Latest news with #HMPChelmsford
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Lucy Letby given 'prison privileges' including cash for sweets and double visits
Lucy Letby is believed to have been swiftly fast-tracked to enhanced prisoner status just days after being locked up at HMP Bronzefield - allowing her extra privileges Lucy Letby was reportedly granted enhanced prisoner status just days into her sentence at HMP Bronzefield, giving her extra privileges like more cash for sweets and chocolate - as well as extra time outside her cell. The former neonatal nurse, convicted of killing seven babies and attempting to murder seven more, was moved straight from her induction to Unit Four - a wing reserved exclusively for enhanced inmates, according to a prison source. No matter the crime, all prisoners are automatically given standard status after sentencing, but Letby is believed to have been swiftly fast-tracked. Her privileged status also means she now has a cleaning job and is entitled to a weekly visit - double the allowance for regular prisoners. Roughly a quarter of inmates at Bronzefield are classified as enhanced. Letby shared the unit with former prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu, 31, who was jailed after being caught on camera having sex with a prisoner, MailOnline reports. She too was fast-tracked to Unit Four - reportedly for her own protection after serving as a guard at HMP Wandsworth. Enhanced prisoners are allowed to spend £33 a week in the prison canteen. Standard-status inmates get £19.80, while those on "basic" punishment status receive just £5.50. A 2023 menu from HMP Chelmsford shows some of what's on offer: Kinder Bueno bars for 60p, Snickers for 80p, and Pepsi cans for 59p. Letby's status is meant to be reviewed every 28 days, but the source claims she's remained enhanced since arrival - and that the real reason she'd been upgraded is because she wouldn't be safe from other prisoners anywhere else in the jail. "Lucy is reserved and very quiet, she isn't really a problem with staff," they said. "It grates with officers though - she's committed the worst crimes possible and here she is on the enhanced unit with all the benefits that come with it. Again the real reason she is here is safety, she would be attacked on any other unit." Letby, 35, is one of just four female prisoners in the UK to be handed a "whole life order", which she received in August 2023. It came after her conviction for murdering babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. As she continues to maintain her innocence, her case has drawn the attention of high-profile figures - including former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has called for it be reviewed. In the wake of her sentencing, the Thirlwall inquiry was also set up to investigate how the crimes were allowed to happen. Hunt said the most disturbing evidence came from 14 paediatric specialists who ruled the deaths or injuries of the newborns happened as a result of natural causes or errors in medical care. "It pains me to say it - this analysis raises serious and credible questions about the evidence presented in court," he said.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Man charged with murder over 2024 assault
A man has been charged with murder after a man died following an assault in launched an investigation after emergency services were called to Riverview Centre, in Vange, near found Hassan Bousanguar seriously injured in a communal hallway at about 18:00 BST on 4 May 2024. He died in December Nolan, 33, of HMP Chelmsford, is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court on 14 July. Acting Det Ch Insp Lydia George said: "A huge amount of work has been undertaken by our officers since this incident was first reported to us in May last year."Throughout that time, the victim's family have acted with the upmost dignity." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Arsenal's Tony Adams discusses addiction at Margate FC
Former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams says he has more motivation than ever to support those experiencing drug and alcohol served four months in HMP Chelmsford in 1995 for drink-driving, but continued to drink for another six Margate FC, Adams met members of The Forward Trust, an organisation that that helps people with drug and alcohol dependence, for whom he has recently been named the chair of trustees."There's a lot of people here who have used our services here in this area, which means a great deal," he said. "It's a pleasure to be here in Margate. In East Kent we do a lot of great work."I'm an ex-offender. It's the holy trinity for me, getting people employed and in housing."I recovered from alcohol addiction 29 years ago now. It's the 12-step programme."I've got such a great life today - my head is calm, I've got energy and peace of mind that I don't want to give away and doing events like this, I can see people at the start of their journey and it reminds me of what it was like for me." Dave, who was a substance abuser and left prison a year ago, said: "I've looked up to Tony Adams all my life and for him to be part of something that's got me through into recovery is massive."I used to have shirts with [Tony's] name on the back, to be in the same room as Tony I never thought it was possible."Adams won four league titles, three FA Cups and played 66 times for recovery has seen him support many organisations, with the Forward Trust now working with Reach Out And Recover (ROAR) Kent. Charlie is an Arsenal fan who has being supported by ROAR."My first game at Highbury was in 1995, I've followed [Tony] ever since," said Charlie."I'm an alcoholic and an addict, when I got into a rut, I never thought I could be the person I am today."Trudy is a recovering alcoholic and said: "It nearly killed me, but I've had the best life in the past three years, I wouldn't want it any other way."I'm chuffed to bits, I'm so grateful for [Tony] coming and that he's helping us."Adams will be back in Margate to referee a charity football match on 28 June.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Prison inmates get creative to boost bird numbers
Bird boxes have been created by prison inmates who wanted to boost avian populations. The wooden boxes have been sold at country parks across Essex after being built during workshops at HMP Chelmsford. It was hoped they would have a significant ecological impact, helping to boost bird numbers by providing a safe habitat for them to live and breed in. Mark Durham, of Essex County Council, said the rehabilitative scheme was "vital" in helping to prevent inmates from reoffending upon release. "While it is a great way of helping inmates improve their confidence and gain new employment skills, it also supports our declining wildlife populations," said the Conservative councillor. The boxes came complete with rubber roofs made from recycled bike tubes. They have been made available at Belhus Woods, in South Ockendon, and country parks in Great Notley and Brentwood. Durham added: "While it is a great way of helping inmates improve their confidence and gain new employment skills, it also supports our declining wildlife populations." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Inmates 'set aside differences' for football match The prisoners swapping crime for dressmaking Prisons must focus on education - chief inspector Essex County Council
