Barry Prosser

Barry Dennis Prosser, 32, was a White man from the Midlands. He was a much-loved brother, father, husband and carpenter.

Barry was killed in August 1980 whilst being held in a strip cell of the hospital wing at Winson Green Prison, Birmingham. He was remanded into prison following an episode of mental ill health.

Barry died from a fatal beating by 12 prison officers. His body was covered in bruises, his death resulting from internal injuries caused by a blow to the stomach. Prison staff claimed to be unaware of the extent of Barry’s injuries until the autopsy.

The inquest jury found that Barry was 'unlawfully killed'. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) charged three prison staff with murder. While initial proceedings were rejected by a magistrate, the case was taken for trial in the Crown Court through a ‘Voluntary Bill of Indictment’ from a High Court Judge. The three officers were acquitted of all charges and continued to be employed by the prison estate. 

The family and friends of Barry Prosser kept campaigning for justice, calling for a public inquiry into this death. Some of those involved in the campaign were part of setting up INQUEST in 1981.