News


downsail.co.uk Concern at prison drug abuse


INMATES at Maidstone prison are putting their lives at risk while they continue to abuse so-called legal highs, says an independent report. Areport by the IndependentMon-


itoring Board (IMB) into the state of HMP Maidstone - which covers the period until February 2016 - says use of the drug causes "considerable" disruption. Prisoners even use vulnerable in-


mates to test the side-effects of the psychoactive substances. MP Helen Grant conceded the


issue of drug use is "crunchy" but is sometimes more nuanced than first meets the eye. The report states: "The continuing


abuse of SPICE, pictured below right, is of great concern to the Board andSMT. Lives are put at risk by unlooked-for consequences of taking different compounds. "Disruption to the prison regime is considerable, with particular pres- sure on the segregation unit. Legis- lation to criminalise possession of psychoactive substances will be wel- come. The board is pleased to report the retention of a drug detection dog after review. "The increasing use of SPICE and


other psychoactive substances is of great concern. There is evidence that some prisoners may test the side ef-


fects on vulnerable prisoners. "Normally compliant individuals


can become completely uncontrol- lable, creating risks for staff and other prisoners as well as them- selves.” The IMB report states that mobile phones, drugs and other banned items continue to get into the prison. It says: "Possession of mobile phones is also an ongoing challenge, exacerbated by the development of ever smaller and more sophisticated devices. Mobile phones, drugs and


received. CCTV and mobile detect- ing equipment would be cost effec- tive."


Maidstone Ukip councillor Simon


Ells said: “It is terrible they are using other prisoners as guinea pigs. There are obviously security issues there.” MP Mrs Grant said: “The justice ministerAndrewSelousMPrecently indicated that SPICE had become a particular problem within prisons due to the inability to test for its pres- ence.Henowfeels,however, that re- centHomeOffice advances in testing meanthat this problem will bemuch easier to detect. I will be speaking to the governor personally to see if there is anything that can be done to stop the supply line for ‘legal highs’, and I will do everything I can to as- sist him with this.” The IMB report says the inmate population is “volatile in both tem- perament and turnover” with 39 dif- ferent languages spoken. It adds: “At the end of the report-


other prohibited items continue to find theirway into the prison. Intel- ligence is effective but staff need to be encouraged to report information


ing year, 24 different religious de- nominations included: 190 Muslims, 122 Christian, 161 Roman Catholics, 46 mixed Orthodox.”


Maidstone nursery rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted Weekend away


SMARTIES Nursery in Maidstone cel- ebrated its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted judgement with a party for the pub- lic.


Attractions for youngsters included


crafts, face painting and water play, while parents were able to chat to staff. The centre, in Stagshaw Close, is


operated by the county council. Nursery manager Lucy Gillwas de-


lighted with the grade from Ofsted, declaring: “I’m so very proud. “The team and I work incredibly


hard to provide a caring, fun and stimulating setting for all our children and we’re delighted that this has been formally recognised.”


Abdullah Ahad, aged three, pictured above, and Rose Shipley, four, both enjoyed the day’s activities


snapper prize KEEN photographers can win a weekend away by snapping a spec- tacular wildlife photo in the Gar- den of England. Kent Wildlife Trust has just launched its 9thWildlife Photogra- phy Competition, which is open to all ages. There are four categories - Flora; Fauna; Landscape, Coastline & People; and Junior (17 and under). It’s free to enter and organiser Ray Lewis said: “With the summer hol- idays almost upon us and every- thing now looking ‘rosy’ in the Garden of England, there’s never been a better time to photograph the splendid wildlife and scenery of Kent.” Trophies are awarded for first, second and third places in each cat- egory. Winning images are fea- tured in the Trust’s magazine,Wild Kent, on its website and at its visi- tor centres. A special awards pres- entation evening will be held in Maidstone in November. First prize is a two-night stay for four in a hol- iday cottage on a Sussex nature re- serve. The closing date in September 5, 2016. For details and an entry form go to www.ken- twildlifetrust.org.uk


Formore local news www.downsmail.co.uk 28 Maidstone Town August 2016


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