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It is believed to be the first time this has happened in the UK.

A damning report into the suicide of an inmate in one of Northern Ireland's prisons has been published. Colin Bell, who was serving a life sentence for murder, died in Maghaberry in July last year.

In her report the Prisoner Ombudsman, Pauline McCabe, recommends that the governor and deputy governor be subject to a disciplinary investigation. Her report details what happened during Colin Bell's final hours - a period when he should have been monitored every fifteen minutes.

Vincent Kearney Reports.

The Ombudsman's report paints a stark picture of Colin Bell's life behind bars.

He was so agitated he tried to contact the Samaritans by using a special button in his cell. He pressed it seventy-three times in just over twenty-four hours. Some calls were answered but sixty-three went through to an engaged tone. The Samaritans say they're reviewing what happened.

Head of the Prison Service Robin Masefield spoke to BBC Newsline.

Our Home Affairs Correspondent, Vincent Kearney, filed this report on last night's 6.30 programme.