Neil Lovett punched and strangled a 76-year-old woman while pretending to work for a charity
Neil Lovell has died in prison
A career criminal who was described as an “evil” and “dangerous” man has died in prison. Neil Lovell brutally assaulted pensioner Dorothy McCulley at her Hightown home while he was high on crack cocaine in November 2011.
Lovell was high on crack cocaine when he targeted the then-76-year-old’s home, claiming he was working for a charity. She was punched, strangled and dragged across the floor in the attempted robbery at her home.
Liverpool Crown Court heard the following year how Lovell – who had been released from a 12-year jail sentence for a similar attack just weeks before – told his frightened victim: “Shut up or I will kill you”.
He then punched Barbara Chislett, then-64, who rushed to her neighbour’s aid after hearing her screams of terror. Lovell pleaded guilty to charges of assault with intent to rob and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Lovell, of Lind Street, Walton, was given an indeterminate sentence, which means he could not be eligible for release until it was proved safe to do so.
The Prison and Probations Ombudsman has now confirmed the 58-year-old died while a prisoner at HMP Stocken in Rutland on April 21 this year. The PPO is now conducting an investigation into Lovell’s death at the category C prison.
When sentencing the violent thug in 2012, Judge Bryn Holloway said: “I have served 21 years at the Bar and I am in my 20th year as a judge. I often think I have heard it all and nothing could be worse.
“But this is as bad a case of robbery I have heard in all that time. Your behaviour towards this unfortunate lady was quite appalling. You have an appalling record of very similar types of offences.
“You are just an evil, dangerous man who should be locked away for as long as possible, until such a time as when others deem it safe for you to be let out.”
After he was locked up, Mrs McCulley said: “I am pleased the judge has recognised how dangerous Lovell is.
“What would have happened if I hadn’t been as strong or Barbara hadn’t come to help? Lovell could have killed me.
“My balance has been badly affected. I can’t go outside without help for fear of losing my balance.
“I refuse to live in fear and I’m determined it is not going to spoil the rest of my life but I am certainly more careful now when people I don’t know come to the door.
“The whole reason Lovell got in my house was because I did not want to be rude and talk to him through the door.
“Now, I have new locks and a glass door so I can see who is there and I always ask to see their identity card first.”
Barbara Chislett added: “It was an appalling thing that happened to Dorothy and I. I am delighted with the outcome at court.”