18 March 2023 , 16:49
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At first glance, the guitar, books, laptop, kettle, plant and bowl of fruit make this cosy room look like typical student digs.
But a closer look reveals bars on the windows – because this homely bedroom is actually a prison cell.
The snap is from A Wing at Category B HMP Garth in Lancashire, which holds 850 men – almost 90% of them serving 10 years or more.
The photo, taken for a report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, shows a neatly made bed and acoustic guitar propped up on the wall.
Also visible is a TV – which lags pay £1 a week for – and a laptop for submitting complaints, ordering food and emailing or even video-calling friends and family.
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There are plenty of books on show, too – and a kettle, in case the inmate fancies a relaxing brew while reading.
Garth is a category B men's prison (Alamy Stock Photo)Just out of shot is an in-cell phone, for ringing selected friends and family members any time of the day.
And there’s a safe to keep valuables away from thieving hands. All of the fancy kit is allowed – and the technology is jail-issue. The report states: “Nearly every prisoner had their own cell, and their appreciation of this was evidenced by the good condition in which most kept their accommodation. Many personalised and made their cells more homely.
“The introduction of in-cell laptops improved access to information on daily prison life and was greatly appreciated.” But the report noted lags found it “frustrating” that the web connection was often lost while they were on video calls.
A prison source said: “Prisons these days are a far cry from the days of Fletch on the TV show Porridge. In those days you got a bunk bed, table, two chairs and that was about it.
“Now there are tellies in every cell, stereos, musical instruments, phones, laptops, plants, curtains...”
HMP Berwyn in North Wales was previously slammed for having cells resembling Travelodge hotel rooms.
The Prison Service said: “Allowing well-behaved prisoners privileges helps maintain order, which reduces violence and cuts crime.”