Killer father's death investigated

Killer father's death investigated

Wilson's sons' bodies were found in a car on a golf course

An investigation has begun at a Worcestershire prison after a father who killed his two young children was found dead in his cell.

Steven Wilson had just started a life sentence for the murders of his sons Brad, seven, and Brett, eight, when a fellow inmate found him hanging by his shoelaces from the upturned end of a bed.

Officers at Blakenhurst prison in Worcestershire tried to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at 1320 BST (1220 GMT).

It is believed Wilson left a suicide note protesting his innocence and saying he was joining his dead sons.

The bodies of Brad and Brett were found in a car behind outbuildings on a golf course near Handsworth, Birmingham, on 6 February 2002.

Wilson was said to have killed his sons to spite his wife

Brad's throat had been slit and Brett had been stabbed to death with a screwdriver.

A Prison Services spokesman said a police investigation and an inquest would be held.

Wilson had confessed to his crimes in a phone call to emergency services but later retracted it and pleaded not guilty.

Sentencing him last week, the judge told Wilson it was a "wicked" thing he had done to "spite his wife".

"They were seven and eight and the manner in which you killed them was brutal," the judge said.

Disowned by parents

"Anybody who heard you give evidence could believe no more than an occasional word."

The unemployed 44-year-old, of Linden Avenue, Great Barr, Birmingham, was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm to his wife, Denise Williams.

His parents - who had never met their grandsons after Wilson cut off contact with them - disowned him upon the guilty verdict.

"We are disgusted, appalled and ashamed of Steven committing this cowardly attack against two small boys, but we are not surprised.

'Evil man'

"He is an evil, lying, controlling, manipulative and devious bully, who is also power and money-mad."

Former neighbours of Wilson in Linden Avenue could barely disguise their relief after learning that the double murderer had died.

Sylvia Green, 68, said: "I have known him since 1966, since he was a little boy.

"He was a horrible kid, my kids were always petrified of going out when he was around.

"He was just a nasty evil man. I am so glad we have seen the last of him."