SEVERE criticism about the way the prison handled the care of a prisoner who died at Les Nicolles has been met with silence by authorities.

Despite Judge Russell Finch ruling that there had been ‘very significant failings’ by the prison service during the final days of prisoner Alan Schofield’s life, both the Home Department and the prison are refusing to address points raised during the inquest.

The department issued a statement expressing its condolences to the family and friends of Mr Schofield but concluded that neither it nor the prison would answer the criticism.

Home minister Geoff Mahy (pictured) stood by that yesterday. ‘I’m not going to comment further, I’m afraid,’ he said. ‘We have to be sensitive towards a family that has lost someone within our midst.’

When asked if the department’s reluctance to comment had anything to do with the possibility of further legal action, he added: ‘I cannot comment on that.’

Mr Schofield, 64, died from natural causes on 11 July 2008.

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