Jury records suicide verdict at prisoner's inquest

46-year-old was found dead in his cell in February 2023

A warning that this story contains information which some readers may find upsetting.

The jury at the inquest into the death of a serving prisoner has recorded a verdict of suicide.

Christopher Peter Corkill, who was 46-years-old, was found dead in his cell at the Isle of Man Prison on 24 February last year.

Jurors took just three hours to return their unanimous decision at Douglas Courthouse. 

Before allowing them to retire, just after 10am this morning (19 July), Coroner of Inquests Graeme Cook reviewed the information they’d been presented with this week telling them: “The only views that matter are yours.

“You, and you alone, are the judges of the evidence.

“Please put emotion to one side. Cool, calm and clinical judgement is what’s needed from you.”

Reminding jurors there was ‘no rush or time limit’ Coroner of Inquests Cook explained the outcomes they could record were either an open verdict, accident, suicide and/or a narrative decision.

Following the jury’s decision, which was delivered to the court by the foreman just after 1pm, Coroner of Inquests Cook thanked the seven jurors - four men and three women - for their service.

“Inquests of this nature are never easy,” he told them.

He also confirmed he would be making recommendations, in due course, as a result of this inquest and the inquest into the death of fellow prisoner Craig Anderson which was held in February.

The 28-year-old died in his cell at the Isle of Man Prison, in November 2022, with a jury concluding he died by suicide whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed. 

In that case they also delivered a narrative verdict saying there was a missed opportunity to provide care which possibly could have made a difference.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.