Family fears are focus of inquest

An inquest into the death of a prisoner who was killed in jail by his cell-mate will focus on the cell-sharing arrangements, a coroner has said.

Shahid Aziz, 30, was on remand at Armley jail, Leeds, when his throat was cut by Paul McCann in 2004.

The two men had only been placed in the same cell on the day Mr Aziz died.

McCann, 28, was jailed for life in July 2004 for the murder and told he must serve at least 12 years before he is considered for release.

West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchliff said the inquest would focus on three key areas of concern for Mr Aziz's family.

'Death threats'

"That a prison officer may have been directly involved with the murder of Shahid Aziz; or if that isn't the case the prison staff purposefully crewed Mr Aziz with an individual who was likely to harm him; or if that is not the case that the Prison Service may not have done all that they could in respect of considering the cell-sharing implications."

Mr Aziz' widow Parveen Khan, of Lees Avenue, Dewsbury, told the coroner's court her husband had claimed he had suffered death threats from prison staff and had been beaten.

She said the problem was with a "handful" of prison staff who were "constantly picking on him".

Mr Aziz was on remand charged with possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and criminal damage of a motor vehicle, the inquest heard.

The hearing continues.