Rapist dies in cell day after he was given life
A PRISONER in Strangeways was found dead in his cell the morning after he was given life for rape.
It is understood Stephen Ferguson, 33, was discovered by prison staff in the early hours of the morning.
The day before his death, Ferguson was handed a life sentence at Manchester Crown Court.
He was found guilty of three counts of rape and a charge for controlling or coercive behaviour.
Judge Hilary Manley sentenced Ferguson, of no fixed address, to life imprisonment on Monday last week.
An investigation into his death is taking place but it is understood there are no suspicious circumstances.
A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “HMP Manchester prisoner Stephen Ferguson died in prison on September 25.
“As with all deaths in custody, there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”
In February, Simon Mellors, 56, was found dead in his cell in Strangeways. Ben Kelbie, 32, was found dead in the jail in January as he waited to be sentenced.
Kelbie, of Canal Street, in Chadderton, Oldham, died after his sentencing was adjourned to later in the month.
The latest death comes after prison staff launched a strike earlier this month in protest over attacks on them behind bars.
The strike meant the prison was forced to be on ‘lockdown’ and inmates were kept in their cells complaining over lack of food.
Fighting crime INSIDE Strangeways: Pages 12&13