THE lack of an effective system to identify prisoners at risk of suicide contributed to the death of an inmate, an inquest ruled yesterday.

The jury found there were failings in the documentation dealing with people at risk and raised serious concerns.

The findings, following a three-day inquest in Chester-le-Street into the death of Terry Gaskell, 33, prompted north Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle to invoke powers to write to the prison service calling for improvements.

The jury decided that Mr Gaskell, who was found hanged in his cell after being taken off suicide watch had taken his own life.

Mr Gaskell had been charged for the attempted murder of his girlfriend at her home in Low Fell, Gateshead, in June 2002.

Before he was arrested, the Wigan man had tried to commit suicide. When he was taken to Durham Prison, the health care unit discharged him onto the wing with instruction that he should be kept in a communal cell at all times and should remain on suicide watch for at least a month.

Despite this, his suicide watch was discontinued after only four days by a senior prison officer and a psychiatric nurse after Mr Gaskell heard of his girlfriend's pregnancy.

Solicitor Fiona Borrill, reading a statement on behalf of Mr Gaskell's mother Nellie said: "His family have been devastated by his death, but are pleased that the circumstances which led to his death have been thoroughly examined by the jury. "

Clair Budd, a governor at Durham Prison, said the prison would reflect on the verdict.