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Inquest hears more evidence from former prisoners

 

An inquest into the death of remand prisoner Michael Davidson heard further evidence from former inmates of Jurby Prison today.

 

Earlier in the case, Sean O’Dea disowned a statement produced to the court bearing his signature.

 

Senior Prison Officer Neil Cowhig today told the court he took the statement and typed it for the police in March 2012.

 

Officer Cowhig explained how Mr O’Dea approached him on the day of Mr Davidson’s death asking to make a statement.

 

He said Mr O'Dea overheard fellow inmates Carl Kelch, Donovan Kitching and Ben Clark discussing how Mr Davidson was ‘sorted for the night’ and had been given ‘valium and zimmers’.

 

Mr O’Dea claimed he hadn't made the statement and hadn't named people.

 

He declined to be in the court to hear Officer Cowhig’s evidence, and when he did enter he shouted he wouldn't answer any questions.

 

Coroner of Inquests John Needham released him from the witness box.

 

The three men named in the statement deny providing Mr Davidson with any drugs, and toxicology reports only found prescription drugs in Mr Davidson’s system.

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