Prison employee sentenced for faking data after sleeping on job as an alternative of checking on susceptible inmate who killed himself in his cell

A prison officer who slept on his shift instead of looking after vulnerable inmates faked records when one killed himself in his cell.

James Smith was working a night shift at Norwich Prison where he was tasked with carrying out regular checks on at-risk prisoners.

One of those in his care was Alistair McKenzie, a diagnosed schizophrenic who had been refusing to take his medication and had recently attempted to harm himself.

Early the next morning, Mr McKenzie was found to have hanged himself in his cell.

In a desperate attempt to cover up his incompetence, Smith, 44, claimed he had carried out his duties – but CCTV footage from cameras inside the prison proved he was lying.

The disgraced prison support worker eventually admitted a charge of wilfully neglecting to perform his duties as a public officer.

He escaped with a suspended 14-month sentence after Judge Katherine Moore heard he was a lone parent responsible for two children.

Criticising the defendant for the ‘falsified’ records used to hide his ‘deliberate and repeated failings to carry out checks’, she said: ‘This vulnerable prisoner was left alone by you for lengthy periods.’

Smith was due to carry out observations on vulnerable prisoners from 9.30pm on October 14, 2021, until 6.40am the following day.

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson told Norwich Crown Court that Mr McKenzie was supposed to be checked every 30 minutes because of the risk be presented to himself.

The inmate had been jailed for three years and nine months just eight weeks earlier for starting a fire at his flat in Wymondham which left him critically ill from smoke inhalation.

He was convicted of arson with intent to endanger life but understanding neighbours said at the time they would be rallying round to help him.

One said: ‘As a community, we will support him to get back on his feet after this severe incident.

‘He is a lovely guy who is always helping others, so we will support him and make sure his is okay. We have already started talking about fundraising.’

Detective Constable Stuart said after the arson conviction that the then 55-year-old had acted ‘at a very low moment’ adding: ‘I hope Mr McKenzie receives the continued support and help that he needs to assist him in moving forward positively.’

Smith was supposed to checked on Mr McKenzie 19 times during his shift but only managed to do so twice.

He also missed 15 visits to eight other vulnerable inmates at the Category B/C prison for adult and juvenile males.

Shortly after 9am on October 15, Mr McKenzie was found hanged in his cell. Paramedics were called but he was declared dead.

Panicking Smith then completed his shift records, adding the false information, but cameras outside the cells revealed the truth.

The defendant’s LinkedIn account states he has previously worked in private security and as a head door supervisor.

Describing himself to potential employers, he wrote: ’Looking for long-term work, very reliable and honest. Work well in teams and own initiative.’

At his sentencing last month, Stephen Spence KC said his client ‘understands how serious his failings were’ and claimed it was his ‘one lapse’ in 12 years of service.

The barrister added checks by other officers suggested Mr McKenzie took his life between 8am and 8.55am, when Smith was no longer working.

But Judge Moore said: ‘You let them down because you didn’t check on them as often as you were instructed to.’

The court heard a statement from the late prisoner’s sister, who described him as a ‘kind, gentle and caring man’.

She added knowing what happened in her brother’s final hours had caused ‘deep grief’.

Smith was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

* For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support