by Katie Alston
kalston@thekmgroup.co.uk

Canterbury's foreign national prisoners feel safe despite an increase in fights or assaults since 2008.

A report after the latest unannounced inspection, revealed HMP Canterbury has sustained and built on earlier progress.

But there has been a significant rise in fights or assaults over the past few years, with 58 being recorded in 2010 and 64 in 2009. In 2008 there were only 36.

Inspectors found no reason for this had been discovered and recommended the problem be investigated.

Other areas for concern included governance and monitoring arrangements and the Prison Service’s lack of a national policy on how the needs of foreign nationals should be met.

The jail is one of only two in the country to house only foreign nationals.

Despite population of 307 inmates, made up of more than 15 ethnicities and more than 11 religions, race relations were seen by inspectors to be managed well, and the provision of both faith and health services deemed very good.

See Thursday's Kentish Gazette for the full story and reaction.