Lartin

Nick Hardwick says the cages at Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire, which holds some of the country's most dangerous prisoners, are "not fit for purpose" and their use is unacceptable.

Prisons inspector condemns Long Lartin's 'cages' and slopping out 2012

He also sharply criticises the continued Victorian practice of "slopping out" at Long Lartin, despite its supposed abolition in jails in England and Wales in 1996.

Prisons inspector condemns Long Lartin's 'cages' and slopping out 2012

It says that the Long Lartin detainee unit, which can hold up to 19 prisoners, operates as a "prison within a high security prison" and is clean but basic.

Terror suspects isolated and in limbo, says prisons inspector 2011

The Victorian practice of 'slopping out' officially ended in 1996, when Armley jail in Leeds pictured was upgraded –but the prisons inspector says it still goes on at Long Lartin.

Prisons inspector condemns Long Lartin's 'cages' and slopping out 2012

There were seven men being held in the special detainees' unit at the time of the inspector's unannounced visit to Long Lartin in April.

Terror suspects isolated and in limbo, says prisons inspector 2011

Nick Hardwick, the chief inspector of prisons, says that the Long Lartin detainee unit operates as 'a prison within a high security prison'.

Terror suspects isolated and in limbo, says prisons inspector 2011

Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said there was an inevitable balance to be struck between legitimate legitimate security concerns and integration with the general population at Long Lartin: "The governor will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the right balance is maintained."

Terror suspects isolated and in limbo, says prisons inspector 2011

Last week her parents, David and Teresa, were in Court 2 of the Old Bailey to witness Tabak, who was appearing by videolink from Long Lartin prison where he is on remand, admit to killing their daughter.

Jo Yeates: Landlord plans to sue the police for false arrest 2011

The chief inspector of prisons has raised fresh concerns about a group of national security detainees who are being held in a special unit at Long Lartin high security jail in Worcestershire.

Terror suspects isolated and in limbo, says prisons inspector 2011

Abu Qatada, who is being held at Long Lartin high-security prison in Worcestershire, will apply to be released on bail as he fights deportation to Jordan.

Abu Qatada in court seeking bail 2012