Inquiry into prison abuse claims

The Howard League has interviewed prison staff

Police have launched a criminal inquiry into allegations that inmates of a young offenders' institution were beaten and humiliated by staff over a period of 20 years.

Four prison officers have been suspended following the claims of mental and physical abuse at Portland Young Offenders' Institution in Dorset.

Governor Kevin Lockyer gave police on Friday a dossier on the alleged abuse, compiled by the Howard League for Penal Reform.

The allegations follow a 12-month investigation by the League. It has taken statements from dozens of people, including prison staff.

A spokeswoman said six civil cases relating to the alleged abuse were being brought against Portland.

Haunted

The dossier contains allegations of beatings by prison officers, mainly in Portland's segregation areas.

Some of the alleged victims, who were at the institution up to 20 years ago, claim they are still haunted by the abuse.

The Howard League spokeswoman said: "Our dossier relates to an atmosphere of intimidation and violence at the prison.

"Boys have complained they were beaten, kicked and punched."

Others alleged that their heads were smashed against walls and that they were often referred to as "dirty little convicts".

The director general of the Prison Service, Martin Narey, said he hoped that the allegations of abuse would be thoroughly investigated.

New governor

He said he had visited the institution upon taking up his post last summer and was concerned about the "militaristic regime" there.

A new governor was appointed in August 1999 with a clear remit to change the culture of the establishment, Mr Narey said.

He added: "While being confident that the humanity of Portland has been radically improved by the new governor, I remain extremely concerned about the allegations of abuse.

"I am determined that when allegations of abuse are brought to light, they are investigated immediately - there is no place in the service for those who mistreat or abuse prisoners."

Portland holds up to 575 young male offenders aged between 15 and 21, with approximately 130 under the age of 18.

It will receive more than £2m over the next three years to improve the running of the institution.