An inmate allegedly shouted 'nice doing business with you' to two fellow prisoners after they stabbed a child killer to death with 'real efficiency,' a court has heard.
Details of the Attack
Notorious child killer Kyle Bevan, who murdered his two-year-old stepdaughter Lola James, was stabbed 25 times in his cell at HMP Wakefield in November last year. The attackers then 'put him to bed' to make it appear as though he was asleep.
Three fellow inmates — Lee Newell, 56, David Taylor, and Mark Fellows, 45 — are standing trial at Leeds Crown Court, accused of his murder.
Background of the Defendants
Bevan was housed in a cell on the fourth floor of A-wing, classified as a vulnerable prisoner. The three defendants, known to interact with each other, were on the second floor. Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC stated that in the days before the killing, there was 'increased interaction between the defendants,' which he argued was preparation for the attack.
Following the incident, Taylor allegedly made comments in front of prison staff, including shouting to Newell, 'Nice working with you and the iceman.' He also reportedly said he witnessed a prisoner being 'put to bed.'
Prosecution's Closing Arguments
In his closing speech, Mr. Pitter highlighted that the defendants' previous murder convictions 'show each has a tendency to commit this sort of offence.' He cautioned the jury not to convict solely based on past offences but to consider the evidence.
Referring to Taylor's comment, 'Nice doing business with you,' Mr. Pitter said: 'David Taylor couldn't have been more proud of the work or the business they had done together.' He described the attack as a 'carefully coordinated venture' executed with 'real efficiency by people who knew what they were doing.'
The prosecutor detailed the injuries: 'There were 25 stab wounds, two of which in particular to either side of the neck, cutting major arteries and veins. They punctured his heart and then tidily tucked him up in bed covered in blood, looking as if he was asleep.'
Duration of the Attack
The entire attack lasted less than five minutes. 'Four minutes and 39 seconds from when they had all entered together to when they left together in celebration,' Mr. Pitter said.
None of the three defendants gave evidence from the witness stand. Mr. Pitter argued that this was because they could not explain their innocence 'in a sensible way.'
The trial continues.
