Overview

• Gareth Dack, convicted in 2017 for the murder of 79-year-old Norma Bell, was found dead in custody at HMP Frankland on April 21, 2025.
• The Prison and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into Dack's death, as is standard for all in-custody fatalities.
• Dack was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 33 years for strangling Norma Bell, attempting to set her house on fire, and other disturbing acts in 2016.
• Norma Bell, a widowed mother of nine and long-time foster parent, was remembered by her family as having a 'heart as big as a lion.'
• Bell’s son expressed mixed emotions about Dack’s death, citing relief but also wishing he had served his full sentence.