Jail inmates 'stage fight clubs'

Violence is increasing at the high-security prison near York

Inmates at a high-security jail are organising "fight clubs" to settle debts, prison inspectors have revealed.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers warned that levels of violence and bullying at Full Sutton high-security jail near York remained "high".

"Security searches...revealed evidence that fight clubs were being organised, usually to pay off debts," she said.

But a Prison Service spokeswoman said: "No proof has ever been found that a fight club exists in the prison."

Ms Owers revealed the claims on Wednesday to coincide with the publication of her report of an unannounced visit by inspectors to the jail in June.

Prisoners pressurised

She said the information came from the prison's security officers.

"Cell searches had revealed evidence that some prisoners were being pressurised by other prisoners into fights to clear debts, presumably with betting on participants," she said.

Materials used to make gloves and bindings were among the items found.

There was no evidence of staff involvement, Ms Owers stressed.

The Prison Service spokeswoman said: "There are occasional confrontations between prisoners, but these are managed effectively by the prison.

"The source of this claim is believed to stem from one intelligence report received by the prison some time ago."

Gang culture

She said the number of prisoners known to be members of high-profile gangs had increased significantly at maximum security prisons over recent years.

But gang activity was "closely monitored to ensure safe management of any gang-related issues".

The inspectors' report said general levels of bullying and violence among inmates and towards staff at the prison had increased.

The absence of CCTV in many areas of the prison meant the wings were unsafe, it added.

Ms Owers concluded: "The safety of both staff and prisoners needs to be improved at Full Sutton."

The report acknowledged progress had been made in mental health care and the segregation unit.

The management of prisoners at risk of committing suicide or self-harm had also improved along with the management of race relations and racist complaints.