CONCERNS have been raised about the level of restraint used on a convicted murderer a before his death. 

The details were revealed in a Fatal Incident Report compiled by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman. 

Michael Boyd, 70, was convicted of murder in 1976 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years. 

He had been released on licence twice and had lived in the community since November 2014.

On August 16 last year, his licence was revoked and he was recalled to prison, with Armley jail accepting custody of him. 

"We are concerned that although Mr Boyd was a category C prisoner assessed as a low security risk, he was initially double handcuffed and restraints were used for most of his admission, despite his age, frailty and intravenous treatment," said the report.

"This was not proportionate to his risk, or compliant with Prison Service policy."

Boyd had several health problems including bowel cancer, angina and a dependence on alcohol and had to be taken to hospital after being found unresponsive, but breathing, in his cell. He was roused and complained of chest pains.

The report said: "On August 17, HMP Leeds accepted custody of Mr Boyd, with a view to him being discharged to the prison once he recovered. 

"A security risk assessment concluded that he should be escorted by two prison officers and double handcuffed (where the prisoner is handcuffed and attached to an officer by a second pair of cuffs). 

"Late afternoon, the restraints were reduced to an escort chain."

He remained in hospital and later tested positive for Covid-19 and by August 27, his health deteriorated and he was admitted to the high-dependency unit before dying on August 31. 

The report said Boyd was deemed to be a "low risk" and added: "However, the initial level of restraint was double cuffing, normally applied to prisoners in a higher security category or where there are security concerns. 

"The escort chain was removed three days before Mr Boyd’s death, seemingly only because the escort staff were not permitted in the high dependency unit.
"We consider that the use of double cuffs without justification was non-compliant with Prison Service policy. 

"We are also concerned that prison managers who completed the management checks allowed the continuous use of restraints for 11 days, in spite of Mr Boyd’s age, infirmity, low risk, catheterisation and intravenous treatment."

A series of recommendations were made in light of the ombudsman's findings.