An over-reliance on inexperienced officers meant that inmates were getting too much control, with drugs and mobile phones plentiful, it is claimed.
The Prison Officers' Association recently warned about chronic staff shortages and retention problems.
The alert came days after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled plans for the early release of up to 20,000 inmates to ease chronic overcrowding.
Jo Taylor spent five years as a senior prison officer at HMP Wakefield, dubbed "Monster Mansion" because it houses many notorious killers such as Levi Bellfield and Ian Huntley.
She said last month's incident - when a male convict filmed another having sex with a female prison officer while he smoked cannabis at Wandsworth jail showed the system is out of control.
She asked: "How was she in there and where were the other staff?
This story is from the July 14, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 14, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Brave Teddy's lesson in beating the odds
BPROUD parents Kirsty and Nigel Luke were overcome with joy watching their son Teddy head into school for the first time – a day they feared would never happen.
Stage star Steph has mental Block with English lingo
BROADWAY legend Stephanie J Block has revealed how hard it was for her to adapt to “the lingo” of English theatre for her role in Kiss Me Kate, writes Garry Bushell.
'Public suffering' while officials work at home
CIVIL servants working from home are making it harder for members of the public to get answers out of key government departments, Boris Johnson’s former right-hand man has warned.
Hero pilot landed jet in dark
A HEROIC RAF pilot has described how he managed to avoid disaster when all the controls on his Typhoon fighter jet went dark.
Rich life of highs and lows for the Queen of Crime
CURRENTLY working on a new novel, Prime Suspect creator Lynda La Plante is still a force of nature at the age of 81. But as she publishes her memoir she tells JANE ODDY about the challenges she has been forced to overcome to succeed.
Land of Morning Glory! Proms could pay tribute to Oasis
OASIS should perform with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at The Proms next year, according to two influential broadcasters.
Trump jibe at Kamala before live TV debate
DONALD Trump has mocked Kamala Harris for taking three days to prepare for their live TV debate, by declaring: “Everyone has a plan... until they get punched in the face.”
Golden glory for wonder woman Hannah
GOLDEN girl Hannah Cockcroft stormed to another victory at the Paris Paralympics last night to crown another British medal rush on its last full day.
Gove: I tried to ban Grenfell 'culprits'
ATTEMPTS to punish firms responsible for the Grenfell fire were blocked by Treasury officials, Michael Gove claims.
Harry's birthday bash 'could end feud with Beckhams'
A LAVISH party being organised by Meghan Markle for Prince Harry’s 40th birthday next Sunday could turn into a test of friendship – if David and Victoria Beckham attend.