The trial of three convicted killers accused of murdering a fellow prisoner at HMP Wakefield has commenced at Leeds Crown Court. Double murderer Mark Fellows, also known as 'The Iceman', along with David Taylor and Lee Newell, all deny the murder of Kyle Bevan, 33, who was serving a 28-year life sentence for killing his stepchild.
Prosecution's Opening Statements
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC told the jury that the three defendants acted as a team. On November 5 last year, Bevan was followed into his cell and stabbed 25 times. Taylor was allegedly overheard by a nurse shouting, 'Nice working with you and The Iceman,' near Newell. Pitter claimed Fellows was a contract killer who murdered gangland figures Paul Massey and John Kinsella, and that Taylor referred to him as the 'Wakefield Dexter'.
Background of the Victim and Prison Dynamics
Bevan was convicted in 2023 for murdering his stepchild and was classified as a vulnerable prisoner at HMP Wakefield. The prison housed 77% vulnerable prisoners and 23% 'main' prisoners, with tensions between the groups. Pitter suggested the murder may have been motivated by a desire to be transferred.
Day One Evidence
The court heard that on November 4, there was increased interaction between the three defendants. CCTV footage showed them entering Bevan's cell one by one. Pitter stated, 'They followed him in there with real purpose.' Bevan was stabbed over 30 times and left in a position to appear asleep. His body was discovered during roll call the next morning.
Weapons and Forensic Evidence
A folded piece of metal from a television, fashioned into a point, was found with Bevan's blood. Additional weapons were recovered from Taylor's cell hidden in a container of chilli sauce. Items of clothing from the defendants also tested positive for Bevan's blood.
Day Two Evidence
Custodial manager Stephen Hoe testified that the prison housed high-risk prisoners, including category A inmates. He confirmed tensions between vulnerable and main prisoners, noting that mains refused to mix with vulnerable prisoners. Hoe stated that Fellows was known as a contract killer and that Newell was serving a whole life tariff.
Discovery of the Body
Prison officer Justin Barrett described finding Bevan's body. He said Bevan appeared asleep but was blueish in colour and stiff. Barrett noted dried blood around his neck and on the bed.
Day Three Evidence
Prison nurse Hannah McCrump testified that Taylor shouted to Newell and Fellows, 'Nice working with you and The Iceman,' and referred to the 'Wakefield Dexter'. PC Nadeem Kazi stated that Taylor claimed he could 'make a shiv out of anything' and said of the CCTV, 'It could have been anyone.'
Defendants' Responses
Fellows told officers at the start of his police interview, 'I'm just going to sit here in silence,' and made no further comment. Taylor and Newell also made no comment during their interviews.
The trial continues.
