Maghaberry Prison Governor dies at 55

Mr Davis, joined the Northern Ireland Prison Service in 1985, initially serving as assistant governor of Crumlin Road Gaol.

Prison Service head Ronnie Armour said: “Over the past few months, Stephen Davis has battled his illness with great courage and determination and his untimely death has been felt across the Prison Service.”

“The Northern Ireland Prison Service was in Stephen Davis’s DNA. He cared passionately about the organisation, his colleagues and those for who he was responsible. He was immensely proud to be governor of Maghaberry and he served the entire community in Northern Ireland with professionalism and dedication throughout his career.”

Former Justice Minister David Ford told the Belfast Telegraph that Mr Davis had played a key role in reforming the prison system.

He explained: “I got to know Steve Davis well during my time as minister. He was involved in a range of different duties, in each of which he provided clear leadership and helped drive forward the reform programme of the Prison Service.

“Even during his illness he led the team at Maghaberry Prison with distinction and professionalism. He was a valued colleague to those working in prisons and the partner groups and cared deeply for those in custody for who he was responsible.”