Jury finds neglect at Isle of Man Prison contributed to inmate's death

Neglect contributed to the death of an inmate at Isle of Man Prison as "well documented risks were not acted on", an inquest jury has ruled.

Kaan Douglas, 29, was found dead in his cell on 31 March 2020.

The jury said Mr Douglas, who had a history of mental illness, had not been given "adequate protection" from self-harm in prison custody.

The Manx government said improvements had been made after Mr Douglas died to reduce the risk of another death.

Prison authorities previously said certain items had been banned and cell checks altered following the death.

The 29-year-old's mother, Deana Douglas, said she hoped her son's legacy would be to "help prevent this happening to any family in the future".

Mr Douglas had been taken to the prison in Jurby on 30 March after he was refused bail on a charge of provoking behaviour.

The court heard a lack of assessment of his risk of self-harm through his medical records and behaviour at the facility was one of several "serious failings" at the prison.

Others included inadequate cell checks and lack of psychiatric and professional medical assessments.

The jury concluded Mr Douglas died by suicide while the balance of his mind was affected, contributed to by neglect.

Closing the inquest at Douglas Courthouse, Deemster Bernard Richmond QC said cooperation from the prison and police during the proceedings had been "commendable", and passed on his thanks to prison officers for their "openness", adding: "I can see they where affected by what went on."

Prison authorities have been given 28 days to write to Deemster Richmond explaining what had been changed at the facility following the death so it could be officially recorded.

After the ruling, a government spokesman said deaths in custody were rare on the Isle of Man and the Department of Home Affairs took its "responsibilities under the Custody Act seriously".

"Immediately after Kaan's death, work began to make improvements that would reduce the possibility of another family having to endure this loss," he said.

He added that the coroner had been "informed of this work and the ongoing efforts to ensure that those who are in custody... continue to be kept safe".

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