Inquest Finds Prison's Delay Contributed to Woman's Death

• •An inquest found a 1 hour and 15 minute delay in responding to an emergency call bell contributed to a prisoner's death.
• •Stephanie Brennan had a history of mental health issues and was two days away from release when she died.
• •The Coroner will issue a report to prevent future deaths related to the emergency call bell system.

An inquest jury in Warrington concluded on November 9, 2026, that the self-inflicted death of Stephanie Brennan in HMP Styal was contributed to by an 'unacceptable delay' in responding to her emergency call bell. Brennan activated the call bell at 10:50 AM on March 8, 2025, but it went unanswered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, violating prison policy that required a response within five minutes. The jury highlighted the lack of adequate staff and an ineffective movement list process that prevented her from attending a salon appointment, which negatively impacted her mental health. Brennan, who had a history of mental health issues, was found ligatured in her cell and died the following day in the hospital. The Coroner will issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report regarding the emergency call bell system and the prison's late evidence disclosure.