Drugs fuelling women's violence at jail - watchdog

Prison inspectors have said inmates at a women's jail continue to be affected by high levels of violence, self-harm, and unacceptable behaviour from staff.

A report into HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire and young offender institution (YOI) said the easy access to drugs and "very high levels of mental health need" were contributing to violence.

On Tuesday, HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) released its findings following an unannounced inspection of the jail, near Sudbury, in January.

Foston Hall's governor had launched an action plan to tackle violence and expanded support for women with substance issues, the Prison Service said.

A spokesperson for HMIP said: "Although violence was rarely serious and violence against staff was falling, the number of violent incidents remained the highest in the women's estate.

"Self-harm was also too high, despite a fall in incidents.

"Inconsistent care and a lack of assistance from staff were compounding the problems and causing women frustration."

The report found 42% of prisoners said it was "easy to get drugs and there was no body scanner or enhanced gate security to help tackle this threat".

Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, said: "Overall, this is a mixed report about a prison that has a way to go before it can realise its full potential, but we did see some evidence of improvement."

He said a new governor and deputy had "understood the challenges faced by the prison and had brought stability, notably to daily routines".

Mr Taylor added: "Although staff were very inexperienced and needed more training and more consistent support from middle managers, the prison was much more accountable and capable than when we last inspected."

HMIP said inspectors observed numerous examples of helpful and caring interactions between prisoners and staff, but found some "officers were rude and dismissive".

The report said many staff lacked experience and only a quarter of staff had completed the prison's mental health awareness training.

"This was concerning, given the high levels of need among the population," it added.

Inspectors said women were left "with too little to do", and provision of education, skills and work neither did not meet their needs or provide a route into education or employment.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are pleased inspectors recognised the progress made at HMP Foston Hall but acknowledge more work is needed so more women prisoners leave less likely to reoffend.

"The governor has implemented an action plan to drive down violence further and has expanded support for women with substance issues.

"We are also introducing new education contracts across all prisons to better prepare prisoners for employment upon release."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.