Published at 09:33, Wednesday, 23 May 2012

A man accused of raping a woman in Carlisle city centre has been found hanged in his cell.

Jamie Smith, 43, was pronounced dead at HMP Durham shortly after the grim discovery was made.

An independent investigation will be carried out into his death.

Smith, of Goodwin Close, Currock, Carlisle, was remanded in custody by city magistrates after being charged with two counts of rape in March.

This followed an investigation after police received a report that a woman in her 40s was attacked in an alley off Aglionby Street.

His solicitor Geyve Walker said at the time his client would be denying the allegations.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: “HMP Durham prisoner Jamie Smith was found hanging in a cell at approximately 9.30am on Monday.

“He was pronounced dead at approximately 9.40am.

“As with all deaths in custody, the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation.”

Smith had been due to appear before Carlisle Crown Court on June 6.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk