Prison boss could be disciplined

A report into a prisoner's death is expected to recommend disciplinary proceedings be considered against the governor of Maghaberry Prison.

The prison ombudsman investigated the death of Colin Bell, who was found hanged in his cell last August.

The behaviour of night patrol staff was also investigated.

BBC NI's home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney said: "It's believed to be the first time such action has been recommended against a prison governor."

It is understood the ombudsman will also recommend that the prison service considers that the deputy governor face disciplinary proceedings.

'Sleeping'

Colin Bell was serving a life sentence for murder and was supposed to have been on suicide watch because he had a history of self-harming.

In October, 17 prison staff were suspended from duty pending disciplinary procedures following an internal investigation.

Not all of those suspended were on duty when Bell died. One of the staff has since resigned.

It is understood that video camera footage examined as part of the investigation shows prison staff sleeping while they were supposed to be on duty.

The report is expected to be published on Friday and a spokesman for the prison service said it would not comment on speculation about its contents.