Carl Forrester, the Devon Paedophile, who succumbed to cancer in prison shortly after incarceration, was not subjected to medical examinations at the earliest possible moment during his dying days, according to an independent investigation.
Carl Forrester received a 21-year sentence on November 4, 2024.
The court at that time defined his acts as ‘horrific.’
The 71-year-old succumbed to renal cancer, which had metastasised, while incarcerated at HMP Exeter, merely nine days later.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman was mandated to conduct an independent inquiry into his death due to his status as a serving prisoner.
The investigation’s findings have been released, concluding that he received equivalent care in prison as he would have anticipated in the community.
The report additionally proposed two recommendations concerning referrals and ensuring that all personnel comprehend national guidelines.
Carl Forrester was found guilty of numerous sexual crimes against a minor at Exeter Crown Court.
This was the second trial attempt, as Carl Forrester had previously absconded to America to evade his original court appearance.
He successfully obtained an American passport, but with the assistance of the victim’s mother and the defendant’s family, he was located and extradited to the UK for trial.
At the time of his sentencing, it was established that he had terminal cancer and could succumb within a few weeks.
The judge maintained that the lengthy term remained warranted to safeguard the public, given the potential for advancements in modern medicine to extend his life.
However, Carl Forrester passed away on November 13, 2025. An inquest into his death was initiated, revealing no suspicious circumstances.
The report indicates that NHS England engaged an independent clinical reviewer to evaluate Mr Carl Forrester’s medical care while incarcerated.
The clinical reviewer determined that the standard of care Mr Carl Forrester received at Exeter was commendable and comparable to what he could have anticipated in the community.
He discovered that Mr Carl Forrester’s medical records indicated a high grade of end-of-life care planning.
Nonetheless, the clinical reviewer determined that Mr Forrester was not directed for an ultrasound, blood, or urine testing at the earliest possible moment.
It stated that Carl Forrester’s chronic anaemia and elevated platelet count warranted further investigation.
The ombudsman’s role is to evaluate the quality of care provided to convicts, identify systemic deficiencies, and propose changes.
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