The 'model prisoner' tortured by worry in his final hours
29.02.2024 - 20:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 'model prisoner' plagued with worry over bullying, his finances and an impending parole board decision took his own life, an inquest jury has concluded. John Neil Winchcole, 36, was found unresponsive in his cell at Forest Bank in Salford as an officer unlocked his door on the morning of Monday, September 10, 2018.
A week-long inquest into his death concluded at Bolton Coroners' Court last week. The jury heard detailed evidence regarding his four-month stay at the Category B men's prison in Agecroft, including the final hours before the tragic discovery.
The inquest heard Mr Winchcole had previously had suicidal thoughts when he was 18 and 19 and at age 20 was diagnosed with a personality disorder. He was also said to have used cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and crack 'from a young age'.
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Mr Winchole received an indeterminate sentence, also known by the abbreviation IPP, in 2008 and served a 'portion' of his sentence at Forest Bank. The Manchester Evening News reported that he had carried out a series of muggings and robberies on elderly people during the winter of 2007.
In some cases, he tricked his way into their home and once inside threatened them - sometimes with a knife - before taking small amounts of cash.
In one incident, Mr Winchcole stabbed a 75-year-old man in Bolton, and in another, an 80-year-old woman suffered bruising to her knee and finger after he pushed her to the ground outside a supermarket in Prestwich.
Other offences were committed in Salford and Stockport. Mr Winchcole, then of Stretford, Trafford, was convicted of robbery, burglary, and dangerous driving with a further seven offences being taken into