Inquest Hears How Convicted Cumbrian Paedophile Died From Terminal Cancer in Custody

An inquest into the death of Rodney Edgar Savage, a 71-year-old convicted paedophile from Carlisle, has concluded that he died from natural causes after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Savage died on 14 January 2025 at St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston, the hearing was told.
Savage was serving a nine year prison sentence at HMP Haverigg in Cumbria for historical child sex offences, having been extradited from Cyprus in 2022 to face charges relating to abuse in the Carlisle area.
The Area Coroner for Cumbria, Margaret Taylor, presided over the inquest and recorded that Savage’s death was due to natural causes linked to cancer. Evidence presented showed that he received what was described as a “good standard of care” while in prison, including regular medical reviews and treatment decisions made in the months leading up to his death.
Savage’s health deteriorated significantly in late 2024 when he developed abdominal symptoms. Further medical evaluation revealed a mass on his pancreas and lesions on his liver, and a biopsy confirmed pancreatic cancer with metastases in December of that year. He opted against chemotherapy after being informed that treatment would not cure the disease, only possibly extend life.
As his condition worsened and pain became difficult to manage in custody, arrangements were made for him to receive palliative care at St Mary’s Hospice, where he spent his final days surrounded by ongoing medical support.
The inquest also heard concerns from Savage’s wife about the timing of his diagnosis, although officials said there was no indication of earlier symptoms in his clinical records while he was held at HMP Durham before transfer to Cumbria. Ms Taylor noted that appropriate care planning had been in place and regular reviews were conducted by prison health staff.
Because Savage was detained at the time of his death, the inquest was legally required to take place and confirm the cause of death. The coroner’s findings mean no further action or recommendations were made regarding custody healthcare practices.