Staff consider inmate drug use as 'normal' at HMS Exeter

Staff at HMS Exeter appear to see drug use and poor conditions as 'normal', according to a report.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke said he found two 'heavily intoxicated' inmates, which 'staff did not seem to regard as exceptional'.

He also described how there was a strong smell of drugs from a cell during his inspection.

The report found many cells were cramped and dirty, with more than 70% holding more inmates than they were designed for.In 2016 an inspection found rising levels of self-harm and violence.

The latest report into the category B men's jail found 'self-harm had risen by 40%'

The chief inspector acknowledged that there had been progress in some areas, including much better staffing levels

HM Prison and Probation Service said it had provided extra funding to improve living conditions, and to tackle drugs use and violence.

In the aftermath of the inspection of HMP Exeter in May, the chief inspectorinvoked the 'urgent notification' scheme to demand action from the Government.

Around a quarter of 430 inmates tested positive for drugs with 60% saying it was easy to obtain drugs according to the report.