Prisoner’s suicide ‘down to neglect’
originally published:
17th November 2009
all credits Morning Star
The inquest into the 2004 death of 40-year-old Paul Calvert in HMP Pentonville has returned a verdict of accidental death contributed to by neglect. The inquest, which was held at St Pancras Coroner’s Court in London, concluded on Monday.
Paul Calvert was found hanging in his cell in Pentonville on October 24 2004 – less than two days after arriving the prison.
He was known to have problems with drugs and alcohol and had a history of self-harm and suicide attempts.
This was the second inquest in Mr Calvert’s death. Following the first inquest into his death in March 2007, his family brought a successful legal challenge in the High Court.
Inquest co-director Deborah Coles said: “This is a vindication of Paul’s family’s determination to obtain a just verdict despite the legal setbacks they encountered.”
“The evidence heard about the neglect of basic health and safety at HMP Pentonville must result in all prisons examining how they discharge their duty of care, especially to vulnerable prisoners.”
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