A man charged with murdering his neighbour in Walcott has died while held at HMP Norwich, the Prison Service has confirmed.
Custody death and ongoing investigation
Prison officials said Christopher Brooks, aged 40, died at HMP Norwich on 29 July. Brooks had been awaiting trial on a charge relating to the death of his neighbour, 73-year-old Robert Button, who suffered fatal injuries after a fire was started in a doorway at Coastline Village in Walcott in December 2025.
“As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating. We will respond to its findings in due course,”
The Prison Service statement makes clear the statutory body responsible for examining deaths in custody will carry out an independent probe. That investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding Brooks's death and produce findings to which the Prison Service will later respond.
Legal proceedings remain unresolved
At the time of his death Brooks had not entered a plea to the murder charge. He had previously appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court in December and a hearing at Norwich Crown Court was postponed earlier this year to allow for a psychological assessment. A trial date had been provisionally listed for 21 September.
The Crown Prosecution Service has indicated there is no immediate update on outstanding proceedings but noted that when defendants die while charges are pending a court hearing is usually convened to formally conclude the matter.
Local context and community impact
The alleged attack on Mr Button took place in a private holiday park on the eastern side of Walcott, at Coastline Village off Ostend Road. Norfolk Police have previously said the two men were neighbours and that Mr Button was found with serious burns and later died in hospital. The incident and the subsequent custody death will be followed closely by residents concerned about public safety and by those seeking clarity on how deaths in custody are handled.
- Who died: Christopher Brooks, 40, accused of murder.
- Victim: Robert Button, 73, died following a fire in December 2025.
- Location: Death in custody at HMP Norwich; alleged attack at Coastline Village, Walcott.
- Next steps: Investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman; court process likely to be formally concluded.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of custody death | 29 July |
| Alleged victim's death | December 2025 |
| Provisional trial date | 21 September |
Families of those involved and the wider community can expect further details once the Ombudsman's inquiry publishes its findings and the Crown Prosecution Service provides an update on the formal conclusion of court proceedings.
