Two jailed for manslaughter over death of fellow burglar

David McCandless, left, and Mason Meanwell have been jailed Two men have been jailed after an intruder died during an aggravated burglary at a mobile home. Taylor Green, 22, died following an incident at a chalet on Lodge Lane Industrial Estate, Tuxford, on 25 February last year.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that Green, David McCandless, Mason Meanwell and a fourth man entered the mobile home shortly after 10.30pm. During a confrontation with the occupant, Green sustained two stab wounds.

No charges were brought against the occupant after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. McCandless and Meanwell were subsequently charged with manslaughter.

During a three-week trial, the court heard evidence surrounding the events of that evening. McCandless, 44, of Wright Street, Newark, and Meanwell, 25, of Byron Close, Newark, denied manslaughter but were found guilty by a jury.

Meanwell had previously admitted conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary. McCandless denied the same offence but was found guilty following a trial.

At a sentencing hearing today (3 July), both men were jailed for 12 years for the manslaughter and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary offences. McCandless was sentenced to an additional six months for an unrelated GBH offence, while Meanwell was also given an additional six months having committed the Tuxford offences while on a suspended sentence.

It means they were both handed overall jail terms of 12 years and six months, of which they will serve two-thirds in prison. In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Michael Soole said the defendants were "in this together" and "must share equal responsibility" for the events of that night.

He said: "Neither of you intended that anyone should die as a result of your armed burglary. "However as the jury has found by its verdict, there was an obvious risk that someone would be harmed as a result of your armed incursion, whether directly by your assault or in consequence of an occupant resisting you in lawful self-defence." CCTV evidence presented during the trial showed four men approaching the chalet before forcing entry through the front door (below).

The occupant and his partner were inside the mobile home when the men entered. The group were carrying weapons, including an axe.

Shouting could be heard as the men entered the property and demanded money from the occupants. During the ensuing confrontation, Green was stabbed twice.

He died at the scene having sustained a stab wound to the heart. Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of Nottinghamshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said: "This case concerned a violent incident in which a man lost his life following an aggravated burglary.

"The circumstances surrounding Taylor Green's death were subject to detailed investigation and careful examination before the courts. "McCandless and Meanwell have now been sentenced for their involvement in the events of that evening following their convictions for manslaughter and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary.

"Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this incident and its consequences." Share