Second Inspection Begins At Maghaberry Prison

A second inspection has started at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn today, 04 January, after it was branded one of the most "unsafe" and "unstable" for prisoners and staff.

The report on an independent inspection, which was carried out in May this year, revealed significant failures in local leadership as well as an ineffective relationship with senior management within the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS).

The inspection will be carried out over two weeks.

Nick Hardwick, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, said the prison was "the most dangerous" he had ever visited.

Mr Hardwick said: "We had real concerns that if the issues identified in this report - which were brought to the attention of the prison leadership at a frank feedback session at the end of the inspection - were not addressed as a matter of urgency, serious disorder or loss of life could occur.

"The Chief Inspectors were also worried that a deliberate fire at Maghaberry's Erne House which had the potential to cause death or serious injury, had occurred in April, just weeks prior to the inspection.

"As a result the Chief Inspectors have recommended urgent action be taken to strengthen leadership and called for the circumstances and response to the fire to be subject to an independent review."