A prison governor and his deputy face disciplinary action after a report into the suicide of an inmate found that prison staff could have done more to prevent his death.

Alan Longwell and Steve Davis, of Maghaberry Prison, Co Antrim, will be the first prison chiefs in Britain to be investigated if recommendations from the Prisoner Ombudsman are accepted.

The 186-page report makes 44 recommendations and reveals that staff slept on makeshift beds, smoked and watched television in the special unit where Colin Bell, 34, who had a history of self-harm, hanged himself last August.

The report says that investigators viewed footage of officers who were supposed to be monitoring live video links to cells: “The secure pod officer can be observed preparing and using a makeshift bed. He and other officers (four at one point) can be observed sitting, chatting, smoking cigarettes, using the computer and watching television.”

The report concludes that checks on prisoners were not carried out and that proper records were not kept between July 31 and August 1, when Mr Bell was found dead.

Mr Bell made 73 attempts to call the Samaritans using a special link in his cell and for two nights he wrapped toilet paper around his feet to stay warm. He killed himself on his fourth attempt but officers did not realise he was dead for nearly 40 minutes.

Paul Goggins, the Northern Ireland Prisons Minister, apologised to Mr Bell's family and announced a review of prison policy. Mr Bell's family said that they would be bringing a civil action against Mr Longwell and the Northern Ireland Office.

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