28/09/2016

Death Of Overdose Inmate Could Have Been Prevented - Report

An inmate took a fatal overdose of his own prescription drugs despite asking not to be in control of taking them, a report by the Prison Ombudsman has found.

Patrick Kelly, 46, died in hospital from an overdose after hoarding the drugs while on remand at Maghaberry Prison.

The report found his overdose was "foreseeable" and his death was "preventable".

Prisoner Ombudsman Tom McGonigle said: "This poignant case has provided considerable learning about medication management in prison. It is particularly difficult for his family to accept that Mr Kelly died from an overdose of his own medication after having asked not be allowed to hold it because he recognised the risks."

(CD)

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