A LEADING city lawyer has spoken of his pride at being involved in a public inquiry that posthumously recognised a prisoner’s human rights.

Chris Topping, a human rights specialist with Church Street-based Jackson & Canter, was the official solicitor to the inquiry into the death of Bernard “Sonny” Lodge.

Mr Lodge committed suicide while he was an inmate at HMP Manchester in 1998.

More than 11 years later, a public inquiry into his death delivered stinging criticism on the prison officers looking after him.

After the report was delivered to Parliament last week, Mr Topping told LDP Legal: “I was pleased to be appointed as solicitor to such an inquiry.

“Had the Human Rights Act been in force at the time of Sonny Lodge’s death, then there would have been no investigation similar to this.

“I found it highly significant as a human rights lawyer, that the inquiry was able to ensure that the human rights of someone who had died an untimely death were recognised.

“My hope is that the inquiry has provided helpful guidance and recommendations for those who continue to work within the prison service.” Mr Lodge, 28, was a vulnerable prisoner who had seriously self-harmed on a number of occasions.

About two months before his death, he had cut his arms while in HMP Risley, Warrington, and had to have 240 stitches.

On a visit to Whiston Hospital, there was an incident in a toilet cubicle with one of the escorting officers, involving counter-allegations of assault.