A double tragedy occurred in Bedfordshire when a speeding car rammed into a crowd in Houghton Regis in November 2022, resulting in the deaths of two men. Newly released Channel 4 footage from the police investigation has brought renewed attention to this brutal incident.
The deadly sequence of events began after a pub brawl involving Anthony Bennison, 25, and Nicholas Papworth, 33. Both men were found guilty of murdering Adam Fanelli, 39, and Patrick Howard, 27.
The incident started when Patrick Howard and Mason Jordan, 27, were celebrating a baby shower at The Chequers Pub. After closing time just past midnight, they moved to The Crown, where Bennison, Papworth, and Mark Griffiths, 41, were also drinking. A fight broke out after Jordan punched Papworth, leading to both men falling to the floor. Their friends separated them, and both groups left to go home.
Despite sustaining minor injuries, Papworth was angry and teamed up with Bennison to seek revenge. Bennison drove a silver BMW while Papworth followed in a black VW Golf. They located Howard and Jordan on the streets of Houghton Regis and launched a terrifying attack.
In a hit-and-run assault, Bennison stabbed Adam Fanelli to death. Patrick Howard was struck by the car and stabbed as well. Channel 4 broadcast footage showing Papworth’s cold ‘no comment’ responses during police questioning.
After the attack, Bennison and Papworth fled the scene. Patrick Howard died instantly, while Adam Fanelli suffered fatal wounds outside a nearby home. Mason Jordan survived serious injuries following emergency treatment.
Holly Howard, cousin of Patrick Howard, criticised Channel 4 for airing the raw footage of her cousin’s death. She also condemned police failings and called for justice for her family.
At Luton Crown Court, Bennison was convicted of both murders. Papworth was found guilty of killing Patrick Howard but was cleared in the death of Adam Fanelli. Mark Griffiths, who faced charges of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm, was acquitted despite prosecution claims that he encouraged the violence as a passenger in Bennison’s BMW.
Neither Bennison nor Papworth gave evidence during the trial. Both remain in custody and await sentencing on August 3. They face life imprisonment, with minimum terms to be determined by the judge.
This tragic case leaves lasting pain for the victims’ families and serves as a stark warning about the consequences of reckless violence.
Originally published by UKNIP.
