Letter: Why prisons should exercise restraint

Sir: When Omasase Lumumba tragically died in Pentonville prison ('Death of asylum-seeker may lead to charges', 5 August), he was one of about 80 detainees held there. Pentonville continues to hold detainees who, in the Board of Visitors' opinion, should not be in an inner- city jail. They should be in a properly equipped detention centre with medical facilities.

Yours faithfully,

ANNIE ANDERSON

Chairman

Board of Visitors

HMP Pentonville

London, N1