Feltham staff 'unaware' of danger risk

A prison watchdog today warns of serious safety lapses at the institution where a youth was killed by his cellmate.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) found prisoners regularly arrive at Feltham Young Offender Institution without documents indicating they may pose a danger to themselves or others.

Feltham was condemned after Zahid Mubarek, 19, was beaten to death by racist cellmate Robert Stewart, also 19, in 2000. It emerged Stewart had a record of violence but warnings were not passed on. A public inquiry into the death has been taking place.

In a report the IMB said Feltham had improved since

2000. But 52 out of 133 prisoners who arrived last September lacked the correct "Asset" (risk assessment) form. In most cases court staff had not sent it but staff did not have time to chase it up. IMB chairwoman Kathy White said: "It could be harmful to the boys."

A Home Office spokeswoman admitted this occurred but said: "Every attempt is made to obtain the information." Feltham staff interviewed all new prisoners in a bid to spot potential problems, she added.

The IMB also called for better care of mentally ill inmates.