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UK: Suspicious death of black prisoner

01 January 1996

Alton Manning collapsed and died on December 8 1995 at Blakenhurst (private) prison, near Birmingham, West Midlands. Prison authorities have claimed that he choked to death but their evidence has been contradicted by allegations that he was beaten-up by warders shortly after being strip-searched. Alton had complained of harassment and violence by the prison authorities for four years before his death. The allegations are by the Manning family, who believe that attempts were made to prevent them from seeing Alton's body, which apparently had extensive injuries. A Home Office pathologist's report, released in January, made reference to bruising and suggested that he died as a result of "pressure on the neck" leading to asphyxia. These findings are consistent with the claims that a struggle took place and that he was subjected to an illegal neck hold. At least two other black men - Kenneth Severin (Belmarsh) and Denis Stevens (Dartmoor) - died in similar circumstances at the end of last year. A second report, on behalf of the family, has confirmed asphyxia as the cause of death. A Justice for Alton Manning CAmpaign has been launched; it can be contacted at: BRAMU, 339 Dudley Road, Winson Green, Birmingham B18 4HB, Tel. 0121 454 9500.