Hatton Garden ringleader, 69, died after refusing medical treatment because he was ‘too busy’ watching rugby in cell
Terry Perkins sent a nurse away because he was watching England beat Italy in the Six Nations last year
THE Hatton Garden heist ringleader refused medical treatment the day before he died — because he was "too busy" watching rugby in his jail cell, a hearing was told.
Terry Perkins, 69, told prison officers he was feeling unwell less than 24 hours before he was found dead at Belmarsh in south east London last February, a pre-inquest review heard.
But when a nurse went to examine him in his cell he was "too busy" watching England beat Italy 46-15 in the Six Nations.
Perkins was serving a seven year sentence after stealing millions of pounds worth of gold and jewels from London's luxurious jewellery quarter in April 2015.
It is believed up to £14 million worth of loot was stolen in the raid.
He died days after he was ordered to pay back £6.5 million or serve another seven years.
His lawyer said Perkins would have to sell his £72,000 apartment in Portugal, but would have to serve the extra years as there was "no prospect" of any further funds being recovered.
Perkins was found dead in his cell the day after the rugby match.
The pre-inquest hearing at Southwark Coroner's Court heard he told her to go away because he was too busy watching the game on Sunday February 4th last year.
If he was looking unwell and he wasn't wanting an examination in response to these symptoms, then it is arguable that medical attention should have been provided.
Adam Wagner, Perkins family representative
Adam Wagner, representing the Perkins family, told the hearing that another prisoner stated Perkins told prison staff he wasn't feeling well that day.
Mr Wagner said: "Terry was told the nurse wasn't going to see him until tomorrow.
"But I understand the nurse did come to Terry's cell that day, but he said he didn't want to be examined because he was watching the rugby."
Mr Wagner added: "The most obvious argument is the question of care provided to Mr Perkins on February 4th in response to his symptoms.
"We know he had swollen feet, felt some sort of shock and he looked grey and unwell.
"It is an open question as to what he said to the nurse and that he rejected an examination — which there were no notes of in the medical report.
"If he was looking unwell and he wasn't wanting an examination in response to these symptoms, then it is arguable that medical attention should have been provided."
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A first pre-inquest hearing last September hard that Perkins reportedly suffered three electric shocks from his heart implant the day before he died.
Mr Wagner told the Coroner, Doctor Julian Morris, that numerous witnesses saw the moment his body was found, including several prisoners and others who claim nurses failed to adequately respond to Perkins' unresponsive state.
It was concluded last September that Perkins died from acute heart failure.
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