Three inmates have been charged with the murder of convicted child killer Kyle Bevan at HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison in West Yorkshire. Bevan, 33, was found dead in his cell on Wednesday morning, two and a half years into a minimum 28-year sentence for murdering his partner's two-year-old daughter, Lola James, in 2020.
Mark Fellows, 45, Lee Newell, 56, and David Taylor, 63, all white British men and inmates at the prison, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Friday via video link. They were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Monday. Taylor stated, 'Absolutely not. I'm innocent,' when asked if he understood the proceedings.
The incident follows the fatal stabbing of former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins at the same prison last month. Two inmates have been charged with his murder and are awaiting trial. A recent inspectorate report into HMP Wakefield noted increased violence and safety concerns, with many prisoners feeling unsafe.
Bevan's brutal attack on Lola James in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, involved 101 external injuries and catastrophic head trauma, described by the judge as injuries typically seen in car crash victims. The case has drawn attention to conditions at the Category A prison.
