Violent attacks surge 77% at HMP Low Newton housing Joanna Dennehy

HMP Low Newton, a women's prison in County Durham, has reported a staggering 77% increase in violent incidents over the past year, with a total of 129 acts of violence recorded. This surge includes an 86% rise in assaults on staff, highlighting the challenges faced by prison personnel. The report, covering March 2023 to February 2024, indicates that the prison has been housing individuals with severe mental health issues, contributing to the heightened violence. The monitoring board noted that the use of force by staff was often necessary to protect themselves and prevent self-harm among inmates. The report also revealed that incidents of prisoner-on-prisoner violence increased, with nine additional assaults and eight more fights reported. The prison, which accommodates 298 inmates, has been taking steps to address the violence, including improving training for staff to better support neurodiverse prisoners. However, the mental health support team has struggled with staffing shortages, leading to delays in healthcare access for inmates. Despite the alarming rise in violence, the board described the prison as a 'reasonably safe environment.' The new governor, appointed in January, is working on strategies to mitigate the violence, including the recruitment of trained peer support prisoners. The report emphasizes the need for ongoing improvements in mental health care and the importance of addressing the root causes of violence within the facility. Overall, the situation at HMP Low Newton reflects broader issues within the prison system, particularly regarding the management of inmates with complex mental health needs. The independent monitoring board's findings underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to enhance safety and support for both staff and prisoners.