ANDREW RANDALL FROM KETTERING INVOLVED IN PRISON ATTACK AT LONG LARTIN

In a disturbing incident that took place within the confines of Long Lartin prison, Andrew Randall, a notorious child killer from Kettering, was subjected to a savage assault that resulted in the loss of one of his eyes. The attack, which occurred on August 13, 2011, was carried out by fellow inmate Jason Jay, who showed no remorse during the court proceedings and even laughed when questioned about his actions.

According to court reports, Jason Jay launched a ferocious and sustained assault on Randall during an afternoon break. Armed with a sharpened paintbrush and a razor blade concealed within a melted-down toothbrush, Jay viciously stabbed Randall in the eye with a makeshift stiletto weapon, completely removing the eye. The assault did not stop there; Jay also slit Randall’s throat, repeatedly stabbed him in the head and face, and then smashed a glass thermos filled with boiling tea over his temple, inflicting severe injuries.

When questioned by police about why he ceased his attack, Jay reportedly said, “Because I thought he was dead.” The court was informed that Randall, who was serving a life sentence for the horrific murder and abuse of his seven-week-old daughter Jessica, survived the attack but was left permanently blinded in one eye.

Randall, a resident of Kettering, was convicted in 2007 for the brutal torture, sexual abuse, and murder of his infant daughter. The young girl, Jessica, was subjected to unimaginable cruelty, including being kicked across the floor, stamped on, and having fingers forced down her throat. Despite the severity of his crimes, Randall survived the assault in prison, though his injuries were life-altering.

Details from Northampton Crown Court revealed that Randall was ambushed by Jay, who had coordinated with two other inmates—Patrick Maughan, aged 35, and Arthur Pitt-Pladdy, aged 41—to disable the prison alarm and facilitate the attack. The assault took place as Randall was returning to his cell with a flask of tea. Court testimony described how Randall attempted to activate the alarm, but his accomplices managed to turn it off. When Randall tried to hide under his bed, Jay dragged him out and launched his brutal assault, which included slitting his throat, stabbing his head, and smashing a flask over his head.

During the attack, Randall pleaded for it to stop, but Jay responded coldly, “I will tell you when it is enough,” before proceeding to stab his eyes. After the assault, Jay took another prisoner hostage, claiming he needed time to think. The court heard that Jay’s actions were premeditated, with the assistance of other inmates, and that he showed no remorse for his violent behavior.

In court, Malcolm Galloway, representing Jay, stated, “Whatever sentence is imposed on him today has no impact on him at all because he knows he will die in prison. I have instructions to make no mitigation other than to say he has no regrets at all.” Jay, who appeared via video link, was seen laughing aloud during the proceedings.

He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 20 years, for attempted murder, false imprisonment, and threats to kill. Jay is already serving a life sentence with a minimum of 27 years for the 2006 murder of a former pub landlord in Somerset.

In a related case from March 2007, Randall’s heinous crimes against his infant daughter Jessica drew widespread criticism of health and social services, who failed to remove her from his custody despite numerous warning signs. Jessica, born prematurely with a heart defect, was subjected to abuse from the moment she left hospital until her tragic death at just seven weeks old. Post-mortem examinations revealed multiple injuries, including rib fractures, brain bleeding, a fractured skull, and facial cuts, indicating prolonged abuse.

Despite reports from medical professionals and social workers noting a lack of bonding between Jessica and her father, as well as concerns about her mother’s mental health, no protective action was taken that could have prevented her death. The case highlighted systemic failures, with calls from organizations like the NSPCC emphasizing the importance of vigilance and timely intervention to prevent such tragedies in the future.