Prisoners deny attempted murder of child killer Roy Whiting at Wakefield jail

Two prisoners have denied the attempted murder of child killer Roy Whiting at Wakefield's maximum security jail.
By Georgina Morris
Published 29th Feb 2020, 17:00 BST

Kevin Hyden and Richard Prendergast are said to have tried to kill Whiting at HMP Wakefield on November 8, 2018.

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They each face a second charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding him with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on the same day.

The two prisoners are accused of trying to kill Roy Whiting at HMP Wakefield in November 2018. Picture: Simon HulmeThe two prisoners are accused of trying to kill Roy Whiting at HMP Wakefield in November 2018. Picture: Simon Hulme
The two prisoners are accused of trying to kill Roy Whiting at HMP Wakefield in November 2018. Picture: Simon Hulme
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Hyden, 40, appeared at Leeds Crown Court via video link from HMP Frankland in Durham.

Prendergast, 39, appeared via video link from HMP Manchester.

Both men denied the charges brought against them, meaning a trial will now take place.

Also in crime: Dangerous Leeds sex offender has prison sentence extended after admitting abusing boys in 1980s and 2000s

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A five-day trial is scheduled to begin at the court on September 7.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC told the men that they would remain in custody until their trials took place.

Whiting was already a convicted child sex offender when he abducted and murdered eight-year-old schoolgirl Sarah Payne in July 2000. He was jailed for life in 2001.

Also in crime: Domestic abuser ordered girlfriend to lie to Leeds hospital nurses that she had been 'hit by a drone' after he sliced her eye open