'Cockroach-infested' Pentonville Prison illegally detains inmates

'Cockroach-infested' Pentonville Prison illegally detains inmates

An alarming discovery has been made at a cockroach-infested prison where inmates were illegally detained beyond their designated release dates. HMP Pentonville in Islington, north London, has been deemed overcrowded and plagued with poor performance over the years. Chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, took urgent action against the facility after an inspection revealed numerous inmates had been held past their freedom dates due to staff errors in calculating sentences.

The situation at Pentonville was described as “frightening” by inspectors, who found that 130 inmates, roughly 20% of those eligible for release, had been unlawfully detained in the past six months. The Minister for Prisons, Lord Timpson, acknowledged the concerning findings and assured that immediate steps were being taken to address the issues identified. An action plan is set to be published in the near future to rectify the situation at the troubled facility.

The inspection also highlighted disturbing failures within the prison system, including 10 cases of early release errors between July 2024 and June 2025. In addition to inaccuracies in sentencing, new prisoners faced chaotic and alarming conditions during their induction and first night at Pentonville. With inmates confined to dirty cells without basic necessities like bedding, furniture, and telephones, the prison was deemed unfit for human habitation.

The dire state of affairs at Pentonville has prompted calls for immediate action and reform. Chief inspector Charlie Taylor emphasized the need for strong leadership and significant investment to address the systemic failures within the prison. This urgent notification marks the 10th instance since November 2022, signaling a pressing need for comprehensive improvements in the prison system. Stakeholders, including the Prison Reform Trust, have urged authorities to prioritize infrastructure upgrades, staff training, and humane treatment of prisoners to prevent further crises and protect the safety and wellbeing of inmates

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