Milton Keynes prison officer stands trial at Old Bailey for manslaughter of inmate

The criminal trial of a Woodhill prison officer accused of causing the death of a young prisoner has started at the Old Bailey today.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Jan 2018, 17:15 BST

Updated 15th Jan 2018, 17:16 BST

Joseph Travers, 54, is charged with the manslaughter of 23-year-old Ryan Harvey, who was found hanged in his cell in May 2015.

Ryan’s death was one of five self-inflicted deaths in the prison that year and is one of 18 since 2013.

Travers is further charged with misconduct in a public office.

The case could set a legal precedent as it is extremely unusual for a prison officer to stand trial following a death in custody, say the charity INQUEST.

Woodhill had more self-inflicted deaths than any other jail in the UK in 2016. Last year it was the subject of judicial review proceedings brought by families of some of the victims.

Old Bailey Milton Keynes