Inside 'dangerously overcrowded' HMP Wandsworth where inmates share jail cells with vermin

The jail’s Independent Monitoring Board claimed a security review identified “81 points of failure” and resulted in “long overdue” upgrades being made to CCTV cameras.

The report concluded the category B Victorian prison was “not safe”, with almost 1,000 assaults recorded either between prisoners or on staff.

Prisoners were also able to access contraband with cell searches finding phones, drugs, makeshift weapons and alcohol.

A shortage of experienced staff has only exacerbated the problem, with almost half having been in their job for less than a year.

The report claimed it “undermined attempts to make the prison run effectively” and staff absence often reached 50 per cent.

Today's report described “squalid, dirty and cramped” living conditions in “crumbling” cells, as well as “chaotic” wings at the “dangerously-overcrowded and vermin-infested” prison.

• ‘I'm a staunch Labour voter - and I am ASHAMED!’ Britons tell GB News of their fury as energy bills to increase by almost £150
• 'I went to the launch of Jeremy Clarkson's new pub and this is why it's a must-visit for all'
• SNAP POLL: Should Labour rethink decision to abandon free speech law?

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said in response to today's IMB report: “The new Government inherited a justice system in crisis and has been forced to take action and get a grip of the situation across the prison estate, so we can lock up dangerous offenders, protect the public and make prisons safer for hard-working staff.

“Earlier this month, the new Lord Chancellor announced that the Prison Service is deploying extra specialist staff and will redirect £100million to be spent over five years at HMP Wandsworth to ensure immediate action is taken to improve conditions.”

However, HMP Wandsworth has faced scrutiny following a number of high-profile scandals in recent years.

Daniel Khalife is accused of fleeing custody at the jail while being held on remand over spy charges.

The former soldier denies all the charges against him and is due to stand trial in October.

The prisons watchdog called for Wandsworth to be put into emergency measures after “deeply concerning” inspection findings in the wake of the alleged incident.

Prison officer Linda De Sousa later pleaded guilty after being filmed having sex with an inmate earlier this year.

She was identified after the video circulated and was arrested by the Metropolitan Police at Heathrow Airport attempting to fly to Madrid.

The 30-year-old was put on bail ahead of her sentencing in November.