In England and Wales, prison inmates are facing dire conditions as they endure rat and spider bites, according to a recent report. The state of prisons in the region is alarming, with vermin infestations posing a serious threat to inmates’ well-being. Inspectors have reported instances of cockroach invasions, biting flies in showers, dead rodents on prison wings, and cells being rendered unusable due to bedbug infestations.
One particularly disturbing incident occurred at Bullingdon prison in Oxfordshire, where inmates were bitten by venomous false widow spiders. At Hollesley Bay prison in Suffolk, an inmate was bitten by a rat while sorting through rubbish. The situation at HMP Pentonville was so severe that the kitchen had to be shut down for three months due to a rat infestation, forcing prisoners to rely on sandwiches and army-grade rations.
The report, compiled from the accounts of Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) at various prisons, also highlighted issues such as flooding and leaks affecting the prison facilities. At Bedford prison, the care and separation unit, which housed vulnerable individuals, would flood during rainy periods. Similarly, the leaking roof of a unit at Feltham B prison in west London resulted in contaminated water being collected in buckets.
Delays in maintenance and repairs have led to serious safety concerns at many prisons, with inspectors warning of the implications on prisoners’ well-being. For example, the report mentioned the case of a Pentonville prisoner who was killed with a weapon that was believed to have been smuggled in through a window. Despite urgent recommendations for window replacements, the necessary upgrades have not been completed even eight years later.
Moreover, HMP Dartmoor faced issues related to radon gas exposure, leading to the evacuation of prisoners from the facility. Fire safety risks have also been a significant concern, with incidents like the fire brigade being unable to reach a cell fire at Dartmoor due to a gate malfunction being reported.
In response to the report, James Timpson, the prisons minister, expressed deep concern over the findings, acknowledging the extent of the prison crisis inherited by the government. He emphasized the need for immediate action to address overcrowding and improve long-term conditions in prisons.
Rob Preece from the Howard League for Penal Reform echoed the urgency for change in the prison system, especially in light of the ongoing fire safety upgrades required in thousands of prison cells. Elisabeth Davies, the national chair of the IMB, emphasized the consequences of underinvestment in prison infrastructure, calling for a shift away from temporary solutions and towards sustainable improvements in prison conditions.
The report sheds light on the harsh realities faced by inmates in England and Wales, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals within the prison system.
