Child sex accused found hanged in cell

A private education tutor accused of 45 sex crimes against children has been found hanged in his prison cell.

Steven Heatman, 50, was found by HMP Liverpool guards at 5.15am on Saturday. Prison staff tried to administer first aid but he was pronounced dead by paramedics.

Police today said the investigation into Heatman's alleged crimes had closed with his death. His alleged victims have all been told and are being offered support.

Heatman, a partner in Maghull-based Tuition Express and a private tutor for more than 25 years, was arrested and charged with three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child earlier this month.

He appeared at South Sefton Magistrates' Court and was bailed.

Police then re-questioned Heatman, of Moss Lane, Maghull, Merseyside, three days later and charged him with an extra 42 child sex offences including 26 counts of sexual touching of a child, 16 counts of making indecent images of a child, and three additional allegations of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

It is understood that when Heatman was due to appear for a second time before magistrates in Bootle, security guards at the court said they were unable to bring him up from the cells into the dock because he was having a panic attack.

Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital but doctors gave him the all-clear. Heatman was put back before the court the same afternoon and was remanded into custody.

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that all known alleged victims have been notified of Mr Heatman's death at HMP Liverpool on Saturday.

"While the criminal investigation into allegations against him has been concluded following his death, officers continue to provide the appropriate onward support to victims, along with local authority partners.

"There is no evidence implicating anyone else in this investigation."

A Prison Service spokesman said: "HMP Liverpool prisoner Steven Heatman was found hanging in his cell at 5.15am on Saturday June 25.

"Staff attempted CPR and paramedics attended but he was pronounced dead at 5.45am.

"As with all deaths in custody the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation."