Duncan Heaton Pleads Guilty to Two Prison Attempted Murders, Sentencing Set for May 2025
Duncan Heaton, serving a life sentence for murder, has pleaded guilty to attempted murders of two inmates at separate prisons in 2024. He is due to be sentenced on May 6, 2025, after admitting to attacks at HMP Full Sutton and HMP Wakefield.
ndtv.comDuncan Heaton, currently serving a life sentence for murder, has pleaded guilty to two attempted murders committed in separate prisons in 2024. He admitted to attempting to kill Andong Abong Ashu at HMP Full Sutton near York in May 2024 and David Minto at HMP Wakefield in October 2024. The guilty plea to the attempted murder of David Minto was entered at Leeds Crown Court.
Heaton, aged 53, was originally sentenced in 2014 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years and six months for the stabbing death of 51-year-old Keith Opray in the Bransholme area of Hull. He is currently held apart from other prisoners at HMP Wakefield due to the risk he poses and has had contact only with prison staff for several months.
" Judge Bayliss confirmed that Heaton will receive a life sentence, with the main issue being the length of the term.
Heaton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2025. There are currently fewer than 80 people in UK prisons serving whole-life sentences, highlighting the rarity of such sentences. Heaton’s case adds to this group pending final sentencing decisions.
Story Timeline
4 events- May 2024
Duncan Heaton admitted attempting to murder Andong Abong Ashu at HMP Full Sutton.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - October 2024
Duncan Heaton admitted attempting to murder David Minto at HMP Wakefield.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - 2014
Duncan Heaton was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years and six months for the murder of Keith Opray.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - April 16, 2026
Duncan Heaton pleaded guilty to attempted murders at Leeds Crown Court; sentencing set for May 6, 2025.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk
Potential Impact
- 01
The case highlights security challenges in managing high-risk prisoners within UK prisons.
- 02
Heaton’s sentencing may influence considerations for whole-life orders in UK prisons.
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