James Smith had been working a night shift at Norwich Prison as an operational support grade - also know as a prison support worker.

The 44-year-old had been responsible for carrying out hourly checks on vulnerable inmates at risk from suicide.

Norwich Crown Court heard those he was responsible for included Alistair McKenzie, a diagnosed schizophrenic who had not been taking his medication and who had recently attempted self-harm.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

But the court heard Smith had not carried out the appropriate checks, had been sleeping during a night-shift in October 2021 and even falsified records to cover up his failings.

Alistair McKenzie (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Shortly after 9am on October 15 2021 - by which time Smith is understood to have gone off shift - McKenzie was found hanging in his cell.

Paramedics were called but McKenzie was declared deceased.

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Smith, of Green Lane, Bradwell, was last month sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 14 months.

James Smith (inset) and Norwich Prison (Image: Linkedin/Newsquest)

It was after he previously admitted charges of having wilfully neglected to perform his duties as a public officer in that he failed to conduct observations at Norwich Prison.

It is understood Smith is in the process of being dismissed but currently remains suspended from his duties.

Norwich Prison (Image: Newsquest)

A prison service spokesman said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Alistair McKenzie following his tragic death.

“Where staff fall below our high standards, we do not hesitate to take robust action.

"In line with our conduct and discipline policy, staff are suspended on full pay until criminal proceedings are concluded.”

As previously reported McKenzie - who was in prison having been jailed after he admitted an arson offence in August 2019 - should have been observed twice an hour, day and night.

But during his shift in October 2021, Smith “failed” to carry out appropriate checks - on McKenzie and others - between 9.30pm on October 14 and 6.40am the following day.

The officer was supposed to have carried out a total of 19 checks on McKenzie but had only completed two of them.

Smith had also missed 15 other checks on another eight vulnerable inmates. 

The court heard cameras near to McKenzie's cell showed Smith had not carried out the checks when he said he had or was supposed to.

Smith had told colleagues he had "fallen asleep".

The defendant had completed the records, falsifying them, despite not having completed the requisite checks. 

Sentencing Smith, Judge Katharine Moore said: "This vulnerable prisoner was left alone by you for lengthy periods."

Judge Katharine Moore (Image: Newsquest)

She said in all eight vulnerable prisoners had been under his charge on that shift.

"But you let them down because you didn't check on them as often as you were instructed to," said Judge Moore.

Before Smith was sentenced, the court heard a statement from McKenzie's sister who described him as a "kind, gentle and caring man".

She said having discovered what she now knows about her brother's last hours and what had happened caused "deep grief".

Stephen Spence KC, mitigating, said Smith had entered guilty pleas which indicated his remorse for this "one lapse" in his 12 years of "exemplary" public service.

Mr Spence said his behaviour that night was completely out of character for Smith, a lone parent responsible for two children.

Smith was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

© Norwich Evening News