In a startling revelation, a former nurse at Broadmoor Hospital has lifted the lid on his experiences treating some of Britain's most dangerous criminals, including serial killer Peter Sutcliffe and gangster Ronnie Kray.
Paul Deacon, who worked at the high-security psychiatric facility for years, described the eerie atmosphere of caring for men who had committed unspeakable crimes. "You're constantly aware that these individuals have done horrific things," he admitted.
The Yorkshire Ripper Behind Bars
Deacon provided disturbing insights into Sutcliffe's time at Broadmoor, where the Yorkshire Ripper was held after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. "He could switch from calm to violent in seconds," the nurse recalled, describing how staff had to remain constantly vigilant.
Ronnie Kray's Hospital Reign
The revelations about Ronnie Kray paint a picture of the gangster maintaining his underworld influence even while institutionalised. "He still commanded respect from both staff and other patients," Deacon noted, explaining how Kray's notorious reputation followed him into psychiatric care.
Daily Life in Britain's Most Secure Hospital
Deacon's account sheds light on the extraordinary security measures at Broadmoor:
- Multiple locked gates between wards
- Constant monitoring of high-risk patients
- Strict protocols for staff safety
The former nurse also spoke about the psychological toll of working with such dangerous individuals, admitting that some staff struggled to reconcile professional duty with personal revulsion.
A Unique Perspective on Criminal Minds
Deacon's experiences offer rare insight into how the justice system handles offenders deemed too mentally ill for conventional prisons. His testimony raises important questions about rehabilitation, punishment, and the limits of psychiatric treatment for violent criminals.
As debates continue about how society should deal with its most dangerous members, these firsthand accounts from inside Broadmoor provide valuable - if unsettling - perspectives on criminal justice and mental health care.
