A CONVICTED rapist from Greenock who died after collapsing in his prison cell had suffered a stroke, a Fatal Accident Inquiry has confirmed.

Paul Dowds was in custody in HM Prison Low Moss when he took unwell in June 2020.

The 45-year-old was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for a violent sex attack in 2007 and he had twice breached the terms of his supervised release after being freed in 2011.

He had been back in custody awaiting trial after being remanded on a charge of assault to severe injury.

After his collapse Dowds was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but he died in hospital the following month, with a post-mortem confirming he'd suffered from a stroke.

The FAI has established that nothing could have been done to prevent his death.

On 18 June 2020 Dowds was observed to be fit and well during an evening lock-up check.

But the following morning prison officers carrying out a morning check found him to be in an 'unresponsive state', lying on his back on the floor.

He had vomit around his mouth and was making a rasping noise as he tried to breath.

An ambulance was called at about 8.15am and he was taken to Glasgow Royal.

On 8 July he was removed from a ventilator due to him breathing for himself.

Neurological assessments were carried out and he was found to have no brain activity.

Dowds was then transferred for end-of-life care and died on July 11.

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In his FAI report, Sheriff David Taylor said: "Paul Dowds was a 45-year-old man who had a history of drug use and mental health problems.

"He had also suffered from a previous seizure in 2014.

"He was given appropriate medical treatment during his time in custody at HM Prison, Low Moss.

"On the morning of 19 June 2020 Mr Dowds was found lying on his back on the floor of his cell in an unresponsive condition.

"The appropriate code blue message was transmitted immediately and prison officers and nursing staff attended promptly in response to the code blue message.

"Mr Dowds received appropriate treatment including oxygen therapy and a 40ml dose of naxolone whilst an ambulance was called.

"On admission to hospital sadly Mr Dowds’ condition did not improve despite receiving appropriate medical treatment and he died on 11 July 2020.

"Having considered the treatment provided to Mr Dowds at HM Prison Low Moss and at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I am satisfied that he was well cared for throughout and that there is nothing more that could have been done for him."