HIGH-SECURITY centres for some of the most dangerous criminals inside an East Yorkshire prison have been criticised in a report.

An inspection of HMP Full Sutton’s Close Supervision Centre (CSC) - where men are kept in small units or individual cells because of their disruptive behaviour – found a number of faults.

The report scrutinised five centres across the country and revealed the units at Full Sutton, near Pocklington, were cramped, and called for the communal areas and exercise yards to be improved to make them less oppressive and austere.

One prisoner interviewed said the experience of being in a CSC cell was “like a submarine”, while some had little natural light.

The report also found some Full Sutton prisoners were awaiting transfer under the Mental Health Act for several weeks beyond the two week guideline and one was taken off a structured approach to care without a decision being made by prison staff.

Some of the centres were found to have exercise yards with grilles overhead. These were labelled as "grim, dehumanising" and "unacceptably oppressive".

However, the report, compiled by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, said relationships between prisoners and guards were “mostly positive”, inmates could cook for themselves and regular discussions took place about their diet.

The report concluded staff leadership was "clear, principled and courageous", the centres were well run and praised the staff's courage and professionalism.

Michael Spurr, chief executive of the National Offender Management Service, said: "I'm pleased the chief inspector has concluded that the Close Supervision Centres are well run and I echo his praise for the courage and professionalism of staff who work every day with exceptionally dangerous individuals.

"Managing such prisoners humanely and safely whilst providing opportunities for progression is a complex and difficult task, we will use the recommendations in the report to make further improvements in the system but staff can be extremely proud of the work they do ."