Man found dead in prison cell

A Derry man due to appear in court today has died in his prison cell.

Patrick Duffy (aged 49) from Nassau Street, faced charges of criminal damage and assault.

He was found dead in Maghaberry Prison just after midnight. There are no signs of suspicious circumstances.

A Prison Service spokesman said: “The Northern Ireland Prison Service regrets to announce the death in custody of a remand prisoner at Maghaberry.”

Relatives, police, the coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman Pauline McCabe have been notified and investigations are under way.

Director general of the Prison Service Colin McConnell extended the service’s sympathies to the Duffy family.