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28/07/2009
Bid To Halt Prison Strike Looks Positive
Threatened disciplinary action on foot of the tragic death of a prisoner on suicide watch and changes to sick leave are believed to be among the issues that threaten to spark an all-out strike by prison wardens.
Today, the NIO Prisons Minister Paul Goggins (pictured) met the Prison Officers Association in last-ditch talks to avert the threat of strike action in NI prisons.
After the head-to-head, the Chairman of the Prison Officers Association Finlay Spratt said he had a "constructive" meeting.
Mr Spratt said he would be taking Mr Goggins proposals back to the area committee.
The talks were called after officers were angered about disciplinary action being extended to those not directly involved in failings that allowed the suicide of prisoner Colin Bell.
He hanged himself in Maghaberry jail last August while some staff were sleeping or watching television.
Regarding sick leave, the warders said proposed new procedures could allow civil servants to decide when a prison officer is well enough to return to work.
Morale is already thought to be low at the facility at the centre of the storm, Maghaberry prison.
It was labelled one of the most expensive in the United Kingdom and also one of the worst by a team of inspectors.
The report by Criminal Justice Inspection NI and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, said Maghaberry was one of three jails out of 169 inspected which was particularly poor in the area of safety.
See: Prison Suicide Watch Fails - Again
See: Report Slams Jail As Among UK's Worst
(BMcC/JM)
Today, the NIO Prisons Minister Paul Goggins (pictured) met the Prison Officers Association in last-ditch talks to avert the threat of strike action in NI prisons.
After the head-to-head, the Chairman of the Prison Officers Association Finlay Spratt said he had a "constructive" meeting.
Mr Spratt said he would be taking Mr Goggins proposals back to the area committee.
The talks were called after officers were angered about disciplinary action being extended to those not directly involved in failings that allowed the suicide of prisoner Colin Bell.
He hanged himself in Maghaberry jail last August while some staff were sleeping or watching television.
Regarding sick leave, the warders said proposed new procedures could allow civil servants to decide when a prison officer is well enough to return to work.
Morale is already thought to be low at the facility at the centre of the storm, Maghaberry prison.
It was labelled one of the most expensive in the United Kingdom and also one of the worst by a team of inspectors.
The report by Criminal Justice Inspection NI and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, said Maghaberry was one of three jails out of 169 inspected which was particularly poor in the area of safety.
See: Prison Suicide Watch Fails - Again
See: Report Slams Jail As Among UK's Worst
(BMcC/JM)
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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.
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 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.
23 February 2009
Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA's Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at the Stormont Assembly today calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison.
Prison Suicide Report Gets Assembly Discussion
Sinn Féin MLA's Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at the Stormont Assembly today calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of prisoner Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison.
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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.
