Indefinite hospital order for man who killed cellmate at HMP Bristol
Michael Harkin killed 38-year-old Dan Childs
Last updated 16th Oct 2024
A man who killed a fellow prisoner at HMP Bristol has received an indefinite hospital order.
Michael Harkin was found guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility after his 38-year-old cellmate Dan Childs was round unresponsive in the cell they shared together in June 2023.
The 35-year-old was also found guilty of wounding a second prisoner.
A jury in July this year, having heard evidence from medical experts during the course of the 16-day trial, found Harkin not guilty of murder following a direction by the judge. But they did convict Harkin of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
A jury also heard Harkin had two different cellmates in the days leading up to Mr Childs' death.
On Wednesday 31st May last year a prisoner, who until then had been alone in his cell, was told he would need to share it with Harkin.
The court heard how despite having only recently redecorated it for himself, the prisoner requested to be moved the following day, later telling police it was because he felt "there was something not right" about Harkin.
It was subsequently decided that Mr Childs' would need to share with Harkin instead.
Police were called to HMP Bristol on Monday 5th June 2023 after Harkin assaulted the first prisoner who had asked to move cells, in the showers.
He had used an improvised blade to wound the man in the face, shoulder, neck, arms and leg.
Following the attack prison staff went to check on Mr Childs and found him unresponsive in the cell he shared with Harkin. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
CCTV footage was reviewed during the course of the investigation and showed that after Harkin and Mr Childs entered their cell on Sunday 4th June, no other person entered it prior to doors being unlocked the following morning when Harkin walked to the showers.
Harkin was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 11 October.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Nadine Partridge, speaking on Harkin’s conviction, said "our thoughts are with Mr Childs’ family who had their ‘much-loved son, brother and uncle taken away from them".