An inmate has died in his cell, more than a year after he attacked his fellow prisoner with "prison napalm" over a vape row.
Danny Clive Smith attacked his then cellmate at HMP Altcourse in July 2023, using boiling water and sugar. His victim was left writhing in agony and sustained scars and hearing difficulties as a result of the attack.
Behaviour described as 'irrational and unpredictable'
During his sentence at HMP Altcourse, officers described Smith's behaviour as "irrational and unpredictable". The 34-year-old went on to confess to the attack, claiming it was because his cellmate "wouldn't let him use his vape". Smith appeared in court in July last year over the attack, where a judge urged him to seek support for his mental health, Liverpool Echo reports.
Smith, who had dozens of previous convictions for more than 120 offences, was moved from the category B prison in Fazakerley to HMP Risley, the category C facility in Warrington.
Mental health struggles and ACCT plan
His struggles with his mental health continued, leading him to experience depression, low mood and suicidal thoughts. Smith, who was originally from Shrewsbury, also had a history of accruing debt while at Risley, and his behaviour led to self harm and suicidal attempts.
One attempt led to him being placed on an Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT), a specific plan put in place to support people at risk of suicide and self harm. But the plan was closed after it was reported his mood appeared to have improved and there were no concerns raised by those that interacted with him.
Discovery of Smith's body
Shortly before 9pm on November 26, 2025, a check was carried out and no concerns were raised. However, the morning check at 5.27am on November 27 led to the discovery of Smith's body. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he was confirmed dead by a paramedic at 8.05am.
