Prisoner’s Death After Hospital Request Sparks Investigation
Dublin, Ireland – An investigation is underway following the death of Michael ‘Skin’ Devlin, a convicted drug dealer, in Cloverhill Prison in February 2024. A recently released report by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) details discrepancies between the account of Devlin’s cellmate and those of prison staff regarding the circumstances leading up to his death.
Details of the Case
Michael Devlin, 50, was nearing the complete of a 10-year sentence for possession of €1.3 million worth of cannabis when he died from a suspected bacterial infection causing swelling of the larynx. He had previously escaped from Shelton Abbey open prison in Arklow, Co Wicklow, in June 2020 before being recaptured.
Cellmate’s Account
According to the OIP report, Devlin’s cellmate reported that he first complained of throat difficulties on February 20, 2024, and activated an emergency light requesting a nurse at 8:15 pm. The cellmate claims a prison officer stated the nurse was busy and would attend to him later. He further stated that Devlin saw a nurse at 10 pm and requested hospital admission, but was advised to take two paracetamol. The cellmate observed swelling in Devlin’s neck.
Later, at approximately 1 am, the cellmate was awakened by Devlin banging on the cell door, repeatedly saying, “Boys I can’t breathe, help me, help me.” The cellmate described Devlin’s breathing as labored. When the nurse arrived around 20 minutes later, she reportedly had oxygen with her. The cellmate alleges Devlin told the nurse he couldn’t breathe and wanted to go to the hospital. He claims the nurse asked for his asthma inhaler and told him to stop talking while attempting to apply a face mask.
The cellmate recounted witnessing Devlin attempting to get air from the window and pleading for help. He activated the cell alarm, and when a prison officer arrived, Devlin was described as turning “pure white.” The cellmate stated the officer returned with the nurse, but Devlin was already unresponsive.
Staff Accounts
The OIP report notes that the nurse’s initial notes indicate Devlin reported feeling like his tonsils were enlarging and experiencing pain, but voiced no other concerns. She provided paracetamol and scheduled a GP appointment for the following morning. In her initial post-death report, the nurse stated Devlin was not in obvious distress and agreed to wait for a medical review.
Later clinical notes from 3:11 am on February 21st detail a call to the cell at 12:55 am regarding a sore throat and difficulty breathing. Oxygen therapy was administered, and his blood pressure was taken. After administering liquid Brufen, the nurse left the cell at 1:25 am and was called back five minutes later to find Devlin unresponsive and without a pulse. CPR was initiated, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. The prison doctor pronounced Devlin dead at 4:05 am.
A prison officer recalled Devlin initially complaining of a sore throat around 9:20 pm but stating he could wait to notice the nurse. The officer informed the nurse of Devlin’s request at approximately 10:20 pm and later reported that Devlin “seemed to be ok” when complaining of a sore throat again at 12:45 am.
OIP Recommendations
The OIP report highlights “significant variance” between the cellmate’s account and the accounts provided by prison staff. The OIP has recommended that the Irish Prison Service increase nursing cover at night, particularly in larger committal prisons like Cloverhill, citing previous warnings about the dangers of understaffing. They also recommend cardiac first responder training for all prison staff, including recruits.
Irish Prison Service Response
The Irish Prison Service stated it is reviewing nursing cover as part of the Joint Task Review process. They noted that first responder training is already provided to Gym Officers, PSEC Staff, and Open Centre staff, and that nurses receive Basic Life Support and First Responder Training as part of their skillset. The IPS also stated it provides 24/7 healthcare to prisoners and continuous observation and emergency responses as required.
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