A prisoner serving life for the murder of a young child has been found dead in his cell at HMP Wakefield, one of Britain's most secure prisons.
Lukasz Czapla, 44, was discovered unresponsive in his cell on Tuesday morning at the West Yorkshire facility, known as 'Monster Mansion' for housing some of the country's most dangerous offenders.
The convicted killer was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years for the horrific murder of 22-month-old Leiland-James Corkill. The toddler died from catastrophic head injuries while in Czapla's care in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, in January 2021.
Multiple Investigations Launched
Prison authorities have confirmed that emergency services were immediately called to the scene, but Czapla was pronounced dead. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has now opened an investigation into the death, as is standard procedure for all fatalities in custody.
A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "Staff attempted resuscitation but he was pronounced dead by emergency services. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."
Violent History and Previous Incidents
Czapla had a history of violent behaviour even before his conviction for murder. During his trial at Preston Crown Court, the court heard how he had previously attacked a police officer and been involved in other violent incidents.
The murder of Leiland-James shocked the nation when details emerged during the trial. Medical evidence presented in court revealed the toddler had suffered multiple injuries consistent with violent shaking and impact with a solid surface.
HMP Wakefield, which dates back to 1594, houses approximately 750 inmates and has seen several high-profile prisoner deaths in recent years, including serial killer Levi Bellfield who was treated for injuries after an attack in 2018.
