MP Burgon’s concerns after deaths at prison

THE SHADOW Justice Secretary has joined a prison watchdog in raising concerns about overcrowding at a Yorkshire jail after the deaths of two inmates in one week and allegations of sexual assault.

The Prison Service has confirmed that a man died at the prison in Armley, Leeds, this month, five days before convicted murderer Liam Deane was found dead in his cell.

Deane, 22, was serving a life sentence after being jailed in October for the murder of his baby daughter Luna at the family home in Wakefield.

Fellow prisoner John Westland, 28, has been charged with Deane’s murder.

An independent investigation will also be carried out by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Andrew Bodkin, 46, who the Prison Service has now revealed died in custody on November 7.

The Prison Service also confirmed that the police were investigating allegations of sexual assault by a prisoner.

New figures from the Government confirm Armley is the most crowded prison in England and Wales.

East Leeds MP and Shadow Justice Secretary Richard Burgon said: “The fact Armley jail has become so overcrowded is making conditions worse.

“The more overcrowded a prison is the greater problem this causes in terms of maintaining order and an effective prison regime, and keeping prisoners and staff safe.”