Big increase in prison suicides during 2007 ; report

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 1, 2008, 12:49 GMT

Prisons Minister Maria Eagle. EPA/AARON MCCRACKEN

(M&C) - There was a big increase in prison suicides during 2007 according to a Ministry of Justice report released today.

The figures show 92 inmates took their own lives during 2007 -- an increase of almost 40 percent on the number for 2006.

Prisons Minister Maria Eagle said she regretted the sharp rise in prison self-inflicted deaths:

"I sincerely regret this year's increase in self-inflicted deaths after the significant decreases of recent years," she said to the BBC. 

"Our prisons contain large numbers of very vulnerable people, and caring for them is challenging and vital work. I know that all those involved remain totally committed, and I commend them for that."

Eighty four of the deaths were male with the youngest a 15-year-old who killed himself in November. The rise has been blamed on the problem of prison overcrowding with the prison service estimating that a total of 130,000 people serve time as prisoners during the year.

Phil Wheatley, director general of the Prison Service, said: "Staff have continued to make strenuous efforts in this vital area of work in dealing with a challenging and vulnerable prison population."

"The rate of self inflicted deaths had reduced year on year over the previous four years. It is critical that we remain focused in this key area."