A convicted sex offender has died in a Midlands prison after serving less than a quarter of his 21-year sentence.
Death at HMP Stafford
Colin Harding, aged 74, died at HMP Stafford on August 3, 2024. He had been jailed on January 13, 2022, receiving a 21-year prison term for sexual offences. At the time of his death, he had served just under two years of his sentence.
Investigation findings and care review
An investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman concluded he died of natural causes. The official report stated: "Mr Harding died of squamous carcinoma of the skin, with atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease, and carcinoma of prostate as contributory factors."
The PPO extended condolences to Harding's family and friends following his death in custody.
An independent clinical reviewer commissioned by NHS England noted that the overall standard of care Harding received was good. However, the review identified one significant failing - an "unacceptable delay" in sharing Harding's histology results with him after he underwent surgery in February 2023.
Inquest conclusion
An inquest into his death held in December 2024 officially concluded that Colin Harding died from natural causes, confirming the earlier findings of the prison ombudsman's investigation.
