HMP Isle of Wight inspectors raise assault concerns

Prisoners housed on the Isle of Wight have reported "unusually high" levels of violent and sexual assaults.

After an unannounced visit to HMP Isle of Wight, inspectors graded it as "reasonably good" but raised concerns about inmate safety.

They also said that, despite a recent serious fire, during which 10 people were injured, some fire equipment was not unlocked at night.

The prison, near Newport, holds 1,081 men, most of whom are sex offenders.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said the prison's "complex population" was managed well overall, but more work was needed to reduce the risk posed by some inmates.

In a survey, 4% of prisoners reported being sexually assaulted by other inmates, and 3% said they had been sexually abused by staff, against a national average of 1%.

And 13% said they had been physically assaulted by other inmates, while 5% said the same about staff, compared to average figures of 7% and 3% respectively.

Mr Hardwick said: "Further work was required to develop a more sophisticated approach to managing and reducing the risks these men posed, both within the prison and, importantly, when they were eventually released."

He added that inspectors found relationships between prisoners and staff were good, the care of men at risk of suicide and self-harm was generally good, and there was little evidence of illegal drug use.

Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said the prison was reviewing inspectors' recommendations.

HMP Isle of Wight was a safe prison, he said, where staff were "working well to look after prisoners with particularly complex needs".

Mr Spurr added: "Prisoners are given positive opportunities for rehabilitation, with a good range of work and education activities provided."