Everything we know about Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth

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A look into the lives of Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth
A look into the lives of Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth

CHANNEL 4's 24 Hours in Police Custody will follow Bedfordshire officers as they investigate a double murder.

The two-part special will document the deaths of Adam Fanelli, 39, and Patrick Howard, 27, as well as the convictions of Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth.

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Anthony Bennison pictured on 24 Hours in Police CustodyCredit: Channel 4

Who is Anthony Bennison?

In November 2022, two men carried out fatal attacks on two victims after a baby shower party at a Bedfordshire pub, following a brief altercation.

Nicholas Papworth and Anthony Bennison stabbed and ran over their victims in Houghton Regis in November.

Adam Fanelli, 39, was fatally stabbed, while Patrick Howard, 27, was paralysed from a stab wound and dragged by a car along a road on November 13.

Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times SquareTwo New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square

The court also heard that a third victim was stabbed eight times in the chest and neck but survived.

Detailing the incident, Prosecutor Simon Denison KC said: ''Bennison and Papworth both used their cars as weapons, driving fast at Mason Jordan, Patrick Howard and Adam Fanelli.''

Following the attack, police later arrested two men - Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth.

As the result of a police investigation, Anthony Bennison, 25, was convicted of two counts of murder. 

Who is Nicholas Papworth?

The Channel 4 programme will also document the arrest and conviction of Nicholas Papworth.

Papworth, 33, was cleared over Mr Fanelli's death, but found guilty of murdering Mr Howard.

Nicholas Papworth pictured on 24 Hours in Police Custody
Nicholas Papworth pictured on 24 Hours in Police CustodyCredit: Channel 4

 He had previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Where are Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth now?

In August 2023, following an eight-week trial at Luton Crown Court, Papworth and Bennison were found guilty of 12 offences including murder and attempted murder.

Papworth and Bennison were handed life prison sentences to serve a minimum of 34 years and 38 years behind bars respectively.

Det Ch Insp Sam Khanna, of Bedfordshire Police, said: "The level of violence used in this attack is among the worst and most shocking things I have seen as a detective.

At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centreAt least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre

"We welcome today's outcome as justice served to two extremely violent and senseless murderers."

Robbie Weber, a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “No words can describe the sheer level of violence Anthony Bennison and Nicholas Papworth inflicted on their victims.

“Their senseless actions have left two men, Patrick Howard and Adam Fanelli dead, and a third man with very serious injuries.

“The actions of Bennison and Papworth have left the families and friends of the victims devastated, and a community at a loss as to how something like this could have happened.

“Neither Bennison nor Papworth took any responsibility for their actions, placing blame on others and attempting to cover up their crimes.

''Thanks to the hard work of the Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Police Major Crime Unit in their painstaking investigation, and the prosecution team in building the strongest possible case, a jury found both men guilty and see the court sentence them today.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Patrick Howard and Adam Fanelli who feel the loss of their loved ones so keenly. I hope the convictions and today’s sentences will bring some solace to them.”

Shanine Bruder

Bedfordshire, Police, Explainers, Crime, Courts, Channel 4

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