Prison in walkout row wins award

A number of prisoners have absconded from Prescoed

An open prison in Monmouthshire which has had several prisoners abscond in the past five months has been named one of the best in Wales and England.

The Home Office has jointly awarded the open jail at Prescoed and nearby HMP Usk "high performing prison" status.

Prescoed is one of six prisons to receive the award.

Following the award, which relates to the year ending March 2006, Usk Town Council said it was "very supportive" of the two prisons.

Two paedophiles and a convicted murderer absconded in July, although all were recaptured.

Despite the walkouts, Phil Wheatley, director-general of the Prison Service, commended Prescoed for "outstanding work" in the year 2005-6.

"The high performing establishments highlighted this year fully deserve this recognition," he said.

This award just makes you wonder what is coming next David Davies, Monmouth MP, AM

"They are delivering exceptional levels of care and support for some of the most difficult and vulnerable people in society, all the time looking to further improve the way they work."

The disappearance of murderer Lee Dewhurst was not notified to the public until two months after he escaped, prompting anger in the local community and subsequently a change of policy from Prescoed and Gwent Police on notification of absconders.

In response to the award, the town council said an investigation into the absconding was ongoing and could not comment further until the outcome of that inquiry.

Monmouth MP and AM David Davies said he was waiting for a response on the issue from Prisons Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

"This award just makes you wonder what is coming next.

"Not only have they managed to lose I don't know how many prisoners in the last few months, but two of them were very dangerous child rapists.

"They have also tried to cover up the fact others have gone missing."

In October the UK Government agreed to look into whether sex offenders should continue to be sent to Prescoed following local community concern.