Burglar who fell asleep on sofa is found dead at HMP Oakwood
A prolific burglar who hit national headlines after falling asleep on a victim's sofa was found dead in his cell at HMP Oakwood, prison bosses have confirmed.
Scott Tinsley – who was jailed for 40 months last year – was found unresponsive by custody officers on January 3. There are no suspicious circumstances.
Deputy Director for HMP Oakwood, Sean Oliver, said efforts were made to perform CPR but he was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is now carrying out an investigation into the death and will send a report to the coroner ahead of an inquest.
Faye Casey, spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police, said: "We were made aware of the sudden death of a person on January 3.
"The deceased was confirmed as Scott Tinsley, aged 40. There are no suspicious circumstances. A report is being prepared for HM Coroner."
Tinsley, of Cobridge, Stoke-on-Trent, had been caught red-handed after his victim found him asleep on the sofa after taking drugs.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he had 102 offences from 41 convictions.
Recorder Nigel Daly had described him as "a rather pathetic figure."
A spokeswoman for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman said: "We are sorry to be informed of the death of Mr Tinsley at HMP Oakwood and extend our sympathies to his family and friends.
"We are in contact with his family and will try to answer any questions they may have. Our independent investigation will aim to identify the full circumstances of the death and whether there were any failings in Mr Tinsley's care. Where possible we will identify lessons to be learned and make recommendations to help prevent similar deaths in future.
"We also share any findings with the Coroner to assist with their enquiries."
