12 May 2006
Penal experts have warned the Home Office to stop using a Northwest prison as 'a dumping ground' for vulnerable women.
Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, this week argued that Styal Prison in Cheshire 'is in no way equipped' to manage its intake, 'nor should it be asked to do so'.
Lyon's comments followed a critical report on conditions at Styal by the government's chief inspector of prisons, Anne Owers. Owers reported on May 9 that Styal receives 3,000 women into custody each year, many of whom are mentally ill or addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Although Owers said Styal had improved its reception arrangements since inspectors last visited, serious problems remained. More than half of the inmates reported feeling unsafe, for example.
Lyon argued that many prisoners would be better served by attending community drug treatment programmes, community-based mental health schemes or women-only bail hospitals. 'Many [inmates] arrive following a history of suicide attempts, domestic violence and sexual abuse,' she added.
PFmay2006
