An inquest jury has found that Peter Lynch, who was jailed for his involvement in disorder outside an asylum seeker hotel, died by suicide in prison. Mr Lynch, 61, died at HMP Moorland in South Yorkshire on 19 October last year.
He had been sentenced to two years and eight months for his role in a riot at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, in August 2024. The inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court heard that Mr Lynch had been reported for alleged racist comments two days before his death and was awaiting a governor's adjudication.
The jury's formal conclusion stated that the adjudication papers being served, and Mr Lynch's belief that he was defenceless and could not protect his family, led him to take his own life. Prison officers had previously told the inquest that Mr Lynch expressed views on immigration and asylum seekers on 17 October 2024, which they found disrespectful, abusive, and racist.
Senior coroner Nicola Mundy raised concerns about the information provided to prisoners reported for adjudication before lockdown, and the time taken to open Mr Lynch's cell when he was unresponsive. The prison has since addressed these issues, implementing a system for follow-up engagement and assessment, and clarifying emergency procedures for staff.