Fish tanks at ‘therapeutic’ jail

PRISON chiefs spent hundreds of pounds on fish tanks and pot plants to create a more “informal atmosphere” at their jail.

HMP Grendon in Bucks is the only “fully therapeutic prison” in the country and aims to rehabilitate some of the UK’s most dangerous offenders.

Prisoners are encouraged to run “democratic wings” and to police themselves, calling meetings with staff when they have any problems. Some inmates are even allowed to keep budgies.

A report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons last week revealed that taxpayer-funded fish tanks and pot plants had been placed around the prison.

It stated: “To help create an informal atmosphere, features such as pot plants and pictures had been introduced. The prison has a number of fish tanks.”

The fish tanks – and fish – are paid for by the Bucks Association For The Care Of Offenders, which is reimbursed by the jail.

One prisoner wrote recently: “Being responsible for other living creatures can be a step in getting individuals to care for each other. Also, individuals can derive calmness by spending a few minutes looking at the fish.”

Prison governor Dr Jamie Bennett – who has claimed his jail is like a university “but with less drugs and alcohol” – said the fish tanks were part of a “living, learning environment”.

James Price, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers hardly expect their money to be spent on therapy fish for prisoners.

“Every penny spent on unnecessary items is a penny taken away from essential services.”