Summary
HMP Five Wells, a prison in Northamptonshire, has become one of Europe's largest facilities for sex offenders, leading to safety and mental health issues among inmates. The integration of sex offenders with the general prison population has resulted in increased violence, self-harm, and drug use.
Key Facts
- HMP Five Wells opened in 2022 as the UK's first "smart" prison.
- The prison now has one of Europe's highest numbers of sex offenders, with 1,206 out of 1,717 inmates convicted of such crimes.
- Prisoners have reported increased violence and bullying, including attacks on sex offenders.
- Incidents of assault in the prison rose by nearly 75% in 2024, and self-harm incidents increased significantly.
- Inmates, like Sam and Maria's son, face mental health challenges and safety concerns due to the integration of sex offenders.
- The availability of drugs like "spice" has become a problem, with inmates using them to cope with their environment.
- Families visiting the prison have expressed concern about the presence of sex offenders during visits.
- Transfer requests by inmates who feel unsafe, like Sam, have been declined.
