Ryan Harding

I am David Regan, Assistant Coroner, for the Coroner’s area of South Wales Central.

A Coronial investigation was commenced on 3rd February 2023 into the death of Ryan  Harding. The Investigation concluded at the end of an inquest which I conducted with a jury on 19th – 28th January 2026. The conclusion of the jury was that Mr Harding’s death was drug related. The medical cause of death was 1(a) Sudden unexpected death in a  man with epilepsy (following head injury), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, who had ingested receptor agonists, [REDACTED].

These were recorded as:-     “Ryan Harding died between 7th – 8th January 2023 in his cell overnight, as a result of consuming drugs.”

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.   While none of those matters directly caused the death of Ryan Harding, in my opinion  there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it  is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – (3) The inquest heard evidence that the windows of Alpha and Bravo blocks did in 2023 and continue to require upgrading in order to reduce the ability of illicit materials including drugs and mobile phones         to enter the prison. (3) The gate house continues to require upgrading to enable enhanced security to be afforded to reduce the ability of illicit materials including drugs and mobile phones to enter the prison. (3) On the morning of 8th January 2023, the scheduled morning welfare check did not take place. The evidence of officers was that this was delayed for lack of a staff  member and had been delayed on other occasions.  .

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