HMP Whatton branded 'inhumane' over housing of inmates
- Published
A Nottinghamshire prison has been branded as "inhumane" for its housing of inmates.
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) report on HMP Whatton is critical of prisoners still being housed in three or four-bed dormitories.
Inspectors also highlighted concerns that toilet facilities were inadequate.
However, the IMB said the prison and its staff had operated well despite pressure on resources and budget restraints.
The report on the Nottingham prison, which houses male sex offenders, covers the period from June 2009 to May 2010.
It recognised the prison had acted on concerns highlighted previously with cell-sharing risk assessments.
But the review was critical of prisoners being moved to HMP Whatton from long distances, making visits from families very difficult and expensive.
The monitoring board has written to the prisons minister Crispin Blunt recommending changes.
HMP Whatton, which has about 800 inmates, is a Category C prison holding sex offenders who may be close to release.
- Published21 May 2009