An investigation into the death of child sex offender Michael Grimes at HMP Isle of Wight in 2022 has found there was a 3-minute delay between him being discovered unresponsive in his cell and the commencement of CPR.
74-year-old Grimes, originally from Bedfordshire, was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2017 for multiple child sex offences. He was transferred to HMP Isle of Wight on 20th February 2019.
A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, published last week, outlines the circumstances surrounding his death in February 2022.
While at the Parkhurst Road prison, Grimes was being treated for several health conditions, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
At around 10:15 on Saturday (26th February 2022), Grimes was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell. A code blue emergency was radioed, and assistance was requested. However, CPR was not started by officers during the 3-minute period before healthcare professionals arrived.
A nurse and healthcare assistant began resuscitation efforts before Grimes was transferred to an ambulance by paramedics. He was pronounced dead at around 11:30, before the ambulance had departed the prison.
A post-mortem concluded that Grimes died of congestive cardiac failure, caused by an enlarged heart, ischaemic heart disease and high blood pressure.
The Ombudsman’s report states:
“We recognise that it can be difficult for staff in such situations to make instant decisions but when there is a potentially life-threatening situation, it is essential to act quickly. We cannot say that earlier intervention would have made a difference to the outcome for Mr Grimes, but there is a chance that it might.
“The Governor should ensure that all staff are aware of the importance of starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the earliest opportunity and that staff first on the scene of an emergency provide basic life support until qualified health professionals arrive.”
The inquest into Michael Grimes’ death concluded on 25th July 2025. It was determined that he died of natural causes.
Anyone wishing to read the report can do so here.
I suppose you have to have an investigation; but it was the right result in the end.
no, I think the prison guards acted appropriately – no point rushing these decisions when it comes to pedos.
During the pandemic, people with learning disabilities were told they wouldn’t be resuscitated, given DNR (do not resuscitate) notices without their consent, but heaven forbid there’s a delay in giving CPR to an elderly paedophile in prison…