Prisoners at HMP Bullingdon spent up to 23 hours a day in cells report finds

The Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Bullingdon in Bicester has released its annual report, which highlights how prison life has become more restricted to reduce the risk of virus transmission. It covered the period July 2019 to June 2020.

The report found only a very small number of staff and no prisoners tested positive for coronavirus.

Prisoners were reported to be spending up to 23 hours a day in their cells to maintain social distancing and following a reduction in activities. According to the Board the negative impact of these changes was the "loss of opportunities for education, employment, exercise and other undertakings that improve health and wellbeing."

As social visits from family and friends were unable to go ahead, prisoners have been given extra credits to use on calls, which they can make from within their cells.

The report also found since lockdown levels of violence and self-harm, previously high, have reduced significantly, which the Board regards as a success.

Since the report period ended in June domestic and legal visits, gym sessions and outdoor activities have all resumed, reducing time spent in cells.