A 29-year-old prisoner described as a 'sensitive soul' by his family died from complications related to synthetic cannabis at HMP Birmingham, an inquest has concluded.
Final hours of a troubled inmate
Derrion Adams, formerly from Wolverhampton, was discovered in cardiac arrest on the floor of his shared cell on October 31 last year. Prison officers responded to a 'code red' alert on the K-wing after inmates reported seeing him unresponsive and 'face down'.
Despite immediate medical intervention, including CPR and advanced life support, medics could not revive him. His death was recorded after 35 minutes of resuscitation attempts.
The inquest heard that tampered vapes were found beside Adams, with one suspected of being used to inhale spice - a synthetic cannabinoid commonly known as Black Mamba - discovered beneath his bed.
Systemic prison problems revealed
Area Coroner Emma Brown confirmed that Adams died from complications of two different batches of synthetic cannabinoid. The court heard about significant contraband problems at the Winson Green prison.
"Witnesses stated that it is the biggest threat to HMP Birmingham," Brown recorded. "Drones are used to drop contraband nationally and locally [in an] ever evolving issue. Reactive measures are constantly under review."
The inquest revealed that while the prison cannot deny vapes supplied by approved suppliers, tampered vapes containing psychoactive substances are recognisable and actively removed when found.
Positive progress cut short
Tragically, Adams had shown recent signs of improvement before his death. He had a "positive call" and "positive key worker session" in his final days.
Most promisingly, prison officers reported that the 29-year-old had 'turned a corner' and expressed his desire to 'get off drugs'.
Adams had a documented history of mental health issues, depression and drug abuse before being remanded to prison in April 2024.
On the day of his death, other inmates had seen Adams 'staggering around the landing' and believed he was under the influence. He had borrowed a vape charger during the afternoon.
The coroner noted that the quality of care provided during the emergency response was "of a good standard in comparison to community" standards.
