Prison personnel made efforts to revive a convicted murderer who had fatally injured his own daughter, but were instructed to cease by a senior staff member upon arrival. The incident occurred at HMP Gartree, a category B correctional facility in Leicestershire, where Nigel Malt, aged 47, succumbed to heart failure on April 29.
Malt was serving a life sentence, with a minimum term of 22 years, for the deliberate killing of his 19-year-old daughter, Lauren, who he fatally struck with his Mercedes car. Despite a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation directive in place, prison officers administered CPR for around four minutes before being halted.
Following an inquiry, it was determined in an inquest on October 28 that Malt’s death resulted from natural causes. First responders not assigned to Malt’s unit were unaware of the prevailing protocol, highlighting the swift actions taken by staff to save his life.
Upon the arrival of a custodial manager, adherence to the resuscitation policy was confirmed, leading to its discontinuation. A spokesperson from the Prison Service clarified that resuscitation was promptly halted upon awareness of the DNR order, with an internal review finding no wrongdoing by the staff involved.
The Prisons and Probations Ombudsman’s assessment indicated that Malt received adequate clinical care. Malt’s conviction for murder stemmed from an altercation with Lauren and her partner, where he fatally struck her with his vehicle in a fit of rage.
The tragic incident led to Lauren’s untimely death from severe injuries, despite efforts to save her. Malt’s minimum sentence was extended to 22 years by the Court of Appeal following a ruling that the initial term was excessively lenient, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
Detective Chief Inspector Holly Evans, the lead investigator, lamented the loss of Lauren and highlighted the devastating impact on the family. In a poignant tribute, Lauren’s loved ones described her as a vibrant, caring individual with a zest for life who touched the hearts of many.
