Inmates 'died while cuffed'
Tuesday 05 February 2013
Printable
EmailBritain's prisons watchdog published a shocking report today detailing cases where dying inmates were wrongly chained up.
One in 10 prisoners who died of natural causes between 2007 and 2012 were inappropriately restrained, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Nigel Newcomen found.
In one case a man with terminal cancer who had been in jail for decades died while handcuffed to a prison officer - despite being short of breath and unable to move far from his bed.
Mr Newcomen, who investigates all inmate deaths, said prisons were struggling to balance security with dignity.
The Prison Reform Trust said the "disturbing" report should prompt ministers to review inmates' treatment.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Iraq ruling is no vindication
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond believes himself vindicated by the High Court ruling that his Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) is independent.
Features
Turmoil set to continue
A look at the causes and possible outcomes of Silvio Berlusconi and his right-wing coalition's lead in the polls.
Our government has put us at risk
Attacks such as yesterday's horrific murder in Woolwich didn't happen before the 'war on terror.' It's time we recognised the consequences of the conflicts we've unleashed