David Taylor, a 64-year-old man described by associates as an "absolute monster" and "one of Britain's most dangerous men," has received a whole life sentence for the murder of a vulnerable young woman. His conviction for this crime, and his role in the fatal stabbing of a child killer in prison, have brought to light a criminal history spanning nearly half a century.

Taylor's notoriety culminated recently with his sentencing for the murder of Alisha Alpostoff-Boyarin, 24, whose family has pleaded for him to reveal the location of her body. The full extent of his depravity became clearer after he was convicted of murdering child killer Kyle Bevan in his prison cell at HMP Wakefield in November of the previous year. While on remand for Miss Alpostoff-Boyarin's murder, Taylor, along with two other inmates serving whole-life sentences, stabbed Bevan 25 times.

A Career of Violence

Born in 1962, Taylor grew up in Greater Manchester and experienced a difficult childhood, reportedly being forced out of his family home at 13. His criminal activity began with petty theft and evolved into armed robbery, a self-described "vocation." By 15, he had his first conviction. Moving to London in his youth, he became involved with serious criminals, allegedly boasting about firing shotguns into ceilings during robberies to gain attention. A former associate described him as "scary and was an absolute psycho" who "didn't know when to stop" when attacking someone.

Taylor is believed to have committed his first murder around this time, bragging about killing a Leeds drug dealer. In 1986, he received a 12-year sentence for a series of armed robberies. During one incident involving a Post Office in his hometown, he fired five shots from a sawn-off shotgun, hitting the 62-year-old postmaster in the arm. His younger brother was also involved in the robbery and faced charges related to it.

During his initial lengthy prison sentence, Taylor cultivated a fearsome reputation. A former friend noted that he "bulk[ed] up until he was massive and very intimidating" in the prison gym, aiming to become "top dog" and willing to confront anyone, including guards.

His disruptive behavior led to him being sent to the Special Unit at HMP Hull in 1988, a pioneering segregation wing designed for volatile offenders. He reportedly engaged in a fight with notorious prisoner Paul Sykes, who had challenged him, and claimed to have bested him. Taylor also survived a near-fatal stabbing with a sharpened toilet brush in Full Sutton prison, an incident that required intensive care.

A Return to Criminality

Despite his 1986 sentence, Taylor was released by 1996 and quickly resumed his criminal activities. That year, he was the subject of an armed police manhunt after threatening a van driver and tying him up. He was also sought by West Yorkshire Police in connection with a shooting.

In 2007, Taylor received an Imprisonment for Public Protection sentence for aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon, after forcing his way into a property and attacking a man he accused of being a paedophile. During this period, he reportedly studied humanist psychology and counseling, earning a foundation degree from the Open University.

He was released on license in 2013 and appeared to settle, moving to County Durham and working with the Samaritans. However, by 2022, his violent tendencies resurfaced.

Recent Crimes and Convictions

In 2021, Taylor formed a relationship with Alisha Alpostoff-Boyarin, who was 40 years his junior. She was last seen on CCTV in January 2022. Police established she was driven to County Durham in a gold-colored VW Passat and was never seen alive again. Her body remains undiscovered.

Taylor was arrested at his home in March 2024 and charged with her murder. While awaiting trial, he was recalled to prison and became enraged. In July 2024, while at HMP Frankland, he attacked two investigating officers with a makeshift stabbing device, seriously injuring one, DC Darren Bratby. Taylor later admitted the attack was planned and that he intended to kill the officer.

Last week, Taylor was convicted for the fatal attack on Kyle Bevan. CCTV footage showed Taylor, along with Lee Newell and Mark Fellows, laughing before the attack. After the attack, Taylor was heard shouting to Newell, "Nice working with you and the Iceman."

In February, Taylor admitted murdering Miss Alpostoff-Boyarin, telling Leeds Crown Court he had "tired of her" and was trying to "end the relationship." Her family has implored him to reveal her body's location, but those who know Taylor doubt he will show remorse or cooperate. An associate stated, "He's one of the most dangerous men in the entire prison system and he'll stay that way until he dies in jail."