News

Special arrangements should be made to transport young people between prisons and courts to avoid the risk of self-harm and suicide, according to a report by prison campaigners.

The Howard League for Penal Reform has said that young people and women are disproportionately vulnerable to self-harm during the prison transport process.

One in four recorded incidences of self-harm in court cells or escort vehicles in the London area last year were by young people. In the 12 months to April this year, 30 incidents of young people self-harming were recorded, out of a total of 113.

The Howard League is recommending that separate escorting arrangements be made for transporting juveniles and women. It is also calling for the Prison Service to carry out routine inspections of conditions. Court escort services have been provided by private companies since 1993.

Meanwhile, juvenile offenders will no longer be detained at Portland Young Offenders Institution, the Youth Justice Board has confirmed.

The decision not to use the Dorset institution follows the publication this week of a report by chief inspector of prisons Sir David Ramsbottom highlighting racism and bullying at the centre.

Fran Russell, assistant director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "Portland has a very long history of poor performance. Youngsters there are treated as if they are nothing."