An inquest heard a Powys prisoner died after barricading himself in his cell in Cardiff Prison.

Shane Davies was found dead in his cell on Sunday, August 28, 2022, weeks after he had been jailed for just over two years at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for drug offences.

In the decision before made by a jury at Mr Davies' inquest it found that Mr Davies, who had previously lived in Rhayader and Llandrindod Wells, showed “odd behaviours” on the night he died. 

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In the pre-inquest hearing held early this year, his mother Karen Davies said she had concerns about his lack of access to medication and the inquest was made aware of his lack of access to prescription drugs for his mental health.

"He knew he was potentially going to Cardiff prison. He had been struggling to get prescribed medication," Ms Davies said.

"He rang me a few times to call the prison on his behalf to tell them how much he needed them. That was difficult. I wrote to the prison.

"Shane said in the end 'it's OK because when I get to Cardiff, they'll sort me out there'. That's why if it was in place in Bristol, he may have been on his medication already."

What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Reporting on inquests is one of the most difficult jobs faced by any journalist, but there are important reasons why local newspapers attend coroner’s court hearings and report on proceedings.

Here we will try and answer some of your questions about what will happen, what can be reported and why.

The decision found by the jury at the inquest noted that on the night in question “Mr Davies barricaded the door so he could not be seen by the nurse”. He was alone in his cell at the time.

The decision added that “Mr Davies did not leave a note indicating his intentions and his psychological state at the time was unclear”.

As a result a narrative conclusion was delivered by coroner David Regan, in which he said no intention of death could be ascertained.