Man accused of trying to kill Roy Whiting in jail

A man has appeared in court charged with attempting to murder convicted child killer Roy Whiting in prison.

Andrew Light, 45, appeared at Leeds Magistrates Court accused of attempted murder and wounding with intent, both against Whiting, at HMP Wakefield, on 11 February.

Whiting is serving a life sentence for murdering eight year-old Sarah Payne, from Hersham in Surrey, 24 years ago.

She went missing in July 2000 while playing near her grandparents' home near Worthing, in West Sussex, before her body was found 17 days later.

Mr Light, who appeared via video-link, is also charged with the unlawful possession of a knife.

The defendant was not asked to enter any pleas during the brief hearing and his case was adjourned to the same court on 9 January 2025.

Whiting was jailed for life for the murder of Sarah in December 2001.

He was ordered to serve a 50-year minimum term, but that was reduced by 10 years by the High Court in 2010.

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