The Audio Long Read From the archive: ‘If you decide to cut staff, people die’: how Nottingham prison descended into chaos
Nov 26, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, Isabel Thompson, a journalist and author, explores the harrowing crisis at HMP Nottingham, where staffing cuts led to chaos and increasing violence. Simon Darwen narrates Thompson’s powerful account, detailing systemic failures, tragic stories of suicide, and the devastating impact of austerity measures. They delve into the rise of drug use and mental health crises among inmates, alongside the alarming consequences of overcrowding and inexperienced staff. Hear how families are affected and the urgent need for reform in the penal system.
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Ben Ierson's Tragic Death
- Denise Ierson's son Ben called his mother repeatedly and reported threats, thefts and suicide attempts while at HMP Nottingham.
- He was found hanged in his cell and pronounced dead, becoming one of 12 suicides in 18 months at Nottingham.
Nottingham As A Symbol Of Systemic Decline
- Nottingham's collapse was not isolated but reflected a nationwide systemic failure driven by policy choices.
- Between 2009 and 2019 deaths in custody rose 86% and serious staff assaults rose 228% in England and Wales.
How Benchmarking Worsened Prisons
- Benchmarking and austerity enforced a 'levelling down' that made the bare minimum mandatory across prisons.
- The Ministry of Justice cut costs by reducing staff and standardising lower staffing levels, eroding experience and capability.
