South Shields man who set fire to a homeless person is found dead in prison
A South Shields man who set fire to a homeless person is a churchyard has died in prison.
A man who set a homeless person alight during an attack in at a South Shields church has died at HMP Northumberland.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has found that Khaled Hassan, of South Shields, was found dead in his cell on October 3, 2024, after inhaling a drug known as spice (a synthetic cannabinoid).
The 49-year-old was serving nine years and six months imprisonment for his role in a four-hour-long assault at St Hilda’s Church, on Market Place, during which a homeless man was repeatedly set on fire, hit with a crutch and had bottles thrown at him.
Recalled for breach of licence
Hassan was on remand at HMP from July 11, 2017. After he was convicted of theft and grievous bodily harm with intent, he was moved to HMP Northumberland in July 2018.
He was recalled to prison on April 25, 2024, for breaching the terms of his licence and was transferred from Durham to HMP Northumberland on April 30, 2024.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman noted in their report that Hassan had a “history of drug and alcohol misuse” and that his licence was revoked following concerns about failing to keep in touch with his offender manager, deterioration of his mental health and suspected drug use.
Following his recall, Hassan underwent a mandatory drug test on August 22, 2024 - with the results confirming that he had tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
He was placed on report for disciplinary action and referred him to Humankind, the substance misuse service.
Found in his cell
At 5.23am on October 3, 2024, two Operational Support Officer (OSOs) found Hassan lying on the floor of his cell.
The report states that they shouted to him and banged om the cell door, but he did not respond or move.
A tampered vape was found near to Hassan’s body and paramedics, who arrived at 5.40am, confirmed that Hassan had died.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s report states: “Mr Khaled Hassan died from the effects of inhaling synthetic cannabinoids (known as spice) in his cell at HMP Northumberland, on 3 October 2024. He was 49 years old.
“I offer my condolences to Mr Hassan’s family and friends.”
You can view the full report by clicking here.