A murderer who served 25 years in prison for raping and killing a vulnerable woman has been returned to custody after attacking his own daughter. Michael Wade, also known as George Wilden, was given a life sentence for the rape and murder of mother Jean Whitfield, whom he drowned in a bath at her home in Gateshead in 1999.
Details of the Original Crime
Jean Whitfield, who weighed just seven stone and suffered from severe arthritis, was targeted by Wade at her flat in Birtley, Gateshead, just months after he was released from prison for another violent offence. Wade forced his way into her home, beat and raped her, and then drowned her in the bath. Her partner, Denis Fallon, discovered her lifeless body when he returned from work in August 1999.
Release and Reoffending
Despite fierce opposition from Jean's sister, Joan Robinson, Wade successfully secured his release from prison in 2024 after serving 25 years. However, he has now been returned to custody after assaulting his own daughter at her Gateshead home, threatening to kill her. The incident occurred on 20 May 2026, when Wade became angry during a dispute over viewing a flat.
Court Proceedings
Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that Wade pursued his daughter into her kitchen, launched at her, and said, "I will f***** kill you." He grabbed her, causing her to hit her ear on a kitchen island, and shouted, "I should have killed you." The victim stated that she believes her father is capable of killing her, noting his previous conviction for rape and murder. Wade pleaded guilty to assault by beating and was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment. He is also subject to an indefinite restraining order and will face a Parole Board hearing due to his recall on life licence.
Criminal Record
The court heard that Wade has 97 offences on his record and was last sentenced for rape and murder in 2001. He is a registered sex offender and had been on lifelong licence. His defence argued that the assault was a one-off incident where he lost his temper in the heat of the moment.
