Machete drugs gang chief who threatened to knife heavily-pregnant woman is found dead in jail
Cops launch a probe after Robert Chapman, 26, dies months into a six-and-a-half year sentence
A LAG who was jailed for leading a knife-wielding drugs gang has died in prison.
Robert Chapman died at HMP Northumberland on Friday.
He was four months into a six-and-a-half year sentence for drugs and weapons offences.
The 26-year-old from Thornaby, Teeside, was at the head of a three-man 'drugs taxing' gang.
They intimidated local dealers in the area into handing over cash or drugs for them sell on themselves.
He and his accomplices were scooped after threatening to knife a heavily pregnant woman with a machete in her home.
He admitted to possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, criminal damage, aggravated vehicle taking, affray and possessing offensive weapons at Teesside Crown Court in March, reports.
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Chapman had already served time in jail for a separate house raid in 2011.
He and two others broke into a woman's house and made her drive to a cash machine at knife-point to empty her account.
She managed to flee from her car barefoot.
It has not yet been made clear how Chapman died.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has began a probe.
A spokesperson said: “As with all deaths in custody, there will be an investigation by the police and the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and so we are unable to comment further.”
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