Gloucester serial killer Rose West has been accused of attacking and sexually assaulting a young fellow inmate while serving a life sentence, it has been reported.
West, 72, is alleged to have groomed a 20-year-old prisoner over a period of several weeks before the incident took place inside the jail.
She has been incarcerated since 1995 after being convicted of murder for her role in at least nine killings carried out with her husband, Fred West, between 1967 and 1987.
A source told The Sun that despite her age and frail appearance, West “remains extremely dangerous”. The source alleged that she befriended the younger inmate before the attack, leaving other prisoners shocked by the incident.
It remains unclear whether prison officers intervened during the alleged assault or whether the victim later reported it. However, staff are said to have responded quickly, removing West from her cell and bringing her before a prison governor. She has reportedly been confined largely to her cell since.
The source claimed the victim was vulnerable and that West took advantage of her, adding that West has previously attempted to form close relationships with younger prisoners by offering help with activities such as cooking and sewing.
West has been held at HMP New Hall for six years. She is housed in Rivendell House, a specialist unit with en-suite cells and communal facilities, where inmates can participate in activities including yoga, knitting and film nights.
In 2019, West reportedly sought to join a knitting project making items for bereaved families, a request that was swiftly rejected following public backlash.
Sources also allege that West can be verbally abusive towards prison staff if she does not get her way and that she frequently isolates herself from other inmates. For her own protection, she is accompanied by officers when moving around the prison.
Before her transfer to New Hall, West spent time at HMP Low Newton and HMP Bronzefield, where reported threats from other prisoners prompted moves.
West continues to refuse to assist police in locating the remains of up to 20 possible additional victims.
Fred West died by suicide in 1995 while awaiting trial. The couple’s former home at 25 Cromwell Street in Gloucester, where several bodies were discovered, has since been demolished.