Nearly 50 deaths in segregation units have been recorded in prisons across England and Wales over the past decade, highlighting growing concerns about the use of solitary confinement for vulnerable inmates. This issue has gained renewed attention following the suicide of Matthew Osborne, 39, who took his own life in November 2023 after spending 54 days in isolation at HMP Lowdham Grange, a category B prison in Nottinghamshire.
Osborne, who had a history of self-harm and suicide attempts, was placed in segregation in October 2023 after being involved in several altercations. According to his family, his mental health rapidly deteriorated during his time in isolation, during which he experienced severely limited human contact — at one point receiving only three minutes of interaction over three days. His sister, Jasmine Osborne, described the experience as “torture” and expressed that even the most resilient individuals would struggle to cope with such extended solitary confinement.
An inquest into Osborne’s death concluded that multiple failings and neglect contributed to the tragedy. The jury found that he was unlawfully segregated for the last nine days of his life, as the mandatory conditions for prolonged isolation were not met. Under prison rules, segregation beyond 42 days must be authorised by senior leadership and is intended only for exceptional cases, particularly for prisoners undergoing suicide and self-harm monitoring procedures such as Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT). Osborne was under such monitoring at the time of his segregation.
His family and campaigners have called for a comprehensive review of segregation practices, pointing to the rising number of deaths linked to isolation units. In 2024 alone, 12 deaths in segregation were reported, marking a significant increase amid ongoing prison overcrowding and systemic pressures. Critics argue that segregation often exacerbates mental health issues rather than mitigating risks.
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher has highlighted that some deaths in segregation are avoidable and urged that solitary confinement should be reserved for exceptional cases only. He noted that a majority of recent segregation deaths involved prisoners already identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm.
The charity Inquest, which advised Osborne’s family, described segregation as creating a “prison within a prison” that cuts inmates off from vital human interaction. Their spokesperson, Jessica Pandian, stated that the extensive use of segregation reflects systemic failures and called for its phased elimination.
In response, a spokesperson for Sodexo, the private operator responsible for HMP Lowdham Grange at the time, expressed condolences and said the company accepted the inquest’s findings fully, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to addressing the issues raised.
A Ministry of Justice representative acknowledged the challenges faced by the prisons system and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve safety and support for prisoners. They stated that segregation is used only as a last resort and outlined initiatives aimed at enhancing case management, staff training, and care for prisoners with complex needs.
Despite these assurances, Osman’s family continues to press for greater transparency in segregation practices, noting that data on the number of prisoners held in isolation and the duration is not routinely published. They advocate for alternative approaches that prioritize mental health support and human contact rather than extended solitary confinement.