Damien Ward is in prison after being sentenced for the manslaughter of fellow inmate Dennis Green at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire. Ward attacked Green inside the prison in August 2025, and Green later died from his injuries in hospital. Ward was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court following his guilty plea to manslaughter in early 2026.

Who Is Damien Ward?

Damien Ward, aged 36, is a prisoner who was being held at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire when he carried out a fatal assault on a fellow inmate in August 2025. He was already in custody at the time of the attack, serving a sentence for prior offences. Ward came to wider public attention following the death of Dennis Green and the subsequent criminal proceedings, which concluded with a sentencing at Leicester Crown Court in March 2026. His case is part of a broader and concerning pattern of violence within the UK prison estate, where assaults between inmates remain a persistent challenge for prison authorities.

The Assault on Dennis Green at HMP Fosse Way

On Wednesday 6 August 2025, prison staff at HMP Fosse Way contacted Leicestershire Police after Dennis Green was assaulted by Damien Ward. The assault involved a serious physical attack that caused Dennis Green to suffer a significant head injury. He was taken to hospital as a result of the injuries sustained and received medical treatment, but his condition did not improve. After more than two weeks in hospital, Dennis Green died from his injuries on Thursday 21 August 2025, more than a fortnight after the original assault. Leicestershire Police launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the attack and Green’s subsequent death.

Dennis Green: The Victim

Dennis Green was 42 years old at the time of the attack. He was a fellow prisoner at HMP Fosse Way who was assaulted by Damien Ward during their time together in the same prison. Dennis Green was transported to hospital following the assault and remained in medical care until he died from his injuries on 21 August 2025. His death was confirmed by Leicestershire Police following the conclusion of the investigation and the entry of a guilty plea by Ward. As with all prison deaths, his case was subject to the procedures required under HM Inspectorate of Prisons and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s oversight. Families of those in custody can seek support and guidance through our prison information hub.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

On 30 January 2026, Damien Ward appeared at a hearing at Leicester Crown Court and entered a guilty plea to the manslaughter of Dennis Green. The guilty plea was formally accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service based on the evidence presented. A formal sentencing hearing then followed in March 2026, at which Ward received a custodial sentence reflecting the seriousness of the offending. Manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in England and Wales, though the actual sentence depends on the specific circumstances, the defendant’s culpability, and any mitigating factors. Ward’s existing imprisonment, and the context of the attack within a custodial setting, were all factors considered during the sentencing process. For information on how sentences are served, our guide on the Parole Board provides useful context.

Prison Deaths in England and Wales

Deaths in custody in England and Wales — whether from natural causes, self-harm, accident, or violence — are a serious concern for HM Prison and Probation Service. When a death occurs in prison, it must be reported to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), which conducts an independent investigation. The findings are published to inform future policy and prevent recurrences. Deaths caused by assaults between prisoners, such as that of Dennis Green, are particularly subject to scrutiny. The Ministry of Justice and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons track and report on violence within the prison estate as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety. If you have a loved one in custody and are concerned about their welfare, you can book a prison visit or contact the prison directly. You can also find out more about sending money to a prisoner to help support them during their time in custody.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Damien Ward in prison?

Damien Ward is in prison for the manslaughter of fellow prisoner Dennis Green, who died on 21 August 2025 after being assaulted by Ward at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire. Ward pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Leicester Crown Court on 30 January 2026 and was sentenced in March 2026.

Who was Dennis Green?

Dennis Green was a 42-year-old prisoner at HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire who was fatally assaulted by fellow inmate Damien Ward on 6 August 2025. He suffered a serious head injury in the attack and died in hospital on 21 August 2025, more than two weeks after the assault took place.

What is HMP Fosse Way?

HMP Fosse Way is a Category C training prison in Leicestershire, England. It holds adult male prisoners and provides a range of rehabilitative programmes and work opportunities. Like all prisons in England and Wales, it is managed by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and is subject to inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?

In English law, murder requires proof that the defendant intended to kill or cause really serious bodily harm. Manslaughter covers unlawful killings where that level of intent is not established, or where a partial defence applies. Damien Ward pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which was accepted by the prosecution based on the evidence in the case.

How many prisoners die in UK prisons each year?

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, several hundred prisoners die in custody each year in England and Wales. The deaths are categorised by cause, including natural causes, self-inflicted deaths, accidents, and homicides. Deaths caused by assaults from other prisoners represent a small proportion of the overall total but are among the most serious, triggering mandatory independent investigations by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.