Guernsey prison population highest since 2019

Guernsey's prison population is at its highest since early 2019, figures show.

Currently 95 inmates are housed at Les Nicolles in St Sampson's, the highest since April 2019, when 97 inmates were detained.

The prison has accommodation to house a maximum of 134 prisoners. Of the current population, the highest proportion of prisoners were in for sex offences.

Guernsey Prison has been contacted for comment. Previously leadership at the prison had blamed the UK not taking inmates because of overcrowding in its justice system.

It has been a difficult few months at Guernsey's Prison, with officers only recently going back to their usual working patterns after a dispute surrounding pay and conditions led to them working to rule.

Laura Bichard, from Unite the Union, said: "Members have also called for a full review of pay, terms and conditions in comparison with their counterparts within Customs and the Police Service, to establish whether disparities exist before any consideration is given to changes intended to achieve parity.

"The issues raised by our members are longstanding and require meaningful action, not simply assurances.

"We now expect the employer to engage with the union and deliver the improvements our members deserve.

"Unite will continue to stand firmly with our members while working to secure a positive and sustainable resolution to these issues."

Former prison governor John De Carteret retired from his role last month, after stepping aside for an investigation into allegations about his conduct.

Currently deputy governor Tracey Mahy is in charge at the facility while a replacement is found.

When De Carteret announced he was retiring, States Chief Executive Boley Smillie said the prison was"undoubtedly going through a challenging period and it is very clear to me that improvements are needed in a number of areas".

BBC Guernsey has asked for the result of the investigation by Smillie, but has not received a response.

Currently 29 people are on remand at Les Nicolles, while the majority of inmates serving between a year and seven years custodial sentences.

Of those incarcerated, 89 are men and six are women. There is one under-18 currently at the facility.

Of the 95 current inmates, 34 are in for sexual offence allegations or subsequent convictions, 24 for violent crime allegations or subsequent convictions and 18 for drug-related allegations or subsequent convictions.

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