FIVE people took their own lives in prisons in the North-East last year, figures released today (Friday, January 29) reveal.

They were among a total of 16 people who died in the region’s prisons last year, according to data published by the Ministry of Justice.

Two people took their own lives in Durham Prison and deaths by suicide were also recorded in Holme House, Low Newton and Northumberland prisons.

Across England and Wales, deaths by suicide have risen by 46 per cent in the last three years.

The Howard League for Penal Reform, Centre for Mental Health and The Monument Trust are working on a joint programme to prevent people from taking their own lives in prison.

About 40 per cent of prisoners who died by suicide last year were on remand at the time of their deaths, even though people on remand make up only 15 per cent of the prison population at any one time.

About 14 per cent of prisoners who died by suicide were in prison due to a licence recall. Recalled prisoners account for only seven per cent of the prison population.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “No one should be so desperate while they are in the care of the state that they take their own life.

“We cannot go on cramming more people into jails without any thought for the consequences.”