Man dies in Sydney prison unit that watchdog wanted shut down because it ‘cannot provide a safe environment’
Summary
A 19-year-old man died by hanging while on remand at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre (MSPC) in Long Bay prison, Sydney. An independent watchdog had previously recommended closing the MSPC because it was unsafe and in poor condition.Key Facts
- The man was awaiting court processes when he died on Sunday at Long Bay correctional centre.
- Staff tried to help him, but paramedics pronounced him dead.
- NSW police and Corrective Services NSW are investigating the death.
- The prison watchdog recommended closing MSPC due to unsafe conditions like poor ventilation, mould, and ligature points (places to tie something for hanging).
- There were record numbers of adults on remand and Indigenous people in custody in NSW last year, with a record high of Indigenous deaths in custody.
- NSW had 39 deaths in custody in 2025; 22% were by hanging despite efforts to remove ligature points.
- A $16 million program is currently removing ligature points from cells across NSW prisons.
- A previous attempt to close MSPC and similar units was blocked by the government.
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