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Andrew StunellWorking hard for Bredbury, Compstall, Great Moor, Hawk Green, Hazel Grove, Heaviley, High Lane, Marple, Marple Bridge, Mellor, Offerton, Romiley, Rose Hill, Strines & Woodley since 1997 |
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GREATER MANCHESTER PRISONS AWASH WITH ILLICIT MOBILE PHONES
October 8, 2009 10:30 AM
Andrew Stunell Mp wants to see more action taken to stop illegal mobile phones being used in prison.
The number of illegal mobile phones and simcards confiscated by wardens in Greater Manchester's Prisons has doubled in the last four years, according to Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell.
Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats in response to Parliamentary Questions show:
- 899 mobiles and simcards have been confiscated from prisoners in Greater Manchester since 2005.
- The 298 mobiles and simcards confiscated in 2008/09 is more than double the total in 2005/06 (128).
- The total has risen each year during this period, indicating a long-term trend.
- Last month, two women were convicted of attempting of attempting to smuggle mobile phones into Manchester Prison. Both received suspended sentences.
Mr Stunell says that the phones are a key tool for prisoners to obtain drugs whilst behind bars, and wants to see more action to tackle this growing problem.
Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:
"It is clear that our prisons are awash with illicit mobile phones, which are a key tool in enabling prisoners to supply drugs both inside and outside of prison.
"Whilst the hardworking prison staff are doing an excellent job in difficult circumstances, and should be commended for seizing a record number of phones, the fact remains that there are still too many getting into the hands of people who shouldn't have access to them in the first place.
"The government continue to put more prisoners behind bars, many of whom have drug problems, stretching the Prison Service's budget, and often leaving them unable to provide the rehabilitation courses and treatment that prisoners need to reform both their character and in many cases, ditch their drug habits.
"Last year's Blakely Review made some excellent recommendations to curb mobile use in prison, not least introducing mobile-phone blocking technology as money becomes available. The government should look to introduce this technology on as wide a basis as possible, instead of incarcerating even more of our population, and allowing the drugs problem in our prisons to spiral further out of control."
ENDS
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