New Figures Show Violence At Isle Of Wight Prison At Five-Year High

New figures have revealed that violence at HMP Isle of Wight has reached its highest level in five years, amid growing national concerns over overcrowding and rising assaults across the UK prison system.

Data obtained by Legal Expert shows both prisoner-on-prisoner and prison staff assaults at the Newport-based prison — which operates across the Albany and Parkhurst sites — have surged since 2020.

In 2024/25, there were 140 assaults between prisoners, up from 33 five years earlier.

During the same period, assaults on prison staff more than doubled, rising from 63 in 2020/21 to 130 in the most recent year.

The rise mirrors a nationwide trend, with the Ministry of Justice reporting 10,568 assaults on prison staff and 20,570 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults across England and Wales in the past year — increases of 7% and 9% respectively.

Experts have linked the increase to overcrowding, staff shortages, and poor mental health among inmates.

Government research published in June found that offenders are nearly 20% more likely to be involved in violence in overcrowded prisons.

The Isle of Wight facility held 1,081 inmates in 2024, and forms part of a wider system that has seen the national prison population almost double over the last 30 years, from 43,000 in 1994 to over 88,000 in 2024.

Patrick Mallon, a solicitor at JF Law, described the rise in assaults as “a stark reflection of a system under immense strain.”

“With prison populations growing and many prisons now officially overcrowded, limited space creates an unstable environment where violence becomes increasingly common,” he said.

In response to concerns, the government has pledged a £40 million investment in new security measures to tackle prison violence, and its ‘Plan for Change’ aims to deliver 14,000 extra prison places by 2031.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the government was “fixing a prison system in crisis” by delivering “the fastest prison-building programme in more than a century.”

Mr Mallon added that both prisoners and staff are legally entitled to protection while in custody or at work:

“The Prison Service has a duty of care to protect those in its custody, and prison officers have a right to a safe working environment.

"These claims are not only about compensation but also about holding authorities to account and highlighting the urgent need for change.”