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A man charged with the murder of 26-year-old Alisha Samuels in Manchester has reportedly been attacked inside prison, prompting an investigation by the Prison Service into footage circulated on social media.
Lawrence Johnson, 26, of Dorking Avenue, is being held on remand at HMP Liverpool after being charged with Samuels’ murder. The young woman was found dead in Newton Heath, Manchester, on 15 October.
The BBC reported that footage believed to have been filmed inside the prison over the weekend showed Johnson being attacked in a cell. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
What Does the Prison Footage Show?
The footage seen by the BBC appears to show several inmates confronting and attacking Johnson inside a prison cell. Voices can be heard making threatening remarks during the incident.
The video’s circulation on social media has raised questions about how the recording was made and how a mobile phone was apparently available inside the prison.
However, the full circumstances of the alleged assault have not been established in the information released so far.
What Has the Prison Service Said?
A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed that the social media post was being investigated and stressed that violence would not be tolerated in prisons.
The spokesperson also said that having a mobile phone behind bars was unacceptable and that officials had ordered the immediate removal of the posts while investigating how the incident had occurred.
Read more: Was Alisha Samuels Murder Accused Lawrence Johnson Attacked in HMP Walton?
The investigation is expected to examine both the reported assault and the circumstances in which the footage was recorded and shared.
What Is Lawrence Johnson Charged With?
Johnson has been charged with the murder of Alisha Samuels. He has also been charged with the attempted murder of another man.
The charges are allegations, and Johnson remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty in court.
Greater Manchester Police previously confirmed that three additional men had also been charged in connection with Samuels’ murder. Further details about the individual allegations and the progress of the court proceedings were not included in the initial report.
Who Was Alisha Samuels?
Alisha Samuels was 26 when she was found dead in Newton Heath on 15 October. Her death led to a murder investigation by Greater Manchester Police.
The case has drawn further attention following reports of the incident involving the principal suspect in prison. However, the reported prison assault is a separate matter from the criminal proceedings concerning Samuels’ death.
The Prison Service is investigating the footage and how it was recorded and circulated. Further information may emerge as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the murder case remains a legal matter, and the allegations against Johnson and the other defendants must be determined through the criminal justice process.
