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KILLER STRUCK TV DEAL

Serial murderer Fred West was given cosy cell with television in exchange for information about buried bodies

Secret documents reveal sick killer milked negotiations with police even though his ramblings were of little help

SERIAL killing sex fiend Fred West was given a cushy police cell complete with telly after he offered to help cops locate the bodies of his tragic victims.

The evil mass murderer was switched from prison to a city centre nick where he was given £2.50-a-week ‘pocket money’ for sweets and fags.

 Fred West milked his chance to negotiate with cops
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Fred West milked his chance to negotiate with copsCredit: PA Archive

Officers guarding him were banned from striking up conversation but were told to make sure he had a constant supply of of books, newspapers and magazines.

Secret documents obtained by The Sun on Sunday - published for the first time - show how cops bent over backwards to make him feel at home.

The Home Office agreed to the move from Gloucester Prison to the city’s central police station after West was charged with eight murders in March 1994.

 Fred West grins as he leaves court in 1994
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Fred West grins as he leaves court in 1994Credit: PA:Press Association

A total of 12 women died during the Wests' Gloucester sex murder spree.

Senior detectives described the transfer as crucial to their investigation after blood-thirsty West vowed to lead them to more bodies, the files reveal.

But jail bosses were determined to make sure he was not robbed of any privileges he would have got as a remand prisoner and cops were keen to keep him on side.

West left prison on March 11, 1994, with enough clothes for two days but ended up staying for more than two months.

During that time the bodies of his daughter Charmaine West and first wife Catherine West were dug up.

 Mug shots of serial killers Fred and Rose West
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Mug shots of serial killers Fred and Rose WestCredit: PA:Press Association

The bizarre request to move West to the Bearlands custody suite in Gloucester - a 1960s office block with 15 cells - was made by leading cop Det Supt John Bennett.

As pat of the move it was agreed West would have “access to a television set” for “recreation” - a privilege he was denied in prison - inbetween interviews.

Under the heading “pocket money” a confidential prison memo read: “A prisoner normally receives pay of £2.60 a week with which he can buy sweets, tobacco etc.

“This sum can normally be supplemented by earnings from work, but he will not have this opportunity while in police custody.

“Because of this we do not think it unreasonable if you were to provide from police funds to the value not exceeding £2.50 per week for his use.

“Alcohol is only permitted on medical prescription.”

Officers also paid close attention to his “varied diet” from the police canteen and regularly waited on him with “hot drinks”.

He was also given one hour’s exercise out in “the fresh air” each day.

In the end West’s rambling and nonsensical accounts of the murders at House of Horrors - 25 Cromwell Street in Gloucester - were of little help to the detectives.

 The house formerly owned by Fred West
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The house formerly owned by Fred West

He was returned to prison on May 13 after his last interview with cops.

West, 53, hanged himself in jail on New Year’s Day 1995 while awaiting trial.

Wife Rose, 62, is serving life.

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