No under-18s committed suicide in custody in 2008, but the Howard League for Penal Reform said the youngest to kill themselves in prison had just turned 18. He was on remand for theft at Chelmsford prison when he handed himself in September last year.
In 2007 six 18- to 20-year-olds killed themselves in custody and one under-18.
The Howard League said 132 15- to 21-year-olds have taken their own lives in prison since 1998.
Frances Crook, Howard League director, said: "Each death in custody is a tragedy and reflects a system that is on its knees with record overcrowding."
Justice minister Shahid Malik said 2008 saw the lowest number of self-inflicted deaths in custody of all ages since 1996. He said: "While there is never any room for complacency in our work to prevent these deaths, it is important to recognise the good work of all those who continue to care for the most vulnerable prisoners in our custody. The government remains fully committed to reducing deaths in custody."
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