‘Monster’ dies in prison after terrorising children
Malcolm Vickery, a convicted abuser known as a “monster,” passed away in Bridgend’s HMP Parc in 2023, four years after being imprisoned for heinous acts of sexual abuse. The recent report from the prisons ombudsman sheds light on a failure in the prison staff’s response to Vickery’s cardiac arrest. Originally from Risca in Caerphilly county, Vickery was found guilty by a Cardiff Crown Court jury in April 2019 of six counts of rape, three of attempted rape, five of indecent assault, and two of sexual assault towards two children in the 1970s and 80s. The severity of his crimes led sentencing Judge Rhys Rowlands to express profound dismay, stating, “For one man to have caused so much harm and suffering over the years is truly appalling.”
One victim bravely shared her trauma, revealing that the abuse had robbed her of her childhood and womanhood. The emotional scars of the abuse haunt her to this day, as she expressed, “I have scars in my head that will never heal.” The second victim, who was a teenager at the time of the assaults, endured what she described as “horrific” abuse, leading to decades of mental health struggles. Vickery was handed a 25-year prison sentence, highlighting the severe impact of his actions on his victims.
The prisons ombudsman’s report, conducted by Adrian Usher, revealed Vickery’s cause of death as heart disease on March 11, 2023. While acknowledging the prison healthcare team’s compassionate care, the report also identified errors in the emergency response to Vickery’s cardiac arrest. The absence of the correct adrenaline dose for such a situation was noted, with Mr. Usher recommending regular checks on emergency equipment to prevent such oversights in the future.
During sentencing in 2019, Judge Rowlands praised the victims for their bravery in facing Vickery’s “appalling depravity” in court. Concerns were raised about Vickery’s health during the trial, raising doubts about his ability to serve his entire sentence due to poor health. The possibility of release on compassionate grounds fell under the jurisdiction of the home secretary. A subsequent inquest confirmed Vickery’s death as due to natural causes in January of the following year.
The tragic story of Malcolm Vickery serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse on victims and the importance of acknowledging and addressing such crimes. The solemn conclusion of Vickery’s life in prison raises complex questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the protection of society’s most vulnerable members. The failures in the prison’s response to his medical emergency underscore the need for continued scrutiny and improvement in how institutions handle such critical situations.
As we reflect on this harrowing tale, it is essential to remember the courage of the victims who bravely came forward to seek justice and share their pain. Their voices must not be forgotten amidst the details of legal proceedings and institutional shortcomings. The legacy of Malcolm Vickery’s crimes lives on in the lives of those he harmed, highlighting the enduring need for vigilance and support for survivors of abuse.