Man to face trial next year accused of murdering prison inmate

James Desborough, 39, is accused of murdering a fellow inmate at HMP Exeter in Devon

Author: Rod Minchin, PAPublished 19th Sep 2025

A 39-year-old man will face trial next year accused of murdering a fellow inmate at a prison.

James Desborough is accused of killing 65-year-old Steven Kempster, who died following an incident at HMP Exeter in Devon on September 15.

Desborough, who appeared at Exeter Crown Court via video link from prison, spoke only to confirm his name during a brief hearing before Judge James Patrick.

The judge confirmed a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on October 16 and fixed a trial to begin in Exeter on March 16.

"You will be remanded into custody, and you will be produced in Exeter on October 16," the judge said.

"I will list your trial in Exeter on March 16."

Heather Stangoe appeared for the prosecution, while Ramsay Quaife represented the defendant.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.