A man who hung himself in Wandsworth Prison after threatening suicide should have been more closely monitored before his death, an inquest has found.

Edward Knightly, 46, cut his arm and made two suicidal threats, but staff were too under-resourced to give him a case review that would have lead to more observations, the court heard.

Paul Hambley, senior officer in the vulnerable prisoners unit on August 18 last year, said he felt under pressure with a skeleton staff, so when Mr Knightly threatened to “do something stupid” he did not visit him personally but sent prison officer Beverley Bonnick.

She spoke to him and thought he had calmed down, but, feeling under pressure to get back to work, did not read case notes detailing his troubled history.

Later he declined meals and one officer saw him with a sheet over his head saying he was frightened, while another documented a suicide threat.

On August 20, at 7.34am, he was found hanging in his cell - five days after arriving at the prison with hopes to see family and friends who lived close by.

Officers and nurses tried to revive him, and although it was suggested one nurse performed mouth-to-mouth incorrectly, it was irrelevant because he was already dead.

Mr Knightly, who had learning difficulties, a history of self harm and a personality disorder, was transferred to Wandsworth from another prison on August 15 but proper information about his problems was not received.

He had been afraid of other prisoners in the induction wing and had been moved to Mr Hambley’s unit after he cut his forearm with a razor.

Following the death, prison governor Ian Mulholland admitted measures against self harm were inadequately carried out and said a case review would have led to increased observations.

The jury spokesman said during the verdict: “Mr Knightly’s behaviour on the Onslow unit on August 18 and 19 was such that a case review should have been brought.”

Mr Knightly, who was serving life for murder, died by hanging himself, the jury recorded at Westminster Coroner’s Court.

Coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said: “I’m sure we all wish to send our condolences to the family.”

Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide