Convicted serial killer Rose West has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a young inmate at New Hall women’s prison in Wakefield. Reports indicate that the 74-year-old West befriended the victim, described as “vulnerable,” before the alleged attack, prompting swift action from prison authorities.
Following the incident, which occurred in October 2023, prison officers removed West’s privileges and brought her before the prison governor. The assault has left fellow inmates shocked, highlighting the disturbing nature of the allegations against one of the UK’s most notorious criminals.
Details of the Allegations
According to sources within the prison, West reportedly cultivated a relationship with her victim, who is in her 20s, before the assault. An insider revealed to a local newspaper that she “basically groomed her” leading up to the incident. The source expressed outrage, stating, “The whole prison is talking about it and inmates are shocked, despite what they might have done themselves. It is pretty disgusting she had the freedom to do something like this in the first place.”
West, who is currently serving a life sentence for the murders of ten women and girls alongside her husband, Fred West, has a history of attempting to befriend younger women in the facility. She is reported to have offered assistance with daily tasks and engaged in activities such as sliding Christmas cards under doors to foster friendships.
Current Living Conditions
West resides in Rivendell House, a specialized unit within New Hall designed for women with personality disorders or enhanced status. Each inmate has their own ensuite cell, and the communal spaces are described as more welcoming than other prison blocks. West occupies an accessible ground-floor room and remains under constant supervision due to the nature of her past offenses.
Despite her frail appearance, West is considered “extremely dangerous” by prison staff. She has reportedly gained weight and has grey hair, yet she continues to wear her characteristic thick-rimmed glasses. In a notable attempt to maintain her social ties within the prison, West has been known to distribute candy boxes purchased from the prison commissary to select inmates.
In 2020, West changed her name to Jennifer Jones, though her true identity remains widely known throughout the prison. Her husband, Fred West, who was charged with 12 murders, died by suicide in prison in 1995 before his trial. Rose West has been incarcerated since 1995, serving her life sentence for her heinous crimes.
The allegations against West have sparked discussions about safety and oversight within the prison system, raising concerns about the management of high-risk inmates. As the investigation continues, prison authorities are under scrutiny regarding their handling of the situation.
