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Last Updated: Thursday, 20 January, 2005, 06:37 GMT
Concern over prison overcrowding
Exeter Prison
There were 95 prison suicides in the UK last year
A prisoner organisation says it is concerned about overcrowding, following the death of a Cornish inmate.

John Viant, 28, from Truro was found hanged on Wednesday morning. Police say his death is not suspicious.

Viant was awaiting sentence following his conviction for wounding his partner with intent, and had been warned he faced a mandatory life sentence.

The Howard League for Penal Reform says the most vulnerable are prisoners just admitted or facing long sentences.

It says prisons such as Exeter also have higher suicide rates because they are overcrowded, and staff are not able to provide as much care.

The league's figures show there have been 10 suicides at Exeter jail in the past five years.

Last year the number of UK suicides in custody equalled the record high of 95, although with a growing prison population, the rate of suicides has actually dropped.


SEE ALSO:
Third prison hanging in fortnight
02 Sep 04 |  Shropshire


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