Indefinite hospital order for man who killed fellow inmate at HMP Bristol

An inmate was ordered to hospitalize for an indefinite period after being found guilty of killing a fellow inmate.

Michael Harkin, 35, was convicted of manslaughter with diminished liability following the death of 38-year-old Dan Childs at HMP Bristol in June 2023.

Harkin was also found guilty of wounding a second inmate after a 16-day trial in July this year.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Nadine Partridge said their thoughts were with Childs’ family, who had their “beloved son, brother and uncle” taken from them.

Harkin was sentenced on October 11 at Bristol Crown Court.

Avon and Somerset Police said Childs was found unconscious in his cell on June 5 and was pronounced dead at the scene from asphyxiation.

The jury was told that in the days leading up to Mr Childs’ death, Harkin had two different cellmates.

The first inmate requested a transfer on June 1, after spending one day with Harkin.

He later told police that “something was wrong” with Harkin.

Staff then connected Mr. Childs with Harkin.

On June 5, police officers were called to HMP Bristol after Harkin attacked his former cellmate in the shower, causing wounds to his face, neck, arms and legs with an improvised blade.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony from medical experts and, guided by the judge’s instructions, found Harkin not guilty of murder.