Ex-prisoner found in bathtub could have been dead more than 10 days
A recently-released prisoner may have lain dead in a bathtub for more than 10 days before a neighbour spotted him through a window, an investigation into his death has found.
Jason Lyons, 46, was found dead in the bathroom of a property in Brentford in September 2023, just 11 days after being released from Brixton Prison.
Police discovered a mirror and silver foil containing an unidentified ‘burnt ash like substance’ under his severely decomposed body, according to a Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) report.
The PPO investigates the deaths of current and recently released prisoners in England and Wales.
Mr Lyons was released from HMP Brixton on September 15, 2023 and his body was found in Brentford on September 26, 2023.
A post-mortem was unable to establish a cause of death due to Mr Lyons’ body being in a severe state of decomposition when he was found.
In April 2024, a coroner said there was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion as to his cause of death. The PPO report said Mr Lyons had a history of drug abuse but had told prison staff he was clean and didn’t need help from substance misuse services.
Mr Lyons also suffered from anxiety and depression, according to the same report. Despite this ‘there was little to indicate that he was at heightened risk’ before his release from prison, the PPO said.
Adrian Usher, PPO, concluded there was no fault by prison or probation staff, but admitted the circumstances of Mr Lyons’ death were ‘concerning’. Mr Usher added: “It is possible that he was dead for 10 days or more before his body was found.
This case is a reminder to HMPPS staff of the increased vulnerability of those who choose not to engage with support services or do not attend release appointments.”
Mr Lyons was sentenced to 48 weeks in prison for breach of a restraining order in January 2022. He was released in March 2023, but was recalled to prison two months later for breaking post-sentence conditions.
HMP Brixton is a Category C prison and holds men who have less than two years left to serve in custody.
Pictured top: HMP Brixton in Lambeth (Picture: Google Street View)