Lindholme Prison (Hansard, 19 July 1988)

§ Mr. Douglas Hogg

A disturbance took place at Her Majesty's prison, Lindholme on the night of 15 July. At approximately 11.20 pm prisoners smashed windows in C wing. Soon afterwards inmates in other wings joined in and groups of prisoners began roaming the prison causing damage and setting fire to buildings.

Staff were obliged to withdraw and contingency plans were activated and worked well. The police and fire services, off duty Lindholme staff, and support staff from other north region prisons attended the incident and the prison was brought under control by 3.30 am.

There was fire and smoke damage to a number of buildings including the living units and hospital. Fire had caused structural damage to a wall in the dining room complex. The extent of this is not yet known, but it is not thought to be in a dangerous condition and the building remains intact. The cost of repairs has been initially assessed as being in the region of £70,000. Work is already in hand to make good the damage.

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No injuries to staff have been reported. One prisoner, who is thought to have been struck in the back by another prisoner was treated for minor injuries in an outside hospital and returned to the prison. Another is thought to have a fragment of glass in his right eye. Six prisoners escaped after breaking the security fence and two remain unlawfully at large. Forty-five prisoners were temporarily lodged in police custody and later taken to other prisons.

The prison was quickly returned to its normal routine. Normal visiting arrangements took place the next day. On the night of 17 July there were two further minor incidents in which clothing and blankets were set alight. The prison is now in a controlled and stable state with prisoners assisting to repair damage and cleaning up.

My right hon. Friend has instructed the deputy director general of the prison service, Mr. Gordon Lakes, CB, MC. to conduct an inquiry into the incident. The inquiry team began its work on 17 July. Mr. Lakes will inquire into the Lindholme disturbance taking into account his inquiry into the disturbance last month at Haverigg.

I visited Lindholme on the morning following the disturbance and spoke to staff and inmates. It was apparent to me that the trouble was caused by a small element and that most prisoners did not wish to be involved. I pay tribute to the prompt and efficient action taken by prison staff, the police and the fire services in dealing with this incident.