Crime Solicitors

A spokesman for G4S has confirmed that a serious incident broke out and was contained at HMP Oakwood near Wolverhampton on Sunday (05/01/14).

Reports suggest weapons may have been involved in the unrest, which involved 60 inmates in one wing of HMP Oakwood.

The prison was the scene of several rooftop protests in 2013 and Staffordshire police have confirmed that they offered support to officers from G4S security firm in managing Sunday’s incident.

Prison officers at HMP Oakwood who are specially trained in handling public disorder outbreaks assisted in controlling the situation and restoring order. It is believed “Tornado” squads of prison officers were equipped with riot gear and the disturbance was contained by 9pm.

On Sunday a spokesman for G4S said:
“We can confirm that there is an ongoing incident taking place on a wing at Oakwood prison. The situation is contained and we are applying standard procedures to manage the incident."
G4S was recently at the centre of an investigation into overcharging the Ministry of Justice for electronic tagging services used to track prisoners released on parole.

HMP Oakwood is one of the UK’s largest prisons, housing1,605 Category C male prisoners. It has been open for two years. The Justice Secretary Chris Grayling called HMP Oakwood “a first class facility” just a few weeks ago.

However, an inspection of HMP Oakwood by HM Inspectorate of Prisons found the jail had staff who were inexperienced – as well as a high level of violence, drug use and self-harming among inmates.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

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Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons – and are available 24/7 to advise at any stage of a criminal charge.

For expert advice on prisoners’ rights and all crime law, contact Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

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