'Every single aspect of prison being tested' as it remains over official capacity

The main Isle of Man Prison building can accommodate 143 prisoners - there are currently 160

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is looking at a 'range of options' as alternatives to custodial sentences as the Isle of Man Prison remains overcrowded.

The Jurby facility can accommodate 167 prisoners - but as of this week (7 April) the number has reached 160.

The figure was confirmed by DHA Chief Officer Dan Davies whilst giving evidence to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice (CLAJ) committee this week.

Originally, the capacity was 141 - but two of the medical isolation cells were recently converted into normal accommodation to counter the capacity issues in the main prison.

In addition, 24 temporary cells – portable cabins dubbed 'J-Wing' – came into operation last summer.

Combined with the main structure, the units bring the overall capacity to 167, meaning the prison is again nearing capacity.

Of the 160 serving prisoners, 66 have long-term sentences of four years or more.

Asked if the current level of overcrowding is 'sustainable'; Mr Davies said it is in the 'short term', but admits 'every single aspect of the prison being tested':

OPTIONS

Mr Davies was giving evidence to the CLAJ committee alongside DHA Minister Jane Poole-Wilson.

They confirmed alternatives to prison time, such as 'tagging disposals' and the construction of an additional wing for the facility are being investigated.

Last year, the prison governor said the Island was not planning to follow the UK’s lead and release prisoners early due to overcrowding.

Leroy Bonnick told Manx Radio at the time that J-Wing would 'help alleviate some of the current pressure'.

In this week's committee hearing, Mrs Poole-Wilson highlighted recent changes in sexual offences legislation saying it has had an impact on the prison population and will continue to do so.

The Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act was 'switched on' on Monday 25 March 2024.

The Act made crimes like revenge porn and voyeurism punishable under their own specific offences; conversion therapy was outlawed; child abuse and exploitation offences were updated, and maximum penalties were changed to bring prison sentences more in line with the United Kingdom.

It also introduced protections for people who have been accused of certain sexual offences.

For instance, the names of some defendants now cannot be published until the point they plead guilty or are found guilty after trial.

Mrs Poole-Wilson told the committee: "If we are going to see more of that type of offending being prosecuted - and it is appropriate for those people to be given a prison sentence - changing the nature of the accommodation in the prison becomes essential because for the foreseeable future, it is likely, we think, that we are going to continue to see those trends."

She said consideration should be made to 'delivering justice in a different way' for those given shorter sentences: