An inquiry has been initiated following the tragic death of a woman after her release from prison. Emma Tuff, originally from Denton, Tameside, passed away in October after being released from the women-only HMP Styal in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), a watchdog that probes all deaths in prison custody and those post-release, confirmed an investigation was in progress.
Tuff, 36, believed to be a mother-of-five, died on October 24 this year, with details including her date of birth now listed on the watchdog’s website. The PPO stated an investigation was ‘in progress’, but no further details about her death have been disclosed.
(Image: GMP)
Tuff led police on a high-speed pursuit before crashing into a van, catapulting it into the air, as reported by the Manchester Evening News in March 2021. A court heard how she failed to stop for police officers while driving a Renault Megane in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, reports the Manchester Evening News.
A chase ensued, during which she reached speeds of up to 70mph in a 30mph zone. She made left and right turns in an attempt to evade the police.
Tuff, then of no fixed address but reportedly from Denton, ran multiple red lights and overtook other vehicles, Minshull Street Crown Court was told.
The high-speed pursuit concluded when she ran a red light at a blind junction and crashed into a passing Ford Transit van, catapulting it through the air, the court heard. The driver was left nursing whiplash injuries.
Tuff admitted to dangerous driving and was sentenced to 14 months behind bars by the judge.
Prosecutor Victoria Lewis informed the court that Tuff had neither insurance nor a licence and was under a driving ban at the time of the incident, which occurred on April 14, 2020.
The court learned that Tuff had a rap sheet of 15 previous convictions for 32 offences, including dangerous driving; driving whilst disqualified; and driving with excess alcohol. No additional details have been disclosed by the ombudsman.