A PRISON officer from Whiston charged with gross negligence manslaughter after the death of an inmate at HMP Liverpool has appeared in court.

Anthony Paine, 35, killed himself in his cell at the prison in Walton in 2018.

Senior officer Rachael Jameson, 31, of Middleton Drive, Whiston, has been charged with manslaughter and health and safety failings.

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Meanwhile, custodial manager Paul Fairhurst, 63, of Belmont Drive, Chorley, also faces charges of gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety failings.

Both defendants appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court.

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The case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court where Jameson and Fauirhurst are next due to appear on Thursday, January 5.

Mr Paine, who had severe mental health problems, had been jailed for 18 months in January 2018 over affray and endangering the public after climbing on to a roof.

He died in hospital after being found in his cell on February 19, 2018, the Crown Prosecution Service said.