A harrowing incident unfolded in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, in November 2022 when a car ploughed into a group of individuals, leading to the deaths of two men. The recent release of footage related to the police investigation into this tragedy on Channel 4 has brought the events back into the spotlight.

Anthony Bennison, 25, and Nicholas Papworth, 33, were found guilty of the killings of Adam Fanelli, 39, and Patrick Howard, 27, on that fateful night. The incident occurred after Mr. Howard and Mason Jordan, 27, had been celebrating a baby shower at The Chequers Pub in Houghton Regis. When the pub closed just after midnight, they moved to The Crown, where Bennison, Papworth, and another man, Mark Griffiths, 41, were also present.

A senseless altercation erupted at the pub, with Mr Jordan throwing a punch at Papworth. The brief fight ended with both men on the floor, eventually being separated by their friends. They left the venue to head home.

Papworth, left with minor injuries, grew increasingly furious. Bennison, behind the wheel of his silver BMW, and Papworth, driving his black VW Golf, embarked on a search for Mr Howard and Mr Jordan on the streets of Houghton Regis. They eventually found their targets.

In a horrifying hit-and-run, Bennison fatally stabbed Mr Fanelli, while Mr Howard was struck by the car and also stabbed. Channel 4 aired footage of Patrick’s murder, including clips showing Papworth’s chilling demeanour as he answered questions from the police with terse ‘no comment’ replies.

After the attacks, the perpetrators fled the scene, leaving behind an indelible mark of violence. Mr Howard lost his life instantly, while Adam Fanelli succumbed to his injuries in front of a nearby house. Mr Jordan, though seriously injured, was saved by medical staff at the hospital after being rushed there.

Holly Howard, Patrick Howard’s cousin, expressed her outrage on a social media platform, condemning Channel 4 for airing scenes from her cousin’s death. She criticized the police for their perceived failures and urged justice for her beloved cousin.

Both Bennison and Papworth were found guilty of their respective charges at Luton Crown Court. Bennison was convicted of the murders of both men, while Papworth was found guilty of murdering Mr Howard but cleared of Mr Fanelli’s murder.

Griffiths, who had initially faced charges of attempted murder and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, was later cleared of all charges during the trial. He had been a passenger in Bennison’s BMW, with the prosecution contending that he had encouraged the violence.

Bennison and Papworth elected not to give evidence during the trial. They have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on August 3. Both men will receive life sentences, with the minimum number of years they must serve before being eligible for release to be determined by the judge.

This tragic incident has left scars that will last a lifetime for the victims’ families and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of senseless violence.