More than third of inmates test positive for drugs

MORE THAN a third of inmates at one of the UK's busiest prisons tested positive for drugs with debts leading to threats and gang-related violence.

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Privately-run HMP Altcourse in Fazakerley has one of the highest rates of drugs among similar prisons around the country, which has led to a “considerable” increase in violence.

Prison inspectors who carried out a recent investigation at the category B jail found drugs had resulted in a “major threat” to safety and security. Prisoner-on-prisoner assaults had increased steadily over the past two years, largely fuelled by debt collection, with 70 attacks classed as “serious” - double the number of the last inspection.

Nearly three quarters of prisoners felt debt was the main cause of violence, with inspectors finding too little was being done to address the issue. Instead prison bosses' work to reduce violence was too narrowly focused on disrupting the gang activity by separating prisoners who had come into conflict.

Inspectors found debt issues started almost as soon as prisoners arrived at the reception jail. Prisoners who arrived with no money were offered a vape or a sweet pack from the prison shop on the understanding it would be repaid weekly on a nominal rate once they were earning money.