Men jailed over fellow burglar's death during raid
David McCandless (left) and Mason Meanwell were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court
Two burglars who broke into a mobile home during a failed raid that resulted in the death of an accomplice have been sentenced to prison.
Taylor Green, 22, died from stab wounds inflicted by the owner of the static caravan on 25 February 2025 near Lodge Lane Industrial Estate in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, after Green and three others forced entry while armed.
Prosecutors told Nottingham Crown Court that David McCandless and Mason Meanwell had planned and executed a violent burglary, which created circumstances leading to Green being fatally stabbed as the homeowner defended himself lawfully.
McCandless, 44, and Meanwell, 25, were each sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison at the same court on Friday.
The trial revealed that the four men—Green, McCandless, Meanwell, and an unidentified fourth individual—broke into the mobile home while carrying weapons.
After forcibly entering by "smashing" the front door, the intruders were heard shouting
"chop him, chop him, get the money"as they entered the bedroom.
Ethan Arnold and his partner were in bed at the time; Arnold armed himself with a knife to defend against the intruders before confronting them.
Green was fatally stabbed by the occupant during a violent confrontation that lasted approximately two minutes, the court heard.
The defendants were two of four men who launched an attempted burglary on a mobile home off an industrial estate
Arnold submitted a victim impact statement describing how he remains
"nervous" and "on edge"around the time of the attack each day and expressed regret that such an event occurred.
He said,
"I have heard that [Green] had three children – this does play on my mind."
He added,
"I was attacked when we were nearly naked, I had to fight back as I was very scared, [not only] for me but also for my girlfriend."
Green's mother, Sasha, read a statement in court expressing how her son's death had
"completely and permanently shattered"her family's lives and how his three children
"have been cruelly robbed of his guidance, his protection and his love."
She said,
"He was the best thing that ever happened to me."
She concluded,
"Whatever the circumstances of that night, nothing can justify the loss of his life."
'Equal responsibility'
Defending Meanwell, of Byron Close in Newark, Michael Magarian KC stated that his client had been deeply affected by Green's death, whom he had known since he was 14.
He said,
"This man was his closest friend."
He added,
"He didn't directly cause his death [and] he has been traumatised by the events of that evening."
Brendan Kelly KC, representing McCandless, who lived at Wright Street in Newark, said there was
"no animus directed towards the deceased"by his client, describing him as
"a late recruit"to the conspiracy.
Sentencing, Judge Michael Soole stated that the plan was
"largely hatched"by Green and Meanwell, involving extensive preparatory work and reconnaissance, and described the incident as
"a terrifying incident with lasting consequences"for Arnold and his partner.
While acknowledging the defendants did not intend to kill Green, the judge said their participation in a dangerous conspiracy meant they bore
"a responsibility"for his death.
He said,
"There was an obvious risk that someone would be harmed."
He added,
"Whatever precise role each [of you] played in the two frenzied minutes, all share equal responsibility."
The court heard the conspiracy involved planning and reconnaissance work
Following sentencing, Janine McKinney from the Crown Prosecution Service stated the defendants
"knew their actions would be harmful,"adding that Green's death
"would not have happened"without their planning.
She said,
"These defendants planned this attack and went armed and ready for violence."
She continued,
"They acted out of greed on a false premise of making easy money through violence.
"Their friend lost his life as a result."
Nottinghamshire Police reported that officers
"have been unable to find any evidence to prosecute the fourth person"involved but urged anyone with information about their identity to contact the force.
Detective Inspector Clare Gibson said,
"Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this incident and its consequences."
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- Two guilty of manslaughter over burglar's death
- Two men caused death of fellow burglar, trial told
- Man 'fatally stabbed during attempted burglary'
Related internet links
- HM Courts and Tribunals Service
