Child killer hid under prison bed during attack

An infamous child killer hid under his prison bed to shield himself from a stabbing attack by another inmate, a court has heard.

- by James Connolly

Roy Whiting - who is serving a life sentence for the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne - was set upon in his cell by convicted murderer Andrew Light.

Light, 45, was charged with attempted murder and unlawful wounding with intent over the incident, which happened in HMP Wakefield on February 11 last year.

He admitted assaulting Whiting and possessing an improvised weapon, but denies intending to kill or cause serious harm. This week a jury was sworn in at Leeds Crown Court.

The court was told that Whiting, 66, was alone in his cell when Light walked in and launched an attack with a sharply pointed piece of wood.