KEY POINTS:
The Department of Corrections is to launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a drug overdose of the man accused of murdering deaf Christchurch woman Emma Agnew.
Liam James Reid, 35, is thought to have received treatment in Christchurch Hospital during the week, after an incident at Christchurch Men's Prison.
The Department of Corrections has not named the prisoner as Reid, but acting Christchurch Men's Prison manager Mike Howson told the Herald:
"We can confirm that a prisoner was admitted to Christchurch Hospital overnight, following a suspected overdose of prescription medication."
He said the prisoner was now back in prison custody.
"Preventing suicide and self harm in prisons is a key priority for the department.
"However, prison is a difficult environment and while rare, incidences such as self harm do occur. When incidences such as these do occur, the department undertake an internal review into processes surrounding the management of the prisoner."
Prisoners assessed to be at risk of self-harm can be housed in one of the department's 14 At-Risk Units, which are specially designed to deliver primary mental health services.
Reid's lawyer, David Bunce, said he was unable to comment on the incident.
Reid is accused of killing Ms Agnew on November 15 last year, and dumping her body in bush north of Christchurch.
A large-scale search resulted in her body being found, partially buried near a holiday park, 11 days later. The killing shocked the deaf community, and prompted an unprecedented outpouring of grief.
Reid is due to appear in court for a depositions hearing later this month.
