HM Prison Rye Hill
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| Location | Barby, Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Category B/Adult Males |
| Capacity | 664 (September 2009) |
| Opened | 2001 |
| Managed by | G4S |
| Director | Tom Wheatley |
HM Prison Rye Hill is a Category B men's private prison, operated by G4S. The prison is situated next to HMP Onley, in the parish of Barby, Northamptonshire, England.[1] However, the postal address of the prison is Willoughby, Warwickshire; therefore, most sources list the prison as in Willoughby, Warwickshire.
History
Rye Hill Prison opened in early 2001, being constructed and operated by G4S as part of the Private Finance Initiative.
In March 2002, two inmates serving 10-year sentences escaped from Rye Hill by hiding in the back of a delivery lorry.[2]
In April 2004, Member of Parliament Andrew Rosindell responded to the escape of a convicted murderer by calling for a review of security. At the time of his escape, the prisoner had been at University Hospital Coventry receiving a blood transfusion.[3]
In July 2005, an inspection report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons demanded urgent action after finding that the prisoners were bullying the staff. According to the report, inexperienced officers were deliberately overlooking behavioral violations and contraband items for their own safety. Some inmates reported that knives, drugs and alcohol were readily available at the prison.[4]
The prison today
Rye Hill is a Category B prison holding adult males. In addition the prison holds around 150 vulnerable prisoners (mainly sex offenders) in a separate Vulnerable Prisoner Unit, with its own regime and facilities.
Education at the prison is contracted to The Manchester College. Courses and evening classes are offered 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year. Commercial contracts such as welding, electronic assembly and commercial laundry are operated from within two workshops.
References
- ↑ "Location of HMP Rye Hill". streetmap.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
- ↑ "Two inmates still on run". bbc.co.uk. 19 March 2002. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
- ↑ "MP wants prisoner security review". bbc.co.uk. 12 April 2004. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
- ↑ "Jail staff 'bullied by inmates'". bbc.co.uk. 27 July 2005. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
External links
Coordinates: 52°19′42″N 1°14′33″W / 52.3283°N 1.2426°W
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