Prison Suicide Watch Fails - Again

A killer who failed in two previous suicide bids managed to kill himself on the third attempt, despite being under special guard.

As a result, a prison officer at Maghaberry jail has been suspended after Colin Bell - who was under 24-hour suicide watch - was found hanging in his cell.

This is the second such incident to have made the headlines in the jail in recent years, with the latest death being despite a set of recommendations being made after a previous fatal incident.

The new incident is being investigated by both the Prisoner Ombudsman and management at the Co Antrim facility after the suspended officer was accused of literally falling asleep on the job during the monitoring of the convicted killer.

Bell, who murdered Bangor man Michael O'Hare after setting fire to his flat in 2003, had been under regular observation in a secure cell as jail bosses feared there was a "high-risk" of him committing suicide.

Grotesquely, the killer's suicide was captured on camera and video footage is now being examined by prison bosses.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "This death was a tragedy and is deeply regretted by the Prison Service and we offer our deepest sympathy to the family.

"The Prisoner Ombudsman has been asked to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Her investigation is well under way.

"This death raises major concerns for the Prison Service and the Minister asked the Governor to present him with a full report of the events leading to Mr Bell's death. This has been presented to him in recent days."

Bell, who had a lengthy criminal record, had been on a drink and drug binge, celebrating his earlier release from jail in March 2003, when he smashed his way into his victim's flat and waited on him returning.

The killer then waited for the Co Down man to fall asleep before setting fire to furniture in the flat.

Bell received a life sentence and was ordered to serve at least nine years after pleading guilty to the murder.

The suicide of a woman in March 2004 could also have been prevented, a jury found last year.

In February 2007, the Coroner's Court heard the prison system failed Roseanne Irvine, 34, who was found hanging in her cell, even though she too was on suicide watch.

Last year, Prison Service Director Robin Masefield expressed his regret at the death of Ms Irvine and admitted there had been failings in the past, but said they were working to implement the 30 recommendations that were contained in a report commissioned after her death.

"Within the service, we have, of course, moved the women from Maghaberry to Ash House in Hydebank Wood in 2004," he said.

"Perhaps most significantly, last September we updated our overall suicide and self harm policy."

(BmcC)