THE family of a west Belfast man who died in Maghaherry prison, Co Antrim, at the weekend are calling for the State pathologist in the Republic to carry out an autopsy on his body, Suzanne Breen writes.
Mr Jim McDonnell (36) died from a heart attack in his cell on Saturday. However, a postmortem examination revealed that he also suffered extensive injuries, including 11 broken ribs, a fractured breastbone and a torn neck cartilage.
Other prisoners are claiming that he was involved in a fracas with prison officers hours earlier. The Northern Ireland Office said Mr McDonnell's injuries were sustained in an attempt to resuscitate him or as a result of him falling.
