Prison officers charged over inmate suicide

TWO prison officers have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter after an inmate killed himself two weeks prior to his release.

Anthony Paine, 35, took his own life at HMP Liverpool in February 2018, where he had been serving an 18-month sentence for affray and endangering the public.

He had a history of mental illness.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that charges were being brought against two prison officers following an “extensive investigation” by Merseyside Police.

The CPS said Paul Fairhurst, custodial manager, and Rachael Jameson, a senior officer, would appear at Liverpool magistrates’ court on Dec 1 charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

The pair have also been charged with offences under the Health and Safety at Work Act, according to the CPS.

Mr Paine had been in custody at HMP Liverpool for five months at the time of his death and was due for release just two weeks later.

His sister, Chelsea Paine, 26, told The Independent in 2018 that her brother had a long history of self harm.

She said at the time: “He was an amazing person. He had the biggest smile. He was mischievous. He loved his fishing; he loved everyone in his family.”