A man aged 39 faces murder charges in connection with the death of a fellow inmate at HMP Exeter on September 15. James Desborough, a resident of Lower Sticker, Cornwall, and also an inmate at HMP Exeter, is accused of killing 65-year-old Steven Kempster. Desborough is currently held in police custody.
Police were alerted by the prison authorities after discovering Mr. Kempster deceased in his cell around 5:40 am on September 15. The deceased’s family has been informed of the tragic event.
According to a spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police, the 39-year-old man has been formally charged with murder following the inmate’s death at HMP Exeter on September 15. Desborough is set to appear before Exeter Magistrates’ Court on September 18.
Helen Phillips from the Crown Prosecution Service announced that they have decided to prosecute James Desborough for the murder of Steven Kempster. Prosecutors have determined that there is enough evidence for a trial and that it is in the public interest to proceed with criminal proceedings. Collaboration with Devon and Cornwall Police during their investigation has been emphasized.
This development comes shortly after Justice Secretary David Lammy revealed plans to trial chemical suppressants for sex offenders in north-west and north-east England following a successful trial in the south-west. The medication aims to curb problematic sexual arousal in offenders who may pose a risk to society. Mr. Lammy stated that the drugs, accompanied by psychological interventions, target various factors contributing to offending behavior.
Around 6,400 offenders will have access to voluntary chemical castration, with the program extending to 20 prisons. The initiative includes a combination of medication and psychological support to address the inappropriate behaviors of individuals such as paedophiles and rapists. Mr. Lammy presented these plans while introducing the Government’s Sentencing Bill for its second reading in the Commons.
