During a court hearing, it was revealed that a prisoner reportedly exclaimed “nice doing business with you” to two other inmates after they fatally stabbed a notorious child killer named Kyle Bevan. The incident took place in his cell at HMP Wakefield last November, where Bevan, who had previously killed his stepdaughter Lola James, was stabbed 25 times before being “put to bed.”
The murder trial at Leeds Crown Court involves three inmates, Lee Newell, David Taylor, and Mark Fellows, who are accused of Bevan’s murder. Bevan, identified as a vulnerable prisoner, was located on the fourth floor of the A-wing, while the defendants, who were known to interact, were housed two floors below.
According to Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC, the defendants had increased interactions in the days leading up to the murder, indicating premeditation. Taylor allegedly made incriminating statements after the attack, including expressing satisfaction in working with his co-inmates and witnessing the aftermath of the fatal incident.
In his closing statement, Mr. Pitter emphasized the defendants’ past murder convictions as indicative of their propensity for such crimes. He urged the jury to consider this evidence in evaluating the prosecution’s case against the accused individuals.
Regarding Taylor’s words post-incident, Mr. Pitter highlighted the pride Taylor exhibited in their joint actions, portraying the murder as a successful enterprise conducted with efficiency. The prosecutor described the meticulous nature of the attack, detailing the multiple stab wounds inflicted on Bevan and the subsequent attempts to conceal the crime.
The trial revealed that the defendants chose not to testify, with Mr. Pitter suggesting that their silence indicated an inability to provide a credible defense. The prosecution emphasized the burden of proof on the prosecution and the absence of contradictory evidence in the case.
Mr. Pitter also addressed the shared hostility towards child offenders at HMP Wakefield, noting that while the defendants expressed a desire to relocate, they were obligated to abide by prison regulations due to their criminal histories.
The trial proceedings are ongoing as the court continues to assess the evidence presented.