A watchdog has flagged serious concerns about HMP The Verne, a prison housing Gary Glitter and numerous other sex offenders, for its failure to address criminal behaviour among inmates. The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, highlighted “worrying weaknesses” at the facility, noting the absence of offender behaviour programmes and an understaffed team that struggled to challenge high-risk prisoners over their dangerous conduct. Some officers admitted not wanting to know inmates’ crimes, fearing bias in their response, hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully to parole hearings.
Gary Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, is one of over 600 sex offenders at HMP The Verne, where deficiencies in addressing offending behaviour were revealed in a recent report. The 80-year-old, previously jailed for sexually abusing schoolgirls, has faced legal action and parole setbacks. Despite being temporarily released in 2023, Glitter breached conditions and returned to prison. It is anticipated that he may remain incarcerated until his sentence ends in 2031, given the inherent risk he poses.
The prison inspection in July highlighted the lack of offending behaviour programmes at The Verne, prompting concerns about its ability to rehabilitate inmates and prevent reoffending. The report underlined the necessity for staff to receive proper training and support to tackle prisoners’ criminal tendencies effectively. The delayed funding for offender programmes raised questions about resource allocation within the prison service.
In response to the inspection findings, HMP The Verne has taken steps to rectify the identified concerns, including enhancing staff training and improving access to educational opportunities for prisoners. The Ministry of Justice emphasised its commitment to addressing operational challenges and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff. As the facility refocuses on rehabilitation efforts, there is optimism for improved outcomes in managing high-risk individuals and fostering a supportive environment conducive to positive change.
The revelations concerning HMP The Verne underscore the critical need for effective interventions in addressing offending behaviour and promoting inmate rehabilitation. By prioritising offender programmes and staff training, the prison aims to create a more conducive environment that encourages positive behavioural change and reduces the risk of recidivism among its population. The ongoing efforts to strengthen support mechanisms and enhance rehabilitation initiatives reflect a commitment to improving outcomes for both inmates and the wider community.