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Murder

Guilty Verdict in HMP Altcourse Prison Incident

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A jury at Liverpool Crown Court has delivered a guilty verdict against Keir Michael for the manslaughter of fellow inmate Darren Ashcroft and the wounding of Terry Roderick. The incident occurred on November 14 last year at G4S-run HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley, where Michael had been serving a sentence for assault, firearm possession, and attempted robbery. Ashcroft, a cocaine dealer, and Roderick, a convicted burglar, had previously been involved in a fight with another inmate. The atmosphere in the prison was described as "lawless" with a "prevailing risk of spontaneous violence" and inmates in possession of various weapons.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keir Michael was found guilty of manslaughter and wounding with intent in the death of Darren Ashcroft and the injury of Terry Roderick, respectively.
  • The incident occurred on November 14 last year at HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley, where Michael had been serving a sentence for assault, firearm possession, and attempted robbery.
  • Ashcroft, a cocaine dealer, and Roderick, a convicted burglar, had previously been involved in a fight with another inmate.
  • The prison atmosphere was described as "lawless" with a "prevailing risk of spontaneous violence" and inmates in possession of various weapons.
  • Michael claimed Roderick tried to stab him but missed and stabbed Ashcroft instead; however, the prosecution disputed this account.
  • CCTV footage showed the "murder weapon" behind the toilet in the cell of inmate Daniel Porter, who admitted assisting an offender.
  • Justice Dove stated that Michael and Porter will be sentenced on Friday.

Statistics:

  • 15 hours and 38 minutes: The length of time the jury deliberated before reaching a verdict.
  • 10-2 majority: The majority vote by the jury to clear Michael of wounding Roderick with intent but find him guilty of manslaughter.
  • 5-inch long metal object: The length of the metal object used in the incident, which was recovered during a search of Michael's cell.
  • 41 years old: The age of Keir Michael at the time of the trial.
  • 35 years old: The age of Darren Ashcroft at the time of the incident.
  • 41 years old: The age of Keir Michael.

Sources:

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Neil Docking, HMP Altcourse inmate found guilty of manslaughter (August 18, 2022),

  • Liverpool Echo,
  • Liverpool Echo,
  • Liverpool Echo,

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