A convicted 'contract killer' who murdered two gangland kingpins is now on trial accused of killing a child killer in a high-security prison. Mark 'The Iceman' Fellows, 45, alongside David Taylor, 64, and Lee Newall, 57, deny murdering 33-year-old Kyle Bevan at HMP Wakefield. Bevan was found dead in his cell, stabbed 25 times, jurors heard at Leeds Crown Court.
Background of the Accused
Fellows was already serving a whole life order for the murders of Paul Massey and John Kinsella. Newall is also serving a whole life order for murder, while Taylor's background was less known to prison staff. The three defendants are accused of acting as a 'team' to kill Bevan, who was convicted in 2023 for murdering his stepchild and was serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years.
Prison Dynamics
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC said the alleged murder may have been motivated by a 'desire to be transferred'. The trial heard that HMP Wakefield housed a 'mixed cohort' of vulnerable prisoners (VPs), including sex offenders and those who killed children, and 'main' prisoners. Tensions existed between the groups, with mains refusing to mix with VPs. Custodial manager Stephen Hoe testified that around 77% of prisoners were vulnerable, and the mains population had shifted to include 'gangland murderers'. He noted that mains prisoners expressed negative views about VPs, who feared for their safety.
Day-to-Day Prison Life
Prison officers unlocked cell doors during association and meal times, allowing prisoners to enter other cells—unlike other prisons with a 'closed door policy'. Newall worked in the servery and spoke to VPs only on a 'needs must' basis. Fellows, described as a 'high risk' category A prisoner and known as 'The Iceman' in media, worked in cleaning roles and had trusted positions, including cleaning staff offices. He was 'vocal in his thoughts' about VPs but interacted with them as part of his jobs. Fellows had a colostomy bag and severe OCD, concerning him about infection.
Previous Incidents
The court heard that another prisoner, Ian Watkins, was killed at the prison in October 2024, which heightened fears among VPs. Newall had previously lost an eye after being attacked by another inmate. Following Bevan's death, the prison was locked down for three days, and a piece of metal with Bevan's blood was found thrown from inside.
Defense Arguments
Defense lawyers questioned the prison's decision to mix mains and VPs, calling it 'extremely unusual'. Hoe agreed that the Prison Inspectorate had heavily criticized Wakefield for its regime five months before Bevan's death. He also acknowledged that Fellows was known for killing two gangland kingpins, though he only recalled Paul Massey. Fellows and Newall were not particularly friends, according to Hoe.
The trial continues.
