A man convicted of murder, who attempted to kill two inmates in separate high-security prisons, expressed his frustration to officers about being housed with sex offenders. Duncan Heaton, 53, was already serving a life sentence with a minimum term of over 21 years for a murder in Hull when he attacked another inmate, Andong Abong Ashu, with a knife at HMP Full Sutton near York in May 2024. Heaton was later transferred to HMP Wakefield, where he made a similar attempt on the life of David Minto, another inmate serving time for murder, in October of the following year.
During the court proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, Heaton received an additional 13-year sentence on top of his existing term before being eligible for parole consideration. The judge, Mr Justice Cotter, concluded that the attacks were driven by the victims’ status as sex offenders, criticizing Heaton for his misguided belief in his moral superiority.
Addressing Heaton directly via video link from the segregation unit, the judge emphasized the premeditated nature of the attempted murders and condemned Heaton’s distorted sense of moral authority over other prisoners. Mr Justice Cotter expressed grave concerns about Heaton’s dangerousness, suggesting that he posed a continuing threat to other inmates, especially those convicted of sexual offenses.
Despite Heaton’s wish for a whole-life order, the judge decided to extend his sentence by another life term with a minimum of 13 years. Heaton, originally from Hull, had been serving a lengthy sentence for the brutal murder of Keith Opray in 2014. The judge highlighted that Heaton would likely remain incarcerated well into his seventies, leaving the decision of his release to the Parole Board.
The court learned that Heaton, previously considered a low-risk inmate at Full Sutton, had access to knives in the kitchen where he attacked Ashu. He then disclosed his intentions to prison staff after the incident, displaying his violent intent toward sex offenders. Subsequently moved to Wakefield, Heaton assaulted Minto with makeshift weapons, illustrating his persistent animosity towards individuals convicted of sexual crimes.
Heaton’s defense counsel acknowledged his client’s desire to remain in custody indefinitely due to his perceived inability to reintegrate into society. Currently confined to a high-security unit with limited daily interactions, Heaton’s actions have underscored the ongoing challenges posed by his violent tendencies.