Two teenagers carried out a 'relentless, frenzied and shocking attack' on a fellow prisoner at HMP Wetherby, using knives fashioned from toothbrushes. Bobby Castor, 18, was involved in three separate assaults at the young offenders' institution, Leeds Crown Court heard on 3 July.
Details of the Attacks
Prosecutor Giles Grant told the court that the first attack occurred when the victim was returning from the gym. Castor and an accomplice rushed at him, stabbing him repeatedly in the back with sharpened toothbrushes. Castor then turned on his associate before teaming up with Kai Beattie, 18, and Niall Farmer, 19, to strike again. Grant said: 'The victim was going to his cell. Another boy rushed towards him and attacked him with an improvised weapon - a sharpened toothbrush, stabbing him repeatedly to the back. Bobby Castor also had a weapon and ran to join in the attack. Kai Beattie joined in.'
Beattie was seen kicking the victim while he was on the ground and attacking his exposed back. Officers described the assault as relentless and shocking. Beattie refused to be interviewed, while the others answered 'no comment.'
Third Assault During Visiting Hours
Just five days later, on 6 February last year, Castor launched another attack during visiting hours. Grant explained: 'It was the visiting hour and they all had visits and pre-arranged appointments. Officers noted him repeatedly looking at the victim and suspected something may be going on. When the victim stood up, Bobby Castor pulled a weapon out of his waistband and attacked him.'
Castor stabbed the victim in the head and body while the victim tried to defend himself. Another boy joined in, punching the victim. Staff intervened and recovered the sharpened toothbrush. Castor said he acted because a Facebook post had shared his grandmother's address, and he believed the victim was involved.
Background of the Offenders
Shaun Dryden, representing Castor, said he began using cannabis at age 12 or 13 after encouragement from his mother. He had an absent father who was incarcerated and was diagnosed with PTSD in 2024. Cleveland Police had identified him as a child at risk. Dryden noted that Castor has a 'best mate,' an older man, with whom he takes diazepam and other drugs before criminal activity. His Honour Judge Mansell KC observed: 'His PTSD seems to come from being shot at.'
Castor has since been held at HMP Doncaster, where he 'seems to be more stable,' according to Dryden, who suggested staffing issues at HMP Wetherby may have contributed to the violence.
Prison Conditions and Sentencing
Michael Greenhalgh, representing Farmer, stated: 'The situation at Wetherby appears to be out of control. Many of these defendants will say if you weren't part of the group, you were at risk. You had to get involved.' He added that Farmer had an unhappy upbringing, being 'bounced from his mum to dad' before becoming a cared-for child. Farmer is now trying to make the best of his time on courses, including road traffic management.
Greenhalgh also represented Beattie, who had a difficult family background and received support from his mother. Castor received a four-year prison sentence for three counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a prohibited weapon. Farmer was handed two years for wounding with intent, and Beattie received a year-long suspended sentence for unlawful wounding.
