HMP Usk, a small jail specialising in sex offender programmes, and the nearby HMP and YOI Prescoed, an open prison, remained “fundamentally successful” establishments, inspectors found in 2017. The two prisons in south east Wales are distinct establishments three-and-a-half miles apart, but run by the same management team. Usk is a small category C training… Continue Reading
Oxfam: “I wish sometimes they had murdered me in my cot”
By Mark Leech, Editor: The Prisons Handbook for England and Wales. As a survivor of sustained sexual abuse as an 8-12 year old by those UK state employees into whose ‘Care’ I was entrusted, some of whom much much later were jailed, I wish sometimes they had murdered me in my cot. The devastation is… Continue Reading
HMP SUDBURY – “We Dont Talk To The Public”
WARNING THE PICTURES LINKED BELOW SHOW GRAPHIC KNIFE INJURIES. By Mark Leech, editor: The Prisons Handbook for England and Wales. The Governor of Sudbury Open Prison refuses to speak with members of the public in general and the victims of violent crimes in particular whose assailants are locked up in his prison. In May 2014… Continue Reading
“Once again, we found CRCs stretched beyond their capacity”
Inspectors found that staff in Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) did not see offenders often enough while under supervision on two of the most commonly used non-custodial sentences – community orders and suspended sentence orders. This lack of meaningful engagement led to poor decisions in managing breaches of the orders. Though the proportion of community-sentences completed… Continue Reading
Worboys Judicial Review Latest – Court ‘minded to grant permission’
Black-cab rapist John Worboys is appearing in person at the High Court to hear whether the decision to release him will face a legal challenge. He appeared in the dock of Court 5 at the Royal Courts of Justice on Wednesday, after Sir Brian Leveson asked for him to be brought from prison. The judge,… Continue Reading
Inspectorate warns of links to organised crime at Lindholme
Inmates with gang connections are determined to carry on “plying their trade” behind bars, a watchdog has warned. HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) flagged up the impact of holding hundreds of men with links to organised crime in the same establishment. An inspection report found drugs and violence were rife at HMP Lindholme in South Yorkshire.… Continue Reading
PAROLE BOARD: Review ‘A Priority’ After Worboys Case Says New Justice Secretary
The Parole Board followed “the correct procedures” when informing the victims of “black cab rapist” John Worboys of his release. However, Justice Secretary David Gauke told MPs the fact that some of the women learned of the decision from the media meant there was a need to review procedures. Mr Gauke, speaking in the Commons,… Continue Reading
HMYOI Cookham Wood: Violence and self-harm have increased at a youth jail
In the year since the last inspection of HMYOI Cookham Wood in September 2016, when a total of 54 recommendations were made (below), 16 had been implemented by the time of this inspection. An Implementation rate of 30%. Safety: 15 recommendations made, 7 implemented. Respect: 20 recommendations made, 4 implemented. Purposeful Activity: 8 recommendations made, 2 implemented.… Continue Reading
New Police Watchdog Starts Work Today
A major overhaul of the police complaints system in England and Wales begins on Monday with the launch of a new watchdog. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is being replaced by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as part of a shake-up announced by Theresa May as home secretary. Ministers say the changes… Continue Reading
What Do Legal Aid Changes To Prison Law Mean?
Nine months after the Court of Appeal ruled government cuts to legal aid for prisoners were unlawful the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that, from 21st February 2018, criminal legal aid will be extended to the three areas identified by the Court of Appeal as failing the fairness test without legal representation – and the… Continue Reading
