A decision to apply and leave restraints on the prisoner overnight while he was in hospital was found to be “not justified”
A sex offender serving a sentence at a Cambridgeshire prison died in his cell. Peter Williams died aged 67 on August 3, 2025 while serving his sentence at HMP Littlehey in Perry, according to a recent report.
Williams was sentenced to Imprisonment for Public Protection with a minimum of three years for a sexual offence in August 2010. In June 2019, Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In March 2022, was transferred to HMP Littlehey. Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Williams’ cancer progressed and in May 2025, it was deemed that chemotherapy was no longer effective.
On May 12, Williams was escorted to hospital by two officers who applied an escort chain. According to the report, Williams complained about the cuffs being too tight. No evidence was found to show that anyone adjusted the handcuffs.
The following day the restraints were removed and Williams later returned to prison on May 17. His health continued to deteriorate and on August 3, Williams died in his cell.
A family member was contacted by a family liaison officer. A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman stated that Williams died of advanced bladder cancer.
A clinical review identified that a decision to apply and leave restraints on Williams until the following day was “not justified”. The report said managers responsible for authorising restraints should consider the healthcare and base their decision on the actual risk the prisoner poses at the time.
Authorising Managers have also received training to assess the correct level of restraint for all escorts. A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Following the recommendations made by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, HMP Littlehey has improved restraint procedures by increasing training and oversight”.
A clinical reviewer found no evidence that Williams was discussed in a Palliative Care Team multi-disciplinary meeting, in line with the Littlehey Palliative Care Protocol. Due to this, it was recommended that the Head of Healthcare ensures patients with “complex health needs” are discussed in a meeting.
The Ministry of Justice said it is continuing to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure all relevant information is shared and properly recorded. The clinical reviewer concluded that the care Williams received at the prison was of a “reasonable standard” and “equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in the community”.
An inquest into his death was held on March 23, 2026. The coroner concluded that Williams died from natural causes.
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