Prison where teenager was murdered by racist thugs brings back shared cells

A jail where a teenager was murdered by a racist thug has reintroduced shared cells in direct defiance of an official inquiry that called for the practice to stop.

Zahid Mubarek, 19, was beaten to death with a table leg by skinhead Robert Stewart eight years ago. Stewart, also 19, had a violent record and before the murder had written letters about racial violence and killing his cellmate. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment.

But now Cathy Robinson, the governor at Feltham Young Offenders Institution in West London, has reintroduced shared cells because of pressure on places sparked by surging gang violence in the capital. Up to 50 of the 400 cells are being shared by two inmates - including cells on the wing where Mubarek died.

Worried prison staff have told Ms Robinson that the move will put lives at risk again, despite new vetting procedures.

Prison warders have been told to conduct a ' cell-sharing assessment procedure' before two youths can be put in the same cell. This includes details of behaviour, alleged offences and any history of racist or homophobic attacks or attitudes.

Managers are also introducing violence reduction strategies, which include posters, counselling and access to the Samaritans. But prison insiders say this will not prevent attacks by violent inmates, many of whom belong to gangs.

One source said last night: 'The lessons of the Mubarek inquiry have been forgotten because of overcrowding and more and more vulnerable young men are being placed together. Feltham is like a cattle market and this move could have tragic consequences.'

Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Herbert said: 'The Government's total failure to plan for adequate capacity has pushed the whole prison system to breaking point. Forcing inmates to double up and treble up in cells undermines rehabilitation and places huge pressures on prison officers. Overcrowding has made prisons more dangerous places, for both staff and inmates.'

Mubarek, a heroin addict, was serving three months for stealing razors worth £6 and interfering with a vehicle.

He was bludgeoned to death on the day he was due to be released after complaining to Stewart that the light in their cell was too bright. Stewart had convictions for 73 offences, including one for actual bodily harm and several assaults.

In his 2006 report into the killing, Mr Justice Keith said: 'The elimination of enforced cell sharing ... should remain the goal of the Prison Service and its achievement should be a high priority.'

A Prison Service spokesman said: 'Cell sharing is common across the prison estate and robust procedures govern its use. We made clear in our response to Mr Justice Keith's inquiry that it would be needed for some time.'