The Manx former wife of a prisoner suspected of being murdered by a fellow inmate has paid tribute to him.

Merseyside Police confirmed Raymond McEntee, 68, was found dead in his cell at HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley in the early hours of Saturday, July 18.

A Home Office post-mortem examination later concluded that the 68-year-old died from pressure to the neck and blunt force trauma to the head.

Martin Wainwright, 54, who was also a prisoner at the jail, was charged with Mr McEntee's murder on Thursday, July 30.

His former wife Wendy Dale, 63, who still lives on the island, paid tribute to him in an interview with the Liverpool Echo.

The couple met when they were both just 16 before marrying and moving to Ireland.

They later separated and Wendy returned to the Isle of Man with their two children. Some 30 years later, Ray got back in touch and the pair became close friends.

Wendy told the Echo: ‘Just two years ago I had a lump on my neck that they thought was cancerous, and for over two and a half years he was flying over here to the Isle of Man to bring me to Liverpool. He came as my escort on the plane every time.

‘Every day we went to Douglas he'd take me into the church and he'd do prayers and hope that I'd get through everything. He supported me all the way through that.

‘He had a heart of gold, but the drink let him down. He wouldn't walk past anybody without giving them the time of day.

‘He got on with everybody. He was a fantastic father to his kids.’

Merseyside Police also issued a tribute on behalf of Mr McEntee’s sisters.

It read: ‘Raymond was born and lived in Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland, until his early teens.

Raymond McEntee
Raymond McEntee (-)

‘When he went to England and the Isle of Man he worked as a plasterer. He then married and went on to have two children Sharon and Shaun whom he loved dearly.

‘As our brother you represented a connection that did not require constant explanation or frequent reassurance. No matter how much time passed or how far life carried us our bond always remained.

‘We shared history, understanding and familiarity that could not be replicated. Although you are no longer here that bond will never disappear from our lives.

‘We are grateful for the years we shared and the resilience we built together. This connection we forged through brotherhood and fatherhood will continue to guide us to value family, trust, and lifelong commitments. Until we meet again, your loving family.’

Wainwright appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, August 3, for a bail determination hearing before Judge Neil Flewitt KC, but no application for bail was made.

Judge Flewitt KC set a provisional trial date of January 25 next year, with the case expected to last between seven and 10 days.