Press Release

Two persons in custody commit self-harm

     Correctional Officers found a male remand person in custody and a female person in custody having committed self-harm at Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre and Nei Kwu Correctional Institution today (June 19).

     At 7.13am, officers found wounds on the left forearm of a 19-year-old male remand person in custody, who suffered from schizophrenia, during the routine search.  Upon enquiry, officers noted that he had deliberately broken his own plastic tea mug and cut his forearm with the pieces.

     In addition, at 3.40pm, officers found wounds on the left forearm and right calf of a 22-year-old female person in custody at a workshop. Upon enquiry, officers noted that she had cut herself by using her nail.   

     Both of them sustained minor injuries and were conscious at the time. They were subsequently sent to centre hospitals for treatment. Departmental clinical psychologists will follow up on the cases.

     A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, "The department uses all possible measures to prevent people in its custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, the improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

     The male remand person in custody was remanded for an offence of trafficking in dangerous drugs, while the female person in custody was sentenced for an offence of possession of dangerous drugs.

Ends/Thursday, June 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:47

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