Crime Solicitors

HM Prison Bristol has increased its capacity by four percent just weeks after it was criticised by HMIP for overcrowded conditions that had left it “dirty and poorly equipped.”

Justice Minister Jeremy Wright revealed last week that the operational capacity of the prison, which is located in the Horfield area of Bristol, was increased by 25 places two months ago and it can now house 639 inmates.

The revelation follows a recent report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) that revealed the majority of cells had damaged lockers and broken or missing windows. It also said that cells designed for one were commonly used to hold two prisoners.

Mr Wright said: “We will always have enough prison places for those sent to us by the courts, but we need to modernise the estate to provide prison capacity at much lower cost and in the right places to deliver our ambition of reducing reoffending.”

Mr Wright continued by saying that prisons located in Swansea, Nottingham and Portland have also seen an increased operational capacity since September 4 and will be funded by existing public sector prison budgets.

“These additional places are judged to be safe and decent to operate taking into account control, security, and the proper operation of the planned regime. We will keep the need for these places under review,” Mr Wright said.

Duncan Lewis’ Crime Department has extensive experience in prison law. Whether you have just been detained or are a long-term prisoner, our criminal solicitors will provide a solution to ease emotional distress.