A PRISONER from South Shields considered to be at risk of harming himself was found hanged in his cell.
An inquest has been told how Paul Fletcher died in Northumberland's Acklington Prison last August after using a self-made ligature to hang himself during the night.
At the time of his death, Mr Fletcher was included on a register of inmates consid
ered to be at risk of causing themselves harm, the Morpeth hearing was told.
Yesterday, north Northumberland coroner Ian McCreath opened a three-day inquest into the death of the 28-year-old.
The hearing is considering several issues surrounding his death, including any possible defects in the prison's systems and whether the use of a defibrillator could have saved his life after he was found by staff.
Mr McCreath said an investigation by the Prison Service Ombudsman into Mr Fletcher's death has recommended Acklington Prison's management should consider training all staff in the use of defibrillators.
However, this recommendation was not accepted.
Cardiologist Dr Andrew Flapan told the inquest that the equipment is effective in resuscitating heart attack victims.
But in Mr Fletcher's case it was almost certain that the use of one would not have saved his life.
A jury of six men and three women will reach a verdict after hearing evidence from more than 15 witnesses during the inquest, which continues today.
The full article contains 234 words and appears in Shields Gazette newspaper.
