Lawrence Johnson, one of three men charged with the murder of Alisha Samuels in Newton Heath, has been assaulted and robbed while on remand at HMP Liverpool in Walton.
Johnson, 26, of Dorking Avenue, was the first suspect charged with Alisha's murder and the attempted murder of a man. He appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on October 21 and is currently being held in custody.
Attack filmed inside prison cell
A video seen by the Liverpool Echo shows Johnson, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, inside a prison cell surrounded by other inmates. The person filming the exchange is heard saying: "Bro, you're getting chopped up. Sit down, bro. Smash him up."
An unidentified prisoner then punches Johnson several times in the face, before the person filming says: "Take his s*** off him." The video has since been shared extensively on social media.
Ministry of Justice response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying: "Violence will not be tolerated in the prison estate, and this incident was swiftly dealt with. Having a phone behind bars is unacceptable and we have ordered the immediate removal of these posts while investigating how this was able to happen."
Johnson is due to appear at crown court next month. Carl Hardy, 19, of Shaldon Drive, Manchester, and Tony Evans, 19, of Dorking Avenue, Manchester, have also been charged with Alisha's murder and attempted murder. A 48-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and later released on bail.
Police appeal for witnesses
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, said: "We remain focused on establishing the full circumstances surrounding the events of October 15 and want to reassure Alisha's loved ones that we are committed to securing justice for her.
"My thoughts remain with Alisha's family and friends as they continue to come to terms with this devastating loss. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported our investigation so far. The information we have received from the public has been invaluable. I continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak to us."
Police were called to Dorking Avenue following reports of a disturbance in the early hours of October 15. Alisha Samuels, 26, was found with stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has mobile phone, CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage, is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5464 or submit information via the Major Incident Public Portal. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
