50 danger criminals set to walk free
THE public are at risk from around 50 dangerous criminals to be released from crisis-hit HMP Birmingham in the next three months, inspectors warned.
The report said that between August and November the criminals assessed as posing a ‘high risk of harm’ would walk free at the end of their sentences.
But inspectors said they were ‘greatly concerned’ about what would happen when they were released.
They wrote: ‘Birmingham held and frequently released men who were assessed as posing a high risk of harm to others. Between August and November this year, 50 high-risk men are due to be released and we were greatly concerned that measures to protect the public from those men – while in prison and on release – were very poor.’
The report also found that risk assessments for inmates were not up to date and criticised staff for failing to deal with high-risk criminals. Sex offenders were also unable to access rehabilitation courses.
Built in 1849, HMP Birmingham is a category B facility for adult men and had a population of 1,2 9 at the end of last month. The report said conditions had dramatically deteriorated in the last 18 months despite positive signs after a riot in December 201 when inmates stole keys and 00 ran amok, causing £ million of damage. One picture showed them wearing guards’ helmets and carrying riot shields.
Last month mobile phone footage emerged showing inmates smoking cannabis, listening to music and wandering around the jail. Six inmates have died so far this year.