Investigation as Redditch’s Fay Newman dies in HMP Downview
Fay Newman, of Upper Field Close, was jailed for causing death by careless driving at Worcester Crown Court in December 2024. The 53-year-old was sentenced to 20 months in prison after dad-of-two Nick Bennell, aged 35, was killed when she hit him on August 18, 2021. Newman died in HMP Downview on July 20 with an investigation into Newman's death now underway by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher said: "My office is conducting an independent investigation into the death of Fay Newman on July 20, 2025. "Our final investigation report will be made public after Ms Newman's inquest concludes." Newman was driving down the A448 Bromsgrove Highway towards Redditch in her Kia Ceed when she overtook traffic and collided with Nick and his Honda motorbike.
Nick, who was from Worcester, had come off his bike in a separate incident moments before and, with traffic in lane one of the dual carriageway, Newman moved to lane two before she struck him. Sadly, Nick was pronounced dead at the scene. 
At the time, Nick's mum Denise Bennell paid tribute to him and said: "Nick and I were very close, we would always be laughing, singing, and dancing together, he had a love of gardening and DIY. "He had a smile that would brighten up the room and the most infectious laugh. "Nick was very sociable and was always first on the dance floor at any family gathering we had.
"His life's light was sadly snubbed out, but will always shine bright in my heart for the rest of my life. "Our broken hearts will always miss him, but his bright shining light will remain in ours, his elderly grandmother and the wider family's memories forever." The Ministry of Justice confirmed Newman had died whilst serving her sentence at HMP Downview.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Fay Newman died on July 20 while serving a sentence at HMP Downview.
"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."