Lives at risk over inaction on Scottish prisons says report

Conor had been in prison on short sentences before, but his mother says this time was different because he was clearly unwell.

“The process in jail is, if you are struggling with your mental health you have to ask for help yourself,” Gail Donaghy says.

“Conor did that – he realised he was struggling. He asked for help.”

His mother says her son was a prisoner who had committed offences but he was still a human being.

“How could you possibly treat anybody like that?,” she says. “They did not respect his right to life.”

“No mother should have to go and choose a coffin for their own child,” Ms Donaghy says.

“Devastating isn’t a big enough word.”

Serco, the private company that runs Kilmarnock prison, said it could not comment on the case because the fatal accident inquiry has not yet been held.

East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, which was responsible for Conor’s healthcare, said: “Every suicide is a tragedy, and our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of all those touched by suicide.

“We have a duty to protect patient confidentiality, and so are unable to provide any further information at this time.”