Violence up 53% at HMP Gartree since 2023, with six priority concerns, inspectors say

Violence at HMP Gartree near Market Harborough rose by 53% between its 2023 inspection and an unannounced visit in August, prison inspectors have found.

Assaults on staff increased by 49%, while the rate of self-harm doubled, though it remained below the average for Category B training prisons. HM Inspectorate of Prisons said support for prisoners in crisis was too limited.

In its report, the inspectorate identified 14 concerns, six of which require immediate attention: rising violence, drugs, self-harm, the state of the buildings, limited access to psychological therapies and the training on offer. Outcomes had deteriorated since 2023, most notably in safety and respect, which inspectors now judged not sufficiently good. Gartree held 631 men at the time of the visit, all serving indeterminate sentences.

About half of prisoners surveyed said they had felt unsafe at Gartree at some point, while roughly a quarter felt unsafe at the time. Prison leaders told inspectors that debt and bullying linked to the illicit economy contributed to assaults.

There had been three confirmed deaths involving illicit substances and two other non-natural deaths since the previous inspection. Leaders said drones were the main route for illicit items entering the prison. Enhanced gate security operated around the clock, and window grilles were due to be installed.

The governor had appointed a drug strategy lead, and inspectors found that recovery support had improved. They also said preparation for release remained reasonably good and staff were working hard to support prisoners’ progression.

Inspectors identified inadequate access to psychological therapies, lengthy waits before prisoners with severe mental illness were moved to hospital, and deficiencies that deprived some patients of essential medication.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said the report showed progress at Gartree and that the rate of serious assaults had dropped by 20%, while acknowledging that more remained to be done. An independent review aimed at improving prison safety and reducing reoffending is being led by Amber Rudd, the former home secretary.