IT’S the notorious prison nicknamed “Monster Mansion” due to housing some of Britain’s most twisted serial killers, paedophiles and crooks.
Nearly half of the 750 offenders inside HMP Wakefield – which is a Category A male prison – are serving life sentences.
The West Yorkshire lock-up has a fierce reputation, which former senior prison officer Jo Taylor can attest to having spent five years working with the lags there.
During her stint, she was charged with taking care of infamous criminals like cannibal Robert Maudsley, whose wrath she risked incurring with an innocent act, and also his arch rival Charles Bronson.
Others the 60-year-old met included Soham murderer Ian Huntley, paedophile ring leader Sidney Cooke and Millie Dowler’s killer Levi Bellfield.
To escape the prison’s “draining, negative energy”, Jo took voluntary redundancy in 2012 and now works as an SMP artist – someone who tattoos fake hair – but more than a decade on bears the scars of her time at the prison.
Jo, who recently spoke at true crime convention CrimeCon, tells The Sun: “I have always looked behind me since I worked at HMP Wakefield.
“Wherever I go outside I’m constantly looking around and behind me, I never walk with headphones in or my head in a phone. I always have to be alert.
“I used to work with dangerous prisoners and so now could be at risk because I may not recognise a former inmate, someone who has been let out. They may look like a normal person to me and that’s always terrifying.”
Jo reveals what it was like to work with some of the most fabled names in “Monster Mansion” and the surprising offender she considers “the worst”.
Robert Maudsley was dubbed the cannibal killer and compared to Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs after claims emerged that he ate part of his victim’s brain.
Maudsley garrotted first victim John Farrell, 30, in 1974 after being shown images of children he molested.
Later Maudsley killed three more inmates – one in Broadmoor, two in Wakefield – who he claimed were rapists, paedophiles or sex offenders.
He got his sinister nickname amid claims he used a spoon to eat part of the brain of David Francis, the convicted paedophile he murdered in his cell in Broadmoor after torturing him for nine hours.
He is Britain’s longest-serving criminal in solitary confinement, having spent 45 years there, and is kept under 23-hours-a-day surveillance at Wakefield, only allowed out for an hour’s exercise per day.
To reach him guards have to go through seven steel doors, which has reinforced comparisons with ‘Hannibal the Cannibal’ who in the film was held in a cage made from reinforced glass.
But according to Jo, it’s not as extreme as it sounds. She says: “He’s on the segregation unit. He’s not in a glass cage like Hannibal was or anything but you are given a warning about him.
“I remember coming onto the wing once and I was whistling. The officer quickly told me, ‘You can’t whistle! It upsets Maudsley. His mum used to lock him in a cupboard and whistle so if he hears that, he goes mad’.
“Apparently Charles Bronson always used to whistle to wind him up and Maudsley would annoy him back by playing rock music. They seemed to hate each other. ”
She tells us it takes six officers and one senior officer to let Maudsley out, which she thinks is a bit excessive, and claims the crook “had a list apparently of all the nonces he wanted to kill”.
While Jo wasn’t there when he killed two in Wakefield, she recalls the story: “He admitted to what he did.
“He went to the cell door and said, ‘’Ere boss, you’re gonna have two off your roll check!’ They went into instant lockdown and they found the bodies under the bed.”
Of all the despicable figures she’s crossed paths with in ‘Monster Mansion’ one name sticks out more that the rest… Michael Donovan.
He was the co-conspirator of Karen Matthews, dubbed Britain’s most hated mum, who kidnapped daughter Shannon and held her hostage for 24 days in a dingy flat.
It was part of a scheme to claim a £50,000 reward for her safe return but she was found tethered and drugged in Donovan’s home by police.
He would sit there sniveling, hunched over in his wheelchair, he would say ‘Morning Miss Taylor’ but I could never interact with him. Not someone like that.
Jo Taylor, former senior prison officer
Recalling time with him, Jo sighs before adding: “He was hard work.
“In my opinion, he was pretending not to be all there and would defecate in his cell.
“He would do it to get to the health care ward because it was easier up there and unlocked all the time.
“He would always say, ‘I didn’t know anything, she made me do it’, referring to Karen Matthews, and would talk in this childish way to make people feel sorry for him.
“I remember him saying ‘I was fri-kened (sic)’, meaning frightened. He would use this baby-like talk and would be classed as a victim because of his personality.
“He was unlike anyone else. He’d been transferred from Leeds where I believed had a tooth knocked out.
“We needed to watch him because I knew he was going to get picked on.
“He was hard work and he would s*** in the wardrobe. Often we’d tell him to clean it up himself.”
She confirmed Donovan was the “worst prisoner” she had to deal with.
Jo says there’s one unifying detail about nearly all of the serious criminals she interacted with: “They all claim to be innocent.”
She continues: “Everyone in prison says, ‘It wasn’t me’. It’s like in films when they say, ‘What are you in for?’ I didn’t do it’, ‘Yeah, we’re all innocent in here.’”
But the worst for making that claims was Levi Bellfield, who murdered three including schoolgirl Millie Dowler, 13.
Jo says he “would always try to find me” to complain about being set-up.
She continued: “He was saying he was stitched up and police were trying to get him done for the killings when he wasn’t there.”
If he was in a line up I would have never picked him, he looked like a friendly normal guy, not a killer.
Jo Taylor
Jo had several one-on-one interactions with Belfield when he was called into her office but insisted “he didn’t intimidate me”.
“I’ve seen bigger. Levi is not that big,” she added.
While Jo insists she treated all prisoners like human beings, her contempt for Sidney Cooke – the suspected serial killer dubbed “Britain’s most notorious paedophile” – was clear.
The 97-year-old was suspected of murdering up to 20 young boys including a seven-year-old during the Seventies and Eighties but was only convicted of three.
He was the leader of a paedophile ring and pleaded guilty to four charges of rape, three of indecent assault and one count of buggery in 1999.
Jo recalled meeting him: “He would sit there sniveling, hunched over in his wheelchair, he would say ‘Morning Miss Taylor’ but I could never interact with him. Not someone like that.
“He was vile and did such despicable, despicable things to children. He was a horrible nonce. While I was never rude. I didn’t speak to people like him.”
John Worboys – known as the ‘Black Cab Rapist’ – was a serial sex offender who was convicted for vile attacks on 16 women between 2000 and 2008.
Jo says she was surprised when she met him as his “friendly” demeanour masked the evil crimes he committed.
“I remember thinking, he looked like the friendliest and safest person and would have trusted him if I get into his taxi,” she explained.
“If he was in a line up I would have never picked him, he looked like a friendly normal guy, not a killer.
HMP Wakefield is known as 'Monster Mansion' - and for very good reason.
Over the decades, the lock-up has held some of Britain’s most despicable and famous crooks including Charles Bronson, Ian Huntley and Colin Ireland.
While some of the notorious lags have since been transferred to other prisons, here we look at the known current inmates.
“He was chatty with a warm and friendly face but was evil.”
HMP Wakefield held the UK’s worst serial killer Dr Harold Shipman, who killed an estimated 284 people during a 30-year period.
The murderer, who received a whole life order, took his own life before Jo moved to the prison but she recalls colleagues’ suspicions about his death.
Jo heard claims that Shipman killed himself in a bid to assure his wife had financial security after he was stripped of his NHS pension.
“Shipman was there and spent time in the segregation unit before my time,” she explained in the book Inside Wakefield Prison.
“He only killed himself because of some date that if he died, his wife would get the pension. He’d been taken off suicide watch when it happened.”
Jo recalls spending time with Soham murderer Ian Huntley, who killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman and hid their bodies, and says he acquired a “highly-skilled job” behind bars.
“He was on constant watch because there was a threat that he would top himself. I spent 12 hours with him while he was translating books into braille,” she says.
“It was his job in there. I sat with him but I didn’t want to speak to him. I did my job and was polite but tried to avoid chatting.
“I remember him saying, ‘You’re new aren’t you?’ I said, ‘Not in the job, I was at [HMP] New Hall’ and he was like, ‘Oh that’s where she was. Maxine [Carr, his ex-girlfriend].’
“He was wrong. It was her mother who was there for perverting the course of justice but he kept on rabbiting on about Maxine.”
During her 15 years working in prisons, Jo spent time in six different lock-ups including HMP Wakefield and HMP New Hall and says young offenders jails are “the most dangerous”.
She took voluntary redundancy after five years at ‘Monster Mansion’ in 2012 and has since retrained to tattoo fake hair onto people, so far working on more than 300 people.
Jo, who runs Follicle Illusion Bespoke Scalp Micro Pigmentation, says those working in the prison service unfairly receive a lot of flack.
She explains: “It’s a damn hard job and not a lot of support for people working there and the vast majority work really hard to keep prisoners safe under difficult circumstances.”
Jo is frustrated by some high-profile individuals who have tarnished the service’s reputation – including Linda De Sousa Abreu, 30, who was filmed having sex with an inmate in HMP Wandsworth.
She adds: “What that girl did was so dangerous. If they managed to get a hold of her keys, she could have risked the lives of staff and vulnerable inmates.
“She abused her position of power and is obviously sex mad. It was terrible and very risky thing to have done.
“I believe change is desperately needed in the prison system. They are hiring people who are too young that don’t have enough life experiences and are not paying them enough.”
Jo Taylor spoke at CrimeCon London earlier this month and appears in the book Inside Wakefield Prison: Life Behind Bars in the Monster Mansion. To find out more about Jo’s SMP work visit: www.follicleillusion.com.
SUMMER seems to be well and truly behind us, and as the UK is battered with a deluge of rain this week, many of us are likely to be mourning the loss of sunny days in beer gardens wearing cute dresses.
Autumn fashion may seem dull, but there are plenty of ways that you can look stylish without feeling the cold – you don’t have to just wear the same grandad jumper every day.
Fashionista and self-proclaimed “cold girly” Courtney (@courtney_wears) took to TikTok to reveal her top tips for keeping cosy whilst looking cute.
“This one is for the girlies who get really cold in autumn”, she said.
“Layering is your absolute best friend”, the fashion lover revealed, before sharing that she always starts off her autumn looks with a thermal long-sleeved top.
Courtney recommends buying your thermal tops from Uniqlo, where you can pick them up for £19.90.
Over the top of the long sleeve, Courtney wears a simple white t-shirt.
“I get asked about this t-shirt quite a lot actually”, she said, revealing that the Clean Cut Regular T-shirt is from COS, and priced at £30.
“What I love about this is that the neckband is quite thick so it holds it’s shape well”, Courtney explained.
She added that she likes to tuck the t-shirt into her jeans all the way round, for added warmth.
On top of the t-shirt, Courtney adds a jumper which she also tucks into her jeans.
“If you have sensitive skin, and if you find all jumpers quite itchy, wear a long sleeved tee underneath because then you’re not going to feel the itchiness of the jumper, but you’re still going to get the warmth”, she shared.
Courtney said that this technique is perfect for keeping you cosy indoors if you don’t want to put the heating on.
And if you’re venturing outdoors, she advises wearing a woolly coat and a thick chunky scarf.
“Honestly, you’re not going to feel the cold through all of these layers”, she said.
Here, Fabulous’ fashion editor, Clemmie Fieldsend, says these are the top 5 trends from the hottest catwalk designers for autumn 2024.
BOHO: The boho revival is a much needed breath of fresh air for autumn and means you can wear your sheer tops, girly frocks and big jeans with heavy duty boots.
But if the clothes aren’t for you think, big accessories like slouchy tote bags, big earrings and bigger bangles.
TEXTURE: Be it smooth leather, sumptuous faux fur or soft suede, textures are everywhere this season.
They add depth to your look, making you stand out as well as look more expensive.
BURGUNDY: Maroon, oxblood, berry- whatever you choose to call it fashion is seeing red this autumn.
The deep and rich colour is everywhere and works best with greys, black, dark blues and in head-to-toe
LADY LIKE: Matching top and cardigan sets and pencil skirts sound dated but they go hand-in-hand with lady-like.
Mix with satin cami dresses and
LEOPARD PRINT: This season 75% of the catwalk was leopard print, according to Tagwalk – a huge majority.
It crawled its way in last season but its rife for autumn and all over the high street, be it shoes or floor sweeping coats, it’s a must have trend.
Courtney’s tips have likely proved helpful to many, as her video has amassed over 308, 000 views on the video sharing platform.
TikTok users raced to the video’s comments section to share their thoughts on her tips.
One person said: “I would also recommend wearing tights under jeans!”
A second person said: “I love a good layered look.”
A third person said: “As a Scandi gal I recommend a base layer in 100% merino wool.
“It’s really the best at keeping you warm.”
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.
EMMERDALE fans have been left insisting the soap has gone a step too far after airing gruesome scenes that saw Tom King stabbed.
Belle Dingle ploughed an axe into his back as their horror abuse plot reached fever pitch on the ITV soap opera last night.
![FROM ITV
STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before 2030hrs Thursday 26th September 2024
Emmerdale - Ep 10100.01
Thursday 26th September 2024
Belle King (EDEN TAYLOR DRAPER] and Tom King [JAMES CHASE]
Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com
Photographer - Mark Bruce
This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EMBARGO_EMM_BELLE_TOM_04_eb727d.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
![FROM ITV
STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before 2030hrs Thursday 26th September 2024
Emmerdale - Ep 10100.01
Thursday 26th September 2024
Belle King (EDEN TAYLOR DRAPER] and Tom King [JAMES CHASE]
Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com
Photographer - Mark Bruce
This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EMBARGO_EMM_BELLE_TOM_03_3a0b19.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It has left fans concerned that it is “too much” particularly given that Belle may now not face real justice having seemingly killed her husband.
It has left a sour taste in fans’ mouths who think the storyline could be undermined if she is unable to face any real justice for Tom’s abhorrent treatment of her.
Now they have issued a plea to Emmerdale bosses as they have been left desperately calling on the show to do the right thing with Tom.
Hitting out online, one worried fan said: “This is too much now Belle’s been through all that now she may get sent down for what she did to Tom?”
Another added: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Belle has axed him but I wanted Tom to get full Dingle justice. If he’s dead now he hasn’t suffered enough.”
As a third went on to write: “Emmerdale was incredible tonight but i hope tom isn’t dead as belle deserves justice for what happened.”
In the episode, on the day that she had planned to report her harrowing ordeal, Belle was left being terrorised by Tom King once again as he unleashed fury on her after finally coming face-to-face with her once again after weeks apart.
In scary scenes, Tom was chased by Belle as he became hell-bent on causing her even more pain.
At one stage, Tom spotted her lurking through an open window and as she realised she had been caught, she soon began to block the door as best she could in order to stop Tom from entering.
Tom then rattled at the door as he begged Belle to let him in before he furiously shouted: “Let me in Belle! Oh come on you stupid b***h and open this door!”
In a scene that resembled The Shining, Tom then began to tear the door down by ploughing an axe into it with Belle stood sharply to the side.
She let out a panicking wail as she screamed in fear at what Tom was about to do.
Later as Tom strolled around the room planning his next move, Belle was able to get her hands on the axe as she ploughed it into his back leaving him for dead.
So has Belle finally killed the evil Tom once and for all?
Or will she eventually get the justice that she deserves?
![FROM ITV
STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before 2030hrs Thursday 26th September 2024
Emmerdale - Ep 10100.01
Thursday 26th September 2024
Belle King (EDEN TAYLOR DRAPER] and Tom King [JAMES CHASE]
Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com
Photographer - Mark Bruce
This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EMBARGO_EMM_BELLE_TOM_02-Copy.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A WOMAN sparked a 12-day hunt after chilling CCTV showed her walking on a coastal path before her body was found in undergrowth.
Leah Daley, 24, told friends she was going for a walk to “clear her head” on May 5 then vanished into thin air.
Her disappearance in Folkestone, Kent, sparked a massive search and social media appeal.
The waitress’ desperate family also joined the hunt with an emotional people, saying: “people do not just vanish”.
Tragically, Leah was discovered dead 12 days later on May 17 by two dog walkers in an area of coastline known as The Warren.
An inquest into her death today heard how Leah died of cocaine intoxication.
Police also discovered a mystery substance in her bag which has not yet been tested, the court was told.
Assistant Coroner Katrina Hepburn said: “I’m further satisfied that there is a reasonable cause to suspect that she has died in circumstances where an inquest is necessary.”
The coroner warned a full inquest may be delayed while testing is carried out on the powder found in her backpack.
She said: “If this powder is being analysed by the police, it is likely to take several weeks.
“So if we’re hoping to get an answer before the inquest the date may have to be moved.”
Ms Hepburn set a provisional date of November 1 for the full inquest.
Leah was last seen walking along the Kent coastline near Folkestone, Kent, on the evening of May 5.
CCTV revealed some of her final moments as she made her way along a path carrying the Adidas backpack.
Police confirmed Leah was last seen at around 7pm at The Warren at the bottom of a concrete path leading down to the beach.
Her distraught family said at the time: “Our youngest Leah went missing nine days ago on Sunday May 5 and has not been found.
“For Leah not to have returned home without notifying the family, or any of her friends, is totally out of character.
“A lover and frequent walker of The Warren since childhood, Leah is familiar with the routes and surrounding areas.”
Despite a huge search involving emergency crews and volunteers, it took 12 days to find Leah’s body in undergrowth by a footpath.
Her mum Hannah later told how the family would “never get over” the delay.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that it's "heartening to see the legislation’s positive impact three years after commencement".
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