Inmate Charged with Murder Following Death at HMP Exeter

Murder Charge Filed After HMP Exeter Death

James Desborough, a 39-year-old inmate at HMP Exeter, has been charged with the murder of a fellow prisoner, Steven Kempster, aged 65. The charge follows an incident at the prison where Mr. Kempster was discovered deceased in his cell early on Monday, September 15.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that they received a report from the prison at approximately 5:40 AM on Monday, September 15, stating that Mr. Kempster had been found dead. His next-of-kin have been informed of his death.

Court Appearance Scheduled

Mr. Desborough, who is from Cornwall, was taken into police custody and subsequently charged on Wednesday, September 17. He is due to appear before Exeter Magistrates' Court on Thursday, September 18, to face the murder charge.

Official Statements on the Case

Helen Phillips, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) South West, issued a statement regarding the decision to prosecute. She said, 'The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute James Desborough for the murder of Steven Kempster.' Phillips added, 'Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with Devon and Cornwall Police as they carried out their investigation.'

About HMP Exeter

HMP Exeter is a Category B local and resettlement men's prison located in Exeter, Devon, England. The facility, which opened in 1853, holds men sentenced by courts across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and Somerset. It has a capacity of approximately 561 inmates, though some reports indicate a population of 321 as of May 2023. The prison is operated by His Majesty's Prison Service.