State of ‘escape’ prison laid bare as inmates secretly brew alcohol in cells

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery The Victorian-era building is chronically overcrowded and suffers a high staff turnover Due to the unavailability of staff, the prison is “severely limited” in preventing the influx of illicit items, with drones and “throw overs” listed as the main means of access. open image in gallery Smashed lavatory pans causes frequent flooding and inmates struggle to gain access to showers Chronic overcrowding was also listed as a serious problem at the Victorian-era building, with Wandsworth prison “yet to see the benefit” of a £3.8billion investment to deliver 20,000 new uncrowded prison places. open image in gallery Violence had also increased in the prison, with over 10 incidents against staff recorded each week Smashed lavatory pans and sinks led to frequent flooding, while broken windows contributed to the vermin problem as pigeons and rodents continued to pose a serious health risk to the establishment. “However the regime remains unacceptable and will continue to do so until the prison reaches its planned level of staff availability.” IMB Chair, Tim Aikens, said: “Recent events at Wandsworth have demonstrated the shortcomings of the prison system that the IMB has been highlighting repeatedly for many years.