Broadmoor: Inside Life With Britain's Worst Killers

Paul Knight spent ten years at Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire, England, sharing his life with some of Britain's most infamous criminals. These included serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, known as the Yorkshire Ripper, cannibal Peter Bryan, and several Al-Qaeda terrorists. Knight described the experience as surprisingly mundane, stating that interacting with such individuals became 'normal' over time.

Knight's own journey to Broadmoor began after an assault on a doctor in Bristol prison, leading to a grievous bodily harm charge. Initially expecting a short stay, his violent reputation resulted in a decade-long confinement, often involving strong sedatives. Daily life in Broadmoor was monotonous, with limited time outside and structured activities in the day room, where patients would watch news reports of their own trials.

Despite the grim surroundings, Knight noted that some inmates, like Sutcliffe, received frequent visits from admirers. He also recounted interactions with cannibal Peter Bryan and Islamist terrorist Haroon Rashid Aswat. Broadmoor's conditions, according to Knight, were far from what might be expected, with patients receiving treats like fish and chips and birthday cakes, alongside recreational activities.

Knight was eventually released in 2012 and found readjusting to life outside challenging. He has since married, become a step-father, and published a memoir about his experiences. Another notable inmate, Jonty Bravery, convicted in 2024 for a serious assault, remains at Broadmoor, where incidents of violence against staff, while not common, can be severe.