Prisoner shower sex claims discussed in House of Commons

The alleged incident happened in the showers at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford

Allegations that a prisoner engaged in sexual activity in a hospital shower have been discussed in the House of Commons.

The Sun reported the prisoner was being treated at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, when guards allowed his girlfriend to shower with him.

One member of staff has been suspended and an investigation is ongoing.

During justice questions, Chelmsford MP Sir Simon Burns asked what action would be taken if the claims proved true.

Sir Simon subsequently said he believes the prison officers responsible should be sacked.

In the Commons, Prisons Minister Andrew Selous replied: "I agree with my right honourable friend that what took place was completely unacceptable.

"I can tell him that very thorough investigations are currently taking place. They have not yet been concluded, although some staff have been suspended."

MP for Chelmsford, Sir Simon Burns, raised the issue with the prisons minister

Mr Selous also said every prisoner governor had been written to "in the strongest possible terms" and told to take immediate action to ensure "all escorts and bed watches are properly conducted".

Sir Simon said he expected the inquiry would be concluded soon and welcomed the actions taken by the government "across the prison estate in light of the alleged incident involving a Chelmsford prisoner at Broomfield Hospital".

"If it is found that the allegations in The Sun newspaper about the behaviour of the prison officers guarding the prisoner are true, then I trust they will be sacked," he added.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed one member of staff had been suspended and an investigation was ongoing.