Prisoner is found dead in cell
Lisa Hodge • Published 20 Nov 2010 12:00
A PRISONER has been found dead in his cell at Greenock jail - the day after he was sentenced to 90 days behind bars.
Paul Harper, 32, tragically passed away on Thursday. On Wednesday, he had been sentenced at Greenock Sheriff Court for theft by housebreaking after admitting breaking into a Gourock garage.
Mr Harper, from Cardwell Road in Gourock, was jailed for 90 days by Sheriff John Herald. He was then taken to Gateside Prison to begin his sentence, but was found dead the following day.
Details of how Mr Harper passed away have not been released. The Scottish Prison Service confirmed police and next of kin have been informed of the tragedy.
A fatal accident inquiry will be held into his death.
Yesterday, in an official statement, a spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service said: "A prisoner from HM Prison Greenock died on 18 November.
"Paul Harper, 32, was convicted at Greenock Sheriff Court on 17 November for theft by housebreaking. Police and next of kin have now been informed, and a fatal accident inquiry will be held in due course."
Mr Harper had previously pleaded guilty to breaking into a garage in Cardwell Road, Gourock, on 4 June.
He admitted committing the offence and stealing car parts worth more than £1,500. Two sets of alloys and tyres were taken, along with a wing mirror from a car.
The court heard he was caught after trying to sell the stolen parts to another car dealership. Around £700 of the goods were recovered, but £900 worth was never found.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 20 Nov 10
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