Convicted paedophile Roy King dies in prison amid fresh sex assault claims
Roy King, 61, serving an indefinite sentence for the horrific knifepoint rape of an 18-year-old in Crystal Palace Park, has died behind bars. King had a long rap sheet of sexual offences, including crimes against children, and was locked up under the now-abolished Indeterminate Sentence for Public Protection (IPP).
Prison Death Follows New Sexual Assault Allegation
King was held at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire, a facility for sex offenders. On January 27, 2023, just days before his death, he was accused by another inmate of sexually assaulting him.
After the allegation, King was moved to another wing, stripped of his prison job, and placed under disciplinary review. During talks with officers, he fiercely denied the claims, shouting, “I know you lot are going to believe that liar.”
Later that day, King overdosed on medication he was allowed to keep and was rushed to hospital. He died three days later, on January 30.
An inquest ruled his death a “misadventure,” concluding that although the overdose was deliberate, King showed no clear intent to end his life.
Ombudsman Slams Prison Failings
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) blasted HMP Littlehey for ignoring clear warning signs. Despite King’s known history of self-harm—especially after losing privileges or receiving punishments—staff failed to start suicide and self-harm monitoring (ACCT).
“Mr King had a history of repeated self-harm following inappropriate behaviour, when he lost his job or after staff told him to do something he did not want to do,” said the PPO. “Although this was clearly recorded in his prison records, staff did not consider starting ACCT monitoring, which would likely have led to consideration of removing Mr King’s in-possession medication.”
A clinical review also revealed major blunders by healthcare staff. Two nurses were reported to the Nursing and Midwifery Council over their conduct.
The sexual assault allegation was passed to Cambridgeshire Police but was closed after King’s death.
Inside The Shocking Crystal Palace Attack
In July 2006, King befriended an 18-year-old man stranded after missing his last train. Offering shelter, he instead dragged the victim to a quiet spot in Crystal Palace Park and raped him at knifepoint.
King denied the crime at first but changed his tune when forensic and CCTV evidence stacked up against him. He claimed the sex was consensual, but a jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.
The court heard King had 11 previous convictions for 25 offences—including nine sexual crimes against young children.
IPP Sentences: A Deadly Controversy
King’s death shines a harsh spotlight on the controversial IPP sentencing system. Though scrapped in 2012, more than 2,000 prisoners remain trapped under these indefinite sentences, with no clear way out.
Critics argue the IPP leaves offenders languishing in jail, worsening mental health and prison safety, and raising serious questions about justice and fairness.
This story contains references to sexual violence. If you or someone you know needs help, contact Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999 or visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
