Camden Council failed vulnerable woman who died after hotel placement, inquest finds

Camden Council failed in its duty of care towards an "extremely vulnerable" woman who died shortly after being released from prison and placed alone in a hotel, an inquest has found. Assistant Coroner Melanie Lee concluded that agencies missed opportunities to provide adequate support for Colleen Madden, a 31-year-old who had a history of trauma and substance dependency.

Colleen Madden was released from HMP Bronzefield on January 13, 2025, for the fourth time in five months. She had experienced homelessness, trauma, and substance dependency, and had sustained a brain injury in 2018. Following her release, she underwent an assessment by Camden's adult social care services, which the coroner described as "inadequate and confused". That same evening, the council placed her in an interim hotel in King's Cross without any support arrangements.

Ms Madden was found dead in the hotel room on January 16, 2025. Medical evidence indicated she had died shortly after arriving at the accommodation. Social workers had attempted to visit her on January 15, but her body was not discovered until police gained entry to the room the following day.

Missed opportunities for support

At the inquest in October 2026, Assistant Coroner Melanie Lee stated that Colleen Madden was "let down" by various agencies. She described the situation as a "chain of missed opportunities" and concluded that "without a doubt", Ms Madden deserved and should have received better care. The coroner added that had the council fulfilled its statutory duties, Ms Madden may not have died in the manner she did.

A safeguarding inquiry commissioned after her death noted the significant emotional toll that repeated recalls to prison had on Ms Madden. The review found it difficult to identify from case records how her behaviour, which could be aggressive, was considered in connection with her past harmful experiences or concerns about recall.

Family's concerns

Colleen Madden's family stated after the inquest that they felt she had become "little more than an administrative task, with no one taking responsibility for her needs." They added that the inquest highlighted the importance of proper training for those working with vulnerable adults to prevent similar tragedies.

Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, representing the family, said the inquest had "exposed repeated failures to assess, coordinate and plan for the safe release from prison of an exceptionally vulnerable woman whose risks and support needs were well known."

Council's response

A spokesperson for Camden Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that their "deepest sympathies remain with Colleen's family and friends following her tragic death." The council stated that ensuring vulnerable residents are supported and safeguarded is a responsibility they take extremely seriously. They have since improved support for prison leavers and information sharing between the council, probation services, and other partner agencies, progressing an action plan overseen by the Camden Safeguarding Adults Board. The council said it would carefully consider the coroner’s findings to identify further gaps and improve staff training.