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Islington Tribune - by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 23 May 2008

Joel Kenyama

Man died after arrest for his own welfare

A MAN who was arrested by police concerned for his welfare later died
in custody from a rare form of meningitis as a result of advanced HIV.
An inquest at St Pancras Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday how Joel Kenyama, 38, a factory worker who lived in Essex, was transferred from hospital to court, to a prison cell and back to hospital in the eight days leading to his death in January last year.
He was arrested by police after reports that he had been roaming naked around the Royal London Hotel in Purfleet, Essex, on January 15. Unable to force him to attend hospital and concerned by his level of agitation, Essex police officers carried out a records check and arrested Mr Kenyama for previously failing to attend court and minor traffic offences.
After appearing in court he reached Pentonville Prison where medical staff had no idea he was in custody due to concern over his health.
As Mr Kenyama awaited sentencing, he was seen by doctors at Whittington Hospital where he told staff he was HIV positive.
Believing the patient would be better off at the prison hospital, they sent him back to Pentonville with a diagnosis of abnormal sodium levels. Mr Kenyama was then sent to the Royal Free where a brain scan and two spinal fluid tests were carried out and he was diagnosed with a brain infection.
Recording a verdict of death by natural causes, coroner Dr Andrew Reid told Mr Kenyama’s family: “I do not believe there was a gross lack of medical care.”
Prisons Ombudsman Dr Lorenzo Delgaudio added: “There was certainly failures in terms of record keeping and cuffing arrangements.”

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