Dramatic fall in jail isolation numbers

Penal reformers have welcomed a dramatic cut in the number of prisoners locked up in their cells for most of the day, but questioned how long they are held in such conditions.

Prison Service figures show that 339 inmates were on restricted regimes last July. This fell 22% to 263 in September.

This includes a 20% fall in those being held on protection, who are kept away from the normal population for their own safety.