Man pleads guilty to single punch prison death

Keiron Simpson (26) was serving a prison sentence at HMP Doncaster when he attacked and killed Robert Bryan (43) on Friday February 27.

A hearing at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (30) heard how Simpson approached Bryan, of Rotherham, at around 6pm that day while they were in the communal area of the prison.

He walked up to him from behind and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. 

Bryan became unconscious and was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead the same evening.

A post mortem found the cause of death was a blow to the head.

Simpson pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday and will be sentenced on May 26.

Simpson, formerly of Smithywood Lane, Dodworth, Barnsley, was serving a 16-week sentence for burglary when he attacked his victim, who had been recalled to prison to serve out the remainder of a manslaughter sentence.

Det Sgt Andrew Knowles, the investigating officer in the case, said: “This case clearly shows how dangerous and devastating just one punch can be.

“Simpson attacked Bryan for no apparent reason – he may not have intended to kill him but anyone who makes the decision to strike another with force must consider the potential shattering consequences a single punch can have.

“South Yorkshire Police will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of unlawful deaths, whether it occurs inside a house or inside a prison and those who are to blame will be held to account for their actions.”