Serial killer Rose West 'sexually assaulted' inmate in her 20s after grooming her for weeks

Prison authorities have since disciplined West and removed her enhanced prisoner status following the incident.

A source told The Sun: "Rose looks like a frail pensioner, but she is still extremely dangerous as this attack shows."

Prison officers responded swiftly to the situation, with West subsequently appearing before a prison governor who found her guilty at an adjudication hearing.

The source described how West befriended the young woman before the assault, offering assistance with activities such as cooking and sewing to build trust.

"She befriended a young girl, in her 20s, and basically groomed her before the attack," the source added.

Fellow inmates at the facility have been left stunned by the incident.

"The whole prison is talking about it and inmates are shocked, despite what they might have done themselves," the source added.

It remains unclear whether West was discovered during the assault or whether her victim came forward afterwards.

The source expressed concern about how the attack was able to occur.

"It is pretty disgusting she had the freedom to do something like this in the first place. Her victim is vulnerable and West took advantage of her before trying to force herself on her."

West, who legally changed her name to Jennifer Jones by deed poll in 2020, was convicted in 1995 for her role in the murders of ten girls and women at the couple's Cromwell Street home in Gloucester.

Her husband Fred buried several of their victims at the property, which became known as the "House of Horrors".

He took his own life at the age of 53 whilst awaiting trial in 1995.

The couple's crimes were examined in the Netflix documentary series Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story.

Reports from last year indicated that West, now grey-haired and overweight but still recognisable by her thick-rimmed glasses, had attempted to befriend other prisoners by slipping Christmas cards beneath their cell doors.

West is housed in a specialist unit at New Hall designed to provide a "psychologically informed environment" for inmates.

Prisoners on this wing have access to various activities, including yoga sessions, knitting classes and film screenings.

They are also being permitted to care for chickens and walk freely around the landscaped grounds.

However, following the adjudication, West has been stripped of the benefits that came with her enhanced prisoner classification.

These privileges included additional funds for purchases at the prison canteen, television and DVD access, participation in workshop activities, and extended periods outside her cell.

"She has barely been allowed out of her cell since," the source said.

The killer has been accused of previously showing a pattern of attempting to cultivate relationships with younger inmates at the facility.

GB News has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment.