Prison treatment of children to be investigated

The Howard League for Penal Reform is today calling for evidence on the treatment of children in prison as part of a major national inquiry.

The inquiry, led by Lord Carlyle of Berriew is looking into the death of 15 year-old Gareth Myatt. Mr Myatt died on 19 April 2004 after being restrained by staff at Rainsbrook secure training centre.

Following his death, the league called for the suspension of three staff involved in restraining Mr Myatt as well as the unit manager, who it wanted to see replaced by a local authority social services manager.

The inquiry will investigate the use of physical restraint, solitary confinement and the forcible strip searching of children in prisons, secure training centres and local authority secure children’s homes.