Jai Townley, 25, died by suicide in early September at Yatala Labour Prison, a high-security facility in Adelaide, just weeks after his transfer there. His family has called for accountability and improvements in prison care, arguing that the system failed to protect him despite his known mental health vulnerabilities.

Townley had a documented history of mental health challenges, including diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depression, and anxiety. He had attempted suicide twice prior to his imprisonment. According to his father, Ian Townley, Jai’s risk of self-harm had been flagged while he was detained at the Adelaide Remand Centre. However, the family claims this information was not properly communicated to Yatala staff following his transfer, resulting in inadequate supervision.

Mr. Townley said his son was held in isolation for more than 24 hours without disciplinary cause, and his death was only discovered when officers entered his cell to place another inmate there. “My son was supposed to walk out of there, not exit in a body bag,” he said, expressing the family’s devastation and frustration with the Department for Correctional Services.

The Townleys allege a systemic failure to provide appropriate care and monitoring for prisoners with severe mental health needs. “Jai’s vulnerability should have been glaringly obvious to prison staff,” Mr. Townley stated, noting his son’s complex behavioural condition and mental health history. He also pointed out that Jai was not the first prisoner to die this year, emphasizing the need for reform to prevent further losses.

The Department for Correctional Services confirmed it is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Townley’s death and will consider recommendations from ongoing reviews. A department spokeswoman said no further comment would be made until the investigation is complete.

Following his son’s death, Mr. Townley has sought legal assistance and is working to raise awareness about mental illness in the prison system. He criticized the department for its lack of apology, condolences, or counselling support offered to the family after Jai’s death. “These people aren’t any less human than us. Jai was still a son, a brother, a friend and so much more. He deserves justice,” he said.