Serial Rapist Ronald Cole Found Dead in Prison After 45 Years Behind Bars
A convicted serial rapist who spent nearly five decades in prison for two brutal attacks has been found dead at HMP Full Sutton.
Ronald Cole, 74, died on May 27, 2025, according to the Ministry of Justice, which confirmed that the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will now investigate the circumstances of his death — as is standard protocol for any death in custody.
The brutality and repetition of Cole’s crimes shocked the nation and led to a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years. Despite that minimum, Cole remained in prison for 45 years, having never been deemed safe for release.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said:
“Ronald Cole died at HMP Full Sutton on May 27, 2025. As with all deaths in custody, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”
Cole’s death comes at a time of growing public scrutiny over how high-risk offenders are monitored after release.
