Man charged with manslaughter after man suffers serious head injury at HMP Lancaster Farms

A man has been charged by detectives investigating the death of a prisoner after an alleged assault at HMP Lancaster Farms.
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Police were called to reports a 39-year-old man had suffered a serious head injury at HMP Lancaster Farms at around 6.15pm on June 23 (2019).

The man, later named as Richard Hamill, from Morecambe, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment but died on June 28.

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Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Joshua Kettle, 29, of no fixed address, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter today (March 18).

He has been remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court tomorrow (March 19).

In a tribute, Mr Hamill's mum, Anne Getty, said: "The death of Ricky has had a massive impact on our family and his children. He is sorely missed by us all.

"He was a loveable rogue and would help anyone. Since his death people I don't know have told me that he would happily help them.

"I miss him like crazy and speak to his pictures everyday."

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Richard Hamill (pictured) suffered a serious head injury at HMP Lancaster Farms. (Credit: Lancashire Police)Richard Hamill (pictured) suffered a serious head injury at HMP Lancaster Farms. (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Richard Hamill (pictured) suffered a serious head injury at HMP Lancaster Farms. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

A Home Office post-mortem established Mr Hamill died from a bleed on the brain.

A man had earlier been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident and released under investigation pending further enquiries.