A killer has died in prison after being found hanging in his cell.

Stephen Carroll, who was recalled to jail three years ago after breaching the terms of his release, was pronounced dead at category B Garth prison in Preston on Saturday.

Carroll was serving six years for causing the death of 20-year-old student Jackie Ryding, of Burnley, while he was banned from driving and on bail for theft in April 2005.

He jumped a red traffic light in a stolen van and ploughed into her as she waited on the pavement at a pedestrian crossing on the A59 in Ormskirk, Lancashire, in April 2005.

Carroll, of Huyton, Liverpool, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and had previous convictions for robbery, theft and unlawful escape, it is understood.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "HMP Garth prisoner Stephen Carroll was found hanging in a cell at approximately 6.30am on Saturday June 23. He was pronounced dead at approximately 7am. As with all deaths in custody, the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation."

:: In a separate incident, 32-year-old Andrew Wilkes, who was on remand for theft, died after being found hanging in his cell at category B Holme House prison in Stockton on Tees on the same day. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched a separate investigation.