Northern Ireland

Third prisoner death at Maghaberry jail in the past month

A prisoner has died at Maghaberry prison in Co Antrim
A prisoner has died at Maghaberry prison in Co Antrim A prisoner has died at Maghaberry prison in Co Antrim

A PRISONER has been found dead in Maghaberry jail, the third death in the Co Antrim prison in the past month.

It is understood the 34-year-old prisoner was found in his cell at the high security facility.

The cause of the his death is being investigated and a post mortem is due to be carried out.

Acting Prison Service Director General Phil Wragg said: "I would like to extend my sympathy and that of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to the family of the prisoner. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

The man's death is the latest in a number of deaths which have prompted calls for urgent prison reform.

Prisoner Barry Cavan from Belfast died at the prison on November 15. It is understood he died from suicide.

Cavan was sentenced to 13 years in 2013 after he admitted murdering David Corr in the New Lodge area of Belfast in 2012 in a dispute involving loud music.

On November 5, Gerard Mulligan also died by suicide.

The 44-year-old had been on remand charged with murdering his father in September.