Remand prisoner found dead in jail

INVESTIGATIONS have been launched after a remand inmate died in jail yesterday.

The man’s next of kin have been informed by the prison service but no other details have been released. The PSNI, coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have begun inquiries into the death. Green Party MLA Clare Bailey, who was a member of Stormont’s Justice Committee, offered her condolences to the family of the 38-year-old who was being held in Maghaberry, Co Antrim. She said: “There are too many deaths in our prison system. Six people lost their lives while in prison in 2016. “While the details surrounding the death of this man are just emerging, it is very clear our prison service is under great pressure. This is having a significant impact on prisoners and prison office staff. “Again, it brings home the reality that the DUP and Sinn Fein are failing the people of Northern Ireland. “We need an Executive and Assembly in place to deal with the difficult but crucial issues like the much needed reform of our prison service.” Northern Ireland Prison Service chief Ronnie Armour also extended his sympathy and that of his organisation the family of the man who died in the jail near Lisburn. He said: “My thoughts are with them at this difficult time.” A spokesman added: “The Northern Ireland Prison Service has confirmed the death of a 38-year-old remand prisoner in Maghaberry Prison this morning, Wednesday 17 May. The next of kin have been informed”