prison visit hmp moorland

HMP Moorland

Key contacts

Pact contact: Teresa Murphy

Prison switchboard: 01302 523 000 (Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm)

Email Pact: [email protected]  

Safer Custody line: 0800 496 1364

Guidance for visitors

Visit the gov.uk page for information about:

• booking and planning your visit
• ID requirements
• financial assistance for visits
• sending money and property to a prisoner
• keeping in touch with a prison

HMP Moorland's Family & Visitors' Centre

Pact runs the Family & Visitors’ Centre at this prison, ensuring you a warm welcome when you visit.

Facilities  

• Indoor play area
• Baby changing
• Disabled toilet
• Vending machines

We can also offer guidance and resources around:

• Travel and transport
• Financial assistance for prison visits
• Signposting to Pact services and other helpful organisations
• Supporting children and young people affected by imprisonment
• Raising concerns or making a complaint

Family engagement support

Your Family Engagement Manager is Teresa Murphy

Email: moorland @prisonadvice.org.uk    

Contact number:  

If your issue is complex and you need to talk to us in person, please include your number in the email and tell us that you would like a call back. It would also be helpful if you could let us know whether we are able to leave a message if there is no answer. We will aim to get back to you as soon as we possibly can.  

If you have urgent concerns about the welfare of your loved one in prison, please call the prison Safer Custody line directly.

Prisoners' Families Helpline 

You can contact the Prisoners’ Families Helpline for advice and support on all aspects of the criminal justice system.

Call freephone on 0808 808 2003

Open 9am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 3pm on weekends and bank holidays (exc. Christmas Day and Boxing Day) 

Email the team at [email protected] (please allow up to 3 days for a response)

The Prisoners’ Families Helpline website also offers a range of information on supporting your loved one in prison.

Make a comment or complaint 

We are committed to putting the people who use our services first. You can offer feedback on any of our services by speaking to a member of our team, submitting a feedback form online, or sending an email to [email protected] .

No products in the basket.

Moorland Prison Information

• Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
• Education and Vocational Training: Moorland Prison provides educational programs and vocational training opportunities to help inmates develop essential skills and improve their employability. These programs may include basic education, vocational courses, and accredited qualifications.
• Work Opportunities: Inmates have access to work opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, promote discipline, and foster a sense of responsibility.
• Healthcare: Moorland Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who provide primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialized medical care are also available.
• Family Contact: The prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and facilitates visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
• Resettlement Support: Moorland Prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to moorland prison.

• Tuesday: 2pm to 4pm
• Thursday: 2pm to 4pm
• Saturday: 2pm to 4pm
• Sunday: 2pm to 4pm

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

• be listed on that person’s visitor list
• have at least 1 of the 3 visitors over 18 years of age
• book your visit at least 48 hours in advance

Moorland Prison

Tel: 01302 523000  –  Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN7 6BW

HMP Moorland is a category C prison holding both male adults and young offenders. It has a total capacity of 1,006, and is situated close to Doncaster in Yorkshire. The prison caters for all types of sentences, though not adult ‘lifers’, and is jointly managed by HMP Hatfield . After their sentence is complete, inmates are either released directly from the prison or transferred to Hatfield.

An unannounced inspection of HMP/YOI Moorland between 1 – 12 February 2016 stated,

‘The availability of new psychoactive substances was threatening to undermine recent progress at Moorland’, said Peter Clarke, Chief Inspector of Prisons.

If you’d like directions to HMP Moorland just use the map on this page.

Tel: 01302 523000

Operational capacity: 1006

Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN7 6BW

The cost of an inmates calls from HMP Moorland can be as much as 40p per minute if calling a mobile phone.

Prison Phone reduce this cost by 75% making the cost of a call from HMP Moorland to a mobile phone cost the inmate a maximum of 10p per minute.

Send me Moorland prison details via FREE SMS

Mobile number:

Here’s some facts about Moorland Prison

HMP Moorland is a category C men’s prison near Hatfield, South Yorkshire. In 2011, Moorland Open was renamed to HMP Hatfield, and Moorland Closed was renamed to HMP Moorland. Moorland has capacity for 1,006 male inmates.

There are six residential house blocks holding a mix of adults and young offenders. House blocks 1 to 4 each hold between 155 and 170 prisoners; house blocks 3 and 4 hold only adult sex offenders. House block 5 has 120 single cells. House block 6 has 180 single cells. House block 7 is a single landing with 23 cells, a gated cell and a Listener suite, and is also used for inductions. The segregation unit has 26 single cells and two special accommodation cells.

Adam Johnson , former footballer for Sunderland FC, was arrested in March 2015 on suspicion of having sexual activity with an undarage girl, aged 15 at the time. He had a trial in 2016, in which he pleaded guilty of one of three counts of sexual activity with an underage girl, and grooming. In March 2016, he was sentenced to six years in prison for grooming and sexual activity with a girl aged 15. He was jailed in HMP Moorland on the 15th April 2016.

To view the latest HMIP inspection report, click here .

Visiting hours are 13:40 – 15:45 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

A 2006 report found the prison to provide a ‘safe and respectful’ environment for its inmates.

An inmate who scalded another prisoner with a kettle of boiling water was sentenced to extra time.

One of HMP Moorland’s more notable inmates is Juress Kika, who murdered Ben Kinsella in 2008.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

Recent blogs.

Dartmoor Prison to stay open

Nikki 2021-12-22T15:20:04+00:00 December 29th, 2021 | Categories: feature , Justice System , Law and Order , Law Enforcement , Midweek feature , News discussion , News Roundup , politics , Uncategorized | Tags: category a prison , category b prison , category c prison , dartmoor prison , hmp dartmoor , prison news , prison reform , uk prison service , uk prison system |

A new lease to keep HMP Dartmoor open "beyond [...]

Gartree Prison Expansion Plans Moving Closer

Nikki 2021-12-22T14:43:06+00:00 December 23rd, 2021 | Categories: feature , Guide to all things Prison related , Midweek feature , prison phone , Prison reform scheme 2016 , Specific Prison posts , Uncategorized | Tags: category b prison , council , family support for inmates , Gartree Prison , HMP Gartree , ministry of justice , moj , new prison , prison reform , uk prison service , uk prison system |

The new Prison Programme has now moved one huge [...]

HMP Hull has its own TV show

Nikki 2021-12-06T21:57:16+00:00 December 9th, 2021 | Categories: England and Wales Prisons , feature , Justice System , Law and Order , Midweek feature , prison phone , Specific Prison posts , Uncategorized | Tags: category b prison , education in prison , HMP , hmp hull , hull prison , inmates , prison categories , tv show |

HMP Hull has started their very own TV show, [...]

• The weekly online and monthly printed national newspaper for prisoners and detainees

Search articles and comments

Hmp-yoi hatfield (moorland open).

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Prison Visit , Yorkshire & Humberside

Prison information

Address: Thorn Road Hatfield Doncaster DN7 6EL Switchboard: 01405 746500 Managed by: HMPPS Region:  Yorkshire Prisons Group Category:  Male Cat. D and YOI Link to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hatfield-prison

Description

Hatfield is a category ‘D’ open resettlement establishment holding sentenced adult prisoners and sentenced young offenders.

Visit Booking: Online

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit Children’s Visits:

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

Related posts

Warm welcome for prisoner apprenticeships, prisons: the good, the bad and the ugly, revealed: most violent prisons, jails ease restrictions – but no visits yet, prisons plan for covid christmas, 2020-21 butler trust awards – shortlist announced, social visits halted at one in four jails, gym, chapel and education restart, something missing or outdated.

If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

Share this on:

You might also enjoy...

• Prison Visit
• South Central

HMP WINCHESTER

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Conditions of acceptance of website comments

Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Choose which cookies we use

Marketing cookies, google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it based on user needs. We do not allow Google Analytics to use or share the data about how you use this site.

Google Analytics 4

Third-party cookies, video streaming.

We have no control over cookies set by third parties. You can turn them off, but not through us.

Social Media

If you share a link to a page, the service you share it on (for example, Facebook) may set a cookie.

Essential cookies

These cookies will always need to be on because they make our site work.

Logged in users

HMP & YOI Moorland

Inspection report - Moorland (PDF, 2.6 MB)

Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI Moorland by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (13–24 March 2023)

Action plan

HMP & YOI Moorland

•    General Details,
•    Community News
•    Inspections,
•    Regimes,
•    Visits and getting there,
•    Work and Education
•    Local News

Contact Information

The prison was linked with HMP & YOI Hatfield and shared the same senior management team. The decision to privatise the prisons taken in 2012 was reversed in 2013, and the prison remained in public ownership run by HMPS; in January 2014 HMP/YOI Moorland reverted to being a single prison It is part of the Yorkshire & Humberside region and has a capacity of 1006. The #1 governor Jennifer Willis, who has been in charge since May 2021.

Share this:

What is Moorland Prison Like?

What is Moorland Prison like? Located near Hatfield Woodhouse in South Yorkshire, Moorland Prison, officially known as HMP Moorland, is a Category C men’s prison and Young Offenders Institution. Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, it accommodates adult male offenders and young offenders, providing a structured environment aimed at rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into society.

History and Structure of Moorland Prison

Moorland Prison opened in 1991 and was initially designed to serve both remand and sentenced prisoners. Over the years, it has expanded and now includes seven house blocks, each serving different functions. These house blocks offer various accommodations, from substance misuse treatment centers to units for older prisoners and those with poor mobility​​​​.

Life Inside Moorland Prison

Accommodation and Facilities: Moorland Prison has a capacity of around 1,000 inmates. The prison is equipped with a modern gym, educational facilities, and vocational training workshops. Inmates live in single or double cells equipped with basic amenities​​​​.

Education and Work Opportunities: Educational programs at Moorland include basic literacy and numeracy courses, vocational training in trades such as bricklaying and catering, and accredited qualifications. Work opportunities within the prison help inmates develop skills and a sense of responsibility, with roles in maintenance, cleaning, and kitchen duties​​​​.

Healthcare: The prison has an on-site healthcare unit providing primary care, mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialized medical services​​​​.

Visiting and Contacting Inmates

Maintaining family contact is crucial for inmates’ well-being. Moorland Prison facilitates visits, phone calls, and emails, ensuring inmates can stay connected with their loved ones. Visiting times are scheduled on specific days, and bookings must be made in advance​​​​.

Rehabilitation and Support Programs

Moorland Prison focuses on rehabilitation through various offending behavior programs, including courses on thinking skills, anger management, and substance abuse recovery. The prison also offers support for inmates at risk of self-harm through a Listener Scheme​​​​.

Security and Safeguarding

Ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates is a top priority at Moorland Prison. The staff are trained to safeguard prisoners, and there are systems in place to address concerns related to safety and welfare​​​​.

FAQs About Moorland Prison

What is Moorland Prison like for new inmates?

• New inmates undergo an induction process that includes health checks, substance misuse assessments, and an introduction to prison rules and routines.

Can inmates receive parcels at Moorland Prison?

• Yes, inmates can receive parcels containing approved items, but these must be sent according to the prison’s guidelines and will be checked by officers​​.

How can I book a visit to Moorland Prison?

• Visits can be booked online or via phone. Specific visiting times are available, and bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance​​​​.

What educational opportunities are available at Moorland Prison?

• Inmates have access to a range of educational programs, from basic education to vocational training in fields such as catering, horticulture, and computing​​​​.

What kind of healthcare services does Moorland Prison provide?

• The prison has a comprehensive healthcare unit offering primary care, mental health support, and specialized medical services​​.

Are there any specific programs for young offenders at Moorland Prison?

• Yes, Moorland Prison offers tailored programs aimed at young offenders, focusing on education, vocational training, and rehabilitation​​.

How does Moorland Prison support inmates’ rehabilitation?

• Through various behavior programs, vocational training, and work opportunities, Moorland Prison aims to equip inmates with skills and support needed for successful reintegration​​​​.

What security measures are in place at Moorland Prison?

• As a Category C prison, Moorland has robust security measures, including surveillance and regular checks to ensure safety and prevent contraband​​​​.

Can inmates make phone calls from Moorland Prison?

• Yes, inmates can make phone calls to approved contacts during designated hours. Calls are monitored for security reasons​​.

What is the process for sending money to inmates at Moorland Prison?

• Money can be sent via an online service, and guidelines are available for those who may need to use alternative methods​​.

Moorland Prison is committed to providing a safe and rehabilitative environment for its inmates. With comprehensive educational programs, work opportunities, and support services, the prison aims to help inmates develop the skills and mindset needed for a successful return to society. For more detailed information, you can visit the official Moorland Prison page on GOV.UK . Visit our other prison pages such as Manchester Prison.

Unlimited Prison Call Package

Prison Survival Guide

Cat D Prison Tool Kit

Secret Prisoner Book

Login To Your Account

• Click here to login

Quick Links

• All Prison FAQs
• All Prison HOW TO's
• Full UK Prison List
• Cheaper Prison Calls

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Chelmsford Prison

Chelmsford is a prison and young offender institution (YOI) in Chelmsford, Essex for men aged 18 and over.

Help us to improve this page. Give us your feedback in this 2-minute survey .

Book and plan your visit to Chelmsford prison

To visit someone in Chelmsford you must:

• be on that person’s visitor list
• book your visit 3 weeks in advance
• have the required ID with you when you go

At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.

There may be a limit to the number of visits a prisoner can have.

Contact Chelmsford if you have any questions about visiting.

Help with the cost of your visit

If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit , including:

• travel to Chelmsford
• somewhere to stay overnight

How to book family and friends visits

You can  book your visit online

Visiting times:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: between 2:15pm and 3:45pm.

Visits on Bank Holidays are subject to change. Updates will be published within the prison to prisoners and via the Ormiston Families Website and within the Visits Centre.

The visitors centre opens at 12:30pm and cut off for entry is 2:15pm. You will not be allowed entry after this time.

How to book legal and professional visits

You can book an in-person legal/professional by email to [email protected] . You must ensure that all prisoner and visitor details are correct.

To help speed up your request, in your email please provide a selection of dates for your proposed visit.

On the day of the visit, ensure that you arrive with the correct ID. See accepted forms of ID here .

Face to face Legal Visits times:

• Monday to Friday: 9am to 10am and 10:30am to 11:30am
• Monday to Thursday: 2pm to 3pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Video call visiting times (via the cloud video platform):

You can request a two-hour time slot from 9am, which will be granted depending on availability.

• Monday to Thursday (PM): 2pm to 3pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Getting to Chelmsford

Find Chelmsford on a map

Chelmsford Prison is about a mile from Chelmsford Station where you can take a taxi or a local bus.

To plan your journey by public transport:

• use National Rail Enquiries
• use Traveline for local bus times

If you drive to Chelmsford Prison, there is no visitor parking. The nearest public car park is 5 minutes walk from the prison on Victoria Road.

Entering Chelmsford

All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison .

All visitors, including children, will need to be given a pat-down search. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.

Chelmsford has a family friendly dress code policy which means visitors should be appropriately and decently dressed. That means no vests, no sportswear, hoodies or camouflage clothing, no low-cut tops, no shorts and no short dresses or skirts. You may also be refused entry if you wear ripped or torn clothes, steel toe capped shoes, headwear other than that worn for religious reasons and jewellery, except a wedding/engagement ring and small ear studs.

Ormiston families run the tea bar within the visits hall. There is a minimal selection of items available at this time.

There are strict controls on what you can take into Chelmsford. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats. You will need £1 for the locker.

You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.

Visiting facilities

The visitors centre is run by Ormiston Families and offers support, advice and help to families and friends who come to visit.

The children’s play area and snack bar will be available to use during your visit.

The visitors centre is open:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday  and Thursday: 12:30pm to 4:15pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12:30pm to 4:15pm

You need to arrive at the Visitor Centre between 12:30pm and 2:10pm for an afternoon visit.  Cut off is 2:15pm and you will not be able to enter the prison after this time.

Telephone: 01245 552 452

Family days

Ormiston Families runs 10 children’s visits and 2 family days each year. Family days give men more time in a relaxing environment to spend with their family and children.

Men can apply for these visits on the wing.

Keep in touch with someone at Chelmsford

There are several ways you can keep in touch with someone during their time at Chelmsford.

Secure video calls

To have a secure video call with someone in this prison you need to:

• Download the Prison Video app
• Create an account
• Register all visitors
• Add the prisoner to your contact list.

How to book a secure video call

You can request a secure video call with someone in this prison via the Prison Video app.

You will receive a notification when your request has been accepted.

Read more about how it works

Phone calls

Most prisoners have phones in their cells but they will always have to call you. They buy phone credits to do this.

They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.

Men in the segregation unit do not have phones in their cells but are allowed one call a day.

You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service .

Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.

You can send emails to someone in Chelmsford using the Email a Prisoner service . You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies, depending on the rules at the prison.

You can send letters at any time. Include the person’s name and prisoner number on the envelope. If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Chelmsford .

All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.

Send money and gifts

You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison .

You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.

If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

This will allow you to send money by post.

Gifts and parcels

Only in exceptional circumstances can men in Chelmsford receive parcels. Men can apply for this.

Every new prisoner is given a self-adhesive label and a property information form that they can send out to family or friends for a parcel of items to be sent back. All parcels must have the sender’s name and address on the label and must be couriered by Parcel Force. All instructions on the property information form regarding size, weight, packaging etc must be followed otherwise the parcel will be refused. The parcel can only contain clothing.

All parcels are checked by officers.

Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.

For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F .

Life at Chelmsford

Chelmsford is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.

Security and safeguarding

Every prisoner at Chelmsford has a right to feel safe. The staff are responsible for their safeguarding and welfare at all times.

For further information about what to do when you are worried or concerned about someone in prison visit the Prisoners’ Families helpline website .

Men who need to talk in confidence or who are in distress can make use of the Samaritans’ listener scheme, as well as the ‘insider scheme’ designed to help new prisoners in their first few days.

Arrival and first night

When someone first arrives at Chelmsford, they will be able to contact a family member by phone. This could be quite late in the evening, depending on the time they arrive.

They will get to speak to someone who will check how they’re feeling and ask about any immediate health and wellbeing needs.

Each prisoner who arrives at Chelmsford completes an induction period. They will meet professionals who will help them with:

• health and wellbeing, including mental and sexual health
• any substance misuse issues, including drugs and alcohol
• personal development in custody and on release, including skills, education and training
• other support (sometimes called ‘interventions’), such as managing difficult emotions

Everyone also finds out about the rules, fire safety, and how things like calls and visits work.

Accommodation

Around 750 prisoners are at Chelmsford in a mixture of single and double cells.

Prisoners have access to a gym and a library.

Education and work

Prisoners can take courses in basic skills and education, including maths and English, IT, business, graphic design and personal and social development, all which offer recognised qualifications.

Prisoners have access to a range of vocational training, including painting and decorating, multi skills and industrial cleaning. Chelmsford also offers the health and safety course, the Construction Skills and Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, roofing courses and a music production course.

Work opportunities are available in laundry, recycling, tea packing, card folding, wire stripping, yards, gardens and catering.

Chelmsford Prison has an active resettlement centre which helps prisoners with housing, benefits and employment issues supported by staff from Job Centre Plus and the Ormiston Children and Families Trust.

Temporary release

Chelmsford does not offer release on temporary licence (ROTL).

To access it, prisoners with more than 16 months left to serve are transferred to an appropriate training prison.

Organisations Chelmsford works with

Chelmsford gets support and help from Ormiston Families .

Support for family and friends

Find out about advice and helplines for family and friends .

Support at Chelmsford

Ormiston Families tries to reduce anxiety for young people and children visiting prison and supports their emotional well-being and school attendance by providing a safe space for them to talk, play and express themselves.

For one-to-one support, email: [email protected]

Concerns, problems and complaints

In an emergency.

Call 01245 552 000 if you think a prisoner is at immediate risk of harm. Ask for the Orderly Officer and explain that your concern is an emergency.

Find out about call charges

Problems and complaints

If you have any other problem contact Chelmsford . If you cannot resolve the problem directly, you can make a complaint to HM Prison and Probation Service .

Inspection reports

HM Prison and Probation Service publishes action plans for Chelmsford in response to independent inspections.

Contact Chelmsford

Governor: Garry Newnes

Telephone (24 hours): 01245 552 000 Fax: 01245 552 001 Find out about call charges

HMP/YOI Chelmsford 200 Springfield Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 6LQ

Updates to this page

Update to secure video calls.

Updated visiting guidance based on 1 April COVID rule changes

Added link to new safer custody information under Security and safeguarding.

Updated visiting information: Reduced visit schedule and testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Updated visiting information: Testing for visitors aged 12 and over.

Added link to information about testing for physical contact at visits.

Prison moved into National Stage 3 framework and is now preparing to open visits for family, friends and significant others. We will update this page with specific visiting information as soon as possible.

Updated visit info

Updated visiting information in line with new local restriction tiers.

Updated visiting information in line with new national restrictions in England.

Updated visiting information in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Updated information to include confirmation of secure video calls being available at this prison.

Added survey link

Prison visits update.

First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Related content, is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

• Manage Account
• The Courier ePaper
• Evening Telegraph ePaper
• Newsletters

Murderer lobbed pool balls during tantrum that locked down Perth Prison C-Hall

Alan Dewar, serving life for the killing of an Inverness teenager, flew into a rage after a family visit was cancelled.

A murderer’s temper tantrum locked down part of Perth Prison, causing staff and inmates to take shelter from flying pool balls.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how prisoners in the wing had to be locked in their cells for their own safety.

One guard had to throw himself to the ground to avoid being struck by a pool ball.

Dewar, 34, appeared in the dock and admitted a charge of culpable and reckless conduct on October 11 2022.

Prison officer dropped to the floor

Fiscal depute Stephanie Paterson said: “At about 5.20pm, prison officers were on duty when they received a call to attend at C-Hall.

“They arrived and heard a loud commotion. It sounded like items breaking.

“The officers entered the hall and assisted in securing prisoners safely in their cells.

“Back-up arrived shortly afterwards.”

She said: “The accused was noted to be standing at the end of the hall with pool balls in his hand.

“It is observed that a number of other balls were loose and seemed to have been thrown down the hall.”

The prosecutor said: “Once all other prisoners were secured, officers tried to calm the accused.

“He started throwing balls at two officers.

“One had to drop to the floor to avoid being struck.

“They then left the area.”

Ms Paterson said: “Having viewed the CCTV, it was accepted that the pool balls were thrown in the direction of the officers rather than directly at them.

“The accused was calmed and taken to his cell.”

Working towards his release

Solicitor David Holmes, defending, said: “This man is serving life and has completed sixteen-and-a-half years.”

He said his client, a father-of-two, had been expecting a visit from his family later that day.

But the visit never happened due to a “miscommunication,” said Mr Holmes.

“Mr Dewar was very upset by this and his reaction was to conduct himself in the way that your lordship has heard,” he told Sheriff Craig McSherry.

“He has since completed a course which has improved his situation in terms of his release.

“He is very much hoping to move towards that. He has no outstanding matters.”

Sheriff McSherry jailed Dewar for 10 months, to run concurrently with his existing sentence.

Increasing jail time

Dewar, who has since been moved to HMP Shotts, was jailed for life with a minimum of 13 years for the drug-fuelled murder of his 17-year-old neighbour Joshua Mitchell in 2007 .

He stabbed Joshua, who had learning difficulties, through the heart because he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”

Dewar had 32 months added to his sentence in 2010 for attacking a fellow Polmont inmate with a pool cue.

In 2022, he had his sentence extended by another eight months following a brawl in HMP Perth’s C Hall.

Dewar battered Fife thug Casey Japp , just weeks after he was jailed for assaulting a teenage girl in Lochgelly.

Six years ago, Joshua’s family campaigned for Dewar to be kept out of Inverness.

For more local court content visit our  dedicated page  or join us on  Facebook .

More from Courts

Sex offender broke rules by working at Fife hotel and being near playpark

Arbroath lout on register for groping female PC during arrest

Subway worker cleared over claim she caused bread contamination in Broughty Ferry sandwich shop

Jail for Dunfermline man caught dealing 61,000 'street valium' pills 

Dundee pair remanded after Brechin hotel mayhem

Wednesday court round-up — Loitered outside and country park crash

XL Bullies destroyed after savaging blind spaniel in Dunblane

Speeding driver admits causing pedestrian's death at Stirling Sheriff Court

Driver jailed after hitting victim with car in Forfar attack

Vile Fife child rapist jailed for decades of 'abhorrent' crimes

Sex offender who died in HMP Liverpool cell found next to note alleging officer didn't help him, inquest hears

Alan Johnston was serving a 21 month sentence for possessing indecent images of children

• Facebook Icon
• Twitter Icon
• WhatsApp Icon

A convicted sex offender who died in his cell at HMP Liverpool was found next to a note that alleged an officer had not helped him. Alan Bruce McInnes Johnston, 32 and formerly of Tickle Avenue in St Helens , was found unresponsive in his cell at the Walton prison on November 27, 2019 and was confirmed dead at 8.30pm by paramedics.

Johnston, who was serving a 21 month sentence for possession of indecent images of children and extreme pornography , had a history of self harm and had previously been on prison-issued care plans due to being at risk of suicide. During the opening of a inquest which started today, Monday, August 2, senior coroner Andrew Rebello told a jury a handwritten note found in the cell alleged a prison officer had laughed at Johnston when he had rung for assistance.

It is not known whether the note was written on the day of Johnston's death or prior. The inquest heard Johnston, who was born in Dunfermline in Scotland, "had a history of abusive behaviour with both the staff and other prisoners". Mr Rebello told the jury that Johnston had claimed all the prisoners picked on him because of the way he looked. He had raised concerns about being bullied, but had also on other occasions had a prison job and got on better with both staff and prisoners.

Johnston, who was classed as a vulnerable person and was on the prison's dedicated K Wing , was due for release from prison on December 13, 2019. In the week before his death he had expressed concerns to the Probation Service about moving back to St Helens where he knew people.

During his time in prison he had been involved in a number of incidents of violent conduct and self harm, the inquest heard . Johnston had been on four different Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) processes during his time at the prison. ACCT is a care planning system used in prisons to support individuals at risk of self harm or suicide.

The inquest heard that, among a number of other procedures, inmates on the ACCT process had an increased amount of observation from prison officers. Johnston had spent 226 out of 317 days inside prison on four separate ACCTs . Mr Rebello said: "This is an indication of how much of a risk he was to himself." However Johnston was not on an ACCT at the time of his death, with the last process ending on November 7.

On the day of his death, Johnston was involved in a dispute with another inmate at the prison , at 4.11pm. The inquest heard that the inmate usually tried to not engage in conversation with Johnston because of the 32-year-old's volatility. On the day of the incident however, the two men were collecting their evening meals when the inmate called Johnston "disgusting" after he saw him eating directly off his tray.

Johnston pushed the inmate down the stairs between the ground floor and first floor landing. He was then taken back to his cell by four prison officers, including his key worker Mark Rigby and Christopher Norcott, and put on a report. The inquest heard Johnston rang his cell bell on two occasions before Mr Norcott arrived and reset it at 4.54pm.

Mr Rebello told the jury "this was the last time he was seen active and well". Johnston then made a call from his cell phone to his mum Janice Johnston's number at 5.26pm. However, it only lasted one second and didn't connect. Mr Norcott was seen looking into the cell around three minutes later, but then no checks were made again until 7.12pm until officer Boylan was seen looking into the cell.

Mr Rebello told the jury that CCTV from inside the prison showed Mr Boylan look through the cell's spy hole again eight minutes later and look concerned. The inquest heard the cell's spy hole was blocked by an object that was later revealed to be a piece of bloodied tissue.

Mr Boylan then went and found Kris Mason, another officer who was one of two 'Oscar Twos' - a supervising officer on shift at the prison that night . The two officers entered the cell at 7.51pm and found Johnston on the floor of the cell. Matthew Govier, the nurse on shift that night, observed Johnston was "cold to the touch" and there was blood in the cell.

A 'code red' - a medical emergency involving blood - was declared and paramedics were called to the prison while Mr Govier started to attempt to resuscitate Johnston. However, he was pronounced death at 8.30pm. Mr Rebello told the jury: "Mr Johnston must have been alive at 5.26pm because he made a call to his mother. What we don't know is what happened between 5.26pm and, in effect, the nurse and prison officers going into the cell."

Giving evidence to the jury this morning, Mr Mason said prison operates very differently at night compared to during the day. He said he first heard of an incident when Mr Boylan said a spy hole was blocked on K Wing. However, he said officers needed to ensure they had enough staff before they opened the door.

Mr Mason said: "When I opened the door I saw Alan face down. I shouted his name, but there was no response or movement. I did not touch him. I was very conscious about causing more problems." A police search of his cell found two plastic knives, a razor blade and a broken plastic container. A folder was also found which included a note that alleged on "an unspecified occasion, [Johnston] spoke to Christopher Norcott to ask for help."

Mr Rebello added: "What we don't know is if that note existed before that day or if it was created on that day." The inquest heard that the note alleged that Johnston had rung his cell bell for 45 minutes before Mr Norcott responded. Johnston alleged Mr Norcott then laughed and said "go on" when Johnston said he was going to cut himself.

Mr Rebello said Mr Norcott was the last officer to speak with Johnston and see him alive and well, but the longest time the bell wasn't answered was 29 minutes between 4.24pm and 4.53pm. Mr Norcott is expected to give evidence as part of the inquest's proceedings .

The morning's proceedings also heard from Dr Paul Johnson, an experienced Home Office pathologist . Dr Johnson told the inquest that he was satisfied the cause of death was blood loss following a cut to the arm. He added toxicology results showed the presence of a number of therapeutic drugs, but no evidence of any illicit psychotic drugs or alcohol.

Mr Rebello also read a statement on behalf of Johnston's family, who were represented in court by his sister Nicola Harrison following the death of his mum in 2022. The statement said the family remember Alan as the child he was, that he "was very caring and sharing with his toys and sweets and had a bright beaming smile".

The family said he developed an interest in computers from a young age and had an aptitude for putting together computer systems. However, he went into care "but was let down by the system when he was released without anywhere to go on his 18th birthday".

His family said he later moved around the country with friends, before moving back to St Helens to be with his mum who was ill with diabetes. Johnston's family said he "provided her with some much needed stability" - and because of his care allowed her to "lead a much enriched life because of him".

Mr Rebello earlier told the jury that their role was to determine how, when and where Johnston came by his death to the balance of probabilities. The inquest, listed for two weeks, continues .

• Facebook Icon Facebook
• Twitter Icon Twitter
• Instagram Icon Instagram