A SYSTEM of caring for prison inmates recently removed from suicide watch has been abandoned after the death of a prisoner found hanged from his cell window.

An inquest heard that the circumstances surrounding 20-year-old Bryan Totton's death prompted Northallerton remand centre, to review its Communal Cell (Com Cell) policy.

Mr Totton, who had a history of depression and self-harm, was found hanged in his cell on A Wing, by inmate Adam Kilminster, on February 13, last year.

The day before, he had been taken off suicide watch and placed on Com Cell - a system where much of the responsibility for the prisoner rests with his cellmate, said Mark Howell, Deputy Governor.

While on suicide watch, Mr Totton was checked by officials every 15 minutes, whereas on the Com Cell no compulsory checks were made.

The inquest, at Pickering, heard that Mr Kilminster, who was often away from the cell, held the responsibility of "keeping an eye on him."

Mr Howell said that following Mr Totton's death, the Com Cell system, which is not unique to Northallerton, was removed. He said: "We reviewed the whole of the policy and put in place a new system that is much more likely to avoid tragedy."

The new system relied on the medical management of prisoners by health care officials, he said.

The inquest heard that Mr Totton, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was distressed by his transfer from Hull Prison and was placed on suicide watch after threatening to harm himself. He was taken off it after a review the day before his death.

Psychiatrist Dr Leigh Howarth, who examined Mr Totton, said: "My medical point-of-view is that there was no requirement for him to remain on suicide watch."

The inquest continues.

Updated: 10:42 Thursday, July 31, 2003