 1” via radio, which mobilized a team of officers and four nurses to the scene.
Jurors heard that the prison officers did not hesitate to enter the cell despite the extreme danger.
They used towels to smother the flames and threw buckets of water in an effort to extinguish the fire.
Remarkably, the officers had no protective equipment on hand, as there was no time to don any gear.
Their primary focus was to save Quigley's life, and their actions were described as both brave and compassionate by the coroner.
Deputy Essex Coroner Eleanor McGann praised the officers' conduct, stating, “Their conduct was exemplary.
It was brave to see somebody in flames and to go into that cell where someone is engulfed in flames and then to pull them out.” She emphasized that the officers acted with no regard for their own safety, risking burns and injury to save a fellow human being.
“They just went in there with a view to save someone’s life and my god they nearly did,” she added.
Tragically, despite their efforts, Quigley sustained severe burns—approximately 90 percent of his body was affected.
He was wearing a nylon shell suit at the time, a type of tracksuit often associated with notorious figures like Jimmy Savile, which likely contributed to the severity of the burns.
The flames had burned from his foot up to his knees, leaving parts of his skin smoldered and ground to ash.
Quigley, who had a history of mental health issues including schizophrenia and diabetes, was known to be a frequent smoker and possessed a lighter in his cell.
Witnesses at the inquest stated that he had shown no suicidal intent but was terrified that dogs would break into his cell and kill him.
On July 7, 2013, just two days before the incident, he had scalded the back of his hands with a kettle and made scratches on his skin.
Mental health professionals and prison officers testified that he had promised not to harm himself again.
He had been serving a 13-year sentence after being convicted in 2004 of multiple sex offenses involving children.
Quigley had been transferred to Chelmsford Prison before his release on September 21, 2012, but was returned to custody just a week later for breaching his license conditions.
In the aftermath of the fire, the coroner concluded that Quigley's death was the result of an accident.
The jury agreed, acknowledging the bravery and dedication of the prison staff who responded to the emergency.
“They acted with bravery and with compassion,” said Coroner McGann, “and I extend my congratulations to all of them for their efforts in such a perilous situation.”
