ABSTRACT
Between September 1994 and January 1995, the Prison Service of England and Wales had to deal with two major escapes, a riot and the suicide of Frederick West (who was on remand for the so-called ‘House of Horrors’ murders). It was again a critical time for the prison service. The media portrayed the prison service as unable to maintain security, lax and as pampering prisoners and held Director General Lewis and Home Secretary Howard responsible for a failing prison service.
