A convicted rapist who attacked female students during a Midland university freshers' week has died in a prison known as 'Monster Mansion'. Akiel Flemming, 35, was serving a 16-year sentence for raping an undergraduate and sexually assaulting another at the University of Wolverhampton. He also targeted a third woman who was asleep with her boyfriend at around 5am.
Flemming, formerly of Albert Avenue, Manchester, was arrested on October 1, 2016, the same day as the attacks. He was later charged with rape, sexual assault, and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. Despite claiming the sexual contact was consensual, a jury convicted him on all counts in June 2017 at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Death in custody
Flemming died at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Wednesday, April 22. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating the circumstances of his death, and the Ministry of Justice has confirmed the incident. A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating. We will respond to its findings, and any recommendations by the coroner, in due course.'
'Monster Mansion'
HMP Wakefield is a Category A prison that houses many high-profile, high-risk sex offenders and murderers, earning it the nickname 'Monster Mansion'. At the time of its last inspection, about two-thirds of its inmates were convicted of sexual offences. It is the same prison where Lostprophets frontman Ian Watkins was fatally stabbed in his cell on October 11 last year. Two men deny his murder, and a trial is ongoing.
Sentencing remarks
At Flemming's sentencing, Judge Patrick Thomas QC told him he was in 'no doubt you represent a significant risk to the public'. Detective Constable Tom Keady of West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit said: 'Flemming's actions were shocking. He prowled the corridors of the multi-occupancy accommodation and committed all three offences on the same morning during Fresher's week targeting fellow students. All three of Flemming's victims have been greatly affected and their studies were interrupted.'
