The Latest Breaking News from the Prison Service

The truth about UK prisons and organised crime: ‘They’re your good lads. Respectful. Keep their noses clean’

In more than two decades in the Prison Service, Pia Sinha gained a reputation as a fixer. Now, as head of the Prison Reform Trust, she’s sounding the alarm about overcrowding and other problems

The Guardian - UK · Sep 22

PM urged not to change scheme to stop PC Andrew Harper killers’ early release

Manslaughter exemption would mean more releases would be needed within 18 months, Prison Service officials say

The Guardian - UK · Aug 10

Ben Gvir's Plan to Surround Palestinian Prison With Crocodiles Moves Closer to Completion

Israel has removed a key legal obstacle to Itamar Ben-Gvir's proposal to surround a prison holding Palestinian detainees with crocodiles, though the controversial plan still faces legal and practical hurdles.

International Business Times UK · Jul 18

Corrupt prison guard and gang jailed over smuggling operation

The officer has been jailed for four and a half years after helping smuggle drugs, phones and USB sticks into a London jail

Evening Standard · Apr 2

London’s Burning actor John Alford dies in prison aged 54

Alford, who also appeared in Grange Hill, was jailed for eight and a half years in January for sexually assaulting two girls

The Guardian - UK · Mar 14

The UK scandal of women handcuffed while in labour: ‘I was so shocked when the restraints weren’t removed’

Pregnant women prisoners in England are being handcuffed to prison officers – often male – during intimate vaginal examinations and long, agonising births. Will this dehumanising treatment be stopped?

The Guardian - UK · Mar 4

Death on the inside: as a prison officer, I saw how the system perpetuates violence

The long read: A rise of murders is traumatising inmates and staff, and making life harder for staff. But even in prison, violence isn’t inevitable

The Guardian - UK · Jan 13

Who are the Palestine Action hunger strikers and what are the health risks?

Seven prisoners have been taken to hospital since starting their strikes, with some claiming a lack of medical attention

The Guardian - UK · Dec 22, 2025

Release errors show the sorry state that prisons are in

Letters: John Lovelock and James Stoddart on the woeful state of prisons, caused by funding cuts and lack of support for both inmates and staff

The Guardian - UK · Nov 12, 2025

Abuse by UK’s ‘most prolific sex offender’ was ignored at Medomsley detention centre, report finds

Neville Husband committed hundreds of offences while working at facility in County Durham from 1969 to 1985

The Guardian - UK · Nov 12, 2025