Needlestick injury in prison

October 19, 2008

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A prisoner who was injured by a syringe hidden in his cell mattress has been awarded damages. Mr Kevin D’Arcy, counsel for Jonathan Coyle, told the Circuit Civil Court his client’s hand was pierced when he accidentally grabbed the needle of a hypodermic syringe while tucking bedding under the mattress. The syringe had been hidden in a tear in the mattress.

Awarding Coyle €7,500 damages, Judge Deery said evidence had revealed the cell had not been locked at all times and that the prison governor’s directions in regard to search procedures had not been fully complied with.

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