The family of a prisoner who died in Mountjoy last year want to know why certain details of their relative’s death were released to the media before they were informed.
The man was serving a 16-year jail sentence for drugs possession when he was found slouched in his cell on August 31st, 2013. Emergency services were called and the man was later pronounced dead at the Mater Hospital.
A small quantity of contraband tablets were taken from his clothing and gardaí later said they found “a small brown substance and a piece of tin foil from a locker within the cell”.
In report into the death, the Inspector of Prisons Judge Michael Reilly says the man’s family stated it was reported in newspapers that the deceased was slumped over and tin foil was found in his cell. The family wanted to know why told of this when they arrived at the prison and who told the papers?”
In his report, Judge Reilly said he did not know why the family was not informed about the tin foil or how this aspect of the incident reached the media. “I cannot account for the family not being told of this [THE TIN FOIL]at the time. I also cannot account for how this became a news item.”
He added: “I cannot account for the reason why the family were not given all details except to say that at times such as this an effort to consider the sensitivities of the family can often lead to inadequate information being given.”
The family also wanted to know why the dead man was able to obtain drugs while in prison, to which Judge Reilly said: “In common with virtually all prisons worldwide drugs are a feature in the prison life of Mountjoy Prison. Despite exhaustive enquires I could not ascertain the source of such drugs.”
Judge Reilly also noted that the family faced delays in Mountjoy and later in the Mater before they were allowed to see their relative. “Delays as outlined by the family should not have occurred,” said Judge Reilly. “It is outside my remit to enquire as to the reasons for such delays but prison management should address this issue.”
In his recommendations, he said all efforts should be made to stop drugs getting into Mountjoy. He also said prison management must be conscious of the vulnerabilities of family members at a time of crisis.
