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Killer Mark Towell shows paintings in London gallery

Nov 22 2009 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

The horrific attack happened after the two men clashed as they walked home from a garage after buying petrol for Mr Leak’s car.

Neighbours alerted by smoke billowing from the alley discovered Mr Leak, of Felling, Gateshead, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem revealed burns over 80% of his body and bruising to the left side of his head.

Towell – who claimed his death was an accident – had lodged with Mr Leak and his partner Ann Young, and was an ex-boyfriend of Ms Young’s daughter. He was sentenced to life and, in 2005, was told he must serve a minimum of 15 years.

Last night Miss Young said: “I am angry and disgusted . . . he shouldn’t even have been given a paintbrush.

“I will never get over what he did and eight years on I am still suffering. He has not just ruined my life, he’s ruined the whole family’s life.”

Towell and the 129 other inmates taking part in the exhibition can all sell their work if they wish.

Around 60% goes to the artist, 10% to Victim Support and the rest goes to the Koestler Trust, based in London.

David Hines, of the National Victims’ Association, said: “What sticks in my throat is that people like Towell are given the opportunity to live in our world, while his victim no longer can.

“If he wants to show remorse he should give any money he makes to his victim’s family.”

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