In the heart of north London lies HMP Pentonville, a prison that epitomises the systemic challenges facing Britain’s penal system. Established in 1842, Pentonville was once a model of its time, designed to hold up to 520 prisoners in single cells. However, today it is a visible symbol of a deteriorating prison system, operating at more than twice its intended capacity, with cramped conditions, rising violence and severe overcrowding. Our rare access to Pentonville paints a grim picture of a facility on the brink of collapse, highlighting the urgent need to reform Britain’s prisons.
A day in the life of Pentonville
The day begins with a shrill alarm – a signal that something has gone very wrong. The noise of slamming metal doors, clanking keys and the frantic screams of prisoners fill the air as we follow prison officers. The chaotic scene inside Pentonville is both intense and disturbing. We wander the labyrinth of corridors, cell doors adorned with chipped white paint and the stench of disrepair is impossible to escape.
The incident involves self-harm. An inmate, isolated in his cell for a long time, has scrawled “Mom and Dad” on his arm with a sharp object. The prison officer presses down and spots blood on the floor. The scene is jarring, a reminder of the intense emotional and psychological stress experienced by those imprisoned within these walls.
Overcrowding and pressure on resources
The problems at Pentonville are compounded by extreme overcrowding. A prison originally built to accommodate 520 prisoners now houses 1,205 individuals. This massive increase has led to cells being shared, with two inmates in each and a shortage of beds. At the time of our visit, there are only nine beds left – a scary indicator of the facility’s capacity limitations.
Overcrowding extends to other areas too. Prisoners like Tom, who are on remand, endure substandard living conditions. Their cells, a cramped space measuring approximately seven by six feet, permeate with the pungent smell of urine and faeces. Leaking toilets, which have been reported for weeks, have not been fixed, making an already dire situation even worse.
The human cost of overcrowding
The human cost of this overcrowding is enormous. Prisoners spend 23 hours a day in their cells, with little time for activities outside of the cell. This confinement contributes to an environment conducive to violence and self-harm. In March 2024 alone, 104 incidents of self-harm were recorded at Pentonville, the highest number since records began. Additionally, there were seven suicides between 2019 and 2023, underlining the mental health crisis within the prison.
Prison staff are under similar pressure. Shay Dhuri, a prison officer with almost five years’ experience, describes the daily reality of working in such a high-pressure environment. The constant alarms and emergency responses have taken a toll on her. She recalls a recent incident in which she broke her wrist trying to separate two gang members. Dhuri blames the violence on gang-related issues, which have made already tense situations even worse.
A system that is crumbling
The wider context of Pentonville’s crisis is a reflection of systemic issues within the UK prison system. An increase in the number of prisoners on remand, now at a 50-year high, further exacerbates the problem. A significant backlog in the criminal courts – more than 60,000 cases in the Crown Court and more than 300,000 in the Magistrates Court – contributes to prolonged pre-trial detention, which leads to overcrowding in prisons such as Pentonville.
The financial burden of maintaining such a facility is considerable. It costs £48,949 annually to house each prisoner at Pentonville, the equivalent of £52.4 million for the entire population. Still, conditions remain poor, with a large proportion of prisoners living in overcrowded cells and facing inadequate sanitation.
Efforts to ease the crisis
In response to the crisis, the government has announced plans to release some offenders early to ease pressure on the system. Sixteen prisoners at Pentonville will be released next week as part of a wider plan to manage overcrowding. Prison governor Simon Drysdale hopes this will free up more space and allow prisoners to be moved to other facilities. However, there is scepticism among prisoners and staff about whether this measure will significantly impact the crisis.
Drysdale acknowledges the challenge of balancing capacity with meaningful rehabilitation efforts. The focus on managing space often means less attention is paid to providing constructive activities and support to prisoners. As a result, the cycle of violence and overcrowding continues, increasing the pressure on both prisoners and staff.
Personal accounts and the human element
The personal stories of those inside Pentonville offer a grim view of conditions. Michael Lewis, an inmate serving a sentence for drug-related offences, explains