Charles Pratt, a 72-year-old convicted rapist, died from pneumonia just six months into his 27-year prison sentence after refusing a flu vaccination while incarcerated at HMP Leeds. Pratt turned down the flu jab in October 2024 but later contracted the illness, which developed into fatal pneumonia.
Timeline of Illness and Death
Pratt was taken to hospital in late November 2024 and spent a week there before being discharged on December 6. However, his condition worsened, and he was readmitted on January 7, 2025. He died two days later. An inquest held on January 28, 2025, concluded that Pratt died from natural causes.
Prisons & Probation Ombudsman Investigation
An investigation by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman (PPO) found that Pratt received treatment of a “reasonable standard and equivalent to that which he could have expected to” in the community. The report stated that the care provided was appropriate.
Background of Crimes and Sentencing
Pratt, from Skipton, was jailed in August 2024 at Bradford Crown Court after being found guilty of 19 sex offences, including multiple counts of rape against two women and a child. During the trial, the court heard that Pratt would laugh and ridicule his victims as he assaulted them. He was also convicted of one count of attempted indecent assault against a child.
Victim Impact and Judicial Remarks
Detective Constable Neil Borchardt, from North Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation, stated: “He used violence and threats, often while under the influence of alcohol, to carry out these attacks for his own disturbed sexual gratification. He adversely affected the lives of his victims who have had to endure extreme levels of trauma.” Sentencing Pratt, Judge Ahmed Nadim said: “The damage that you have inflicted upon each of your victims is immeasurable. They are deserving of the gratitude of this court and society as a whole for the courage they've shown in reporting you to the authorities and in bringing you to justice, and in the process re-living the most painful of memories.”
Further Details of Abuse
The court heard that Pratt punched one woman in the stomach, requiring hospital treatment. Another vulnerable victim, who was punched and kicked and suffered extreme sexual assaults, attempted to take her own life. Pratt was of previous good character only because complaints made against him in 2011 did not lead to prosecution. Judge Nadim concluded: “In short Charles Pratt, you are a violent and callous man. In order to meet your perverted sexual needs, you do not recognise and respect any societal or moral boundaries. As a result of your conduct three lives have been blighted.”
