The man convicted of abducting and killing five-year-old April Jones has been targeted behind bars for a second time, over a decade after his horrific crime shocked the nation.
Jail attack at high-security prison
Mark Bridger, now in his late fifties, was reportedly set upon last week at HMP Wakefield — a high-security prison nicknamed “Monster Mansion” due to its number of notorious inmates. Prison authorities confirmed that Bridger suffered grazes to his hands following the incident, which is now under internal review.
It is not the first time the child killer has been assaulted behind bars. Shortly after his arrival at the prison in 2013, Bridger was slashed across the face with a homemade weapon fashioned from a razor, leaving him needing stitches.
A Prison Service spokesperson said the inmate responsible for the latest incident has been placed on report and faces disciplinary action pending a formal hearing.
Family reaction to latest development
April’s half-sister, Hazel, spoke out following the news. “He deserves everything he’s getting,” she said. “He literally deserves it all.”
Hazel added that now, as a parent herself, she’s haunted by the idea that people like Bridger could live unnoticed among families. “It’s scary to know there are people like that living on your doorstep,” she said. “I’m just glad he’s in prison for life. He’s going to carry on getting hurt.”
A crime that shocked Britain
April Jones was taken while playing outside her home in Machynlleth, Powys, in October 2012. Her disappearance prompted one of the largest police searches in UK history, but her body has never been found.
Bridger, who was living nearby in a rented cottage, quickly became the focus of the investigation. During his trial at Mold Crown Court, the prosecution presented harrowing evidence that pointed to a planned and deliberate act. In 2013, he was found guilty of child abduction, murder, perverting the course of justice, and the unlawful concealment and disposal of a body. He was handed a whole-life sentence, meaning he will never be eligible for parole.
Ongoing heartbreak for the family
The tragedy has continued to affect the Jones family. Just last month, April’s father, Paul Jones, passed away after suffering from a brain disease. Hazel said his death came without closure: “He died not knowing where my sister was.”
April’s mother has previously campaigned for tougher sentencing and raised awareness about child safety, while continuing to honour her daughter’s memory.
As for Bridger, the latest incident inside prison serves as a grim reminder of the life he now leads behind bars — one marked by isolation, hostility, and no chance of release.
Police and prison officials have not commented further on the assault, but security at HMP Wakefield is expected to remain under review.
