A Grimsby man, Leigh Brydges, tragically lost his life the day following his release from HMP Humber. Aged 47, Brydges had a notable history of alcohol and substance misuse. An inquest held three years later, on 1st April 2025, concluded his death was drug-related. Regrettably, despite clear evidence of substance misuse, Brydges was not referred to substance misuse services during his time in prison. On the day of his release, he was instructed to engage with community-based drug and alcohol support service, We Are With You. However, it appears this crucial handover never occurred. The morning after his release, Brydges was found unresponsive by his partner, who subsequently dialled emergency services. His death was pronounced soon after their arrival. A recent Ombudsman report highlighted this systematic failure, recommending greater diligence in ensuring necessary referrals are made to community-based support services prior to prisoner release. In response, a Probation Service spokesperson stated that a new process has been implemented to ensure probation staff are made aware of all referrals to community-based substance misuse services, thereby improving the tracking of offenders’ progress.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.
