Inquest opens into death of transgender inmate

An inquest has heard that a transgender woman who was found dead at Armley prison in Leeds was considered to be "at risk of self-harm".

Vicky Thompson, who was 21 and from Keighley, died on November 13th. She had said she would kill herself if sent to a male prison.

The inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court was adjourned for police and prison service investigations. Her death has prompted calls for a shake-up of the government's handling of transgender prisoners and a change in policy.

A minute's silence, attended by Vicky's boyfriend Robert Steele, was held in Bradford at the weekend.