Disturbing Encounter: Ex-Inmate Reveals Rose West’s Chilling Advice

A woman who shared prison time with notorious child murderer Rose West has recounted the unsettling advice the killer offered her before her release. West, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1995 for the murder of ten girls and women alongside her late husband, Fred West, is one of Britain’s most infamous serial killers. The couple was responsible for heinous crimes that transformed their now-demolished home at 25 Cromwell Street, Gloucester into what became known as a “House of Horrors.”

Stephanie, the former inmate, received a two-year sentence in November 2024 after being convicted of fraud. She embezzled £30,000 from her employer through financial manipulation. In a personal account published by The Sun, the 28-year-old described her shock at being incarcerated alongside individuals convicted of serious crimes, including pedophiles and violent offenders.

During her imprisonment, Stephanie was transferred between open and closed facilities, with her final weeks spent at the Rivendell unit within HM Prison New Hall in Flockton village, near Wakefield. It was here that she encountered the now 72-year-old West, who had adopted the name Jennifer Jones. West initiated a conversation by asking Stephanie about her name, complimenting it with the remark, “That’s a lovely name.”

Stephanie noted that her new accommodation was significantly quieter than her previous prisons. This tranquility was suggested to be a result of West’s relocation due to threats from another inmate, convicted killer Joanna Dennehy. Observations from their interactions revealed West’s current lifestyle, characterized by a monotonous routine. According to Stephanie, West expressed excitement while making introductions and reportedly enjoyed watching David Attenborough documentaries. She also mentioned a fondness for a particular animal from Madagascar, believed to be a type of hedgehog, and took up sewing as a pastime.

In her description, Stephanie highlighted West’s orderly cell, which contained DVDs and other personal belongings. She noted that West would trade her cornflakes for porridge with fellow inmates, indicating a sense of normalcy within the confines of prison life.

The most striking aspect of their final conversation was West’s attempt to impart wisdom to Stephanie. In a chilling moment, West advised, “You never, ever want to spend your life in prison like me – and if you meet anyone that’s bad, you just make sure you run to the police.” These words have lingered with Stephanie since her release.

Despite the passage of time, the site of the Wests’ gruesome crimes continues to haunt the local community. Reports emerged last May indicating that the former Cromwell Street location had been redeveloped, yet many residents express an enduring sense of unease. The site, which was demolished in 1996 and converted into a footpath, still evokes feelings of dread among locals.

Patsy Dooley, a resident living just five minutes from the site, commented on the lingering atmosphere, stating, “It feels very strange there. There’s a very eerie, strange energy, almost cold.” She added that everyone she knows shares this sentiment, emphasizing the discomfort felt when passing by the location. “Everyone knows what happened there, so I think it naturally makes you feel uncomfortable when you walk past or walk down there. I personally don’t like to walk down it; I walk around instead.”

As the community grapples with its past, Stephanie’s account sheds light on the life and mindset of a woman who remains one of the most notorious figures in British criminal history.