Prisoner Killed Over Tobacco

Source from:  manchestereveningnews.co.uk Exclusive Neal Keeling 21/ 9/2008 09/23/2008

A ROW over tobacco may have led to the death of inmate killed inside a jail. Police believe Ryan Beaver, 35, may have been attacked because he was in debt to other prisoners after cribbing cigarettes or tobacco. He was found with serious injuries near his cell in the privately-run Forest Bank prison in Agecroft, Salford. After being discovered at 9.15am on Friday he was taken to hospital but died in the early evening of the same day. One source said: "It is believed he had been involved in a dispute of a petty matter possibly to do with tobacco. The matter had occurred within the walls of the prison." Mr Beaver was serving three months for assault and was due to be released by the end of this month. Two men aged 20 and 27 were arrested initially on suspicion of assault and then murder. They are still being interviewed by detectives. Mr Beaver was from Stockport. His parents declined to comment on the tragedy when approached by the MEN yesterday. Investigation An internal investigation has been launched at the prison into the circumstances surrounding Mr Beaver's death. It is understood Mr Beaver was found just a few feet away from his cell door. The prison, which opened in January 2000 for 800 inmates is run by Kalyx Ltd, formerly known as United Kingdom Detention Services, which landed a 25-year contract. But in August 2005 the Penal Reform Trust branded it one of the most overcrowded jails in Britain. It had 1045 inmates at the time. Two extra wings are to be built providing an extra 232 cells. Violence between prisoners was said to be common and there were regular attacks on staff. Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, said safety at the prison had "deteriorated significantly" since a previous visit. Management later said decisive action had been taken to reduce violence and drug-taking. But in April this year a report revealed the jail had the highest number of drug finds in the country. There were 350 seizures out a total of 5,500 discoveries in England and Wales. The finds were 6.3 per cent of the total for 2006/07. The prison's director, Trevor Shortt, who took over in January, said the prison had a high rate of detection and interception with 70 per cent of drugs found before they get into prisoner's hands. Tribute Mr Beaver's family paid tribute to the "loving" father-of-three. In a statement, they said: "Ryan was such a loving person and was always there for you when you needed him. He was loved by all those who knew him, and was a very kind and thoughtful person. "Ryan was full of fun and laughter and knew how to make you feel good and put a smile on your face. "He thought of his brothers as his best friends and loved his family so much, as we did him, especially his children" Two men who were arrested on suspicion of murder after Mr Beaver was killed have been bailed until 3 November 2008, pending further inquiries. Enditem