'The Fox' died from a heart attack, coroner finds
Malcolm Fairley, known as "The Fox," died from a heart attack in prison, confirmed by a coroner's ruling. The 71-year-old was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Hull on May 29, 2024. Fairley had a significant medical history, including a diagnosis of angina in 2019, and was on regular medication for heart disease. Staff reported no concerns during their routine checks on the wing where he was housed with 85 other inmates. A "code blue" alert was activated when he was discovered cold to touch, indicating he had likely been dead for some time.
Fairley gained notoriety in the 1980s for breaking into homes, committing multiple sex offenses while his victims were present. His arrest in September 1984 followed a massive manhunt involving 200 police officers. At the time of his arrest, he faced charges for 81 offenses, highlighting the severity of his criminal history.