Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2022

Ezra Tamiem

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2022-0220, written 19 Jul 2022. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report19 Jul 2022
Reference2022-0220
DeceasedEzra Tamiem
CoronerSean Cummings
Coroner areaBedfordshire and Luton
CategoryState Custody related deaths · Suicide (from 2015)
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

Regulation 28: REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

NOTE:  This form is to be used after an inquest. 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1  HMP Bedford, Governor, 
2  Director General of the Prison Service, 

1  CORONER 

I am Dr Séan Cummings, Assistant Coroner for the coroner area of Bedfordshire and Luton 

2  CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and 
regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 04 August 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ezra Mathew TAMIEM 
aged 39.  The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 16 December 2021.  The 
conclusion of the inquest was that: 

On the 4th May 2020 Mr Ezra Tamiem was detained at HMP Bedford after stabbing his wife. 
On the 15th July 2020 Mr Tamiem was found in cell 3 in the healthcare wing of the prison at 
0754 am hanging from a ligature he made. At 0806am he was confirmed to be deceased by 
the attending paramedics. The jury believes that with the evidence it has been presented that 
Mr Tamiem intended to take his life. We the jury believe that the authorities at HMP Bedford 
were aware of the risk of suicide. On the night of his death Mr Tamiem was to have four 
observations performed at random intervals. Of the 5 observations recorded only 2 were 
actually performed. Overall there was a serious failure of the observation procedure resulting 
in Mr Tamiem's death occurring between 21:11 and 07:54. 

4  CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

Mr Ezra Mathew Tamiem was detained at HMP Bedford on the 4th  May 2020 after being 
remanded following the stabbing of his wife. Because of concerns about his mental state and 
his risk of suicide, he was held in the healthcare wing. On the 15th  July 2020 he was found in 
his cell 

5  CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In 
my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: 
(brief summary of matters of concern) 

Regulation 28 – After Inquest 
Document Template Updated 30/07/2021 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mr Tamiem was housed in a cell on the healthcare wing.

of Safety at HMP Bedford told the court that was for both security

 Head 

 gave evidence that this device was in operation throughout the prison except in 
refurbished cells and except in the “safer cell”. The safer cell did not have this ligature point. 
Safer cells are cells with injury and ligature points designed out. 

and died as a result. 

hanged himself 

 told the court there were no plans to remedy this and so the risk remains. 

6  ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your 
organisation) have the power to take such action. 

7  YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, 
namely by 13th September 2022.  I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the 
timetable for action.  Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8  COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested Persons 

I have also sent it to 

 – PPO Inspector 

who may find it useful or of interest. 

I am also under a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief Coroner and all 
interested persons who in my opinion should receive it. 

I may also send a copy of your response to any person who I believe may find it useful or of 
interest. 

The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. 
He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of 
interest. 

You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response about the 
release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 

9 

Dated 19/07/2022 

Dr Séan Cummings Assistant Coroner 

Regulation 28 – After Inquest 
Document Template Updated 30/07/2021

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