Prison chiefs ‘failed duty of care’ in death of frail inmate

Prison authorities have “legal obligations” to protect the health of prisoners after a “frail” 61-year-old inmate died following an assault in a shared cell.

The Inspector of Prisons said the deceased, a convicted child sex offender, “should not” have been in the same cell as a violent 31-year-old man who was supplying home-made alcohol to other inmates.

Judge Michael Reilly said prison management “did not exercise the duty of care that would be expected”.