Death in Melrose Prison: Andy Selmour's Assault May Be Linked to a Drug Case

The proceedings of the Board of Inquiry established to investigate the death of Andy Selmour, which occurred on December 9 at Melrose Prison, continued on Tuesday.

During the hearing, a member of the Intelligence Unit assigned to Melrose Prison suggested that the assault on Andy Selmour might be connected to a drug issue. According to this Lead Prison Officer, the main factor behind the increase in violence among inmates is the circulation of paper soaked in synthetic drugs, which he claims has become a real "currency" within the prison.

The witness explained that some inmates have been receiving an unusually high number of letters in recent months, suspected to be impregnated with illicit substances. Since an incident that occurred in July 2025, assaults among prisoners have reportedly increased significantly. "Discipline has fallen to its lowest level," he stated, going so far as to say: "It is the prisoners who are ruling the prison."

Tensions between inmates and guards were also mentioned during his testimony, with the witness acknowledging that it has become particularly difficult to work in the facility, notably due to the growing drug problem and the consolidation of gangs.

Earlier in the day, another Lead Prison Officer, assigned to the Paille-en-Queue Unit on the day of the incident, provided his account of the events. He stated that he received a call around 4 PM from his superior informing him of the imminent transfer of Andy Selmour for security reasons. According to the information received, the inmate had fought a little earlier in the yard.

Shortly after his arrival at the unit, an inmate reportedly came to inform him that Andy Selmour was unwell. The latter was already in poor condition and unable to walk, the guard specified. With the help of other inmates, he then escorted him to the prison's medical complex.

When questioned by the chairman of the Board of Inquiry, former judge Paul Lam Shang Leen, the witness admitted that the situation within the prison had become concerning, reiterating the extent of drug trafficking and the growing influence of gangs.

An officer assigned to the Medical Ward was also heard. He stated that around 2:40 PM, Andy Selmour presented himself at the medical service for treatment. The inmate had a head injury. When asked about the origin of this injury, he reportedly claimed that he had fallen in the yard.

The proceedings of the Board of Inquiry are set to continue this Wednesday.