Robert Maudsley, Britain’s longest-serving inmate, refuses to eat after losing access to entertainment in solitary confinement
March 10, 2025: Robert Maudsley, infamously known as “Hannibal the Cannibal,” has gone on a hunger strike after prison authorities confiscated his TV, PlayStation, books, and radio. The 71-year-old British serial killer, who has been behind bars for 49 years, spends most of his time in solitary confinement inside a glass cell at Wakefield Prison in West Yorkshire.
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Maudsley’s confinement is eerily similar to that of Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs. According to his brother Paul, Maudsley has refused food since February 26, demanding the return of his beloved electronics.
“Bob is in Danger of Going Mad Again”
Speaking to the New York Post, Paul’s concern for his brother’s mental health was evident:
“Bob is held inside a prison within the prison… Without his books and TV, he just sits there and vegetates. He’s in danger of going mad again.”
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Paul revealed that Maudsley enjoys playing chess and war games on his PlayStation, watching old films, and reading non-fiction books. Without these activities, he fears his brother’s mental state will deteriorate further.
A Final Call?
Paul recalled an angry and anxious phone call from Maudsley, in which he said:
“I’m going on hunger strike, so don’t be surprised if this is the last time I call you.”
Social Media Reacts to Serial Killer’s Protest
News of Maudsley’s hunger strike has sparked a mixed reaction online. While some mocked his complaints, others sympathized with his prolonged solitary confinement.
- One user joked: “Other prisoners say they feel much safer knowing he is on a hunger strike.”
- Another quipped: “A cannibal going on a hunger strike? Ironic.”
- However, a more sympathetic take stated: “He’s 71 years old, locked up for nearly 50 years. Torturing him like this is unnecessary.”
The Infamous ‘Hannibal the Cannibal’
Maudsley is currently serving a life sentence for four murders between 1974 and 1978. His most gruesome crime? He allegedly ate part of a victim’s brain, earning him the chilling nickname “Hannibal the Cannibal.”
Spending 23 hours a day inside an 18ft by 15ft glass cell, he is believed to be England’s longest-serving prisoner.
Will the Prison Authorities Respond?
As Maudsley continues his hunger strike, it remains to be seen whether Wakefield Prison officials will restore his access to entertainment or maintain the restrictions. Is this justified punishment or unnecessary cruelty? The debate rages on.
Tags: Robert Maudsley, Hannibal the Cannibal, UK Prison, Serial Killers, True Crime, Hunger Strike, Wakefield Prison, Criminal Psychology