The family of Steven (Pepe) Dill has made several serious allegations about how he died at the Prison Farm early on Wednesday morning.

They claim that his asthma inhaler was not working properly and as a result he had difficulty breathing and pleaded with prison officers to take him to hospital. These appeals, the family claims, were ignored and some time early on Wednesday morning, he died.

Mr. Dill's mother, Elizabeth Astwood, told The Royal Gazette: “What has happened to my son is very nasty and we want to know what happened.”

They are entitled to know, as is the public.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has promised a full investigation into the Mr. Dill's death and it is essential that it is carried out and the results are made public.

It is right that the Police are carrying out this investigation and it is essential that it is carried out independently and without interference.

In the event that any individual is found to be responsible in any way for Mr. Dill's death, action must be taken against the person or persons.

The credibility of the Prisons Service and the Government on the whole demands this. While people are in prison, they are in the care of the Government which has a responsibility to ensure that they are cared for and are healthy.

No one should believe that because Mr. Dill was a prisoner, his death should be taken any less seriously than if he was a free man.

He was a human being with a family and friends and a role to play in the community. His family is entitled to a full investigation and a public airing of the facts.