The BBC is reporting that a 21 year old man has died in Maghaberry Prison. Aaron Hogg was on remand. He was found in his cell yesterday morning. What raises even more concern about this tragedy is that it follows on from two other deaths in custody this month.

Earlier this month two young people committed suicide in Hydebank Wood. Samuel Carson was aged 19 and Frances McKeown aged 23. The BBC reports that ligatures were removed from both cells. The deaths are said to be unconnected. The Director of the Prison Service, Colin McConnell, said in his statement that in the past the staff had had ’cause for concern in terms of their behaviour and demeanour.’ They were not considered at risk in recent weeks and so were been attended to the same as all inmates. Three inquiries will now be held into the deaths: the coroner, the PSNI and the Prisoner Ombudsman. Continue reading “Deaths in NI Prisons” →