AN INDEPENDENT investigation is underway by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman after a Barrow man charged with murder died in prison.
William Prince, 64, of Abbey Road in Barrow, died at HMP Preston on May 18.
He was alleged to have murdered 90-year-old pensioner Geoffrey Kershaw in an incident on March 17 earlier this year.
The incident was said to have taken place at a home address on Abbey Road. Mr Kershaw died five days later in hospital.
Mr Prince had not formally entered any pleas to the charge at the Crown Court but a provisional trial date was set for September 2.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “William Prince died on May 18 at HMP Preston. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”
An inquest into Mr Kershaw’s death was opened at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court on April 11 by coroner Robert Cohen but immediately suspended until further order.
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