Damien Ward is in prison after being sentenced to an additional seven and a half years for the manslaughter of fellow prisoner Dennis Green at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire, following an assault in August 2025 that left Green fatally injured.
Who Is Damien Ward?
Damien Ward, aged 36, was already a serving prisoner at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire at the time of the incident that led to the death of Dennis Green. HMP Fosse Way is a Category C training prison located near Leicester, run by private operator Serco under contract with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). It holds adult male prisoners and focuses on rehabilitation and skills training.
Ward was already in custody for an earlier offence when he became involved in the fatal confrontation with Green in August 2025. The details of his original sentence were not prominently reported in connection with the manslaughter case.
The Attack at HMP Fosse Way
On Wednesday 6 August 2025, prison staff at HMP Fosse Way contacted Leicestershire Police after Ward assaulted fellow inmate Dennis Green within the prison. The nature and circumstances of the altercation were investigated by police working alongside the prison authorities. Mr Green suffered a serious head injury as a result of the attack and was taken from the prison to hospital for emergency treatment.
Violence between prisoners within the UK prison estate remains a significant concern. Overcrowding, drug use, and tensions within closed environments all contribute to incidents of this kind. HMP Fosse Way, like many prisons, holds prisoners from a wide range of backgrounds and offending histories, requiring careful management of risks between inmates.
The Death of Dennis Green
Dennis Green, aged 42, did not recover from the injuries he sustained in the attack. Despite receiving medical treatment, Mr Green died in hospital on Thursday 21 August 2025, fifteen days after the assault. His death triggered a mandatory Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigation, as is required when a prisoner dies in custody or in hospital following a custody-related incident.
The death of Dennis Green added to the tragic human cost of violence in UK prisons. Family members and loved ones of prisoners who die in custody have access to support through organisations such as INQUEST, which advocates for bereaved families navigating the inquest process. Families can also access information about prison deaths through the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
Investigation and Charges
Leicestershire Police launched a criminal investigation following Mr Green’s death. Ward was initially arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. As Mr Green’s condition deteriorated and he subsequently died, the charge was elevated to murder. Ward was remanded in custody for the proceedings.
Ward appeared at Leicester Crown Court in January 2026, where he entered a guilty plea to manslaughter. The charge of murder was not pursued after the prosecution and defence agreed that manslaughter was the appropriate charge. The guilty plea to manslaughter was formally accepted on 30 January 2026, and the case was adjourned for sentencing.
Sentencing: Seven and a Half Years
Ward was subsequently sentenced to seven years and six months in custody for the manslaughter of Dennis Green. This sentence runs in addition to the time he was already serving for his original offence. The additional custodial term reflects the seriousness of the offending — the unlawful killing of a fellow prisoner within a custodial setting — while acknowledging that Ward pleaded guilty to manslaughter rather than being convicted of murder.
Prison manslaughter cases are treated seriously by the courts and prosecutors alike. Violence within prisons not only endangers other prisoners and staff but also undermines the rehabilitative environment that establishments like HMP Fosse Way are designed to provide. Families of those held at the prison can find visiting and contact information through our dedicated guide to booking a visit to HMP Fosse Way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Damien Ward in prison?
Damien Ward, 36, is in prison after being sentenced to seven and a half years for the manslaughter of fellow prisoner Dennis Green at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire. The attack took place on 6 August 2025 and Mr Green died from his injuries on 21 August 2025. Ward pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Leicester Crown Court in January 2026. This sentence runs on top of the time he was already serving.
Who was Dennis Green and how did he die?
Dennis Green was a 42-year-old prisoner at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire. He was assaulted by fellow inmate Damien Ward on 6 August 2025, suffering a serious head injury. He was taken to hospital for treatment but died from his injuries on 21 August 2025, fifteen days after the attack. His death triggered a mandatory investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
What is HMP Fosse Way and where is it?
HMP Fosse Way is a Category C training prison located near Leicester in Leicestershire, England. It is operated by Serco on behalf of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The prison holds adult male prisoners and offers education, skills training, and rehabilitation programmes. It is one of the newer prisons in the English estate. Families can visit the prison by booking in advance through the official process.
What is the difference between manslaughter and murder in UK law?
In UK law, murder requires proof that the defendant intended to kill or cause really serious harm. Manslaughter covers unlawful killings where either that intention cannot be proven, or where the defendant had a partial defence such as loss of control or diminished responsibility. In Damien Ward’s case, the prosecution accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter, meaning the evidence did not support a finding that he intended to kill or cause really serious harm to Dennis Green.
How common is violence in UK prisons?
Violence in UK prisons remains a significant concern. Government statistics show that assaults between prisoners and on staff occur thousands of times per year across the estate. Factors contributing to prison violence include overcrowding, the prevalence of drugs (including synthetic cannabinoids smuggled in via drones and other methods), mental health issues, and tensions between individuals. The government and HMPPS have introduced various measures to address violence, but it remains an ongoing challenge across the estate.
