The mother of a prisoner who was found hanged in his cell has paid tribute to her “wonderful” son.
Speaking after the inquest into Nathan Vaughan-Jones’ death, his mum Stephanie Ross said: “It has been three years since Nathan’s death and we have had a long fight to try and get answers as to why he died in prison. We are grateful to the jury for highlighting the steps the prison could and should have taken to protect Nathan and I believe firmly had they done so Nathan would be with us today.
“This process has helped deliver some of the answers we were seeking but there are matters we still do not believe have been thoroughly investigated and we will now fight to ensure that happens.
“Nathan was a wonderful son and myself and all who loved him miss him hugely.”
Coroner Alan Craze, who conducted the inquest, said: “‘He was a kind, respectful, intelligent and honest young man who, in the words of many people, shouldn’t have been in prison. I cannot begin to understand how difficult things must have been for him. For his relatives, this is a devastating and life-changing tragedy.”
In a statement to the court, Nathan’s wife, Vikki Vaughan-Jones, said: “Nathan was a gentleman who stood by traditional morals. He was always polite and courteous, kind and caring.”
She told how the 34-year-old volunteered for two charities while the couple lived in Bermuda, but was forced to fly back to the UK to seek medical attention.
She added: “In March 2011, he was at an incredible low due to his poor health. He discussed with me taking his own life.
“I think Nathan’s depressive illness was heightened by his sentencing and awareness of his surroundings.”
To see the inquest report, click {http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/county-news/prisoner-who-committed-suicide-was-failed-by-system-1-6832911|here}.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at {http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/|www.sussexexpress.co.uk/|www.sussexexpress.co.uk/}
2) Like our Facebook page at {https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sussex-Express/182122891863351|www.facebook.com/pages/Sussex-Express/|www.facebook.com/pages/Sussex-Express/}
3) Follow us on Twitter {https://twitter.com/sussex_express|@sussex_express|@sussex_express}
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Sussex Express - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.