The widow of a Maghaberry prison officer, tragically killed in a car accident last year, has donated a garden bench in his memory to prisoners with mental health needs.

June Black accompanied by her son Simon and daughter Leanne presented the bench in honour of her late husband Trevor at a special ceremony in the prison’s REACH Garden on March 19.

Trevor, who had completed more than 23 years’ service, died on February 15, 2007. He had recently finished his training for the new REACH Unit, which specialises in the care and treatment of prisoners assessed as vulnerable or poor at coping.

Mrs Black explained why she had decided to dedicate the bench in her husband’s memory.

“With Trevor working with in this area, I thought it would be nice to dedicate a summer seat that could be used in the gardens by the prisoners. I’d like to thank the prison for organising today. The family really appreciate the work that was put in.”

Maghaberry Deputy Governor Stephen Davis presented Mrs Black with a bouquet of flowers and a cheque for £334 to Basement, a church run youth club in Markethill, Co Armagh.

Mr Davis, who first met Trevor Black in the Maze Prison, praised his contribution to the Service: “Even though the Maze was a very difficult and dangerous place, Trevor always felt it was okay to care and that’s very difficult in our type of environment where there can be a macho culture.

“Trevor would have been proud to have a bench dedicated in his name but he would have ribbed me mercilessly for standing out in the rain for the presentation!”

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