A DRUG dealer jailed for 23 years for child prostitution offences has been found dead in his cell with self-inflicted wounds.

Neil Bozward of Malvern was discovered dead at Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight on April 24 after suffering injuries to his wrist. We have previously reported how the 47-year-old and Hayley Louise Rowberry, from Handsworth, were jailed three years ago following a six week trial at Stafford Crown Court. Bozward's injuries are being treated as self-inflicted after he was found by prison officers who checked his cell early in the morning. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "HMP Isle of Wight prisoner Neil Bozward died in custody on 24 April 2020. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has been informed.”

We reported in June 2017 how the pair were jailed for a total of 28 years. The courage of the complainant was a described as a vital part of the painstaking case.

Neil James Bozward, then aged 45 of Duke of Edinburgh Way, Malvern was found guilty of inciting child prostitution, aiding and abetting rape, and two counts of supplying class A drugs and jailed for 23 years.

Rowberry, then aged 36, of Willes Road, Handsworth, previously from Malvern, was found guilty of controlling prostitution for gain and sentenced to five years in prison.

West Mercia Police Detective Inspector Stuart Murphy, who led the investigation, said at the time: “The sentences given reflect the severity of the offences. I would like to give my sincere thanks to the victim and her family, firstly for having the courage to come forward and disclose these horrendous crimes to the police, and secondly for her bravery in reliving the nightmare by having to give evidence in court. There is a long road ahead for the victim but hopefully the sentences given will help to give her some closure and allow her to move on with her life."