Murderer's sentence extended for prison attacks

A convicted murderer who tried to kill two other inmates in different prisons has had a further 13 years added to the minimum term he must serve until he is considered for release.

Duncan Heaton, 53, was already serving a life sentence with a minimum term of more than 21 years for the murder of a man in Hull when he attacked sex offender Andong Abong Ashu with a knife at HMP Full Sutton, in East Yorkshire, in May 2024, Leeds Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

Heaton was then moved to HMP Wakefield, where he tried to kill fellow murderer David Minto in October last year with makeshift weapons.

Mr Justice Cotter said he was satisfied that the motivation for the attacks was because the victims were sex offenders, telling the defendant he appeared to have a "warped and misconceived belief in your moral superiority".

Heaton, who is from Hull and murdered Keith Opray in the city in 2014, appeared by video link from the segregation unit at HMP Wakefield.

He was told by the judge: "While serving a life sentence for murder, you committed two further offences of attempted murder within 17 months.

"Both of which were premeditated and planned attempts to stab fellow inmates to death, motivated by the fact that they were sex offenders.

"You are an exceptionally dangerous man and I have little doubt that you would consider attacking another prisoner who had been convicted of sexual offences in the future if the opportunity arose."

Heaton's barrister David Godfrey said his client wanted a whole-life tariff to be imposed so he would never be released from prison.

But the judge said the offences, despite being very serious, did not warrant a whole-life tariff "leaving no hope of release".

He told Heaton: "You have expressed a desire to remain in custody for the rest of your life. You believe that you are dangerous."

The judge imposed a further life sentence with a minimum term of 13 years, which will be added to his original tariff.

Heaton had already served 11 years and 10 months of the original sentence for killing Keith Opray.

He said the defendant would be in his 70s before being considered for release.

"Whether you are ever safe to be released, well that will be a matter for the Parole Board," he said.

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