A PRISONER has died after being found unresponsive in his cell at HMP The Mount in Bovingdon.

Sadik Duba, 47, was taken to hospital on Sunday, May 22, and died at 11.55am on Sunday, May 29.

Prison reform charities argue “the rising tide” of self-harm and suicides shows the prison system is in “disarray”.

The Ministry of Justice told the Watford ObserverWatford Observer prison governors will be given new powers to deliver health services for convicts.

Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: “The rising tide of violence, self-harm and suicide behind bars isare tragic signs of a prison system under huge pressure. Recruiting and retaining staff is part of the solution to addressing immediate safety concerns.

“At the same time the question needs to be asked: 'why are we locking up so many people who are vulnerable due to mental illness, learning disabilities or addictions in bleak, overcrowded and under resourced institutions?'”

Prime Minister David Cameron announced a prison shake-up of the system that would give governors greater powers to introduce better education and healthcare options for convicts.

New guidance will be published this year which will help prisoners suffering with mental health problems to be transferred to a secure hospital within 14 days.

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “There is no public service in such disarray as the prisons. Years of rising numbers, chronic overcrowding and deep staff cuts have left us with a system that is failing to keep prisoners, staff and the public safe.

“The government has finally realised that reform is needed, but with conditions deteriorating the need for action is urgent. It is clear that we will not be able to tackle the crisis in our prisons until numbers are brought down.”

The Ministry of Justice said The Mount has hired 20 new prison officers this year.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Every single day, dedicated prison staff provide support to thousands of offenders at risk of self-harm or suicide, frequently saving lives through timely intervention.

“But as the Prime Minister said earlier this year, we must improve the way mental health problems are dealt with in the criminal justice system.

“The reforms announced in the Queen’s Speech will empower governors to deliver the right health services for their prisoners. We will set out further plans in due course.”

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: “As with all deaths in custody, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary said the death at The Mount “is not believed to be suspicious”.