Inquest into death of prisoner killed in row over DVD player suspended

Stephen O’Donnell died after he was stabbed in the chest in the E-wing of HMP Risley on January 22, 2019, aged 33.

Cheshire Coroners’ Court heard on Wednesday that Mr O’Donnell suffered a single wound to the chest following an argument over a DVD player with a fellow inmate, Adrisse Gray.

In August 2019, the then 23-year-old prolific burglar was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years after admitting to the murder of Mr O’Donnell.

Gray used an ‘improvised weapon’ to fatally stab the father-of-four before trying to hide the weapon in the shower drain.

Adrisse Gray was jailed for life at Liverpool Crown Court

Prison officers attempted to carry out lifesaving CPR on O’Donnell following the fatal stabbing, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest into Mr O’Donnell’s death was initially referred to Cheshire Coroners’ Court in 2019 but has been suspended for further evidence.

On Wednesday, the inquest was adjourned once again by Senior Coroner for Cheshire, Jacqueline Devonish. It will now take place on November 7.

Tributes were paid to Mr O’Donnell in the days following his death.

“Our hearts are broken at the loss of our beloved Stephen – he was a lovely man who was adored by his family and friends,” the statement said.

“He did not deserve to be taken from us in this way, but nobody can take away the memories that we have of him which we will always treasure.”