British prison rewards inmates with burgers and curries for avoiding violence
Winners of a violence-reduction competition will be treated to fakeaways in a women’s prison, according to a new report.
Inmates at HMP Foston Hall, a 320-capacity women’s jail in Derbyshire, can tuck into specially-made meals by kitchen staff as a reward for not fighting each other or staff.
Among the most popular fakeaways – homemade takeaway foods – include curries, fish and chips, Chinese meals, tacos, pizzas, burgers, and even kebabs.
The jail has seven wings – each holding between 30-60 inmates – but only one wing can be the monthly winner.
Kitchen workers are then tasked with rustling up the ‘special’ dishes for those on the wing with the best record for non-violence.
The infamous lock-up currently houses the likes of Lorraine Thorpe, one of Britain’s youngest female double murderers, convicted in 2010 at the age of 15.
And also Louise Porton, convicted in 2019 of murdering her two young daughters.
The prison has previously held the likes of Moors murderer Myra Hindley, Soham murderer Ian Huntley‘s ex Maxine Carr and Karen Matthews, jailed for her role in the high-profile fake kidnapping plot of her own daughter Shannon in 2008.
The plan was revealed in the most recent report by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), released last month, which said jail chiefs had implemented the scheme to deal with a rising tide of violence.
They said that attacks on staff were up 21% and inmate scraps were up 11% in the past year – and that the ‘fakeaways’ treats were aimed at drastically reducing the number of attacks.
Results are due out later this year on whether it’s worked or not.
The report by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) stated that the initiative was supported by the introduction of ‘peacekeepers’ – trusted red band lags – who try to intervene before things get ugly.
The IMB report states: “There have been new initiatives to encourage positive behaviour, including a monthly reward for the wing with the lowest levels of violence, with a ‘fakeaway’ – takeaway food from the kitchen.
“The introduction of a peer mentor as a ‘peacekeeper’ to help resolve low-level disagreements has been another positive step.”
The IMB also said the quality of the food served up was enjoyed by most lags – and even themselves.
It stated: “The IMB has regularly observed food being prepared in the kitchens and noted that it looked appetising, was well presented and tasted good when sampled.
“In the IMB general survey, 65% of respondents said the food was good or reasonable.”
The report also praised the jail for its well-kept gardens, hairdressing salon, and gym.
It said, however, the outside playing field was ‘uneven’ and not safe to play sports on.
It stated: “The exterior environment is pleasant, with well-kept gardens, an animal sanctuary, a textile workshop, hairdressing salon, gym and large playing field.
“The latter (however) is considered unsafe to use for team games owing to its uneven surface.”
Prison bosses say the report showed that ‘front-line staff’ at the jail were doing a good job, but that it was aware there was ‘ongoing challenges’ faced by staff.
It comes after inspectors last year reported the jail continued to be affected by high levels of violence self-harm and unacceptable behaviour from staff.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) released its findings in April 2025 following an unannounced inspection the previous January.
It led to the prison’s governor launching an action plan, according to the Prison Service.
A spokesperson for HMIP told the BBC: “Although violence was rarely serious and violence against staff was falling, the number of violent incidents remained the highest in the women’s estate.
“Self-harm was also too high, despite a fall in incidents.
“Inconsistent care and a lack of assistance from staff were compounding the problems and causing women frustration.”
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “This scheme is designed to encourage good behaviour, reducing violence and keeping staff safe.
“All food is made within the prison kitchen and is never brought in from outside.”
Deputy Editor
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