Convicted murderer David Algie, who kicked a dad-to-be to death after a bus argument, has died in prison. He was 38.
Attack and conviction
Algie was jailed for life for the murder of 22-year-old Michael Theaker in Orford, Warrington in 2006. He was convicted alongside his brother Colin, then 19, and a 16-year-old boy. The brothers were seen high-fiving after the attack.
The killers kicked Mr Theaker 'like a football' during the assault in January 2006. The victim, whose daughter was born six weeks later, died six days after being left in a coma.
Death in custody
Algie suffered a massive brain haemorrhage after falling ill at HMP Wymott in Lancashire. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman confirmed he died in Preston Hospital in July 2024.
Algie, who had a history of substance misuse, was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020. He was released from jail in March 2023 but returned to prison three weeks later for breaching his licence. He was transferred from Forest Bank in Salford to HMP Wymott in May 2023.
On July 6, 2024, Algie fell ill in his cell. Staff suspected a drugs overdose due to slurred speech, dilated pupils and being 'slightly unresponsive'. An ambulance was called, but by the time he arrived at Royal Preston Hospital he was in a coma. Scans showed a brain bleed, and he was placed on life support. On July 10, the prison applied for early compassionate release. Algie died the following day after his ventilator was removed.
Investigation and concerns
A post-mortem found the cause of death was a brain haemorrhage. An inquest in April concluded Algie died of natural causes. The PPO investigation found his care was of a 'reasonable' standard but raised concerns about the 'unacceptable and inhumane' use of handcuffs while he was in a coma. Ombudsman Adrian Usher recommended the governor 'implement further measures' to ensure staff understand when restraints should be used.
