Prisoner death was suicide

The death of a prisoner who jumped off the roof of a prison was suicide, an inquest jury has ruled.

James Prosser, a 47-year-old plasterer, from Dutton Close, Stockwood, Bristol, climbed on to the roof of Verne Prison, Portland, Dorset, on 28 May.

He jumped off after three hours of negotiations, the inquest at Dorchester heard, and died as a result of severe internal injuries.

The jury returned the verdict that Mr Prosser - who had served two years of a six-year sentence for arson - took his own life in a confused state of mind.

Agitated state

Coroner Michael Johnston, said: "It is very sad that a man who was apparently popular and funny and concerned about his family, should change in such a short time and find it necessary to take this drastic step.

"This is the first time any prisoner had jumped off a prison roof in the UK."

Mr Johnson told the inquest that Mr Prosser had been in an agitated state for several weeks prior to his death and was on a list of prisoners at risk from self-harm.

The inmate had also complained of bullying, but that there was no evidence of this and he had been described as popular with fellow inmates and staff, said the coroner.

He added that Mr Prosser was described as becoming more irrational weeks before his death and was showing signs of psychotic behaviour.