Lib Dem Carol Woods demands action to stop violent attacks in prisons

4.27.00pm GMT Thu 25th Mar 2010

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson Carol Woods has written to Justice Secretary Jack Straw demanding action to improve safety in prisons following the stabbing of a prison officer at Frankland Prison, Durham.

Carol is concerned about the safety of prison officers as inmates have access to glass objects that can be turned into weapons. Along with the victim's brother, Carol asked to visit the prison but their request was declined by the prison's governor.

Carol said, "I have written to the Justice Secretary demanding action to stop attacks like this happening again.

"You would be hard pushed to purchase a drink served in a glass on a Saturday night in Durham, yet violent criminals in our prisons are allowed glass in their cells.

"Working in a prison with violent offenders is dangerous, but risks to staff could be greatly reduced if inmates did not have access to glass and ceramic objects.

"It is also important that the inmate who committed this attack is prosecuted as they would be if they committed it outside of prison. We must not let dangerous criminals get away with attacking innocent members of staff."