HC Deb 05 July 2000 vol 353 cc234-5W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the investigations carried out into the death in custody of Nathan Graham by the(a) Governor of HM prison Whatton and (b) Nottinghamshire police. [128702]

Mr. Boateng

I am replying, as the Minister responsible for prisons.

An internal investigation into the death of Nathan Graham at Nottingham prison on 9 November 1999 was carried out by David Walmsley, Governor of Whatton prison. This is routine practice on behalf of the Prison Service and an investigation report of the findings has been compiled. This report was disclosed to Mr. Graham's family before the inquest. The report concluded that there were no grounds for any disciplinary action against prison staff.

An investigation into this death was also conducted by Nottinghamshire police on behalf of the Coroner, in view of the unusual circumstances of this case (Mr. Graham was disabled). There was no evidence of any criminal action in this matter and no charges were laid against prison staff. Mr. Graham's death was considered at a Coroner's inquest between 7–9 June, when it was adjourned. A date has yet to be set for the resumption of this inquest.