Teenager Found Dead in Cell Six Months After Being Taken into Custody for Self-Immolation Attempt

An inquest jury heard the tragic account of Annelise Sanderson, an 18-year-old girl who, after attempting self-immolation and being sentenced to 52 weeks in custody, was found hanged in her cell at HMP Styal just six months later.

In June 2020, Annelise was incarcerated for assaulting a paramedic who intervened during her attempt to set herself on fire at a petrol station. Cheshire Coroner’s Court was informed that she took her own life on December 22, 2020, shortly before her scheduled release.

Concerns about Annelise’s mental state prompted the initiation of an ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) safety plan on June 29, as she was deemed at risk of suicide. Although the plan was closed on July 8, Annelise remained under hourly observations due to Covid restrictions at the time, told The SUN.

According to nurse Victoria Corris, clinical lead for the mental health team at the prison, Annelise had transitioned from the segregation unit to the prison wing by the time the ACCT was closed, which was described as not uncommon.

Annelise’s mother, Angela Gray, expressed worries about her daughter’s mental health during the initial days of her incarceration, highlighting that Annelise seemed depressed and lost. Gray raised concerns about Annelise’s mental health to the prison, emphasizing the need for proper mental health care treatment before her daughter’s imprisonment.

In a statement, Gray mentioned that Annelise was looking forward to coming home before Christmas, but her release was delayed by four weeks on December 11 due to an additional matter. Annelise’s former cellmate, Keanna Hurst, revealed that she became upset on December 21 after a phone call, during which her partner blamed her for a decline in her mental health.

The court also learned that Annelise had a history of alcohol and drug issues and had displayed “bizarre behavior” upon arriving at HMP Styal in June, making inappropriate remarks and attempting to disrobe after dousing herself in water.

The inquest jury is expected to deliberate on its verdict on Thursday, January 18.