Michael Harkin handed indefinite hospital for killing cellmate
A MAN who strangled his cellmate to death has been handed an indefinite hospital order. Michael Harkin, 35, attacked and killed 38-year-old Dan Childs at HMP Bristol in June 2023. Having heard evidence from medical experts during a 16-day trial in July of this year, a jury found Harkin not guilty of murder following a direction by the judge. He was instead convicted of manslaughter by diminished responsibility and was also found guilty of wounding a second prisoner. During the trail, the court heard how an inmate who had been occupying a cell by himself was told that he would need to share with Harkin. However, despite having only recently redecorated the cell, the prisoner requested to be moved after sharing with Harkin for just one night. He later told police it was because 'there was something not right about' Harkin. Attack Staff subsequently decided that Mr Childs should share the cell with Harkin instead. On Monday, June 5, police were called to the prison after Harkin assaulted his previous cellmate, using…
16 Oct 00:00 · The Irish Post