Deaths in custody up from 24 to 31, over one year - Law Society Gazette

24th February 2026

IPRT said the increase in deaths in custody from 24 to 31 in one year highlights worsening systemic failures across the prison system. Responding to five investigation reports, the organisation emphasised that many of the deaths were preventable and linked to overcrowding, inadequate mental health and addiction services, and failures in risk management and medical oversight. IPRT pointed to repeated instances where clear warning signs were not acted upon and called for urgent Government action to address these persistent deficiencies and ensure accountability.

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