Sex offender and murderer Richard Danter gets lifetime jail sentence

Sex offender Richard Danter from Leeds was sentenced to a minimum of 15 years and five months in prison for the murder of Billy Mankelow, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported.

Danter had pleaded guilty to the murder.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Danter, 31, met Mankelow, 20, at the Viaduct gay bar in Leeds. The pair later headed to the Dark Arches area for a sexual encounter.

Danter kicked and stamped on Mankelow’s head over 20 times before going back to the Viaduct and telling staff he had assaulted someone. He then returned to Mankelow and dragged his injured body further into the Dark Arches so he wouldn’t be discovered.

Danter fled after he was seen by two people, who then rushed to Mankelow’s aid. The Leeds University student from Tonbridge, Kent was bleeding profusely but still breathing. He was rushed to hospital, where he later died from severe head injuries.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Danter was a regular at the Viaduct, where he used to pick up young men and was known to staff for his “quick temper” and “promiscuous” lifestyle.

Danter has served jail time for robbing a student after meeting him at the Viaduct. He was also previously convicted for indecent assaults and an attempted rape on an 18-year-old with learning difficulties.

A statement released by Mankelow’s family said, “Billy loved life and had lots of friends. He was independent and motivated and went to study at Leeds University. Billy loved Leeds, a place where he made a life for himself and had lots of friends.

“Billy’s family and friends are all distraught at the way Billy died, which was so senseless and unnecessary. Billy was simply out with friends having a good time with his life ahead of him.”

Detective chief inspector David Shipperlee of British Transport Police said, “Danter dragged Billy into an alcove in the railway arch, presumably to conceal his body, and left him for dead. His death is such a tragic waste of a young life, a life taken by a violent, evil and dangerous man, who has a history of previous convictions for violence and sexual offences, who is now where he belongs – behind bars.”