Bullying ‘rife’ against foreign inmates at prison

EVIDENCE of widespread bullying in one jail against inmates, particularly foreigners, has been uncovered by the Inspectors of Prisons.

Management at Wheatfield Prison in west Dublin have now handed complaints of bullying by staff against foreigners to gardaí.

In one case, a Nigerian inmate attacked by two white prisoners told Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen that he received scars and marks from a beating while racist remarks were also passed.

Prisoners reported bullying in general was “rife” effecting 75% of inmates, with 15% of prison officers engaging in it.

Mr Kinlen said there was “certainly anecdotal evidence” to support claims, given by numerous inmates seeking lock-up protection.

Management said incidents were stamped out immediately and strongly denied staff bullied foreigners. But probation officers backed concerns about bullying complaints in general.

The Prison Inspector recommended the Visiting Committee — made up of independent members including councillors — now investigate racism and bullying claims at Wheatfield.

Long-term isolation, including 23-hour lock-ups, for inmates seeking protection was soul destroying, said the 102-page report.

An excessive amount of disciplinary actions appeared to be taken against prisoners, the report also warned. Some 348 inmates were on disciplinary reports for more than six months.

However, some punishments appeared “severe”, concluded the inspector, such as a man who lost eight days remission for trying to bring a milk carton into the exercise yard. He refused to leave it in his cell and abused an officer.

There have been concerns at Wheatfield about inmates filling cartons with boiling water and sugar and using them as weapons.

Concern was also noted about the “annualised hours” system introduced in January 2006, which was meant to reduce staff overtime hours. “Teething problems” existed, including reported cuts to services such as workshops, education and the library. Staffing levels should not be lessened, warned the report.

Mr Kinlen said outdoor exercise facilities must be used more by inmates. Prison officers were using the football pitch more than prisoners and prison rules currently meant when it rained, all outside recreation in the yard was cancelled.