Jailer’s Life Sentence for Brutal Prison Murder at HMP Belmarsh
Stevie Hilden, 31, homeless and violent, was handed a life sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, 15 July. He must serve at least 17 years behind bars before he can even think about parole.
Cold-Blooded Attack Inside High-Security Cell
On Monday, 16 May, Hilden was found guilty of murdering 36-year-old Sundeep Singh Ghuman at the very same court. The horrific crime happened on 18 February 2020 at HMP Belmarsh, one of Britain’s toughest prisons.
Just before 5:30pm that day, prison officers rushed to a locked cell after reports of a disturbance. Inside, they found Sundeep critically injured. Despite emergency treatment, he died the next day in hospital.
Savage Beating with Broken Table Leg
A post-mortem revealed Sundeep died from a traumatic head injury caused by a blunt object, plus severe bruising all over his body. Evidence showed Hilden had weaponised a broken wooden table leg inside the cell to carry out the savage attack.
Hilden was arrested and questioned but refused to explain his role or how the injuries happened. Forensic evidence was damning, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to charge him with murder.
Justice for Victim and Family
Detective Inspector Karen Bangs said: “Sundeep was the victim of a sustained attack that left him seriously injured and ultimately killed him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as they cope with their loss.”
“This was a complex investigation in a difficult setting, and I’d like to thank the prison authorities for their assistance throughout the process. Hilden is a dangerous offender who will now spend a significant amount of time in a high-security prison.”
Sundeep’s mother, Harpal Ghuman, gave a powerful statement: “On February 19, 2020, my son was murdered in a brutal and merciless manner. I’m very upset thinking about the pain and suffering Sundeep had to endure.”
“Mr Hilden has shown no remorse for his actions. I don’t want anyone else to experience the pain and loss I have. I thank all the prison officers, police, and barristers who fought for justice.”
This grim case shines a harsh light on violence behind bars. With Hilden locked up for life, at least one vicious killer is off the streets for good.
