'Hired killer' who shot dead boy, 5, in botched execution launches parole bid

24 February 2024 , 14:19

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Convicted heroin dealer Paul Seddon, who was jailed for killing a five-year-old boy in Bolton in August 1997 (Image: Press Association)

A contract killer who killed a five-year-old in the street during a botched hit has had his parole bid rejected.

Tragedy struck the streets of Bolton when Paul Seddon shot Dillon Hull dead, with the convicted heroin dealer being sentenced to a minimum 25-year term in August 1997. Despite 27 years having passed, a Parole Board has rejected his release application because officials believe he still poses a risk to the public. His secondary request to move to an open prison was also rejected.

Seddon wore a motorcycle helmet to conceal his identity when he emerged from the shadows and put four bullets into Dillon and his stepdad John Bates, who were holding hands as they walked along.

One bullet hit the boy in the head and another hit Mr Bates, who survived. Preston Crown Court heard that Seddon, then 27, was paid £5,000 to shoot Mr Bates, who it was said, had fallen out with gangland drugs boss Billy Webb.

Little Dillon Hull as a young toddler (Manchester Evening News)

Mr Justice Forbes described his crime as 'truly appalling' and said the hitman had 'never shown the slightest remorse'. He said: "You brought sudden terror and violence to the residential streets of Bolton on that warm summer's afternoon. You also brought death.

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"But not to your intended victim. You only wounded him. You brought death to an innocent little boy who had the tragic misfortune to be holding your target's hand at the time you opened fire."

Two others were jailed for a total of 34 years for their part in planning the assassination of Mr Bates. Seddon, of Chorley New Road, Bolton, was also found guilty of attempting to murder Mr Bates in the bungled execution. Webb, 42, was shot dead at his Wigan home in 2001.

A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board refused the release of Paul Seddon following an oral hearing. The panel also refused to recommend a move to an open prison.

"Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.

"Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing.

"It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority. Under current legislation he will be eligible for a further review in due course. The date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice."

Damon Wilkinson