A man has been found guilty of murder following the death of a fellow inmate at HMP Stoke Heath last year.
Jonathan Alcide, 36, was convicted of the murder of Neil Ashby following a two-week trial at Stafford Crown Court.
The court heard that on Tuesday 1 July at 7.36am, West Mercia Police received a report from HMP Stoke Heath of an unexpected death within the prison.
Around 6am that morning a prison officer attended a cell and as they approached, Jonathan Alcide came to the cell door and repeatedly said, ‘I’ve killed my padmate’.
46-year-old Neil Ashby was found unresponsive on the lower bunk and prison staff immediately raised the alarm.
The subsequent police investigation found there had been no access to the cell overnight and no evidence that anyone else had entered before Ashby was discovered deceased.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Rondel said:“Neil Ashby lost his life in a violent and senseless attack, and today’s verdict reflects the strength of the evidence presented throughout this investigation.
“Our thoughts remain with Neil’s family and loved ones, who have had to endure the devastating consequences of his death while waiting for justice. We hope today’s conviction provides them with some measure of closure, knowing that Jonathan Alcide has been held accountable for his actions.”
