Inmate Found Guilty of Murder After Strangling Cellmate

A jury has unanimously convicted Jonathan Alcide, 36, of murder for the fatal strangulation of his cellmate, Neil Ashby, 49. The incident took place at HMP Stoke Heath in July of last year. Alcide's defense team argued he was not guilty by reason of insanity and should only be held responsible for manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

However, the prosecution successfully proved murder, leading to the guilty verdict delivered at Stafford Crown Court on Friday. Judge Avik Mukherjee has set November 17 for the sentencing hearing. The conviction marks the conclusion of the trial phase for Alcide's involvement in Ashby's death.