Prisoner Ombudsman Publishes Report Into A Death in Custody
Published on January 09 2026
The Prisoner Ombudsman has today published a report relating to the death of Conor Curran, who died aged 35 in Maghaberry Prison on 28 December 2022.
Mr Curran was taken into custody on 17 July 2021. On the morning of 28 December 2022, Mr Curran participated in a football match with other prisoners. Following the game, Mr Curran collapsed in the reception area of the gym. Physical Education Instruction staff and Healthcare in Prison staff immediately attended to Mr Curran, including undertaking CPR and using a defibrillator.
The NI Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance NI attended, and Mr Curran was transferred to the ambulance, with treatment continuing. Shortly after midday, paramedics pronounced life extinct. The post-mortem report concluded that death was due to natural causes and was attributed to coronary artery atheroma and thrombosis.
The Prisoner Ombudsman undertook an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Curran’s death, particularly in relation to the response of staff following his collapse.
In his investigation, the Prisoner Ombudsman concluded that Mr Curran received healthcare at least equivalent to that available in the community, considering the sudden and dramatic nature of his death.
Speaking on the publication of the report into Mr Curran’s death, the Prisoner Ombudsman, Darrin Jones, said:
“I would like to offer my condolences to Mr Curran’s family on their loss. I would also like to thank the Prison Service staff, Healthcare in Prison, Air Ambulance NI and the NI Ambulance Service for their co-operation in this investigation and report.”