Nasty killer discovered useless in jail cell ‘laying face down in pool of his personal vomit’
A Coventry killer was discovered dead in his cell by a fellow prisoner after a prison officer opened the door without checking on him, an investigation has revealed.
Patryk Skupinski was serving a life sentence at HMP Gartree following his conviction for murdering Marlene Doyle. Ms Doyle, 32, was discovered with severe head injuries at the flat she shared with Skupinski on Shakespeare Street. Family members raised the alarm when they couldn’t contact her and discovered she had been dead for up to five days.
Jurors found 38-year-old Skupinski guilty of murder and he was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years in October 2023. He was discovered dead, lying face down in a pool of vomit, by another prisoner on January 29, 2025.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has now detailed the complete circumstances surrounding Skupinski’s death. Staff conducted a routine roll check at 5.07am using a torch to examine the cell through the observation panel and spotted no problems.
At 7.58am, they opened the cell for morning activities without checking on Skupinski. Approximately 20 minutes later, another prisoner went to see if he was ready for a workshop and discovered him unresponsive in bed, prompting the alarm to be raised, reports Coventry Live.
Prison staff responded and found Skupinski “lying face down in a pool of vomit”. He was positioned in the recovery position and given CPR after being found not breathing. Paramedics reached the scene at approximately 8.45am, observed that Skupinski had developed rigor mortis and declared him deceased at 8.58am. He passed away from ischaemic heart disease coupled with synthetic cannabinoid consumption, the PPO stated.
Personnel discovered a modified vape, commonly utilised to consume illegal substances, in his cell following his death, according to the PPO. Skupinski died by misadventure alongside a heart condition, a jury determined at an inquest in March.
Upon Skupinski’s arrival at HMP Hewell in January 2022 after being remanded, he informed personnel he experienced no issues with alcohol or drugs. His prison file contained positive remarks praising his exemplary conduct, the PPO stated.
He was moved to HMP Gartree in October 2024 and participated in a substance misuse introduction in November, where he was cautioned about the risks of psychoactive substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and more potent opioids. Skupinski insisted that he did not consume drugs.
HMP Gartree, which houses predominantly male inmates serving life terms, recognised drone deliveries of narcotics as a significant issue, the PPO stated.
Worries were expressed regarding the continued trafficking of drugs and contraband items, with their widespread presence strongly connected to debt, violence and intimidation. Now, the Category B prison has employed a firm to fit protective window cages to prevent drones from delivering contraband items, with the work still underway. Skupinski is the eleventh inmate to perish at HMP Gartree since January 2022.
Mother Hanna Skupinski was previously imprisoned for assisting an offender following the murder of Ms Doyle. Officers said friends and relatives sheltered Skupinski for several days after the killing, with Hanna making inquiries about helping him flee the UK.
HMP Gartree was unable to reach Hanna after Skupinski’s death, as she had already been freed and deported to Poland. His brother was subsequently notified, and the Polish authorities organised for the body to be sent back.
A spokesperson for the Prison Service said: “HMP Gartree has reviewed its morning check process and is ensuring all staff are aware of its welfare check policy. We have invested over £40m in new prison security nationally, including £10m on anti-drone measures, to clamp down on contraband.”
