Lee Peacock

AN investigation has been launched after a double murderer was found dead in prison.

Lee Peacock, who was 53 and from Maida Hill, slit his former girlfriend Sharon Pickles’s throat with a Stanley knife at her home in Ashbridge Street, Lisson Grove.

Peacock hid the 46-year-old under a bed before killing her lover Clinton Ashmore, who was 59, at his home in nearby Jerome Crescent.

A manhunt was launched by police that ended after two days with Peacock being arrested at a canal boat hide-out on the Grand Union.

Sharon Pickles

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher said: “My office… is carrying out an independent investigation into the death of Lee Peacock. He died on 4 March 2025 at HMP Long Lartin. Our final investigation report will be published after the inquest has concluded.”

When officers went to arrest him Peacock tried to cut his own throat but was restrained and taken to hospital. Under questioning Peacock said he wanted to kill four people who he felt “took advantage” of Sharon while he was inside. A prolific burglar, who had been set free on June 4 2021 – a few weeks before the attack – was jailed for life with a minimum 39-year term at the Old Bailey on February 1 2023.

At the trial Mr Justice Murray told him he would likely “die in prison”.

Clinton Ashmore

He said Peacock had “little or no” mitigation because he had been “blessed with some intelligence” and “came from a good home with parents and a sister” who loved him, instead blaming his troubles on “the choices that you have made, particularly your decision to use illegal drugs, in particular, crack cocaine”.

After the trial Sharon Pickles’s family’s statement said: “Our hearts are broken and she will be missed dearly. We would like to say thank you to the police, prosecution and witness services for supporting us during this time and the dignity and respect they have shown Sharon.”

Clinton Ashmore’s family described him as a “pure and beautiful soul”, and added: “His kindness, wit, humour, and gentleness were what stood out most about him, but more than anything he was loved. Clint touched so many lives in so many ways.”