A south London prison that underwent a “catastrophic” inspection last year is now said to be more stable and possesses a “renewed sense of purpose,” as reported by the prison oversight authority.
HMP Wandsworth was described as being in a state of “chaos” last year, with inmates experiencing a level of “despair” that HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, had never encountered before.
This category B facility had previously garnered significant attention following a prison break and revelations that a prison officer had engaged in sexual relations with an inmate.
However, an inspection conducted from March 31 to April 2 revealed that even though the prison still faces many challenges, its enhancements can be attributed to a change in leadership, significant investment in personnel, and training improvements, particularly for the safer custody and security teams.
The oversight body noted that the new governor, Andy Davy, has “infused energy and focus” into addressing issues of safety and decency at the facility since he took over last summer.
According to the LDRS, the report indicated that the rate of positive drug tests had decreased since the previous evaluation—although it remains excessively high—while incidents of violence and self-harm had diminished, with assaults nearly cut in half.
The former governor, Katie Price, resigned during the last inspection, which highlighted extreme overcrowding, increasing violence, and rampant drug use, prompting an urgent notification that placed the prison under special measures.
Despite these improvements, the watchdog identified ongoing security weaknesses within the prison, particularly following the high-profile escape of ex-soldier Daniel Khalife, who fled by hiding under a food delivery truck in September 2023.
Khalife, 23 years old, received a sentence of 14 years and three months in February for espionage on behalf of Iran and for escaping from custody.
Additionally, a former prison officer was sentenced to 15 months in prison in January after being captured on video engaging in sexual acts with an inmate.
Linda De Sousa Abreu, 31, was recognized by senior prison officials after the footage circulated widely.
The latest LDRS inspection found that while staff experience and capability levels remain low, the atmosphere in the prison has improved, attributed to a reduction in capacity by 150 spaces, with plans to further decrease this by another 150 spaces.
