Lisa's story her son Ben died at Portland highlighting one of many problems in today's offender institutions. A BBC case study - Ben was arrested and convicted. This was not Ben's first brush with the law. Ben had done silly crimes from graffiti to shoplifting, and a driving offence. He was placed on remand at Feltham, before coming home for three and a half weeks where he celebrated his 18th birthday. He was then found guilty and sent to HMP Reading. From there he went to Feltham and then on to Portland.
Ben had learning disabilities
"He had ADHD. Portland had none of the reports of his ADHD and learning difficulties. Feltham had not sent the paperwork on. This would have given Portland the information whether Ben was at risk to himself, a risk to staff or a risk to other prisoners. This was a major failing.
One of Ben's conditions has a link to suicide
"I spoke to Ben on the evening of his arrival. An officer allowed him to come out of his cell and use the staff telephone. When Ben first came on the telephone I could hear his voice choking, holding back tears. By the time he left the telephone he was back to his normal self so I felt that he was being taken care of. Two days later he was dead. Ben should not have been left in a cell."