Prison slammed in report after death of inmate

STRANGEWAYS has been slammed in an report arising from the death of a prisoner.

- PAUL BRITTON

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), which independently investigates deaths in custody, has issued a series of recommendations to HMP Manchester after finding 'significant concerns' and called for a 'disciplinary investigation' into the actions of segregation unit staff to be launched.

Akhtar Hussain died in hospital on July 8, 2021, after he was found hanging in his cell three days earlier.

He was 32 and had been segregated for three days before he was found.

Acting Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, Kimberley Bingham, said she was 'concerned' his segregation was 'managed poorly' and that his health 'was not properly assessed' at the start of the period of segregation.

She wrote in the report: "There is little evidence that staff interacted with him as required, he did not have access to any of his property or distraction materials and his cell bell went unanswered shortly before he was found hanging."

Mr Hussain who was serving a six-year sentence after being convicted of robbery and assault - was 'subject to three separate uses of force' before his segregation.

"I am concerned that force was used too quickly and not as a last resort, with not enough thought given to alternative solutions," said Ms Bingham.