Oldham murderer who killed man for an Xbox in ‘horrific attack’ dies in prison

Now, nine years after the shocking murder, Pickering has died in jail at the age of 39.

An Oldham murderer who repeatedly stabbed a man in order to steal his belongings, including an Xbox, has died in prison.

Victims and police response

Michael Pickering was sentenced to 36 years behind bars in 2018 following the "horrific attack" which killed Jonathan Herd.

Now, nine years after the shocking murder, Pickering has died in jail at the age of 39.

In the early hours of July 30, 2017, Pickering, of Coverham Avenue, entered Mr Herd’s flat on Lees New Road armed with a knife.

Pickering approached Mr Herd and demanded he hand over personal property before he stabbed and beat his victim repeatedly.

He grabbed several items, including an Xbox, then fled to another flat, leaving Mr Herd dead in his home.

The next day, Pickering used Mr Herd’s mobile phone to order a taxi to a pawnbroker in Oldham.

Stabbing investigation

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has announced it will launch an investigation into Pickering's death, which happened on August 7 at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire.