A prisoner who attacked a cellmate with a mixture of boiling water and sugar, described as "prison napalm", has been found dead in his cell. Danny Clive Smith, 34, carried out the assault at HMP Altcourse in July 2023 following a disagreement over a vape.
The victim suffered permanent scarring and hearing difficulties. Smith admitted to prison staff that he carried out the attack "because he wouldn't let him use his vape". He appeared before a judge in July 2024, who urged him to seek mental health support.
Transfer and Mental Health Struggles
Smith, originally from Shrewsbury, was later transferred from the category B prison in Fazakerley to HMP Risley, a category C facility in Warrington. He had amassed dozens of previous convictions spanning more than 120 offences.
While at Risley, Smith experienced bouts of depression, low mood and suicidal thoughts. He also had a pattern of accumulating debt, and his deteriorating mental state led to incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts.
Discovery and Inquest
One suicide attempt resulted in Smith being placed on an Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) plan, designed to support those at risk of suicide and self-harm. The plan was later closed after reports suggested his mood had lifted and nobody raised concerns.
A check shortly before 9pm on November 26, 2025 found nothing untoward. However, a morning check at 5.27am on November 27 led to the discovery of Smith's body. Despite efforts to revive him, a paramedic confirmed his death at 8.05am.
An inquest, opened in December 2025 and heard by Area Coroner Victoria Davies between October 12 and 15, recorded the medical cause of death as asphyxiation by ligature. The inquest concluded that Smith "died as a result of a deliberately self applied ligature", but noted "his intention at the time of applying the ligature...cannot be ascertained due to the unpredictable nature of Danny's behaviour".
Investigation Underway
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has launched an investigation into the death, as it does for all fatal incidents in custody. A spokesperson said: "The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is conducting an independent investigation into the death of Danny Smith at HMP Risley on November 27, 2025. We offer our condolences to Mr Smith's family and friends."
The PPO investigation is ongoing, with a report detailing its findings, including whether anything could have been done to prevent Smith's death, due to be published in due course. A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "HMP Risley prisoner Danny Smith died on Thursday, November 27. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."
