INCIDENT management procedures at Guernsey’s prison are out of date, an inquest has heard. Senior UK Prison Service official Michael Allen believes that Les Nicolles is using techniques that are between 10 and 15 years behind the times.

The way UK jails responded to incidents such as suicide had regularly improved over the years.

But Guernsey had been left lagging, the inquest heard yesterday.

Mr Allen, investigating officer for HM Prison Service, was asked by the local jail to compile a report into incident management at Les Nicolles following the suicide of Nicholas Upson in May.

Mr Allen has compiled a list of recommendations for implementation.

A parallel study into health care at the jail suggested that the prison could further improve its medical provision.

Director of Isle of Wight prison health care Georgina Lacey said that the evidence suggested that staff were very caring, but procedures could be improved.

Both reports praised staff for their attempts to help Mr Upson.

Deputy Home Department minister Francis Quin said yesterday that he had not seen the reports. Prison governor Terry Wright was unavailable.

The inquest heard that Mr Upson, 26, hanged himself in his cell using a bed sheet.

He had been released on licence from a six-year sentence in December last year but was in Les Nicolles again because he had breached conditions.

Advocate Peter Ferbrache, representing the Home Department, said that the detailed reports would be seriously considered and the recommendations in them assessed for implementation. They would also be available to Mr Upson’s family.

Mr Upson was under hourly surveillance on the day of his suicide but his father, David, asked why his son was not checked between 5pm and 6.35pm.

Magistrate Russell Finch said that he should read the reports into the incident, because they were particularly detailed.

At 5pm on Saturday 22 May, Mr Upson was locked in his cell but at 6.35pm an urgent call went out to all officers.

The previous night, Mr Upson had requested to see a doctor saying that he felt low.

Prison officer Nigel Le Marchant was so concerned that he placed Mr Upson under hourly checks.

Mr Upson went to see the doctor the following day. His anti-depressant dosage was increased but he was not believed to be considering taking his life. Officers said he seemed to be in a good mood.

Prison officer Tony de la Mare went to Mr Upson’s cell at 6.35pm. The slit was covered, as if Mr Upson was using the toilet. Mr de la Mare entered. It was dark, the curtain was drawn and Mr Upson was found hanging.

All attempts at resuscitation failed. No drugs or alcohol were found in his bloodstream.

Magistrate Finch recorded a verdict of suicide.