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HMP Frankland

HMP Frankland, located in the village of Brasside, County Durham, is one of the most infamous prisons in the UK. Known for housing some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile criminals, the prison has earned the nickname “Monster Mansion.” As a Category A men’s prison, Frankland is part of the High Security Estate and is operated by His Majesty’s Prison Service. It holds inmates who have committed serious crimes, including murder, rape, and terrorism-related offenses.

This article explores the history, structure, and daily operations of HMP Frankland, offering a comprehensive look into one of the UK's most secure and well-known correctional facilities.

History of HMP Frankland

HMP Frankland opened its doors in 1983 with the capacity to hold 432 inmates, spread across four wings. Designed as a high-security facility, Frankland was created to house long-term, serious offenders. The prison’s initial construction reflected the growing need for facilities to contain prisoners with severe offenses, especially those serving life sentences or high-risk remand prisoners.

In 1998, the prison expanded, adding two new wings designed in an open gallery style to increase the overall capacity by 206 additional inmates. This was part of a broader initiative to modernize the prison and increase its ability to accommodate high-security prisoners.

Further developments continued into the 21st century, with the introduction of the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) unit in 2004. This unit, known as the "Westgate Unit," was established to manage inmates who posed significant risks due to their complex psychological conditions. It became a specialist facility that marked Frankland’s evolution from just a secure holding facility to one with focused mental health and rehabilitation programs.

In 2008, the prison expanded once again, adding an additional 120 places as the demand for high-security cells increased.

Notorious incidents at HMP Frankland

HMP Frankland’s reputation as a “Monster Mansion” has been solidified not only by its high-profile inmates but also by several infamous incidents. One such case was the gruesome murder of inmate Mitchell Harrison in 2011. Harrison, a convicted child rapist, was killed by fellow inmates Nathan Mann and Michael Parr, who disemboweled him with the intent to consume his liver. This brutal crime highlighted the extreme risks associated with housing the UK's most dangerous prisoners in close proximity.

Frankland has also housed notorious figures such as Ian Huntley, the murderer of two schoolgirls in Soham, and Levi Bellfield, the serial killer convicted of murdering three women, including schoolgirl Milly Dowler. The presence of such notorious criminals adds to the prison’s fearsome reputation.

Facilities and rehabilitation programs

Despite its notorious inmates and stringent security, HMP Frankland offers various rehabilitation programs and facilities aimed at reintegrating prisoners into society where possible. The prison primarily houses inmates serving sentences of four years or more, including those with life sentences.

The Westgate Unit, which was commissioned in collaboration with the NHS and HMPPS, is a key feature of the prison. The unit comprises four wings, with a total of 86 places. It serves as a specialist facility for inmates with Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorders (DSPD). Two of the unit’s wings are designed to provide treatment to prisoners with complex personality disorders, while the remaining wings offer induction and support for prisoners who are progressing out of segregation units. The Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) model is a crucial part of the unit, emphasizing intensive psychological care and rehabilitation.

Inmates at HMP Frankland have access to a variety of educational and vocational opportunities. Courses range from basic literacy and numeracy to higher education qualifications, and are provided by The Manchester College. Inmates can also participate in workshops, including furniture production, charity-based work, and sight-and-sound workshops that offer meaningful labor and skill-building opportunities.

In terms of healthcare, Frankland is well-equipped, featuring a four-bed healthcare ward, a dental suite, an X-ray room, and a Suicide Crisis Suite. The prison also offers primary care services through Spectrum Community Health, which runs clinics in partnership with visiting specialists. Telehealth services and wing-based treatment rooms ensure that inmates have access to medical care, even within the secure environment of the prison.

The prison's facilities extend beyond health care and education. Recreational facilities include a gym, a library, and spaces for socialization and leisure. The library and gym are integral to inmates' daily routine, providing an outlet for physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Prison accommodation

Frankland's accommodation is divided into several wings, each serving different types of prisoners. The original wings—A, B, C, and D—house 108 vulnerable prisoners per wing, with specialized roles assigned to each wing. For example, A Wing is designated for enhanced-status prisoners who exhibit good behavior, while B1 Landing holds older prisoners and those with disabilities. D1 Wing is specifically used for inmate induction.

The newer wings—F, G, and J—are reserved for non-vulnerable prisoners. F Wing has 120 places, while G Wing has 88 places, including 18 beds reserved for prisoners aged over 50. J Wing has an additional 120 places, primarily for high-risk inmates.

The Westgate Unit is particularly significant due to its focus on prisoners with severe psychological disorders. This unit not only houses prisoners but also provides specialized care and treatment. The Healthcare Centre also accommodates inmates requiring medical care, and the Management and Progression (segregation) unit holds 28 inmates who are undergoing disciplinary or segregation periods.

One unique aspect of HMP Frankland is its Separation Unit, which is used to house prisoners who pose a risk to national security and cannot be managed in the general population. This further underscores the prison's role as a facility for the most dangerous and high-profile criminals in the UK.

Visitation and family contact

HMP Frankland recognizes the importance of maintaining family ties for prisoners, especially those serving long sentences. The prison offers a visitors' centre, complete with a canteen and a children’s play area. Disabled access is provided, ensuring that all visitors can access the facilities. Social visits play an essential role in the rehabilitation process, allowing inmates to retain some form of connection to the outside world.

Current management and operations

As of 2018, HMP Frankland has been under the management of Governor Gavin O'Malley, who has overseen the continued expansion and modernization of the facility. Frankland’s total capacity now stands at 852 prisoners, and it remains a pivotal institution within the UK’s High Security Estate.

Under O'Malley’s leadership, the prison has focused on addressing concerns such as overcrowding, security breaches, and inmate rehabilitation. Initiatives like the implementation of the Westgate Unit and telehealth services demonstrate a commitment to prisoner welfare, despite the often dangerous and volatile nature of the inmate population.

HMP Frankland holds a unique place within the UK's prison system. Known as the "Monster Mansion," it is home to some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, from serial killers to terrorists. Despite its fearsome reputation, the prison offers a range of rehabilitation programs and medical care, emphasizing the importance of psychological treatment for those with complex personality disorders.

With its long history, significant expansions, and commitment to security and rehabilitation, Frankland continues to play a vital role in containing high-risk prisoners while providing them with the resources needed to reform, where possible. However, given the nature of its inmates and the incidents that have occurred within its walls, it remains one of the most closely watched prisons in the UK.