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28/09/2006
Pentonville prison criticised in report
Pentonville prison, the busiest in London, is vermin-infested and is often unable to meet the basic requirements of prisoners, a new report has found.
The report, which followed an unannounced inspection of Pentonville by the Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers in June, found that the jail was overrun by cockroaches and rats. There was also an "unusually high" number of alleged assaults by prison officers on inmates, the report said.
Around 55% of prisoners said that they felt unsafe in Pentonville, while 42% said that it was easy to obtain drugs in the prison.
The report also said the prison often lacked basic requirements for prisoners, such as pillows and toothbrushes. The report even claimed that at times there was no guarantee that prisoners would receive a cooked meal.
Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, called for Pentonville to be closed.
She said: "The Pentonville of this report would be more in place in Hogarth's Gin Lane than Islington today.
"This impoverished, chaotic prison is clearly not fit for purpose. For many people time spent in Pentonville will be a brutalizing, damaging experience that does nothing to contribute to public safety.
"The Home Secretary must now decide whether Pentonville can be hauled into the twenty first century or if he should cut his losses and use this as an opportunity to sell up and divert funding into bail provision, mental health, drug alcohol treatment and more effective community penalties for petty offenders."
(KMcA/EF)
The report, which followed an unannounced inspection of Pentonville by the Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers in June, found that the jail was overrun by cockroaches and rats. There was also an "unusually high" number of alleged assaults by prison officers on inmates, the report said.
Around 55% of prisoners said that they felt unsafe in Pentonville, while 42% said that it was easy to obtain drugs in the prison.
The report also said the prison often lacked basic requirements for prisoners, such as pillows and toothbrushes. The report even claimed that at times there was no guarantee that prisoners would receive a cooked meal.
Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, called for Pentonville to be closed.
She said: "The Pentonville of this report would be more in place in Hogarth's Gin Lane than Islington today.
"This impoverished, chaotic prison is clearly not fit for purpose. For many people time spent in Pentonville will be a brutalizing, damaging experience that does nothing to contribute to public safety.
"The Home Secretary must now decide whether Pentonville can be hauled into the twenty first century or if he should cut his losses and use this as an opportunity to sell up and divert funding into bail provision, mental health, drug alcohol treatment and more effective community penalties for petty offenders."
(KMcA/EF)
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14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
03 April 2006
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
01 March 2011
Northern Ireland Prison Service Facing Reform
As many as 500 prison officers could be made redundant as part of a major, fundamental reform of the prison service in Northern Ireland. There is a severance package being proposed as one of the recommendations in an interim report published by a review team.
Northern Ireland Prison Service Facing Reform
As many as 500 prison officers could be made redundant as part of a major, fundamental reform of the prison service in Northern Ireland. There is a severance package being proposed as one of the recommendations in an interim report published by a review team.
28 June 2012
Murderer Escapes From Pentonville Prison
Police are appealing for help in tracing a convicted murderer who has escaped from HMP Pentonville. John Massey, 64, made off from the Islington prison at approx. 18.30hrs on Wednesday 27 June. He is considered potentially dangerous and should not be approached by the public if he is seen.
Murderer Escapes From Pentonville Prison
Police are appealing for help in tracing a convicted murderer who has escaped from HMP Pentonville. John Massey, 64, made off from the Islington prison at approx. 18.30hrs on Wednesday 27 June. He is considered potentially dangerous and should not be approached by the public if he is seen.
28 August 2012
Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
