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11/10/2001
Prison Inspectorate urges closure of H Blocks
Magilligan jail in County Londonderry has been urged to get rid of its ‘H’ Blocks and replace them with modern accommodation.
The closure recommendation is contained in a report published on Thursday October 11 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons who paid a surprise three-day visit to Magilligan last March.
The key recommendation proposes that the ‘H’ Blocks should be removed due to the mix of “paramilitaries, gangs, sex offenders, prisoners with drug problems and other ‘ordinary’ offenders” which they classify as unhealthy. The report continues: “The ‘H’ Blocks will never be safe places for prisoners or staff.
Among other areas of concern, the report highlights Magilligan’s increasing number of sex offenders, and the absence of a comprehensive and challenging system of sentence planning.
Magilligan is a medium-risk jail and the report says that, in the six years since it was last inspected, the prison regime has done much to keep pace with political change within Northern Ireland.
The report makes the conclusion that although this modernisation is welcome there needs to be greater practical commitment towards the prison’s goals from the Northern Ireland Office and the wider criminal justice agencies. The first sign of which, the report ends, should be the replacement of the ‘H’ Blocks. (AMcE)
The closure recommendation is contained in a report published on Thursday October 11 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons who paid a surprise three-day visit to Magilligan last March.
The key recommendation proposes that the ‘H’ Blocks should be removed due to the mix of “paramilitaries, gangs, sex offenders, prisoners with drug problems and other ‘ordinary’ offenders” which they classify as unhealthy. The report continues: “The ‘H’ Blocks will never be safe places for prisoners or staff.
Among other areas of concern, the report highlights Magilligan’s increasing number of sex offenders, and the absence of a comprehensive and challenging system of sentence planning.
Magilligan is a medium-risk jail and the report says that, in the six years since it was last inspected, the prison regime has done much to keep pace with political change within Northern Ireland.
The report makes the conclusion that although this modernisation is welcome there needs to be greater practical commitment towards the prison’s goals from the Northern Ireland Office and the wider criminal justice agencies. The first sign of which, the report ends, should be the replacement of the ‘H’ Blocks. (AMcE)
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Ombudsman to investigate prisoner's death
The prison Ombudsman is to investigate the death of a prisoner who was found dead in his cell in County Londonderry. Thomas Mackenzie Quinn, 45, from Belfast was found dead in Magilligan Prison yesterday afternoon. He was serving six years for robbery.
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The prison Ombudsman is to investigate the death of a prisoner who was found dead in his cell in County Londonderry. Thomas Mackenzie Quinn, 45, from Belfast was found dead in Magilligan Prison yesterday afternoon. He was serving six years for robbery.
18 July 2003
Prison Service meets majority of yearly targets
The annual report of the Northern Ireland Prison Service has revealed that the Service met the majority of its targets over the past year. The report, which was released on Thursday, showed that for the year 2002/03 the Service met 8 out of its 11 key targets including those covering security, safety and expenditure.
Prison Service meets majority of yearly targets
The annual report of the Northern Ireland Prison Service has revealed that the Service met the majority of its targets over the past year. The report, which was released on Thursday, showed that for the year 2002/03 the Service met 8 out of its 11 key targets including those covering security, safety and expenditure.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
