A MAN serving time at HMP Hewell has been jailed for seven years after being found guilty of the manslaughter of fellow inmate Luke Derriman, 39, from Slough, at the prison.
James Johnson, 39, from Cheltenham threw a single punch at Derriman in his cell at HMP Hewell at approximately 3.05pm on January 23, 2018.
Derriman was discovered unconscious in his cell by prison staff and was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Johnson denied the charge but was found guilty of manslaughter by unanimous verdict today, Tuesday, November 13, following a trial at Worcester Crown Court.
Det Insp James Bayliss from West Mercia Police said: “Prison investigations are by their very nature challenging, and violence like this and in such an establishment will always be thoroughly investigated.
“Luke Derriman sustained a fatal blow and the verdict today shows the severity of the offence committed by James Johnson.
“His death serves to remind us that one punch can have devastating consequences and ultimately – as in this case – can kill.
“This result can in no way bring Luke back and so our thoughts remain with his family and friends.”
