Britain's broken jails 'to blame for escape'

Prison Officers' Association attacks 'systemic failings' Worst problems are overcrowding and shortage of staff Government aims to hire 5,000 more well-paid guards

- Jon Austin and David Williamson

JAILBREAKS such as that made by terror suspect Daniel Khalife are only possible because the prison estate is so rundown, overcrowded and short-staffed, experts claimed last night.

X-ray scanners are not always used due to staffing problems, increasing the risk of phones, weapons and drugs getting into inmates’ hands, the Prison Officers’ Association warns.

And it has been revealed that 80 wardens at Wandsworth Prison failed to show up for work on the day Khalife escaped, representing 40 per cent of staff.

This can be added to a list of “systemic failings” which may have enabled Khalife’s break for freedom, the union says.