A transgender woman found hanged at a male prison was considered to be "at risk of self-harm", an inquest has heard.
Vikki Thompson, 21, was
in custody at Armley jail in Leeds, West Yorks., while awaiting sentence for
robbery when she died on November 13.
Vikki had previously
said she would kill herself if she was sent to a male prison.
An inquest into her
death was opened at Wakefield Coroners Court, West Yorks., on Wednesday where a
coroner heard staff had been checking her hourly.
When she was checked at
7pm, Vikki was seen lying on her bed, giving no cause for concern, the inquest
heard.
But at a later check at
8.10pm she could not be seen - so staff went into her cell.
Emergency services were
called and she was pronounced dead 38 minutes later.
A post-mortem
examination found the cause of death was thought to be hanging.
The inquest was
adjourned for police and Prison Service investigations and will be heard by a
jury at a later date.
Vikki's body has been
released to her family for cremation.
(Vikki Thompson with boyfriend Robert Steele)
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