A watchdog has raised concerns about the treatment of sex offenders, including Gary Glitter, at HMP The Verne prison in Dorset. The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, noted “worrying weaknesses” at the prison, where a “seriously understaffed” team is failing to challenge inmates’ criminal behaviour. The report highlighted a lack of offender behaviour programmes and insufficient staff to address high-risk inmates’ dangerous conduct.
The findings revealed that some prison officers were reluctant to learn about the crimes committed by inmates, hindering their ability to contribute to parole hearings effectively. Glitter, also known as Paul Gadd, is serving time at HMP The Verne along with over 600 other sex offenders. The 80-year-old was recently ordered to pay damages to a victim and had his parole bid denied after breaching conditions.
The report stressed the need for the prison to provide programmes to help prisoners avoid re-offending. Although funding for offending behaviour programmes has now been secured, the delay in implementation was criticised. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that action has been taken to address the concerns raised, with additional training for staff and improved access to education for prisoners.
Despite Glitter potentially being in prison until 2031, a former head of Scotland Yard’s Paedophile Unit suggested he may remain incarcerated due to the danger he poses to children. The report’s focus on addressing the offending behaviour of prisoners underscores the importance of providing appropriate support and resources within the prison system to promote rehabilitation and reduce re-offending rates.