Former teacher found dead inside cell at Townsville jail

A former teacher charged with the indecent treatment of children has been found dead inside a Townsville jail with authorities launching a full internal investigation.

The Townsville Correctional Centre. Picture: Evan Morgan

A prisoner charged with the indecent treatment of children has been found dead inside a Townsville jail, with authorities launching a full internal investigation.

The Townsville Bulletin has been told Joshua Robert Smith-Monaghan, 35, was found dead inside his cell at the Townsville Correctional Centre on Wednesday morning.

Queensland Corrective Services confirmed the death of the 35-year-old prisoner and said they would assist the Queensland Police Service in preparing a report for the coroner.

“Our condolences go to the man’s family and community,” a QCS spokesman said.

“Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues.”

It comes after Smith-Monaghan, a former teacher, was denied bail last week as he appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court charged with four counts of rape, eight counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and two counts of using the internet to procure a child under 16.

No pleas were entered as he appeared via video link, and he was remanded in custody with his matters adjourned to December 17.

Originally published as Former teacher found dead inside cell at Townsville jail