Rose West is currently held at HMP New Hall, a women’s closed prison near Flockton in West Yorkshire. Britain’s most notorious female serial killer has been incarcerated at New Hall since June 2019 and is serving a whole life order — meaning she will never be released. At 71 years old, she lives under an assumed name in a specialist unit for long-term inmates.
Which Prison is Rose West In?
Rose West is held at HMP New Hall, a Category B closed women’s prison located near Flockton, West Yorkshire. She has been housed there since June 2019 and is widely understood to be her final place of imprisonment given that she carries a whole life order. Within the prison, West lives in Poplar House 1, a dedicated unit for lifers and long-term prisoners. She reportedly uses the assumed name Jennifer Jones to reduce attention from other inmates.
HMP New Hall is one of the largest women’s prisons in England, holding around 400 inmates. It operates a closed regime and accommodates women serving sentences across a wide range of offences, including life-sentenced prisoners.
Why Was She Moved from HMP Low Newton?
Before arriving at New Hall, Rose West spent many years at HMP Low Newton in County Durham, a high-security women’s prison. She was transferred in June 2019 following credible threats to her safety from convicted serial killer Joanna Dennehy, who was also held at Low Newton. Dennehy — who murdered three men in 2013 — reportedly threatened to kill West, prompting prison authorities to relocate her. West had previously been held at HMP Durham and HMP Styal at various points during her sentence before settling at Low Newton for a prolonged period.
What is Her Life Like in Prison?
By most accounts, Rose West leads a deeply isolated existence behind bars. She is shunned by many fellow inmates due to the nature of her crimes and reportedly spends much of her time alone in her cell. Her lawyer has previously described her prison life as “disruptive,” suggesting ongoing difficulties with prison management and other residents. In one reported incident, West is alleged to have physically and sexually assaulted a young inmate, allegations that added to her already notorious reputation within the prison system.
Now in her early seventies, West is understood to suffer from various health conditions associated with ageing. She has limited contact with family and receives few visits. She participates in some educational activities within the prison but is not permitted to hold any position of responsibility or trust.
What Sentence is Rose West Serving?
Rose West is serving ten concurrent life sentences with a whole life order, which means she is categorically ineligible for parole and will remain in custody until she dies. She was sentenced in November 1995 following her conviction for ten counts of murder. In 1997, then Home Secretary Jack Straw formally confirmed the whole life tariff, removing any possibility of early release. A whole life order is the most severe custodial sentence available in England and Wales and is reserved for the most serious cases — including mass murderers, child killers, and those whose crimes are considered uniquely heinous. For context, fewer than 70 prisoners in England and Wales currently hold this designation.
What Were Rose West’s Crimes?
Rose West, born Rosemary Pauline West on 29 November 1953, was convicted alongside her husband Fred West for a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse, torture, and murder carried out between the 1960s and 1980s. Their victims, who included young women, runaways, and two of the couple’s own children, were buried at the family home at 25 Cromwell Street in Gloucester — a site that became known as the House of Horrors. In total, twelve victims were attributed to Fred and Rose West, though the true number may be higher. Fred West died by suicide in January 1995 while awaiting trial. Rose West was convicted of ten murders in November 1995. Her case remains one of the most disturbing in British criminal history, and she has consistently refused to cooperate with police or acknowledge the full extent of her crimes.
If you are looking for information on supporting someone currently in custody, our guide on how to send money to a prisoner provides a step-by-step overview of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prison is Rose West currently in?
Rose West is currently held at HMP New Hall, a women’s closed prison near Flockton in West Yorkshire. She has been there since June 2019.
Will Rose West ever be released from prison?
No. Rose West is serving a whole life order, which means she will never be considered for parole and will remain in prison for the rest of her natural life.
Why was Rose West moved from HMP Low Newton?
Rose West was transferred from HMP Low Newton to HMP New Hall in June 2019 after convicted serial killer Joanna Dennehy made credible threats against her life while both women were held at the same facility.
How old is Rose West?
Rose West was born on 29 November 1953 and is currently 71 years old. She will spend the remainder of her life at HMP New Hall.
What name does Rose West use in prison?
Rose West is reported to use the assumed name Jennifer Jones within HMP New Hall in an attempt to reduce attention and protect herself from other inmates who are aware of her crimes.
