A CONVICTED child killer has reportedly been attacked behind bars for a second time at one of Britain’s highest-security prisons.

Mark Bridger, who abducted and murdered five-year-old April Jones in 2012, is understood to have been assaulted by another inmate at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire.

Prison sources say Bridger, now 60, suffered minor injuries during the incident. Staff quickly intervened and separated the prisoners. The attack is being investigated internally, with additional security measures reportedly put in place.

Repeat violence

This is not the first time Bridger has been targeted in custody.

The former machinist, originally from Machynlleth, has previously been moved between prisons over safety concerns and has been attacked before by fellow inmates, reflecting the hostility often directed at prisoners convicted of crimes against children.

Wakefield, known unofficially as the “Monster Mansion”, houses some of the UK’s most dangerous and high-profile offenders and is designated Category A — reserved for inmates considered the highest escape risk or posing serious danger to the public.

Life sentence

Bridger was jailed for life in 2013 after being convicted of April Jones’s murder following one of the most extensive police searches in Welsh history. Despite months of searches, April’s body has never been recovered.

The case devastated the small community of Machynlleth and prompted national debate about child safety and offender monitoring.

He was handed a whole-life order, meaning he will never be released.

Investigation under way

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an assault on a prisoner at HMP Wakefield. Violence in prison will not be tolerated and those responsible will face additional punishment.”

Further details about the extent of Bridger’s injuries have not been disclosed.

It is understood he remains in custody at the prison.

For many across Wales, particularly in Mid and West Wales where April lived, emotions around the case remain raw more than a decade later, and any developments involving her killer continue to draw strong reaction.

Magistrates hear persistent loud music caused nuisance to neighbours

A NEYLAND resident has been fined thousands of pounds after repeatedly failing to comply with a community protection notice, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.

Beryl John, 75, of Gothic Road, Neyland, Milford Haven, was convicted in his absence on Thursday (Feb 5) of breaching a community protection notice on multiple occasions.

The court heard that on November 8, 10, 13, 23 and 29, 2025, John failed to ensure that persistent and continuous music played at an excessive volume from his property did not create a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living nearby.

The offences were committed despite a community protection notice having previously been issued. Magistrates found the breaches proved in absence.

For the first offence, John was fined £1,000. John was also ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. No separate penalties were imposed for the remaining offences.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £2,400 to be paid by March 5.

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.