Regarding the death of Adam Rickwood at Hassockfield Secure Training Centre
“I can confirm that Adam Rickwood, aged 14, who was securely remanded at Hassockfield Secure Training Centre was pronounced dead in the early hours of this morning at Durham's University Hospital. It has been announced that Adam died after being found hanging in his room at the centre.
“The family have been informed and a post mortem will be carried out this afternoon.
“Durham police launched an investigation following the discovery of Adam in his room. They have said that there is nothing at this stage to suggest that the circumstances of the death were suspicious.
“Adam had been on remand in Hassockfield STC for one month.
“In accordance with our serious incidents procedure an investigation will be launched immediately by the Board in co-operation with the Prison and Probation Ombudsman and the Commission for Social Care inspection. In addition, the Board’s Regional Manager will be at Hassockfield STC on duty 9am to 5pm on weekdays until further notice.
“We will be in contact with the family at the earliest opportunity to explain the actions we are taking and to invite them to meet with me and other members of the Board.
“I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to Adam's family. We will do everything we can to help ensure that the circumstances of his tragic death are made known, and that any lessons that need to be learnt will be.”
Notes to editors:
Contact: 020 7271 3014
1. The Youth Justice Board was set up under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to monitor the performance and operation of the entire youth justice system. Its aim is to prevent offending by children and young people up to the age of 17. It delivers this by preventing crime and the fear of crime; identifying and dealing with young offenders; and reducing reoffending. Its statutory duties include commissioning and purchasing places in the juvenile secure estate (Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres and Local Authority Secure Children's Homes) for young people sentenced or remanded to custody.
2. Hassockfield STC opened in September 1999 and is operated by Medomsley Training Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Premier Custodial Group. It is a 42 bed secure juvenile establishment, holding boys and girls.