Prisoner’s body to be released to family

Commissioner of Prisons Gerald Wilson yesterday said Unil Philip’s body was to be released to his family yesterday.

Phillip drowned after he escaped by diving into the sea from Carrera island prison on December 13.

In an interview yesterday, Wilson said there is a procedure to be followed before a deceased convict’s body is released to the family.

“Yes, the relatives will get the body of the deceased today. A report has been made to the Minister of National Security regarding the escapee and once all the documents are signed up, the body will be released to the family. Once an inmate is convicted, the person belongs to the State.

Once the person dies, we have to hand it over to the relatives, and it has to be done through a procedure,” Wilson said.

When contacted, a close relative said the family had no problem with funding Phillip’s burial.

He was convicted on arms and ammunition charges and was serving six years’ imprisonment with hard labour.