Police launch investigation at HMP Wakefield – the same prison where Ian Watkins was killed last month

CHILD killer Kyle Bevan, who was serving a life sentence for murdering his two-year-old stepdaughter Lola James in Haverfordwest, has been found dead inside HMP Wakefield – one of Britain’s highest-security prisons.

Police were called to the West Yorkshire jail at around 8:25 am on Wednesday (Nov 5) following reports that a man had been found dead in his cell. Bevan’s death was confirmed shortly afterwards by the Prison Service, which said that police are investigating and declined to give further details.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “HMP Wakefield prisoner Kyle Bevan’s death was confirmed on 5 November. We are unable to comment further while the police investigate.”

Police and prison investigations under way

West Yorkshire Police are leading inquiries into the circumstances of Bevan’s death. As is routine following any death in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will also open an independent investigation in due course.

Bevan, aged 31, had been serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 28 years for the murder of his stepdaughter in 2020.

The cause of death has not yet been released, and officials have not stated whether it is being treated as suspicious. Bevan was found dead just weeks after Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins, a convicted paedophile, was murdered by other inmates inside the same facility on October 11.

“Prison under strain”

HMP Wakefield, a Category A men’s prison housing more than 600 of the UK’s most dangerous offenders, has recently been described by inspectors as “a prison under strain.”

A report published earlier this year found increasing levels of violence, overcrowding, and poor perceptions of safety among prisoners—particularly older men sharing wings with a growing number of younger inmates.

The back-to-back deaths of Watkins and Bevan have prompted renewed questions about safety, staffing, and conditions inside the high-security jail, known informally as “Monster Mansion.”

The murder of Lola James

Bevan’s original conviction was one of the most harrowing cases to emerge from west Wales in recent years.

On 17 July 2020, two-year-old Lola James suffered catastrophic head injuries after what the judge later described as a “frenzied and extremely violent attack.” She died in hospital four days later.

At Swansea Crown Court in April 2023, Bevan was found guilty of murder after jurors heard that Lola had sustained 101 separate injuries to her body. He claimed the family dog had pushed her down the stairs, but medical evidence showed she had been assaulted repeatedly over several months.

Bevan, described in court as a “self-confessed spice head” who also used amphetamines, Xanax and cannabis, had moved into the family home in Haverfordwest only months before the killing.

Judge Mr Justice Griffiths said Bevan had shown “no remorse at all” for his actions, adding that the murder was the culmination of months of cruelty.

Mother jailed for failing to protect her daughter

Lola’s mother, Sinead James, was sentenced to six years in prison for causing or allowing the death of a child. The court heard that she had ignored warnings from friends, family and social services, continuing to leave Lola in Bevan’s care despite signs of previous injuries.

A Child Practice Review into the tragedy was commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council, examining whether agencies could have done more to protect the little girl.

A council spokesperson said at the time: “Whilst Pembrokeshire County Council has had some historical involvement with Lola and her family, the local authority was not involved at the time of her death or during the relationship between Kyle Bevan and Sinead James.
The council continues to offer its sincerest condolences to Lola’s family for their loss.”

Reaction and next steps

The announcement of Bevan’s death has prompted strong reactions on social media, with many expressing the view that “justice has finally been served,” while others have questioned conditions inside the prison.

The cause of death and findings of the police inquiry are expected to be released in due course. An inquest will follow once the post-mortem examination has been completed.

The Herald will continue to monitor official updates from West Yorkshire Police, the Prison Service and the Ombudsman’s investigation.