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Prison Watchdog Probes Death of Convicted Student Rapist at HMP Wakefield

The case deepens scrutiny of safety at the high-security Wakefield jail.

Overview

  • Officials confirmed that Akiel Flemming, 35, died at HMP Wakefield on April 22.
  • The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman opened an investigation, and the Prison Service said it will respond to any findings or coroner recommendations.
  • Flemming was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court in June 2017 of rape, sexual assault and trespass with intent, receiving a 16-year term and lifetime registration as a sex offender.
  • Prosecutors said he roamed University of Wolverhampton halls during freshers’ week in 2016, raped one student, sexually assaulted another, and targeted a third woman as she slept.
  • Wakefield is a Category A prison known for housing high-risk sex offenders, and it is where Ian Watkins was fatally attacked in October 2025 as two men now deny his murder in ongoing proceedings.