Rioter Who Died in Prison Felt 'Strong Sense of Injustice,' Report Says

A father of four who died by suicide in prison had expressed a strong sense of injustice regarding his sentence, according to a report.

Peter Lynch, 61, was found to have hanged himself in HMP Moorland, South Yorkshire, on October 19, 2024. His death occurred just two months into a two-year and eight-month sentence for violent disorder during anti-immigration riots in Rotherham in August 2024.

The Prisons Ombudsman's report noted that Lynch was upset and frustrated by his imprisonment, marking his first time in jail. "Mr Lynch felt well supported by his family and he was able to spend time with his son, who was also at Moorland," the report stated. The investigation concluded there was little to indicate Lynch was in crisis or at heightened risk of suicide, and that staff could not have foreseen his actions.

Lynch had communicated his frustrations to prison staff. A mental health nurse's assessment on September 24 noted that Lynch was tearful, expressing frustration about being in prison and a feeling of injustice related to his offense. He reported feeling safe on his cell block, had support from other prisoners, and did not wish to speak with the mental health team or consider medication, though he was aware he could contact them if his feelings changed. The nurse recorded that Lynch did not have thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Two days before his death, on October 17, Lynch was placed on report pending a disciplinary hearing for using threatening, abusive, and insulting language contrary to prison rules. Staff reported he used racist and inflammatory language about migrants.

Lynch's son told investigators that he saw his father on the afternoon of October 18 and noted he seemed quieter than usual, though he had no concerns about his behavior. Lynch hugged his son and returned to his cell. Later that evening, Lynch made four phone calls to his family, not expressing any thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

CCTV footage shows an officer delivering disciplinary hearing details to Lynch's cell at 7:01 PM on October 18. The officer spoke with Lynch through the observation panel, and he did not raise any concerns after reading the document. This was the last time he was seen alive.

The inquest concluded that Lynch died by suicide. Prison staff found him hanging in his cell at 6:24 AM on October 19 but delayed entry until 6:29 AM while waiting for permission from the night orderly officer. A custodial manager entered shortly after, but Lynch was already deceased.

The report noted that while standard procedure requires permission from the Night Orderly Officer for cell unlocks at night, and a minimum of two or three staff members present, the preservation of life takes precedence. "We cannot say that the delay affected the outcome for Mr Lynch, but early intervention is crucial to improving the outcome in cases of hanging," the report added.

During his trial, bodycam footage showed Lynch shouting at police with riot shields, accusing them of protecting individuals harming children and calling them "scum." He was also pictured holding a placard accusing public officials and media of corruption. Lynch pleaded guilty to violent disorder, admitting to shouting "racist and provocative remarks" and calling asylum seekers "child killers."

At his sentencing, the judge acknowledged that Lynch did not physically attack any officer but encouraged others to behave violently and was part of the mob. The court heard Lynch was a family man, married for 36 years with four adult children and three grandchildren.

The Rotherham riots, which injured 64 police officers, four dogs, and a horse, were fueled by misinformation circulating online about a suspect in a stabbing case in Southport. The false claims alleged the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker using a fake name.

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