Jailed paedophiles were allowed to pack boxes of balloons for children’s parties at a prison on the Isle of Sheppey, it emerged today.
About 40 sex offenders – including some convicted of offences against young people – were employed in the workshop at Elmley Jail which has a contract with a greetings card firm.
But after The Sun contacted the authorities about the situation the work was stopped on the orders of Prison Service bosses.
They added that guidelines on working practices would also be examined and where necessary tightened.
The story in the national newspaper quotes an inmate just released from the Category C prison as saying: “Loads of different coloured balloons came into the jail in boxes.
“The job of the paedophiles and sex offenders was to sort them out and re-pack them to be sold for kiddies' parties.
“I don’t know whether any of them got a sick thrill but it was obviously not right.”
The ex-con explained why he felt the offenders were given the job.
He said: “They are seen as good workers as other lags are more likely to get up to mischief like slipping rude notes into the boxes.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve said the public would be “rightly shocked” by the news.
A Prison Service spokesman said: “We expect all prisoners, irrespective of their offence, to work and contribute back to society.
"NOMS (National Offender Management Service) is however aware – though we are not aware of any complaints – of the potential sensitivity of certain offenders undertaking certain tasks.
“The central guidance on this issue is being strengthened and will be issued to all Governors and relevant staff.”
POSTED: 02/07/2009 15:26:44
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