Violence prevalent at high security jail -report

Violence remains "prevalent" at a high security prison which has been told to improve safety and conditions for inmates.

A report into Long Lartin, Worcestershire, said the prison was well led and had made "clear progress", but too many prisoners told inspectors they felt unsafe.

Assaults were a cause of concern, although since the last inspection in 2024, the rate of assaults had fallen. The rate of self-harm remained high and four more prisoners had taken their own lives.

The announced inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, which took place between 23 February and 5 March, also found too many inmates "lived in unacceptable conditions".

Fifteen key concerns have since been identified, with five deemed "priorities".

Inspectors said the prison, near Evesham, held some of the most dangerous men in the country, most presenting a "very high risk of harm" and are serving long or determinate sentences.

The priorities included addressing the rate of assaults, which was higher than at similar prisons and leaders were told they "had not done enough to understand the underlying causes of violence".

The rate of self harm incidents was also higher than at similar prisons, while support for prisoners in crisis was poor, the report said.

Many staff failed to engage positively with prisoners, with minority ethnic prisoners reporting especially poor relationships with staff.

An "unhygienic night sanitation system" was still in use on older wings and elsewhere many cells lacked heating or hot water.

"These serious issues could not be resolved without substantial and sustained investment," the report warned.

Attendance at workshops was also considered poor.

Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, said the last inspection found outcomes were insufficient in three out of four tests - safety, respect and purposeful activity. Only the preparation for release outcomes was "assessed as reasonably good".

"At this announced follow up inspection, we found a well-led prison which was making progress, but outcomes for prisoners had not improved enough to change the scores in any of our tests," Taylor said.

He added leaders had been successful in reducing the supply of illicit drugs, seen by a "steep drop" in positive drug tests.

The governor had "set clear standards for improvement", Taylor said, and there was evidence of greater stability, but "morale was low and shortages of experienced officers had weakened delivery".

Inspectors said prisoners spent too much time locked in cells with limited access to meaningful activity.

However, the gym and library were praised for delivering enrichment opportunities and a tutor was providing in-cell education, including to inmates who were segregated.

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