BRIAN TUSON'S TRAGIC END IN RAYLEIGH PRISON: CANCER CLAIMS LIFE IN CHELMSFORD FACILITY

In July 2019, the tragic death of Brian Tuson, a convicted sex offender, occurred within the confines of Chelmsford Prison's medical wing. Tuson, who was 81 years old at the time, had been battling cancer and was under an end-of-life care plan that explicitly included a 'do not attempt resuscitation' order. His passing marked the culmination of a life marred by serious criminal offenses and health struggles.

Prior to his death, Tuson had been serving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence after being convicted of multiple disturbing crimes, several of which involved a child. His criminal record included six counts of inciting a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration, assaulting a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual assault involving a female. These offenses painted a grim picture of his criminal history, which ultimately led to his incarceration.

Born on August 28, 1937, in Upney, Barking, Tuson had resided in Rayleigh before his sentencing. His health was already compromised by a history of lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. His medical condition was severe enough that he was placed on an end-of-life care plan, with explicit instructions not to resuscitate him if his condition worsened.

On the early morning of October 28, 2018, Tuson was discovered unresponsive in his bed within the prison’s medical wing. An on-call doctor responded promptly and confirmed his death at the scene. The circumstances of his passing prompted a post-mortem examination at Broomfield Hospital, conducted by Dr. Martin Goddard, a consultant histopathologist. The autopsy revealed that Tuson succumbed to bilateral pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung conditions that impair breathing. The report also noted that his lymphoma was a contributing factor in his death.

At the time of his death, Tuson was receiving palliative care in prison, given his diagnosis of terminal cancer. His passing underscored the complex interplay of his criminal past, health issues, and the end-of-life care he received in custody, raising questions about the management of inmates with serious health conditions in the prison system.