A 39-year-old man, James Desborough, from Lower Sticker, Cornwall, has been accused of murder in connection with the death of a fellow inmate, 65-year-old Steven Kempster, at HMP Exeter. The incident was reported by prison authorities after Mr. Kempster was found deceased in his cell early on September 15. Desborough is currently held in police custody and is scheduled to appear before Exeter Magistrates’ Court on September 18.
Helen Phillips from the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the decision to prosecute Desborough for Kempster’s murder, citing sufficient evidence and public interest in pursuing criminal charges. Cooperation with Devon and Cornwall Police has been integral to the ongoing investigation.
In other news, Justice Secretary David Lammy announced the initiation of a trial for chemical suppressants aimed at managing sexual offenders in north west and north east England. This development follows a successful trial in the south west, where the use of medication to control problematic sexual arousal was deemed effective in reducing risks to public safety.
The trial involves a combination of medication and psychological interventions to address offending behavior, with the intent to expand the program nationwide, covering up to 20 prisons and potentially benefiting around 6,400 offenders. The approach is part of the Government’s broader efforts to address sexual offenses and improve offender rehabilitation strategies.