Key Points
- Death in Custody: Dempsey Nibbs, aged 79, has died while serving a life sentence at HMP Belmarsh.
- Official Confirmation: The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) confirmed the death, which occurred on July 26.
- Original Crime: Nibbs was convicted at the Old Bailey in April 2016 for the April 2014 murder and decapitation of his long-term partner, Judith Nibbs, at their home in Hoxton, east London.
- Judicial Sentence: He was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years by the Recorder of London, Nicholas Hilliard QC.
- Standard Investigation: An independent inquiry by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is underway to establish the precise official cause and circumstances of his death in prison.
Hoxton (East London Times) August 13, 2026 – Convicted murderer Dempsey Nibbs, who was serving a life sentence for the decapitation of his partner of 30 years, has died behind bars at HMP Belmarsh at the age of 79. The death was officially confirmed by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), bringing a final conclusion to one of the most tragic and extreme domestic violence cases brought before the Central Criminal Court in recent years. Nibbs was sentenced in April 2016 after an Old Bailey jury unanimously found him guilty of murdering 60-year-old Judith Nibbs inside their flat on the Charles Square Estate in Hoxton on April 10, 2014.
What Were The Circumstances Surrounding The 2014 Hoxton Murder?
The incident occurred following a breakdown in the relationship between Dempsey Nibbs, a former crane driver, and Judith Nibbs, a meals on wheels worker. The couple had lived together for three decades and shared two children, but their relationship deteriorated severely in early 2014.
As reported by Hackney Citizen, Prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC told the court that
“Nibbs had flown into a jealous rage when she confessed she had been sleeping with other men”.
The court heard that on April 7, 2014, during a heated argument, Mrs Nibbs disclosed her infidelity. The following day, prior to leaving her workplace, she expressed a grave apprehension regarding her safety. As reported by Rob Currell and Paul Britton of Manchester Evening News, Mrs Nibbs stated to her colleagues that “If I’m not in Friday, I might be dead”.
On the night of April 10, 2014, Nibbs attacked Mrs Nibbs inside their flat. The court heard evidence that he struck her with an iron bar, rendering her unconscious, before decapitating her with a knife. Following the killing, Nibbs wrote a note to his 30-year-old son, Kirk, and subsequently dialled 999 to inform emergency services that two bodies would be found at the address.
When police officers arrived at the premises, an officer looked through the letterbox and observed a decapitated body. Forcing entry into the property, the officer encountered Nibbs in the bathroom, where he was attempting self-harm. The officer successfully disarmed Nibbs, seizing both a knife and a shotgun.
What Was Revealed During The Old Bailey Trial?
During the 2016 trial at the Old Bailey, Dempsey Nibbs denied murder, claiming that he had acted in self-defence and that Mrs Nibbs had died accidentally during a struggle. He further alleged during police interviews that he believed his partner was a “snake”, although clinical assessments provided no evidence that he was suffering from any recognized mental health disorder at the time of the offence.
As reported by Rob Currell and Paul Britton of Manchester Evening News, Prosecutor Crispin Aylett QC stated that
“Quite why the defendant decapitated Judith and then disposed of her head is not entirely clear but it may well be that he did it out of pure hatred at the sight of his wife’s face”.
Defence counsel Ian Henderson QC acknowledged to the court that Nibbs was suffering from severe ill health, including cancer, noting that he was likely to spend the remainder of his life in prison.
In passing sentence, the Recorder of London, Nicholas Hilliard QC, imposed a life sentence with a mandatory minimum term of 21 years. As reported by Rob Currell and Paul Britton of Manchester Evening News, Judge Hilliard stated to Nibbs that
“I’m sure you don’t regret your wife’s death save for its effect on your own comfort and well-being”.
Members of Judith Nibbs’ family delivered impact statements during the legal proceedings. As reported by Rob Currell and Paul Britton of Manchester Evening News, Judith’s sister Frances stated that “Judith was a very kind and caring person” and emphasized that despite any domestic difficulties, she did not deserve to die in such a “callous and brutal way”.
What Is The Background Of Dempsey Nibbs’ Detention And Passing?
What background led to Dempsey Nibbs’ incarceration at HMP Belmarsh?
Following his conviction in April 2016, Dempsey Nibbs was transferred into the custody of Her Majesty’s Prison Service (now His Majesty’s Prison Service) to serve his 21-year tariff. Due to the gravity of his offence and risk assessments, he was housed in high-security conditions, ultimately residing at HMP Belmarsh in Thamesmead, south-east London.
Throughout his imprisonment, Nibbs remained under regular medical monitoring, having entered the prison system with pre-existing health complications, including prostate cancer, which had been disclosed during his Old Bailey trial. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman routinely opens an independent investigation into all deaths that take place in prison custody in England and Wales to establish the official cause of death, assess the standard of clinical care provided, and confirm whether care was equivalent to that available in the community.
How Will This Development Affect The Victims’ Family And Prison System Operations?
How will the death of Dempsey Nibbs affect the victim’s family, the legal system, and correctional policy?
The death of Dempsey Nibbs behind bars at HMP Belmarsh carries direct implications for several primary stakeholder groups, most notably the surviving family members of Judith Nibbs, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, and high-security prison healthcare providers.
- Impact on the Victim’s Family: For the family of Judith Nibbs—including her children and siblings—the passing of her killer brings a final physical closure to a legal ordeal that began in April 2014. Because Nibbs died while serving his sentence, the family will no longer face the prospect of future parole board hearings or potential tariff review applications that typically occur as high-profile prisoners approach their minimum term release dates.
- Impact on HMP Belmarsh and Prison Healthcare Services: The standard Ombudsman investigation following Nibbs’ death will examine whether his long-term health conditions, including his oncology treatment, were managed in accordance with National Health Service guidelines for elderly prisoners. As the prison population in England and Wales ages, the management of geriatric prisoners serving extended tariffs presents ongoing logistical and clinical resource considerations for the Ministry of Justice.
- Impact on Ombudsman Reporting: The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will compile a formal report regarding the death in custody. This report will be published following the conclusion of any inquest proceedings, serving as a public record verifying the clinical and custodial management of Dempsey Nibbs during his final days at HMP Belmarsh.
