Concern as violence almost doubles at prison

Rates of violence at a prison in Rutland have almost doubled in three years, a watchdog has found.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons carried out an unannounced inspection of HMP Stocken in July and said stated rates of violence in the 12 months prior to the visit were 199 per 1,000 prisoners compared to 105 in the year before its last inspection in 2023.

The report also said drug smuggling had become a "significant threat" to the stability of the prison.

A Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spokesperson said it was "urgently" conducting a review to shut down routes for illegal contraband and was investing in security to tackle violence.

"Bullying and debt associated with illicit substances" were identified as the main drivers behind the rise in violence, the report said.

It added: "Some incidents were linked to prisoners seeking transfer to another establishment, either to avoid debt-related issues or to be closer to family.

"However, few assaults resulted in serious injury and rates remained lower than at many comparable Category C prisons."

Inspectors said the smuggling of drugs and other illicit items were the "main threat" to the order and stability of the prison, which leaders had linked to "violence, bullying, self-harm and debt".

The watchdog said the ability to combat this threat was "hampered by significant staff shortages" - which affected drug testing and searching activity.

"Leaders had used intelligence well to understand ingress routes of illicit items and to allocate appropriate resources, for example by a programme to replace cell windows and improve security along the main walkway," it said.

"They had also forged good links with the police and local community. However, the absence of suitable netting above exercise yards and the lack of enhanced gate security continued to create opportunities for illicit items to enter the prison."

Inspectors said they found a prison of "considerable potential, with some capable and committed leaders", and evidence of a "number of encouraging developments and initiatives".

A MoJ spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "This report recognises clear progress at the prison, including strong, committed leadership and action to rehabilitate prisoners.

"We recognise there is more to do. The prison is urgently conducting a review to shut down routes for illegal contraband, and more broadly we are investing £75m in physical security to tackle violence, criminality, and drugs across the whole estate."

The spokesperson added the ministry was "clamping down" on contraband smuggling by strengthening windows, nettings and grilles around prisons.

The LDRS said the measures came amid an independent review of the prison system, led by former home secretary Amber Rudd, to "reduce reoffending, and better protect the public".

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