Overview

• George Stephenson, serving a life sentence for the 1986 Fordingbridge massacre, died in hospital on April 20, 2025, while incarcerated at HMP Full Sutton.
• The Fordingbridge massacre involved the brutal murders of four individuals, including Joseph and Hilda Cleaver, and the rape of Wendy Cleaver, shocking the nation at the time.
• Stephenson's criminal history included approximately 70 prior convictions before the massacre, ranging from burglary to violent offenses.
• The Prison and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into Stephenson's death, as required for all deaths in custody.
• Victims' families have expressed mixed emotions, with some feeling relief at his death and recalling the horrific nature of his crimes.