A series of inquests into inmate deaths at HMP Lowdham Grange, located near Nottingham, have revealed significant failings in care. These inquests have led to the issuing of prevention of future death reports by coroners.
The prison, which opened in 1998 under Serco, saw its operations described as 'chaos' following its transfer to Sodexo on 16 February 2023. This was the first private-to-private prison transfer in England and Wales. Inquests heard claims of strained relations between the two firms and Sodexo's plan to operate with fewer officers.
Among the deaths examined were Anthony Binfield, David Richards, and Rolandas Karbauskas, who died in March 2023 shortly after the transfer. The Ministry of Justice offered "sincere apologies for the failings in these cases." Further deaths, including Ricky Crosher and Matthew Osborne in late 2023, also saw juries find neglect contributed to their deaths or highlight failures in care.
The Ministry of Justice intervened, taking over temporary control of the prison a month after Matthew Osborne's death, and assuming permanent control in 2024. Four prisoners died in 2024 and nine in 2025, with no inmate deaths reported so far in 2026.