A woman died of an overdose just one day after walking free from a Durham prison because she couldn't get her methadone fix soon enough.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) report found Melissa Ridley, 39, a former inmate of HMP Low Newton was "distressed" when told her community drug service appointment would not take place until the afternoon of the day after her release.

Ms Ridley, who had a long history of drug use, was released from the women's prison near Durham on February, 26. She had been prescribed methadone to manage her heroin addiction while in custody.

Melissa Ridley(Image: Cumbria Police)

Her probation officer rearranged her substance misuse appointment from Carlisle to Whitehaven after last-minute changes to her accommodation placed her 40 miles away. But the earliest available slot was 1.30pm the next day.

According to the PPO report, Ms Ridley said she "would not cope and would have to seek methadone, or an alternative drug, elsewhere to prevent her suffering withdrawal symptoms".

The following morning, staff at her supported accommodation in Cleator Moor found her unconscious and not breathing. Paramedics arrived at 11.32am but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at 12.06pm.

A post-mortem examination found she died from combined drug toxicity.

HMP/YOI Low Newton, Durham(Image: STUART BOULTON)

The Ombudsman's report noted: "It was unfortunate that an earlier appointment could not have been made as the timing of the new appointment had a detrimental impact on Ms Ridley.

"While we make no recommendation, we highlight this issue as it is possible that if attempts had been made to move the appointment to an earlier time, Ms Ridley may not have sought illicit drugs elsewhere."

The investigation accepted that the location of her temporary accommodation was outside the probation officer's control and that staff acted quickly to rearrange her appointment.

At an inquest held on October 7, a coroner concluded that Ms Ridley's death was drug-related.

A HMPPS spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Melissa Ridley at this difficult time.

"While the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman made no formal recommendations to HMPPS, we recognise the findings and are working closely with our partners to improve continuity of care for those leaving custody."