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Whistle blowing in the Prison Service will be examined during the second phase of the inquiry into Zahid Mubarek’s death, writes Maria Ahmed.

Mr Justice Keith, the inquiry chair, has announced that he wants to find out how much staff are encouraged to report on colleagues “without fear or reprisals”.

Whistle blowing emerged as a key matter for the inquiry after Duncan Keys, a Prison Officer’s Association member, alleged that warders at Feltham Young Offender Institution had placed unsuitable inmates together in cells in a practice referred to as ‘Gladiator’.

The inquiry’s second phase, due to start next month, will also address issues including whether cell-sharing reduces the risk of self-harm and whether there is adequate staff training in racist incidents.

Mr Justice Keith hopes to hand over his report to the Home Secretary by the end of the year.

www.zahidmubarekinquiry.org.uk

The Bigger Picture on the first phase of the Zahid Mubarek inquiry's first phase click here