In a dramatic courtroom scene, gangland assassin Mark Fellows, also known as The Iceman, sat in the dock and ominously gestured across his throat towards co-accused Steven Boyle. Boyle had played a crucial role in the murder of underworld enemy John Kinsella.

Fellows had previously shot and killed Paul Massey, a significant figure in Salford's gang network, on his doorstep before executing Kinsella in 2018. The murder took place near the M62 as Kinsella was walking his dogs with his pregnant partner. Kinsella was a known criminal with strong ties to Massey.

Both murders were part of a violent gang war in Salford prompted by split factions within local gangs. While Boyle was acquitted of involvement in Massey's death, he was found guilty alongside Fellows for Kinsella's murder.

Following the trial, Boyle contended that he had been "duped" by Fellows into participating unknowingly in Kinsella's murder.

The Rival Salford Factions

The feud began after members of Salford's A-Team gang fell out, leading to the emergence of the rival Anti A-Team. This led to an ultra-violent conflict involving reckless criminals from both Greater Manchester and Merseyside, highlighted by Massey's fatal shooting.

Days after Massey's murder, Fellows was shot by attackers loyal to Massey in a reprisal. He was then recalled to prison but later sought revenge on Kinsella, considering him responsible for Massey's death while involving Boyle.

In His Brother's Shadow

Boyle's older brother Michael had previously received a lengthy 15-year sentence for his role in a violent gang war in the late 1990s, under gang leader Stephen Lydiate. They orchestrated a series of violent attacks in Salford in response to a pub shooting.

Lydiate and his crew were known for evading police by disguising themselves. Michael Boyle was also convicted for several serious offenses, receiving a 15-year sentence after being involved in the crew's violent retributions.

Sinister Past

Before his arrest for the murders, Boyle had a criminal history dating back to 1999 when he robbed a petrol station. He was later arrested in 2011 with a loaded firearm linked to a past robbery, culminating in multiple charges for various crimes over the years.

Boyle's DNA was found on a stolen bag, implicating him in gang-related activities that led up to the murder of Kinsella.

The Shooting of Kinsella

On May 5, 2018, Kinsella was shot four times while out for a walk with his partner. Fellows, acting as the shooter, targeted Kinsella while Boyle reportedly kept watch. The murder followed a failed attempt just days prior.

The attack was meticulously planned and executed, deemed an "execution, pure and simple" by courtroom observers.

Courtroom Drama

During the trial, shocking details of the gang war were revealed. Boyle accused Fellows of deceiving him into participating in Kinsella's murder, claiming he believed he was collecting drug money. This revelation led to tension in the courtroom, further exacerbated by Fellows' threatening gestures.

Ultimately, the judge dismissed Boyle's claims, asserting that he played an integral part in disposing of the murder weapon. Boyle was sentenced to life with a minimum of 33 years, while Fellows received a whole life term for the murders.

More Violence Behind Bars

After sentencing, Boyle was reportedly attacked by another inmate at HMP Wakefield in early 2020. Following this incident, he was transferred to HMP Belmarsh, where he continued to face legal challenges regarding his conviction.