‘Killing in prison is not difficult’ – the rise in cold-blooded attacks behind bars

A prisoner in England shares his insight on violence within the prison system, sending messages from his cell. Convicted of serious offenses, he is serving a long sentence in one of the country’s largest Victorian prisons. “People here are clever,” he explains. “They have time to think about how to harm and damage others.” He highlights the use of everyday objects like razor blades and toothbrushes as tools for deadly attacks. “The appearance of a weapon is enough to send someone into a panic,” he adds.

Data Reveals Rising Tension

According to figures from the Ministry of Justice, there were 3,544 serious assaults in England and Wales prisons during the 12 months ending in September 2025. This represents an 8% increase compared to the previous year. In the same period, seven prisoners lost their lives, with six dying the year before. These numbers show that prisoner-on-prisoner violence has reached its highest level since 2020, though it was higher before the pandemic.

Inmate Perspectives on Violence

Another prisoner, communicating illegally via a smuggled mobile phone, describes how violence can stem from complex power dynamics within the facility. “Some are pushed to commit acts of aggression for status or to secure drugs,” he says. “There are targets—like those who harmed children—who become the focus of retribution.” He notes that being in prison can amplify anger, leading to calculated attacks. “You have to wonder if this cycle will ever end,” he questions.

“The monster Huntley is dead, but now what?”

The recent deaths of Ian Huntley and Ian Watkins have sparked renewed debate. Huntley, a former school caretaker convicted for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, died in March after sustaining head injuries at HMP Frankland. Watkins, a convicted child sex offender and ex-member of the band LostProphets, was killed in October 2025 at HMP Wakefield. A prisoner is now facing murder charges in connection to Watkins’ death, set to stand trial on 3 June.

Criminal barrister Kama Melly KC emphasizes that some inmates, especially those on life sentences, are unlikely to change their behavior. “These are individuals who have already shown a willingness to use violence,” she says. “Even with further restrictions, the threat of prison violence remains.” As of December 2025, there were 7,570 unreleased life-sentence prisoners in England and Wales, the highest number in decades except for 2011-2012.

Culture of Intimidation

Tom Wheatley, president of the Prison Governors’ Association, recalls a prisoner who claimed he could not be stopped from harming others. “He was already in a close supervision unit, isolated from other inmates, and serving a whole life term,” Wheatley explains. This reflects a broader issue where vulnerable prisoners are coerced into violence by those with influence. “They’re bribed or forced to inflict pain on others,” Wheatley says, highlighting a normalized culture of fear and control within the system.