An investigation has been launched into the death of a teenager who hanged himself in jail.

The nursing profession's highest regulatory organisation is probing allegations that a prison nurse falsified the times that drugs were given to Mark Hutton.

Mark, 18, of Keighley, was found hanging from a cell window in Doncaster Prison the day after he arrived there from Keighley Magistrates Court on remand last year.

The United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) for nursing, midwifery and health visiting is investigating the claim by his mum Christine that a nurse administered the drug three hours too early.

Mark, who was battling to come off heroin, arrived at the privately-run prison after being arrested following a raid on a shop in Bingley. Doctors prescribed that Mark should be given his medication at 8am, 3pm and 9pm.

Mrs Hutton, herself a nursing assistant, has complained to the UKCC that the nurse gave Mark his drugs - sleeping pills and a detoxification drug - at 6pm instead of 9pm. She also claims the nurse falsified the time on the drugs chart.

"The drugs were supposed to help him through the night," Mrs Hutton says. "By giving them early, they wore off and he woke up in a distressed state.

"I know how important it is to give drugs at the right time. No nurse should give a tablet three hours early, then sign the document at the time it should have been. It is very dangerous.

"I don't want the nurse to be struck off - that's not my aim. But complaining to the UKCC is the only action I can take because I don't want to think my son's life has been lost in vain. I am not looking for a scapegoat - just for the regime at the prison to change so it won't happen again."

Mark was one of five young men who committed suicide at Doncaster Prison over the last 12 months.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer has written to the Parliamentary Ombudsman urging him to investigate the regime at Doncaster. She is also awaiting a reply from the Home Office, calling on it to look into the prison organisation.

Mrs Cryer says: "I want the minister to address the details of my comments about the way the drugs were administered in Mark's case."

A spokesman for UKCC says a preliminary hearing will be held in private when the evidence will be looked at and a decision made on whether there is a case to answer.

"If there is, the professional conduct committee will meet in public, possibly in Leeds, when the case will be heard. If it is found proved, the nurse could be struck off the register.

A prison spokesman says: "We must await the outcome of the investigation. If something arises from that, we will take whatever action is necessary."

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