Family works with Wandsworth for a safer prison - 16 November 04

The family of Keita Craig will visit Wandsworth Prison today to accept the Home Office's apology for his death there and to view improvements that have been made to prevent further deaths.

The family of Keita Craig will visit Wandsworth Prison today to accept the Home Office's apology for his death there and to view improvements that have been made to prevent further deaths.

Keita Craig took his own life on 1 February 2000, whilst being held on remand at HMP Wandsworth, despite considerable warnings about his fragile mental condition. The Home Office has accepted that the Prison Service failed to prevent this tragedy and has apologised publicly to his family for failing to keep Keita safe whilst in its care.

In a unique move, the Prison Service accepted that Keita's death violated Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights "the right to life" and offered his family a "Friendly Settlement", including a public apology and acknowledgment of its failings.

Since Keita's death, his family has worked tirelessly with the Prison Service to help prevent other families suffering as theirs has done and has retained strong links with Wandsworth Prison. Today they will see the refurbished reception and Healthcare Centre areas at Wandsworth. There have also been major improvements in mental health screening on reception and in the care and treatment of mentally ill prisoners. Staff are now better trained to care for prisoners at risk of self-harm and suicide.

Jim Heavens, Governor of HMP Wandsworth comments:

"Today's events mark a positive conclusion to what has obviously been an extremely difficult and traumatic period for Keita Craig's family.

"Despite their grief, the family has been determined that Keita's death might have some positive outcomes, and have played an active role trying to prevent similar tragedies from happening.

"We are very grateful for their input into making Wandsworth Prison a safer environment, by supporting initiatives such as the improvements to the Healthcare Centre, and by sharing their experiences with us."

Paul Goggins, The Prisons Minister, has sent an open letter of apology to the family, expressing his personal regret for their loss and welcoming their continued work with the Prison Service in preventing such tragedies happening to other families.

Keita Craig's grandmother, Erin Pizzey will be visiting the prison today with other family members, including Lilly Craig, Keita's step-mother, who raised £3,000 for the day centre by running in the London marathon.

Erin Pizzey adds:

"I feel that we have achieved a fruitful death for Keita. I was determined that he should not die without changes being made for everyone, especially the many fragile young people out there who have no place in prison."

"I am grateful for Paul Goggins' sensitive and healing letter, which will help us to put all this behind us."

Erin Pizzey, and Keita's sister, Amber, have also agreed to re-open the Healthcare Centre at Wandsworth Prison on 19th January.