Drug debts 'cause jail violence'

Stabbings among prisoners have been caused by drug debts at a high-security prison in Worcestershire, a new report has disclosed.

The report, by the Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers, found inmates used mobile phones to organise sales of class A drugs at HMP Long Lartin.

One prisoner told inspectors drugs are the "biggest problem in the jail".

Staff at Long Lartin said new measures were being introduced to improve safety there.

The report includes comments by prisoners.

One said: "Having phones means that people can organise a drug trade; which then causes debt - which then leads to violence and stabbings."

Ms Owers said only a third of prisoners suspected of taking drugs were being tested - despite the prison having a high positive test rate.

Frozen food

A survey found that 43% of the inmates questioned said it was easy to obtain drugs in the prison.

The report also recorded that a higher proportion of Muslim prisoners felt victimised.

It said that some Muslim inmates were made to pray in a room usually used to store frozen food.

Ms Owers said a multi-faith prayer room was needed along with better mental health services for inmates.

She said: "Staff-prisoner relationships, purposeful activity and resettlement were generally positive.

"However, we identify a number of areas that require further work."

Phil Wheatley, director general of the National Offender Management Service, said: "The governor and senior management team are committed to ensuring that all prisoners feel safe, and the strong personal officer scheme at Long Lartin continues to be developed to offer support to prisoners."

He added that a Muslim chaplain would be leading a new support programme designed specifically for Muslim prisoners.

A new mental health service will also be brought into the prison.