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Report critical of prison staff | Report critical of prison staff |
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An inquiry into the suicide of a NI prisoner has recommended the governor and deputy governor be subjected to a disciplinary investigation. | An inquiry into the suicide of a NI prisoner has recommended the governor and deputy governor be subjected to a disciplinary investigation. |
Colin Bell, 34, who was serving a life sentence at Maghaberry prison for murder, hanged himself at the fourth attempt. | Colin Bell, 34, who was serving a life sentence at Maghaberry prison for murder, hanged himself at the fourth attempt. |
He was on suicide watch and was supposed to be monitored every 15 minutes. | He was on suicide watch and was supposed to be monitored every 15 minutes. |
Disciplinary proceedings are among 44 recommendations made in the report. | Disciplinary proceedings are among 44 recommendations made in the report. |
The 182-page report by Prisoner Ombudsman Pauline McCabe was published on Friday. | The 182-page report by Prisoner Ombudsman Pauline McCabe was published on Friday. |
In October, 17 prison staff were suspended from duty following an internal investigation. | In October, 17 prison staff were suspended from duty following an internal investigation. |
Not all of those suspended were on duty when Bell died. | Not all of those suspended were on duty when Bell died. |
One member of staff has since resigned. | One member of staff has since resigned. |
It is understood that video camera footage examined as part of the investigation shows prison staff lying in bed watching television while they were supposed to be on duty. | It is understood that video camera footage examined as part of the investigation shows prison staff lying in bed watching television while they were supposed to be on duty. |
Bell was serving a life sentence for murder and was on suicide watch because he had a history of self-harming. | Bell was serving a life sentence for murder and was on suicide watch because he had a history of self-harming. |
The prisoner ombudsman's report said he had self-harmed 15 times in the four months before his death. | The prisoner ombudsman's report said he had self-harmed 15 times in the four months before his death. |
In the days before he died, he tried 73 times to use a helpline in his cell to phone the Samaritans. The line was engaged 63 times. | In the days before he died, he tried 73 times to use a helpline in his cell to phone the Samaritans. The line was engaged 63 times. |
After he took his life, his body lay in his cell for almost 40 minutes before it was discovered. | After he took his life, his body lay in his cell for almost 40 minutes before it was discovered. |
In a statement issued by the family of Colin Bell, they said they "intended to take civil action against the NIO and the governor of Maghaberry, and that his death could easily have been prevented". |