Overcrowding in English and Welsh prisons forces Guernsey to handle rising number of inmates

Prison Governor, John de Carteret, says the facility faced "some operational challenges" during 2024. Credit: ITV Channel

Guernsey's prison population has risen by 14%, with the Channel Islands blocked from transferring inmates to the UK due to overcrowding there.

The latest States of Guernsey Prison Service annual report for 2024 shows the higher population was, at times, "difficult to manage" with an increase in disciplinary issues.

Les Nicolles Prison currently has a capacity of 134.

Throughout last year, it held a daily average of 90 prisoners, rising from an average of 79 in 2023.

John de Carteret, Guernsey's Prison Governor, has partly blamed "significant accommodation issues" in English and Welsh prisons, as inmates across the Channel Islands wait to be transferred to the UK to serve their sentences.

In the report, he states: "The prison certainly held more individuals who, in the absence of transfer issues, would have been moved off-island.

"The population remained complex, with an increase in sex offenders, women, and the continued accommodation of children.

"In simple terms, there are limitations to men, women and children sharing facilities within a custodial environment.

"The staff response to these challenges was excellent and they should be recognised for their hard work and dedication to continue to provide a safe and secure prison throughout the year."

The daily population at Guernsey Prison in 2024 fluctuated between 99 and 80 - with the average of 90 inmates much higher than other years. Credit: ITV Channel

Throughout 2024, a total of 171 discipline offences were recorded, more than double 2023, which saw only 67 issues.

This led to an increase in the use of force, with the report stating that 33 incidents needed Prison Officers to take this action, although only 11 issues were categorised as 'violent'.

The Prison Governor says some inmates who were meant to be transferred off-island "posed significant security issues resulting in disciplinary breaches", but added most offences were "relatively minor in nature".

He explains: "The increase in adjudication awards from 2023 to 2024 is a result of several charges being laid for single incidents involving a small number of prisoners.

"There has also been an increased number of charges dismissed, which has inflated the total figure.

"While most incidents are resolved without the need for force, there are times when Officers must step in as a last resort to intervene."

The report did highlight some improvements in the prison that have been made over the past year.

Injuries to both inmates and staff have been minimal, with the prison training four new prison officers.

Several prison facility projects were also completed, including shower refurbishments and improvements to the heating supply, window replacement, and general alarm systems.

The report also found that 95% of the prisoners attend work, and 75% are involved with some type of education.

Collectively, inmates gained 145 qualifications and awards, with five enrolled on Open University Degrees.

The Governor concluded: "I’m pleased and satisfied with the performance of Guernsey Prison throughout 2024.

"There have been some challenges throughout the year; despite these obstacles, we have delivered a safe and efficient prison, which has fulfilled its role in reducing reoffending and assisting in public protection."

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