A convicted rapist who targeted female students at the University of Wolverhampton has died in prison, in the same jail where disgraced Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins was killed. Akiel Flemming, 35, was serving a 16-year sentence for raping an undergraduate and sexually assaulting two other women during Freshers' Week in 2016.
Details of the Crimes
Flemming, then 25 and from Albert Avenue, Manchester, entered a hall of residence at the University of Wolverhampton on October 1, 2016. He raped one female student and sexually assaulted another after sneaking into their rooms. He also targeted a third woman who was sleeping beside her boyfriend. He was arrested on the same day and charged with rape, sexual assault, and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence. Despite claiming the encounters were consensual, a jury convicted him on all charges in June 2017 at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
Death and Investigation
Flemming died at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Wednesday, April 22. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating the circumstances of his death, as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice. A Prison Service spokesperson stated: "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' Reputation
HMP Wakefield, a Category A prison, is often referred to as 'Monster Mansion' due to its high concentration of dangerous sex offenders and killers. During a recent inspection, about two-thirds of its inmates were serving sentences for sexual crimes. It is the same prison where Ian Watkins, the former Lostprophets frontman serving 29 years for child sexual offences, was fatally attacked in his cell in October 2024. Two men have pleaded not guilty to his murder, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
Impact on Victims
During sentencing, Judge Patrick Thomas QC stated there was "no doubt you represent a significant risk to the public." Detective Constable Tom Keady from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit added: "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."
