Lee Mercer, convicted domestic abuser, dies in prison

Lee Mercer, a 45‑year‑old from Skelmersdale, was sentenced in December 2024 to four years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to intentional strangulation, actual bodily harm, making threats to kill and criminal damage against his former partner. The court heard he had assaulted the woman in two separate attacks within four days, threatened to kill her and her children, and used weapons during the assaults.

Less than two years into his sentence, Mercer died on 14 July 2026 while incarcerated at HMP Wymott near Leyland. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has opened an independent investigation into his death, with a final report to be released after the inquest. The victim has described ongoing PTSD and severe psychological trauma resulting from the attacks.

The case highlights concerns about the safety of victims of domestic violence and the conditions within the prison system.