GOVERNOR CHARGED WITH MISCONDUCT AFTER SUICIDE !

A PRISON boss has been charged with misconduct after a women hanged herself inside Hydebank Wood a Young Offenders ‘ Centre and where Marian Price was being held in SOLITARY CONFINEMENT up until her recent move to an outside Hospital.

Gary Alcock was suspended as governor of Hydebank Wood prison in May

Gary Alcock has been suspended since May following an investigation by the Prison Ombudsman into the death at Hydebank Wood, South Belfast. Prison Service chiefs last night confirmed the disciplinary process was under way, ” Proceedings have been instigated and it would not be appropriate to comment at this stage,” a spokesman said. Mr Alcock was governor at Hydebank when Frances McKeown (23) was discovered on the floor of her cell during a routine check by staff in the women’s section in May last year. Three hours earlier a teenager was found dead in his cell. He too had taken his own life.

The ombudsman Pauline McCabe was called in to carry out an inquiry. She produced an interim report. There is no suggestion Mr Alcock’s actions contributed to Ms McKeown’s suicide. She was a mother-of-two and had a history of mental illness. Concerns about Ms McKeown’s death were then investigated by an independent team from the Scottish Prison Service which recommended that the Hydebank governor face a charge of misconduct. Under the code of conduct and discipline he has 14 days in which to respond. If a disciplinary hearing goes ahead and the charge is found to be proven, then Mr Alcock could face a range of sanctions. However, he cannot be dismissed from his post.

WITH MANY THANKS TO : DERIC HENDERSON, IRISH NEWS.

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