THE PRISONER Ombudsman has begun inquiries into two unrelated deaths at the Hydebank prison complex in south Belfast.
Samuel Carson (19), who was awaiting trial, was found dead in his cell at the young offenders’ centre on Wednesday evening.
A few hours later, Frances McKeown (23), who was due to be sentenced after she admitted to crimes of hijacking, possession of a weapon and criminal damage, was found dead at the women’s section of the prison.
Ligatures were found in both cells.
Colin McConnell, director general of the North’s Prison Service, said officers were trying to protect all in custody but could not guarantee these deaths would definitely be the last.
“Staff across the prison and across the service are devastated by both these deaths. I also want to recognise the efforts made by the staff who were on duty at the time, who did everything they could to bring about a different outcome. I look forward to the Prisoner Ombudsman’s full and independent report in due course.”
Sinn Féin’s Cáral Ní Chuílan said: “Every death through suicide in custody is an indictment on the system.
“It is now vital that both the Criminal Justice Inspectorate and the Prison Ombudsman carry out a speedy investigation into these two tragic deaths and report quickly with recommendations to ensure that we do not continue repeating the mistakes which lead to tragedies like last night.”
Conall McDevitt of the SDLP said: “These very serious circumstances show a serious crisis with the prison service and management of that facility.
“Many people will immediately ask whether this was a tragic separate incidents or a co-ordinated act, and will also ask how these two young people were allowed to take their own lives while in custody on the same night in the same facility.”
The Committee on the Administration of Justice said not enough was being done by prison authorities to protect the vulnerable.
A statement issued last night said: “The Northern Ireland prison system is failing vulnerable prisoners and those with mental health issues.”