Death at prison as inmates locked in cell 23 hours a day
Inspection uncovers ‘concerns’ about how category C jail is operating
An inspection of Maidstone prison during lockdown has revealed inmates have been confined to their cells for 23 hours a day with no face-to-face contact with the outside world for at least 12 weeks.
The report has also highlighted a “self-inflicted death” at HMP Maidstone since the restrictions came into force. . A short scrutiny visit took place at the category C men’s prison on June 16 to give a snapshot of how it has been responding to the pandemic.
Inspectors found staff and prisoners were becoming concerned about the effects of such a prolonged, restricted regime on their well-being.
Although prison officers had “adopted appropriate arrangements in line with national guidance to contain the spread of the virus”, chief inspector Peter Clarke said he was “disappointed and concerned” about some aspects of how the centre was being run.
According to the report, the number of recorded self-harm incidents was similar to preceding months but much higher than the same time last year, and one “self-inflicted death”. During a recent inquest opening, assistant coroner Geoffrey Smith said 26-year-old Petrut Cristea was found in his cell and taken to Maidstone Hospital where he died on June 4. An initial cause of death was given as suspension and the hearing has been adjourned until January.
The number of people receiving support for risk of suicide or self-harm was increasing at the time of the inspection, with help in place for the “most vulnerable and complex prisoners”. However, there were no “systematic welfare checks” to identify decline in inmate’s mood.
Prisoners were unlocked for no more than an hour each day and having visits removed was said to be negatively affecting them. Inmates were only able to make phone calls while out of their cell, although they did get an additional £5 credit each week, with call costs also reduced.
Despite there being 14 spare mobiles, they were not used and video calling had not been made available.
However, work in the kitchen and recycling department was rotated across a different unit each day, giving as many prisoners as possible additional time out of their cell.
Managers had considered additional physical education sessions so inmates had more time outside, but decided not to due to national guidelines. Education packs and books were available but not many prisoners engaged with these resources.
Prisoners were “desperate to hear about restrictions being eased” but the governors were “unable to provide reassurance”.