Convicted rapist Akiel Flemming dies at HMP Wakefield

Akiel Flemming, a 35-year-old man convicted of raping and sexually assaulting three female students during freshers week at the University of Wolverhampton in 2016, died at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Wednesday, April 22.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death, as is standard for all deaths in custody. A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed the death and 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." The Ministry of Justice has also acknowledged the incident, with the probe ongoing.

Flemming, then 25 and from Albert Avenue in Manchester, targeted the women in a university hall of residence on October 1, 2016. He entered one student's room and raped her, sexually assaulted a second after gaining access to her room, and assaulted a third who was asleep with her boyfriend around 5 a.m. Authorities arrested him the same day. He faced charges of assault, sexual assault, and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offense.

Flemming denied the allegations, claiming the contact was...