An inmate at HMP Birmingham who was serving a six-year sentence for the manslaughter of a man in Smethwick has died in prison. Ashley Pace, 40, died at the jail on July 9, 2026, according to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. No cause of death has yet been released, and an investigation is ongoing.
Details of the original offence
Pace was jailed in February 2021 at Wolverhampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter. The charge related to an unprovoked attack on Jagdev Lally near the Tollgate shopping centre in Smethwick on April 14, 2020. Lally suffered serious head and facial injuries and died in hospital three weeks later.
West Midlands Police said the two men were both rough sleepers, and Pace had reacted angrily after being unhappy about where he had laid down to sleep. The attack was captured on CCTV and involved Pace punching and kicking his victim to the ground.
Official statements and investigation
A Prison Service spokesman told BirminghamLive: “The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating, and it would be inappropriate to comment further before the conclusion of its findings.”
At the time of Pace's sentencing, Det Insp Jackie Nicholson, from Force CID, said: “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable man by someone who was simply not happy about where he had laid down to sleep. He was left with serious injuries after collapsing and never regained consciousness.
“I’d like to thank the member of the public who helped him and made sure he got to hospital. Sadly, he didn’t survive. Nothing will bring Mr Lally back to his family but I hope that seeing the person who caused this unexplainable pain being brought to justice is something that can offer them at least some comfort.”
Ongoing inquiry into prison death
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is now investigating the circumstances surrounding Pace's death at HMP Birmingham. No further details about the cause of death have been disclosed, and the investigation remains active. The conclusion of the inquiry will determine any further actions or findings related to the case.
