PRT response to Inspectorate report on Parkhurst prison

In response to the publication of the report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on Parkhurst, Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said:

“This report is a story of a poorly performing prison getting worse. Parkhurst has for a long time now been failing in its job to provide purposeful activity for prisoners so they are equipped and prepared for release back into society after serving their sentences.

“At Parkhurst prison disabled people are serving a double punishment where they are held in a poorly performing prison and one which clearly neglects their needs. Disabled prisoners are going many months without showers due to inadequate care arrangements.

“Following this report, the Prison Reform Trust calls on the Prison Service to comply with its responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. “