AN INQUEST jury found staff at a County Durham prison should have entered a suicidal inmate’s cell earlier than they did.

Jurors at Crook Coroner’s Court yesterday concluded Margaret Atkinson, originally of Northallerton, killed herself although her intentions at the time were unclear.

The 47-year-old was discovered in her cell on the mental health care unit at HMP Low Newton, near Durham City, on January 24 last year and died in hospital nine days later.

Following a four-day inquest, coroner Andrew Tweddle asked the jury if it was reasonable in the circumstances that staff at the prison did not enter earlier than they did.

Delivering their findings they said: “No, we believe the staff should have gone in on an earlier occasion.”

The court heard earlier in the week that Atkinson, who was serving her third term for an assault charge, had bipolar and an emotionally unstable personality disorder. Medical health representatives described her behaviour as “bizarre” and “complex” and despite tying items of clothing or bedding round her neck on several occasions, they did not deem her to be suicidal.

She was however subject to a raft of supervisory measures, having been assessed to be at risk from harming herself or others.

Summing up evidence from 14 witnesses, Mr Tweddle described how on the evening of Atkinson’s death a prison officer made several visits to her cell.

A log book entry at 10.20pm recorded that Atkinson was disruptive, ringing her cell bell and playing loud music, and her electricity was disconnected.

Prison officer Matthew Mullholland said Atkinson was then sat on her bed with a tabard round her front which was “very loose”. The court heard he and other members of staff continued talking with her and Mr Mullholland and had “no reason for concern”.

Shortly before 11.59pm the officer called for assistance to enter the cell and despite believing her to be “play acting” found her to be unconscious.

Atkinson did not regain consciousness in hospital and her medical cause of death was recorded as a result of anoxic brain injury and non-judicial hanging.

Mr Tweddle said he would write to relevant authorities raising his concern over potential confusion of staff using the word ‘ligature’ when describing items round inmates’ necks.

He said: “When I hear what the various witnesses say, that it is a step too far (to call it a ligature when it’s a piece of clothing round the neck) I’m concerned about the clarity of words.”

He added he was pleased the prison service and G4S had taken steps to advise staff in the North-East prison cluster.