Northern Ireland

Jail suicide victim Gerard Mulligan 'needed better care'

Gerard Mulligan with his partner Michelle Logue
Gerard Mulligan with his partner Michelle Logue Gerard Mulligan with his partner Michelle Logue

THE partner of a man who took his own life in Maghaberry Prison while accused of the murder of his father has said more should have been done by the jail to tackle his mental health problems.

The PSNI, coroner and prisoner ombudsman have all launched investigations into the death of Gerard Mulligan (44) on Saturday evening.

He had been on remand charged with murdering his father, Gerald Mulligan, at his home on Limehurst Way in Lisburn on September 25.

Mr Mulligan's partner Michelle Logue said although he had attempted to take his own life shortly after the murder and had been placed on suicide watch in jail, he was not seen by a psychiatrist for three weeks.

She told BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme that in a letter to her from prison, Mr Mulligan wrote that he "had never felt as alone in his entire life".

Ms Logue said despite repeated calls from his solicitor, Mr Mulligan only saw a psychiatrist last Wednesday.

"He'd written to me in his letters how troubled he was."

She said she did not believe mental health care in Maghaberry was sufficient and said more should have been done.

"They have to be more sympathetic and caring," she said.

She also questioned why Mr Mulligan was taken off suicide watch before his death.

"Their mental health services have to be number one for vulnerable prisoners."

Ms Logue said Mr Mulligan had tried to phone her several times on the day he took his life.

"I feel terrible guilt, because I was the love of his life and he told me I was the only thing that was keeping him going," she said.

"So I believe maybe if I'd have spoken to him I could have stopped him on that day. But I believe it (his death) was inevitable."