Inquest finds terrorism control order severely affected prisoner's mental health leading to suicide

Jurors at Inner West London Coroner's Court ruled that the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIM) placed on Akhtar Uddin markedly deteriorated his mental health, playing a role in his suicide while incarcerated at HMP Wandsworth. The court heard that prison officials were largely unaware of the TPIM's restrictions, leading to a failure to provide appropriate assistance. Uddin, a 35-year-old builder from east London with over 20 prior convictions, repeatedly breached the financial limits of his order, spending the money on drugs.

Evidence showed he feared a renewed, possibly indefinite, TPIM after his early release, heightening his distress. Expert testimony described his undiagnosed personality disorder and the isolating nature of TPIMs as amplifying his sense of injustice and hopelessness. The coroner plans to issue a report urging the government to address the mental-health risks associated with such counter-terrorism regimes.