Murderer and other inmate die after catching Covid at prison
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO DEATHS
TWO women prisoners have died after being struck down with Covid-19 at New Hall Prison at Flockton.
An investigation has been launched following the women’s deaths which are understood to have followed a serious outbreak of coronavirus at the prison.
Sharon Swinhoe, 52, died in hospital on February 23. Ms Swinhoe was serving a 25-year sentence for murdering her retired civil servant boyfriend in Newcastle.
Nicola Law, 41, died in hospital on Monday, March 1.
A spokesperson for the Prison Service said it could not confirm the cause of death of the women’s deaths as it was a matter for the coroner.
A source told the Examiner that a recent coronavirus outbreak at the prison had affected dozens of prisoners but the Prison Service spokesman would not comment on specific numbers.
The spokesman said the recent coronavirus outbreak had been reduced to “single figures”.
The spokesperson said: “Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus and protect the lives of those who live and work in our prisons.
“We have taken precautionary measures at New Hall, in line with public health guidance, and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
The deaths of both women are being investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
Last year the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman was critical of New Hall following the death of prisoner Angela Burkitt from coronavirus.
The Ombudsman published a report into Burkitt’s death which concluded HMP New Hall “should have acted sooner to isolate Ms Burkitt when she displayed symptoms of Covid-19”.