A man, 39, faces murder charges in connection with the death of another prisoner at HMP Exeter on September 15. James Desborough, residing in Lower Sticker, Cornwall, and an inmate at HMP Exeter, stands accused of killing 65-year-old Steven Kempster. Desborough is currently under police custody.
Authorities were alerted by the prison staff after discovering Mr. Kempster deceased in his cell at around 5:40 am on September 15. The deceased’s family has been informed of the tragic incident.
A spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the situation, stating that the 39-year-old suspect has been charged with murder following the inmate’s death at HMP Exeter.
Desborough is set to appear in Exeter Magistrates’ Court on September 18, as reported by Cornwall Live.
Helen Phillips from the Crown Prosecution Service announced the decision to prosecute James Desborough for the murder of Steven Kempster. The prosecution determined that there is substantial evidence to proceed with the case and deemed it necessary in the public interest to pursue legal action. Collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police was integral to the investigative process.
This development follows Justice Secretary David Lammy’s announcement of the upcoming trial of chemical suppressants for sex offenders in the north west and north east of England, following a successful trial in the south west.
Mr. Lammy informed MPs that the trial in the south-west region yielded positive results. The medication targets “problematic sexual arousal,” restraining individuals posing a risk to society. The treatment, combined with psychological interventions addressing other factors driving offending behavior, has shown promise. The nationwide rollout will commence in the northwest and the northeast, covering approximately 20 prisons, allowing around 6,400 offenders to access voluntary chemical castration options.
The initiative, encompassing both medication and psychological support, aims to mitigate the harmful impulses of individuals convicted of heinous crimes. Mr. Lammy provided an update on the program during the Government’s presentation of the Sentencing Bill in the Commons.