Rye Hill (HM Prison)

HMP Rye Hill
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.

Rye Hill Prison is located in the county of Northamptonshire close to its border with Warwickshire in England. The prison lies in the parish of Barby in Northamptonshire.[1] However the postal address of the prison is Willoughby, Warwickshire, therefore most sources list the prison as in Willoughby, Warwickshire.

Contents

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 Prison 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

External links