A system of caring for prison inmates recently removed from suicide watch has been abandoned after the death of a prisoner found hanged from his cell window.

An inquest heard that the circumstances surrounding 20-year-old Bryan Totton's death prompted Northallerton remand centre, in North Yorkshire, to review its Communal Cell (Com Cell) policy.

Mr Totton, who had a history of depression and self-harm, was found hanged in his cell on A Wing by inmate Adam Kilminster on February 13 last year.

The day before, he had been taken off suicide watch and placed on Com Cell - a system where much of the responsibility for the prisoner rests with his fellow cell mate, said Mark Howell, Deputy Governor.

While on suicide watch Mr Totton was checked by officers every 15 minutes, whereas on the Com Cell no compulsory checks were made.

The jury, at Pickering, heard how Mr Kilminster, who was often away from the cell, held the responsibility of "keeping an eye on him".

Mr Howell said following Mr Totton's death, the Com Cell system, which is not unique to Northallerton, was removed. He said: "We reviewed the whole of the policy and put in place a new system that is much more likely to avoid tragedy."

The new system relied on the medical management of prisoners by health care officials, he said.

The inquest heard how Mr Totton, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was distressed by his transfer from Hull Prison and was placed on suicide watch after threatening to harm himself. He was taken off it following a review the day before his death.

Psychiatrist Dr Leigh Howarth, who examined Mr Totton, said: "My medical point of view is that there was no requirement for him to remain on suicide watch."

The inquest continues.