[WATCH] Mt Carmel suicide: Internal inquiry not published to ‘avoid compromising other investigations’

Internal inquiry into Mt Carmel suicide not published to ‘avoid compromising other investigations’

The internal inquiry into the attempted suicide by British prisoner Richard Paxton at Mount Carmel Hospital will not be published until due consultation with Attorney General takes place, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela said.

Speaking at the end of a press conference, Abela said that the internal inquiry, that had been presented to him last week, containing various recommendations. However, he explained that he had chosen to discuss the results with the Attorney General before making it public.

“We need to make sure not to do or say anything that can prejudice or compromise the outcomes of the magisterial inquiry and of police investigations,” Abela said.

Paxton, died in hospital after being found, despite the medical attention he received, and the inquiry was meant to analyse whether staff showed negligence ahead of the tragedy.

“This is not an attempt to sweep it under the rug,” he said, reiterating his stand to avoid revelations causing any sort of interference in investigations.

Abela further expressed his hope that the magisterial inquiry is completed as soon as possible, and he added that police investigations were still going on, with results expected later this year.

“I am analysing the contents of the internal inquiry and their potential implications together with the Attorney General, but I will have no trouble publishing them should the Attorney General agree,” he said, adding that he could not give a specific timeline when the inquiry could be published.

The inquiry, led by Josephine Abdilla, should also include recommendations on how to improve the system.

Paxton’s case was the third instance of suicide under police custody in as many months.