Lawyer levels ‘no remorse’ accusation

The Mubarek family barrister has accused the prison service of
showing no remorse over teenager Zahid Mubarek’s death – like his
murderer Robert Stewart.

Dexter Dias told the inquiry, on the last day of phase one of the
inquiry into the 19-year-old’s death, that the service had ignored
warning signs about the extent of Stewart’s mental disorder and his
dangerousness, adding that Mubarek should never have been made to
share a cell with Stewart.

But the prison service argues that it could not have reasonably
predicted that Stewart would murder Mubarek from his
behaviour.

However, Dias said: “Their responsibility flows from the fact that
they quite unnecessarily exposed Zahid to these obvious risks. And
for that the prison service should be ashamed. But like the man who
committed this appalling crime, the prison service shows no
remorse.” Stewart, like many prisoners, has a personality disorder,
which made him typical rather than unusual, claimed the prison
service.

Barry Cotter, barrister for the Prison Officers’ Association, told
the inquiry that mental health services for prisoners were still
inadequate and that a similar murder could occur. But the prison
service argues that there is no proven method of dealing with those
suffering from personality disorders.

Mubarek died in hospital in March 2000 seven days after being
battered with a table leg by Stewart at Feltham young offender
institution.

The inquiry now moves onto phase two, which will look at how to
avoid such attacks taking place in future.