“This is all a result of the rioters": Emergency measure to tackle prison overcrowding 'could be used this week'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukAn emergency plan to avoid overcrowding of the country's prisons could be used as early as this week due to the pressure rioters have put on the system, a trade union in the sector has claimed.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) says the government could be forced to trigger Operation Early Dawn as more of those involved in the widespread disorder earlier this month are sentenced.
The long-standing contingency measure allows defendants to be held in police cells until prison beds become available, but could mean their court dates are delayed or adjourned at short notice. READ MORE: Lucy Letby trial 'door swipe' evidence was incorrect, prosecutors admit Mark Fairhurst, the national chairman of the POA, also warned the measure risks "clogging up police cells".
He told BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House on Sunday that an announcement could come as early as Monday morning. "This is all a result of the rioters.
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