Security gaffes led to death in custody

A PRISONER took his own life in a police station after being handed a plastic bag by a guard from private security company, Reliance.

Robert Shreenan, 48, was found on the floor of his cell at Clydebank Police Office with the bag over his head.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry heard Shreenan had been handed the plastic bag during transit between police stations in England and Scotland because he was feeling sick.

A sheriff ruled that his death could have been avoided if Reliance Custodial Services guards had recovered the bag from the prisoner or told police officers that one was missing.

Shreenan was arrested at his home in Blackburn, Lancashire, in July 2008 on a number of charges, including attempted assault and committing lewd and libidinous practices.

During transit to Scotland, Shreenan was sick twice inside his cell in a Reliance van. Norma Scott, an employee of the private security firm, handed him a clear plastic bag during a stop in Airdrie, to be used if he felt sick again.

Colleague John McKenzie stayed in the back of the van with Shreenan and two other prisoners.

However, on arrival at Clydebank Police Office, the sheriff said the officers made two errors. Scott did not retrieve the bag from the prisoner and McKenzie did not tell the custody sergeant that he had been issued with one and might still have it on his person.

Within half an hour of being placed in his cell, Shreenan was found dead.