Recommendations to be made after prison deaths

Christopher Corkill, 46, was found unresponsive in his prison cell in February 2023

Recommendations will be made relating to the deaths of inmates at the Isle of Man Prison, an inquest has been told.

Coroner Graeme Cook said he would be putting them forward after receiving submissions from lawyers representing family members, Manx Care and the prison.

He made the remarks at the conclusion of the inquest into the death of 46-year-old Christopher Corkill, who was found unresponsive in his cell on 24 February 2023.

The hearing at Douglas Courthouse heard Mr Corkill's was the third death at the Jurby facility since March 2020.

The coroner said he would also make recommendations in relation to findings from the inquest of 28-year-old Craig Anderson, who was found dead at the facility 25 November 2022.

His death followed that of 29-year-old Kaan Douglas, who was found dead in his cell on 31 March 2020.

'Never easy'

After hearing four days of evidence at Douglas Courthouse, the jury found Mr Corkill died by suicide.

The 46-year-old was found unresponsive in his cell during the prison's morning medication run at about 07:45 BST on 24 February last year.

The court previously heard he had last been seen at about 20:30 the night before watching television on his bed.

Evidence from prison officers, health staff, an independent investigator, and a fellow inmate revealed Mr Corkill had not raised concerns or been out of character immediately prior to his death.

The hearing was told several changes to procedures had been made at the facility following the deaths.

Thanking the jury for carrying out their "duty", Deemster Cook said inquests were "never easy" and would "bring out emotions".

Passing his condolences on to Mr Corkill's family and friends, he said it would have been a "harrowing experience" for them.

Addressing his partner, Lisa Barnett, he said: "I hope at some point you can move on with your life."

Speaking after the conclusion of the inquest, Ms Barnett said she would now await the recommendations, adding: "There’s been three deaths now in three years, let’s hope no one has to go through what I’ve had to endure."

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