Report finds prisoners "burning holes in their windows" to bring in drugs at Lancashire Prison

A new report into a Lancashire prison has found that prisoners are "burning holes in their windows" to allow drones onto site carrying drugs.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons have labelled HMP Garth near Leyland as a serious threat to safety - alleging an increase in violence by some 45%.

Prisoners were found to be burning holes in their windows to allow the entry of drones laden with contraband, with the smell of cannabis was rife; whilst 63% of men surveyed said it was easy to get hold of drugs with one claiming it has become an ‘airport’.

Some parts of the prison were found to be dilapidated and new arrivals told inspectors they were being forced to pay other prisoners to get missing furniture for their cells. Inspectors have also found poor morale among staff, and many officers spending their time congregating in offices rather than being out on the wings.

Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons said:

“Garth holds some very serious offenders. Although the governor had a good understanding of the many challenges the prison faced, without better support from the regional team and the prison service it will continue to be a jail of real concern.

"It is imperative that the prison service finds a way to stem the ingress of drones to reduce the supply of drugs into prisons like Garth, so they can begin to reduce violence and get men out of their cells and into a full day’s work and training.

"Staff attendance and capability will need to improve significantly and without substantial investment from the prison service, drugs will continue to flow into this troubled jail.”

HMP Garth is a Category B prison, with space for up to 845 male inmates.

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