Offenders at Feltham YOI subjected to “poor treatment” at time of Mubarek murder

Prison officers at Feltham Young Offender Institution failed to
perform basic duties including ensuring inmates were fed, at the
time of Zahid Mubarek’s murder, an inquiry heard today,
writes Maria Ahmed.

The public inquiry into Mubarek’s death heard that
prisoner’s were subjected to “poor treatment,”
because of the “corrosive” approach of staff.

The 19-year-old Asian teenager was battered to death by his
cellmate Robert Stewart, in March 2000.

Niall Clifford, the then governor of Feltham YOI told the
inquiry the approach of staff was “likely at worst, to lead
to young prisoner’s self-harming or even killing
themselves”.

He said he had been concerned about the
“considerable” use of control and restraint on young
offenders which was used “more than necessary”.

Clifford also highlighted failings in one unit where there was
“no guarantee” that prisoner’s leaving early or
returning late from court would even be fed.

Clifford also told the inquiry that both white staff and white
prisoners were “frightened” of black prisoners.

He said a number of prison officers found the “up-fronted
ness” of some of the black prisoners worrying.

The inquiry continues.