Ex-prisoner describes HMP Hewell as 'rife with drugs'

A former prisoner has spoken out about conditions inside HMP Hewell, near Redditch, which he claims is "rife with drugs".

Speaking to BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, Adrian Mason, who was on remand at the jail in 2016, said the dealers "are making more money in prison than what they do outside".

The jail was criticised in an inspection report on 10 January for its high levels of violence.

The Ministry of Justice says new security measures are being put in place.

A spokesperson said: “We have announced a major shake-up of the prison system with 2,500 extra prisons officers and new security measures to tackle drones, phones and drugs and help make prisons places of safety and reform.

“The Justice Secretary has always been clear that it will take time to address these long-standing problems and we must grip the real challenges and risks that we face in the shorter term."