Some of the most violent criminals in the North East have continued to commit attacks behind bars, despite being locked away from the public. These offenders, including murderers and drug dealers, have been involved in further violence, sometimes resulting in murder or attempted murder. Judges have imposed severe punishments, including whole-life orders, for these prison offences.
Damien Bendall's Hammer Attack
Quadruple murderer and rapist Damien Bendall attempted to kill a fellow inmate in a brutal hammer attack while incarcerated at a North East jail. Bendall knocked the victim unconscious with a claw hammer to the head and continued striking him as he lay motionless. When restrained by prison staff, he replied, "I don't know," when asked why he carried out the attack.
A court heard that Bendall had planned the attempted murder to secure a transfer to a segregation unit. The ferocity of the attack led a prison officer to believe the victim was dead, but he survived and was treated at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary for two skull fractures, spending four nights in hospital before returning to prison. Bendall received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years, but due to an existing whole-life order, the judge stated he will likely never be released.
Violent Disturbance at HMP Northumberland
A pre-planned and co-ordinated attack at HMP Northumberland resulted in an inmate suffering multiple stab wounds. The victim was targeted in his cell by a group of men armed with weapons, including tuna tins in socks and a makeshift knife. Mark Hall, Scott Steanson, and Jack Miles were sentenced for their roles: Hall received 22 months, Steanson three years and three months, and Miles 23 months.
Heroin Dealer Assaults Prison Guards
Robert Smith, a heroin dealer serving a nine-year sentence for conspiracy to supply heroin, attacked two prison guards at a North East prison when they searched his cell and found an iPhone. Smith bit one officer on the hand, requiring the officer to undergo tests for HIV and hepatitis. He had 30 weeks added to his sentence.
David Taylor's Whole-Life Order for Prison Murder
David Taylor, along with Mark Fellows and Lee Newell, was given a whole-life order for the murder of child killer Kyle Bevan at HMP Wakefield. The trio stabbed Bevan 25 times with at least two weapons before leaving him to bleed out. The court noted that it was unknown "who did what" inside the cell, but Bevan was likely held by his arms during the attack.
These cases highlight the ongoing violence within North East prisons, where even the most dangerous offenders continue to pose a threat behind bars.
