A RAPIST who died behind bars had suffered a stroke, it has been revealed.

Paul Dowds was on remand at HMP Low Moss three years ago when he collapsed in his cell.

The 45-year-old, who was on remand pending a trial for robbery and assault, was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary after he was discovered by staff.

He was found struggling to breathe within the Bishopbriggs facility.

Medics battled to save Dowds, who hailed from Greenock, but he died a month later with a post-mortem confirming he had suffered from a stroke.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into his death confirmed nothing could have been done to prevent his death.

Sheriff David Taylor said: "Paul Dowds was a 45-year-old man who had a history of drug use and mental health problems. He had also suffered from a previous seizure in 2014.

"He was given appropriate medical treatment during his time in custody at HM Prison, Low Moss. On the morning of June 19, 2020 Mr Dowds was found lying on his back on the floor of his cell in an unresponsive condition.

"The appropriate code blue message was transmitted immediately and prison officers and nursing staff attended promptly in response to the code blue message. Mr Dowds received appropriate treatment including oxygen therapy and a 40ml dose of naxolone whilst an ambulance was called.

"On admission to hospital sadly Mr Dowds’ condition did not improve despite receiving appropriate medical treatment and he died on July 11, 2020. Having considered the treatment provided to Mr Dowds at HM Prison Low Moss and at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I am satisfied that he was well cared for throughout and that there is nothing more that could have been done for him."

Dowds had been placed on the sex offender register almost 15 years before his death.