Three Men Locked Up for Murder in Brutal Prison Yard Attack
Three inmates have been handed life sentences after brutally murdering fellow prisoner Taras Nykolyn inside Woodhill Prison.
Life Behind Bars With No Early Release
- Stephen Boorman, 33, from HMP Belmarsh, got life with a minimum term of 35 years. He won’t be eligible for parole until he’s 69.
- James Brabbs, 32, also at HMP Belmarsh, received life with a combined minimum of 39 years and 8 months, including a 10-year consecutive sentence. Parole is off the table until he’s 72.
- Jibreel Raheem, 26, at HMP Wakefield, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years and nine months. He’ll be 55 before parole is an option.
Shocking Attack in Prison Exercise Yard
The attack happened on 5 June 2018 around 3pm. Ukrainian inmate Taras Nykolyn, aged 49, was assaulted in the prison exercise yard by Boorman, Brabbs, and Raheem.
Boorman punched Nykolyn to the ground before all three launched a savage assault using homemade weapons. The attackers blocked medics from reaching their victim for 40 minutes, refusing to leave the yard.
Despite emergency treatment from South Central Ambulance Service, Nykolyn died en route to hospital. A post-mortem confirmed death from severe head and facial injuries.
Detective Blasts Callous Killers
“Boorman, Brabbs, and Raheem targeted their victim and attacked him with weapons they made themselves. This was a gratuitous and vicious attack resulting in Mr Nykolyn’s death,” said Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent.
“What is all the more shocking is that the men refused to leave the yard and blocked emergency treatment. Our thoughts remain with Mr Nykolyn’s family. I thank them for their support during the investigation.”
The sentences were handed down today (25/06) at the Old Bailey. Boorman was convicted by unanimous jury, Brabbs pleaded guilty during the trial, and Raheem pleaded guilty earlier.
