A 45-year-old man from Liverpool, Paul Hepplestall, died in a Spanish prison cell while awaiting trial on serious drug supply charges, an inquest has confirmed. Mr. Hepplestall was found in his cell in Alicante on February 28, 2023, with subsequent court proceedings in Liverpool formally acknowledging his death.
The inquest heard that a note, later confirmed to be in Mr. Hepplestall's handwriting, was sent to his mother indicating he could no longer cope with life in prison. A coroner recorded a narrative conclusion, unable to definitively rule his death as suicide due to a lack of detailed evidence from Spanish authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Hepplestall, 45, from Dingle, died in an Alicante prison on February 28, 2023.
- He was wanted in connection with drug supply offences and possession of criminal property.
- An inquest recorded a narrative conclusion, stating he "self-ligatured" but could not confirm suicide.
- A note sent to his mother stated he could not continue with life in prison.
- The arrest warrant against him was formally withdrawn at Liverpool Magistrates' Court following his death.
Inquest Hears Details of Death in Custody
An inquest into the death of Paul Hepplestall provided details surrounding his final days. Coroner Anita Bhardwaj presided over the hearing on September 25, which examined the circumstances of his death while in Spanish custody.
A post-mortem examination conducted in Spain determined the cause of death as hypoxic anoxia resulting from hanging. Despite this finding, Coroner Bhardwaj provided a narrative conclusion rather than a verdict of suicide.
She explained that while Mr. Hepplestall did "self-ligature," the specific circumstances surrounding the event remained unclear. The coroner's court had requested further evidence from the Spanish authorities to build a complete picture, but none was provided.
"Due to the circumstances of his death being unclear, I couldn't rule suicide," Coroner Bhardwaj stated, highlighting the limitations imposed by the lack of information from Spain.
A Final Note to His Mother
A significant piece of evidence discussed at the inquest was a note written by Mr. Hepplestall. The letter was addressed to his mother, Sheila Hepplestall, and conveyed his state of mind.
The note, which stated he could no longer continue with life in prison, was not delivered through official channels. Instead, it was passed to his mother by another inmate. Forensic analysis later confirmed the handwriting was genuinely that of Paul Hepplestall.
The coroner acknowledged that the note suggested an intention to self-harm, which was a key factor in her consideration of the case. This personal communication offered a glimpse into the distress Mr. Hepplestall was experiencing while incarcerated abroad.
Connection to Merseyside Police Operation
Paul Hepplestall was facing serious legal challenges in the UK prior to his detention in Spain. He was wanted by Merseyside Police in connection with Operation Hammer, a long-running initiative targeting drug-related crime in the region.
Operation Hammer: This is a sustained Merseyside Police operation aimed at disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups involved in drug dealing and the associated violence and exploitation that affects local communities.
A warrant for his arrest had been issued after he failed to respond to a postal requisition. The charges included possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, as well as the possession of criminal property.
The criminal property charge related to the seizure of £13,125 and €50 in cash during an incident on April 14, 2020.
Following confirmation of his death, the legal proceedings against him in the UK were formally concluded. On April 24, 2023, the warrant for his arrest was officially withdrawn at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. The court register noted that the "defendant is now deceased."
Family Tributes and Community Farewell
Paul Hepplestall, known to some as 'Eppo', was laid to rest on April 21 at Our Lady Mount Carmel Church in his home area of Dingle. His passing was marked by heartfelt tributes from his family, who remembered him as a son, father, and brother.
In a funeral notice, his family described him as the "beloved son of Sheila and Sheila's partner Les, (who Paul described as his 'mate')."
The notice continued, remembering him as a "loving dad to Flyn, Ethan and Mason and much loved brother of Jason and Jeff." He was also described as a "dear nephew of Mary, Joe and Trish and a special uncle, cousin and a friend to many." The tribute concluded with the poignant line, "You'll never walk alone Son."
In lieu of flowers for the funeral, the family requested that mourners consider making a donation to the mental health charity MIND. This gesture highlights the importance of mental health support, particularly for individuals facing challenging circumstances.