A man convicted of killing a grandfather and later engaging in drug trafficking while incarcerated has passed away in prison. David Smith, aged 45, fatally assaulted Steven Youll, 45, after a night of drinking in Benwell, Newcastle, in 2013. Smith, along with Michael Wait, attacked Youll following a disagreement, resulting in Youll sustaining 71 injuries. Both Smith and Wait received life sentences with a minimum term of 16 years. Smith died from multiple drug toxicity on February 8, 2024, while serving his sentence at HMP Northumberland.
After Smith’s demise, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) initiated an investigation. The investigation determined that Smith’s medical care was adequate and comparable to what he would have received in the community. However, the recently disclosed report from Chronicle Live highlighted several key findings.
The report revealed that although Smith denied having substance abuse issues, post-mortem examinations detected unauthorized drugs in his system. Additionally, his underlying heart condition, coupled with missed medical appointments despite existing care plans, contributed to his demise.
HMP Northumberland, a category C prison in Morpeth, has taken steps to combat drug issues and promote recovery. Measures include mail scanning, employing drug detection dogs, enhancing gate security, tailored training, and increased collaboration with law enforcement and specialized teams to address staff misconduct effectively.
While Smith was described positively in his prison records, intelligence reports in 2023 linked him to drug and mobile phone trafficking. Subsequent reports indicated his involvement in a drug network within the prison and his role in distributing drugs to other inmates. The reports also highlighted instances of coercion and drug-related health issues among prisoners.
The reports emphasized the need for better screening processes for positions of trust within the prison to prevent similar incidents in the future. Following Smith’s death, prison officials were reminded of the protocols for conducting welfare checks on inmates, and recommendations were made to enhance security checks for sensitive roles within the prison.
Recent inspections at HMP Northumberland indicated improvements in safety and respect compared to previous years. Efforts to reduce drug availability and usage were noted, including enhanced security measures and the appointment of a drug strategy manager. The prison management’s proactive approach to addressing drug and alcohol issues was commended, highlighting effective collaboration with relevant authorities.
A spokesperson for HMP Northumberland expressed condolences to Smith’s family and confirmed cooperation with the investigation. They also stated that corrective actions based on the investigation’s findings have been implemented.