Stephen Griffiths, infamously known as the ‘Crossbow Cannibal’, is facing a tough time behind bars, enduring several violent attacks. Convicted 15 years ago for the brutal murders of Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Armitage, and Susan Rushworth, Griffiths garnered his chilling moniker after his horrific methods came to light. As a former criminology PhD student, he was obsessed with Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, yet his own crimes shocked the nation.
Locked away for life at HM Prison Wakefield, Griffiths’ prison years have been far from peaceful. Back in 2010, staff had to intervene after Griffiths harmed himself with glass. Fast forward to 2019, and he sustained a severe chest wound when another inmate attacked him with a wooden spear. The turmoil continues; just last year, Griffiths was reportedly knocked unconscious by an inmate avenging Suzanne Blamires’ death.
Life behind bars hasn’t become any easier for Griffiths, as his latest confrontation unfolded earlier this year. Eager for a fight, he allegedly attacked a fellow prisoner, but the encounter ended with him backing down and reportedly left too scared to venture from his cell.
What led to Griffiths’ grim legacy? In May 2010, a caretaker discovered disturbing CCTV footage that captured Griffiths’ final moments with Suzanne. The video showed her fleeing his flat, only to be dragged back inside. Later, shocking police reports revealed grisly details of what officers discovered inside his home, including body parts from Suzanne found in inhumane conditions. Her remains, along with evidence of his previous victims, told a sickening tale of violence.
Although serving a whole life order means Griffiths will never be released, his notoriety continues to echo through the halls of British prisons, making his life in custody a harsh reality check. To many, Griffiths may have escaped the death penalty, but the chilling memories of his crimes and the vigilant eyes of fellow inmates follow him every day.