![\"Wayne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/c8758e28-3403-4dc9-b8a6-f80d4c1feb64.jpg\")
Wayne Burke<\/p>\n
Burke, originally from\u00a0<\/a>Pensnett, died at HMP Dovegate\u00a0<\/a>on July 29 after suffering a medical emergency. He was pronounced dead at the Staffordshire prison before paramedics could transfer him to hospital.<\/p>\n The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the death, which is standard procedure with the death of an inmate.<\/p>\n A spokesperson said: “The Ombudsman is conducting an independent investigation into the death of Wayne Burke at HMP Dovegate on July 29, 2025.<\/p>\n “Ombudsman Adrian Usher\u2019s final report into Mr Burke\u2019s death will be made public once the inquest concludes.”<\/p>\n ‘Gentle giant’ Reece was battered to death by his killers who reigned blows to his head until he died after a night of drinking in Sedgley.<\/p>\n Burke was found guilty of murder by a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court after a lengthy trial. He gave evidence in his own defence\u00a0<\/a>claiming he was trying to be a peacemaker.\u00a0<\/p>\n He said: “Because I could see multiple of my friends looking like they were in a confrontation which I know now was Reece Cox and Grant Danbury. I went to try diffuse the situation. I wanted to split it up and help diffuse the situation.<\/p>\n “To be fair he [Mr Cox] was being aggressive, he was pushing me, saying stuff like “f***ing come on then”. I believe Ryan Nicklin was saying “leave him alone” aiming that at Reece to leave me alone.”<\/p>\n He told the court that Mr Cox threw the first punch \u2013 adding: “I am trying to stop people from hitting him and injuring him \u2013 I am trying to diffuse the situation.”<\/p>\n![\"Reece](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/49915a20-9a53-486f-ad79-639b5fc0a0fd.jpg\")
Reece Cox. Photo: West Midlands Police<\/p>\n