A PROTEST demo is planned in memory of the first woman prisoner to die in custody this year.

Lisa Marley, 32, was found hanging in her cell at Styal Prison in Cheshire two weeks ago.

She had been due before magistrates on four assault charges and one accusation of racially aggravated disorder.

Lisa was found unconscious by staff and was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital, where she died four days later.

Pauline Campbell, the mother of 18-year-old Sarah Campbell, who died after taking an overdose of prescription drugs at the prison five years ago, is organising the vigil later this month.

The prison campaigner from Malpas, in Cheshire, said: "Lisa Marley is the sixth woman to die there since the death of my daughter Sarah in 2003.

Questions

"This again raises serious questions about the custodial care record of the prison.

"On January 18, I laid flowers outside the prison to commemorate the fifth anniversary of my daugher's death. I was shocked and upset to learn the very next day, Lisa was discovered hanging in her cell.

"Lisa's death brings back painful memories for me. Both Lisa and my daughter Sarah were carried out of the jail unconscious and taken to Wythenshawe Hospital.

"Both died without regaining consciousness.

"Forty-one women have died in prisons in England since my daughter's death.

"Prisons are unsafe places, which constantly fail to uphold the duty of care that the Prison Service has to all prisoners.

"People must speak out - it's medieval."

Deborah Coles, co-director of campaign group INQUEST, said: "We are saddened and dismayed by this death, which reminds us of the tragic consequences of criminal justice polices which place vulnerable women into a system which cannot keep them safe.

"Unless more women are diverted from prison, the increase in self inflicted deaths and the high levels of self-harm, mental distress and family distress will continue."

The demonstration will take place on Tuesday, at 1.30pm, outside Styal Prison. Banners will be displayed and flowers laid in memory of Lisa.

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