Inspection spotlights new jail's high rates of violence and drug use

STAFF CORRUPTION HAS CONTRIBUTED TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM, SAY INSPECTORS

- By HANNAH RICHARDSON

HIGH rates of violence and "significant" drug use have been uncovered at a new prison.

Inmates at HMP Fosse Way told His Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons during a visit that they felt unsafe.

Incidents include the recent death of a prisoner after two fellow inmates attacked him.

Data showed there had been a “steady rise” in violence at the Glen Parva prison over the 12 months before the inspection, with violence against staff also increasing.

The inspection team said there was also often a smell of cannabis in the housing blocks, and that the number of positive drugs tests were among the highest of all Category C prisons - those which hold inmates deemed a moderate risk of escape and pose a moderate risk to public safety.

There are “significant concerns” over safety, inspectors said, but the three other areas they looked at - respect, purposeful activity and preparation for release - were all rated “reasonably good”.

The visit was the first review of the service - run privately by Serco - since it opened in 2023.

Prison director for the company, Wyn Jones, said Serco was “overall pleased” with the inspectors’ findings.