Coroner calls for legal help for detainees held in hospital 

People who are detained on suspicion of concealing drugs internally should have access to an advocate in hospital. 

That's the belief of the Coroner of Inquests - it's one of three recommendations following the death of a man under police custody in 2015. 

John Needham will report his finding to the Attorney General, Chief Constable, President of the Isle of Man Law Society and the chairman of the Legal Aid Committee. 

It follows the conclusion of the inquest into the death of 27-year-old Pulrose man Steven Corkill - he died at Noble's Hospital in June last year. 

He'd been arrested four days earlier - subsequent tests showed he had a 'higher than lethal' amount of cocaine in his system. 

Mr Needham said bearing in mind the 'significant infringement of liberty' which a detainee in a similar position could face he believes they would be safer if they could receive legal advice. 

As a result he's called for the Duty Advocate Scheme, which already exists at police stations, to be extended to those held in hospital on suspicion of concealing drugs internally. 

He says to facilitate this representatives should meet with the Department of Health and Social Care to agree a 'practical method' of allowing 'effective access' to legal services. 

However he says the requirement for continuous observation of the detainee by police officers must be recognised at the same time.