Homeless Ex-Prisoner Michael Johnson Found Dead Two Days After Release From HMP Altcourse

Michael Johnson, a 39-year-old man released early from HMP Altcourse, was found dead in a doorway just two days after his release. He had been freed under the UK government’s End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL) scheme on May 23, 2024, aimed at reducing prison overcrowding. Johnson’s death has sparked concern over homelessness and the lack of support for vulnerable former inmates.

Early Release and a Rapid Decline

Johnson had been serving a 20-week sentence for theft, starting April 29, 2024. During his intake screening, he told prison staff he struggled with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and drug addiction. He was also a regular user of cocaine and had brought methadone into custody, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.

The methadone he brought was destroyed upon arrival, and his medications were changed due to their sedative effects. Although Johnson was referred to the substance misuse team, his condition worsened behind bars.

Released Homeless With No Support

Johnson was granted early release on May 23, 45 days ahead of schedule. But plans to secure temporary accommodation through Liverpool City Council failed—there were no available bed spaces, according to a report from the Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO).

His Community Offender Manager (COM) tried to help by contacting local services, including the Whitechapel Centre, but no emergency housing could be arranged. Johnson was released from prison homeless and with only his final dose of methadone. He was not given a naloxone kit, which can reverse opioid overdoses—though he later declined one when offered.

Final Hours and Tragic End

Johnson attended probation meetings on May 23 and May 24. At the first, he was intoxicated, smelling of cannabis and admitting to drinking alcohol. At the second, he received a methadone prescription and turned down a naloxone kit.

On the morning of May 25, a member of the public found Johnson unresponsive in a doorway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Drug paraphernalia was found nearby. A post-mortem confirmed mixed drug poisoning, including methadone, morphine, cocaine, Spice, prescription drugs, and cannabis.

Official Responses and Inquest Outcome

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman, Adrian Usher, stated: “We are satisfied that Altcourse and the Probation Service did all they could to manage the risks associated with his substance misuse. Although the prison did not offer naloxone, they have now corrected this process.”

Liverpool City Council commented that Johnson’s housing request could not be completed because he died before contact was established. A spokesperson added: “We are sad to hear about the death of Mr. Johnson… Accommodation could only be offered after an assessment was made, which never occurred.”

An HMP Altcourse spokesperson added: “Our thoughts continue to be with Mr. Johnson’s family and friends. A full Coroner’s Inquest found no specific actions required from the prison.”

Key Takeaways

• Michael Johnson died from drug poisoning just 2 days after prison release.

• He was homeless, had mental health issues, and received no housing support.

• Support services failed to secure accommodation due to timing and availability.