Jason Lyons’ decomposing remains were discovered by a neighbour looking through his window 11 days following his release from Brixton Prison in 2023, a report has found
A man who was discovered dead in his bathtub less than two weeks after he was released from prison may have lain there for 10 days before he was found, an investigation has concluded.
Jason Lyons’, 46, severely composed body was found in the bathroom of a property in Brentford, West London, 11 days after he was released from HMP Brixton on September 15, 2023. He was discovered by a neighbour who alerted the authorities after spotting him through a window.
The grisly state of the former prisoner’s body meant a post-mortem following the September 26 discovery was unable to determine an immediate cause of death. An investigation has since concluded he may have died as soon as a day following his release, and revealed a mirror and silver foil containing a “burnt ash like substance” was found under his remains.
A report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) – which investigates the deaths of serving and recently released prisoners – found that Mr Lyons had a history of drug abuse. But it said he had told prison staff he was clean and didn’t require help from substance abuse services.
MyLondon reports that PPO Adrian Usher noted that Mr Lyons had suffered from anxiety and depression. But he ultimately concluded there was “little to indicate that he was at heightened risk” before he was released from prison. While Mr Usher found neither prison or probation staff were at fault for his death, he said the circumstances were “concerning” in his conclusions.
He said: “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 in January 2022 after breaching a restraining order, and was released briefly in March 2023.
He spent two months free before he was recalled for breaking post-sentence conditions. Category C HMP Brixton is a men’s prison that holds people who have fewer than two years remaining to serve in custody.
