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A doctor has admitted that healthcare standards at Hindley Young Offender Institution where Zahid Mubarek’s killer was held prior to his move to Feltham YOI were “unacceptable” in the run-up to Mubarek’s murder, writes Maria Ahmed.

Robert Stewart, then 19, was held at Hindley YOI in Wigan on several occasions before he went on to kill Mubarek, also 19, at Feltham YOI in March 2000.

Counsel Dexter Dias told the inquiry into Mubarek’s death that the “majority” of prisoners being transferred to Hindley YOI, including Stewart, were not always seen by a doctor.

He asked Dr Andrew Greenwood, a former senior medical officer at Hindley: “Do you agree…that from 1997 up until 2000 when Zahid was murdered, in terms of the audit standards, Hindley was unacceptable in terms of these matters?”

Greenwood replied: “It was unacceptable…yes.”

In a written statement previously given to the inquiry, Greenwood said that Stewart “showed no evidence” of mental illness, and stated he had received “appropriate” medical care.

Greenwood also said that Stewart flooded his cell, smeared himself in butter and faeces, and allegedly swallowed a battery whilst at Hindley YOI.

The inquiry continues.