Prisoner Clayton Backman dies in hospital days after punching mirror

A prisoner serving a 15-year jail sentence over the shooting death of another man has died only a short time after he hurt his hand at a Brisbane jail.

Clayton Backman was serving 15 years in jail for manslaughter. Picture: Facebook

A prisoner serving a 15-year jail sentence over the shooting death of another man has died only a short time after he hurt his hand at a Brisbane jail.

Clayton David Backman, 32, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the shooting death of Les Brooks in 2016, died yesterday.

It’s understood authorities are treating his death as being from natural causes.
The Courier-Mail has been told Backman recently hurt his hand after punching a mirror and was originally taken to the PA Hospital to get stitches before going back to Brisbane Correctional Centre.

“He had a serious wound on his hand last week,” an officer said.

“He returned to the hospital after his hand became swollen.”
It’s understood Backman returned to the hospital a few days ago and died yesterday.
However it’s unclear if the hand injury contributed to his death in any way.

Queensland Corrective Services confirmed the death of Backman at the hospital.

“The 32-year-old man had been incarcerated at Brisbane Correctional Centre before being transported to hospital this week for ongoing treatment,” a spokeswoman said.

“QCS will assist Queensland Police in preparing a report for the coroner, who will determine the cause of death. This is standard practice for all deaths in custody.”

Backman had been in a special needs unit at the Brisbane jail.

Les Brooks was shot dead at Tingalpa in 2016.

Backman was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of manslaughter.

Mr Brooks, 32, died after he was shot in the stomach in November 2016 at a property in Tingalpa.

Backman handed himself into police the following day.