Released Prisoners Struggle To Find Accommodation

Guernsey's housing 'crisis' means prisoners often find it hard to get a place to live on release.

In the newly published 2022 Prison Service Annual Report, Governor John de Carteret says a lack of appropriate accommodation remains a concern, and is 'symptomatic' of the island's wider housing crisis.

He says it makes settling released prisoners more difficult. 

The report shows the prison's population grew slightly, with a total of 82 people behind bars, up from 78 in 2021.

Last year, there were 120 offences committed by inmates, the majority being found with items that they aren't allowed in prison.

That's an increase on 2021, when there were fewer than 80 adjudications during the year.

Six assaults were recorded by prison officers that resulted in disciplinary action.

The facility promotes a work ethic, with jobs being assigned within a week of someone being admitted. 95% of inmates do some work every day.

Jobs include cleaning, catering, maintenance and working in the kitchen garden.

Around 75% of the prisoners attended some of the 35 classes that are on offer in Les Nicolles.