Prisoner took his own life after being put in isolation for five days during covid-19 pandemic

Investigation by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons found the man had been placed in precautionary isolation in Limerick Prison after developing symptoms consistent with covid-19

Inmate took his own life after spending five days in isolation at Limerick Prison during the covid-19 pandemic, despite twice testing negative for the virus, an investigation has found. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 46-year-old inmate took his own life after spending five days in isolation at Limerick Prison during the covid-19 pandemic, despite twice testing negative for the virus, an investigation has found.

He had been placed on remand at the prison on January 16, 2022, after not taking up bail on his own bond of €500. He was due to appear in court again on February 15.

An investigation by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons found the man had been placed in precautionary isolation on February 3 after developing symptoms consistent with covid-19.

He tested negative for the virus the following day but was required to remain in isolation until he was symptom-free for 48 hours, in accordance with Irish Prison Service protocol in place at the time.

A nurse noted that the inmate was “in quiet form” and had no fever, despite complaining of a sore throat and fatigue. She liaised with the Irish Prison Service Infection Control Team and was told isolation could end if he tested negative again the next day.

The man’s cellmate had been placed in isolation with him on February 3 due to having been in close proximity, but was allowed to return to the general prison population on February 5.

The prisoner, who was not identified in the Office of the Inspector of Prisons report, tested negative for covid-19 again on February 6 but he remained in isolation in accordance with the Irish Prison Service algorithm.

A prison officer who had contact with the inmate throughout that day said he “seemed to be in good spirits”, and a nurse observed there was nothing remarkable apart from the persistence of his symptoms.

At 8.09pm, he activated his cell call bell and asked for paracetamol for his headache. He showed no sign of distress, according to Irish Prison Service records.

An officer checked the cell every hour and, at 11.56pm, he lifted the flap over the viewing panel on the door and saw the inmate. 

A ‘code red’ was called and the door was unlocked, allowing three officers and a nurse to enter the cell. No pulse was detected and the prisoner was unresponsive.

Paramedics arrived at 12.15am and pronounced the man’s death three minutes later.

The Office of the Inspector of Prisons report noted the deceased had been receiving drug treatment in the community prior to committal by way of a methadone prescription. This treatment had continued in prison.

The Office of the Inspector of Prisons noted it had conducted an inspection of Limerick Prison during the covid-19 pandemic in April 2021, and had recommended measures be taken to mitigate the detrimental effects of isolation or quarantine, including psychological support.

This recommendation had been accepted by the Irish Prison Service and a mental health protocol had been put in place by its psychology team.