originally by: BBC News
published: 4 June 2013
Youth offenders were “exposed to unacceptable levels of violence” at a privately-run institution near Bristol, inspectors found. Problems had worsened at HMYOI Ashfield since a decision to close it and move inmates, whose safety was “compromised”, their report said.
They also revealed two inmates suffered broken bones in separate incidents through excessive force by staff.
Ashfield will become an adult prison housing sex offenders in July. The inspectors found planning for the closure had not been “effectively co-ordinated” between the Serco-run institution in Pucklechurch and the Youth Justice Board (YJB).
As a result of this problem, they found:
- A sharp increase in self-harm incidents since the closure announcement
- Two young people had suffered broken bones after use of force by staff
- Young people were routinely strip-searched when they entered or left reception
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