PRISON staff have rejected suggestions a lack of vigilance played a part in the death of an inmate.

An inquest today heard from members of staff working at HMP Low Newton, near Durham City, at the time of Margaret Atkinson’s death.

The 47-year-old, originally from Northallerton, was discovered in her cell in the mental health care unit on January 24 last year and died nine days later in hospital as a result of anoxic brain damage and non-judicial hanging.

Earlier this week the jury at Crook Coroner’s Court was told Atkinson was serving her third period in custody, for assault.

Due to her being deemed to be at risk of harming herself or others, she was subject to a string of measures providing her with extra support, regular checks and reviews.

Asked by coroner Andrew Tweddle if there was an element of “complacency” or “dropping of vigilance”, the prison’s then head of health care Anne Stewart said: “I think Maggie was the more talked about prisoner we had. She was always demanding our attention. I don’t think for one minute any of my staff dropped the ball there with observations or risk.”

Her views were echoed in evidence given by previous witnesses who said despite voices in Atkinson’s head telling her to harm herself or others, and several occasions of tying items round her neck, they never deemed her suicidal.

The inquest continues.