18/07/2012
New Prison Service Boss Vows To Tackle Drugs
The new head of Northern Ireland's prison service has vowed to tackle the drugs problem in jails.
Sue McAllister steps into the post of director general of the prison service following reports by the prisoner ombudsman that linked drugs to the deaths of two Maghaberry prisoners and accused the prison authorities of tolerating the problem.
But she has said measures will be introduced to reform the system and prevent prisoners abusing drugs.
Random drugs testing and increased intelligence will be part of the raft of reforms.
Ms McAllister, 51, is the first woman to occupy the most senior role in the prison service.
She came out of early retirement to take the position and is confident her 25 years of experience working in English and Welsh prisons, sometimes as prison governer, will serve her well.
Ms McAllister started her job at the start of this month and met with the ombudsman this week.
She said: "We do not accept that drug use in prisons is inevitable and are working to stop drugs coming in and also reducing the demand for drugs, reducing instances of addiction and providing support for prisoners coming off drugs and staying off. The use of illegal drugs or the unlawful use of prescription medication will not be tolerated. We will not be complacent about it and will continue to address the issue and it will remain a priority for us."
(NE)
Sue McAllister steps into the post of director general of the prison service following reports by the prisoner ombudsman that linked drugs to the deaths of two Maghaberry prisoners and accused the prison authorities of tolerating the problem.
But she has said measures will be introduced to reform the system and prevent prisoners abusing drugs.
Random drugs testing and increased intelligence will be part of the raft of reforms.
Ms McAllister, 51, is the first woman to occupy the most senior role in the prison service.
She came out of early retirement to take the position and is confident her 25 years of experience working in English and Welsh prisons, sometimes as prison governer, will serve her well.
Ms McAllister started her job at the start of this month and met with the ombudsman this week.
She said: "We do not accept that drug use in prisons is inevitable and are working to stop drugs coming in and also reducing the demand for drugs, reducing instances of addiction and providing support for prisoners coming off drugs and staying off. The use of illegal drugs or the unlawful use of prescription medication will not be tolerated. We will not be complacent about it and will continue to address the issue and it will remain a priority for us."
(NE)
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31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.