A MURDERER convicted of one of the country's worst child cruelty cases refused to be taken to hospital with a bowel condition over fears he would be recognised

The stepfather of schoolboy Daniel Pelka, who weighed just 1st 9lbs when he died aged four in 2012, refused to be taken for treatment from HMP Full Sutton, near York, a report has found.

Mariusz Krezolek, 36, and his partner Magdelena Luczak, were sentenced to at least 30 years in jail for murder and both have since died in custody.

A report into Krezolek's death at the maximum security jail in January last year revealed he had previous medical complaints, but refused hospital treatment.

Nigel Newcomen, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, wrote: "Mr Krezolek had been treated for a fistula in prison and inflammatory bowel disease, but refused to go to hospital for treatment, as he said he was afraid he would be recognised.

"He continued to refuse to be referred to hospital for treatment or to be admitted to the prison's inpatient unit.

"He told healthcare staff that he was afraid he would be recognised if he went to hospital.

"His offence had attracted a high degree of media interest."

Krezolek rang his cell bell and complained of chest pains on January 27, and a nurse suggested he travel to the prison's healthcare centre for an electrocardiogram, which he refused.

When officers unlocked his cell five hours later, he was found unresponsive. Staff began resuscitation attempts and an ambulance was called, but Krezolek was confirmed dead.