A report on the death of an inmate at Northern Ireland’s largest prison has recommended a disciplinary investigation of the two most senior managers.
The report by Northern Ireland Prisoner Ombudsman Pauline McCabe arose from the death of a prisoner in a special observation cell at Maghaberry prison last summer.
Read the full report.
This is the first time that an Ombudsman's report has recommended a disciplinary investigation of the most senior managers of a UK prison.
In the late hours of last 31 July, 34-year-old Colin Bell took his own life after several attempts.
Since his death, 17 prison officers have been suspended.
Bell was serving a life sentence at Maghaberry for murdering a man in Bangor Co Down in 2003.
He had a history of self harm and had been moved to a special observation cell.
The 188 page report describes his final days.
On two consecutive nights he wrapped toilet paper around his feet in what appeared to be an attempt to keep warm.
CCTV footage showed him waking during the night to rewrap the toilet paper that had unravelled.
On the morning of his final day, CCTV footage showed him make a number of attempts to take his own life with no evidence of prison staff noting this or attempting an intervention.
He killed himself at 23.41pm on 31 July, 2008.
It was a further 38 minutes before he was discovered by prison officers.
Prior to his death, prison staff were not carrying out checks at 15 minute intervals in accordance with regulations.
CCTV footage was not being checked and prison staff can be seen on CCTV chatting, smoking, watching television, using a computer and a makeshift bed.
In the last 32 hours of his life, Colin Bell had pressed the Samaritans Call button in his Observation Cell 73 times.
Evidence suggests that around 63 of the presses resulted in an engaged tone.
There was no evidence of any intervention in response to this level of attempted contact with the Samaritans.
Ombudsman Pauline Mc Cabe's most significant finding is there were failures by the Governing Governor, Alan Longwell (left), and Deputy Governor Steve Davis of Maghaberry Prison in respect of Colin Bell's care and the implementation of Prison Rules and policies.
During her investigation, she heard that the practice of sleeping materials being available on the landings and other areas of the prison was well established.
She also discovered that some of the Night Custody Officers have second jobs which may have implications for their capacity and fitness to carry out their nightshift duties.
The prisoner was in a special observation cell for 40 days from 9 April to his death on 31 July.
Prison policy states ‘prisoners, in a Safer/Observation Cell should be located within 48 hours to suitable accommodation i.e. normal cell or Healthcare.’
