NEIL WILKINSON SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER OF CELLMATE AT HMP WHATTON IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
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HMP Whatton Rapist
In a tragic and disturbing case that unfolded within the confines of HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire, Neil Wilkinson, aged 29, was handed a life sentence after being convicted of the sexually motivated murder of his fellow inmate. The incident occurred on the 25th of August, 2008, and has since drawn significant attention due to the brutality and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Wilkinson, who hails from the Greater Manchester area, admitted to the court that he had smothered his cellmate with a pillow during the attack. The court proceedings revealed that Wilkinson and his victim had only shared a cell for a brief period of two days, following the implementation of a new policy at HMP Whatton that assigned cell-sharing arrangements for adult male sex offenders. The policy change was intended to manage the housing of inmates with specific classifications, but it inadvertently placed Wilkinson in close proximity to his victim.
The judge at Nottingham Crown Court sentenced Wilkinson to a minimum of 24 years behind bars before he becomes eligible for parole. This decision underscores the severity of the crime and the court’s stance on protecting other inmates from potential harm. Wilkinson’s criminal history is notable; he was previously incarcerated for raping a man at knifepoint. Additionally, he had a caution from 1999 for engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16. His victim in that case was a former soldier who was serving time for grooming a 15-year-old girl over the internet.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wilkinson had boasted to fellow inmates earlier that day about his intentions to have sex with his heterosexual cellmate “no matter what,” indicating a disturbing level of premeditation and a lack of remorse. The court heard that Wilkinson’s attitude and statements contributed to the perception of him as a dangerous individual.
The mother of the murdered inmate expressed her anguish and disbelief, questioning how her son and others could have been placed in a cell with Wilkinson. She stated, “How can my son or anyone else be placed in a cell with Neil Wilkinson? It seems clear to me that he is a dangerous person and my son has lost his life at his hands.” Her words reflect the profound grief and concern over the prison’s decision to house Wilkinson with vulnerable inmates, raising questions about safety protocols and inmate management at HMP Whatton.
Wilkinson, who hails from the Greater Manchester area, admitted to the court that he had smothered his cellmate with a pillow during the attack. The court proceedings revealed that Wilkinson and his victim had only shared a cell for a brief period of two days, following the implementation of a new policy at HMP Whatton that assigned cell-sharing arrangements for adult male sex offenders. The policy change was intended to manage the housing of inmates with specific classifications, but it inadvertently placed Wilkinson in close proximity to his victim.
The judge at Nottingham Crown Court sentenced Wilkinson to a minimum of 24 years behind bars before he becomes eligible for parole. This decision underscores the severity of the crime and the court’s stance on protecting other inmates from potential harm. Wilkinson’s criminal history is notable; he was previously incarcerated for raping a man at knifepoint. Additionally, he had a caution from 1999 for engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16. His victim in that case was a former soldier who was serving time for grooming a 15-year-old girl over the internet.
During the trial, it was revealed that Wilkinson had boasted to fellow inmates earlier that day about his intentions to have sex with his heterosexual cellmate “no matter what,” indicating a disturbing level of premeditation and a lack of remorse. The court heard that Wilkinson’s attitude and statements contributed to the perception of him as a dangerous individual.
The mother of the murdered inmate expressed her anguish and disbelief, questioning how her son and others could have been placed in a cell with Wilkinson. She stated, “How can my son or anyone else be placed in a cell with Neil Wilkinson? It seems clear to me that he is a dangerous person and my son has lost his life at his hands.” Her words reflect the profound grief and concern over the prison’s decision to house Wilkinson with vulnerable inmates, raising questions about safety protocols and inmate management at HMP Whatton.