Two probes held over prisoner’s suicide

Separate investigations are underway after a prisoner was found dead by suicide in Mountjoy Prison.

The inmate is understood to be John Bishop, 26, from Ronanstown, Dublin. It is believed he was serving a sentence for robbery.

His body was found yesterday morning in the A2 wing of the prison and the circumstances of his death will now be investigated.

It is the fifth death of an inmate in custody so far this year, a lower annual figure than usual.

However, the death by suicide will be investigated by both the gardaí and the inspector of prisons.

Earlier this year, Minister for Justice Alan Shatter announced that the death of any prisoner, whether from natural causes or otherwise, would be subjected to an independent investigation by the inspector of prisons.

He also announced last April that, for the first time, the report will be made public.

The scope of those investigations includes deaths that take place outside prison walls and the deaths of recently or temporarily released prisoners.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust welcomed the move, saying it was a significant development.