Probe after jailsuicide correct

John Anthony Derry, aged 50, killed himself in Maghaberry in August 2009.

The Londonderry man had been returned to jail for a breach of his licence after serving his sentence for the indecent assaults.

A number of prison service staff were suspended in the wake of the incident.

Erstwhile Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Director General Robin Masefield said at the time: “I am deeply concerned at the circumstances surrounding this death in custody.

“If the outcome of disciplinary investigation requires it, robust action will follow.

“As the internal disciplinary investigation and the Ombudsman’s investigation are both ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Now DUP MLA Lord Morrow has asked the Justice Minister if he thinks the investigation of two prison servce staff at Maghaberry was appropriate and met the criteria of best practice and Labour Relations Agency guidelines.

Mr Ford replied: “I am content that it was appropriate for both members of staff to have been involved in the investigation or disciplinary process following the death of Mr Deery.

“They were carrying out their duties in accordance with the current Code of Conduct and Discipline, the content of which was agreed with relevant staff associations.”