A convicted sex offender described in court as “a woman’s worst nightmare” was found dead in his prison cell just days after beginning a seven-year sentence.
Milad Fathy, 33, was discovered hanged at HMP Leeds on January 29, 2023, less than a week after being jailed for a series of offences including sexual assault, robbery, attempted robbery and possession of a knife.
Fathy, an Iranian national living in Leeds, had been convicted after targeting female students in the city. During sentencing, the judge told him he had a “deep-seated hostility to women” and posed a serious threat to the public. One woman was sexually assaulted and another was almost robbed in incidents that shocked the local community. When arrested, Fathy was found to be carrying a kitchen knife.
Warnings raised before death
A new report from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has highlighted serious concerns surrounding Fathy’s death and the wider pattern of suicides at the West Yorkshire facility. The report states Fathy was the 12th inmate to take their own life at HMP Leeds since 2020 – and one of four such deaths recorded during a seven-week stretch between December 2022 and January 2023.
Fathy had a documented history of depression and substance misuse. While he was seen by prison healthcare staff following his arrival, concerns have now been raised about the level of ongoing monitoring and care planning.
Staff urged to stay vigilant
Following the death, the Ombudsman has recommended further improvements, including better identification of at-risk prisoners and enhanced care strategies. It’s been confirmed that all staff at the prison have since received refresher training in care planning.
The Ombudsman noted: “This case is a reminder that in a busy local prison there are prisoners who might be at risk, and that staff must remain vigilant to potential risk factors and triggers.”
A troubled past
Leeds Crown Court had heard how Fathy had previous convictions, including for assault and making threats. He was well known to police in the area before his most recent arrest.
The conclusion of suicide was confirmed by an inquest into his death. While no foul play is suspected, the findings have renewed pressure on the prison service to improve support for vulnerable inmates – particularly in local jails with high turnover and overcrowding.
Support is available for those affected by the issues in this article via helplines such as Samaritans, who offer free and confidential support 24/7.
