Dartmoor Prison Radon Discovery Highlights System-wide Issues, Jon Salter tells Express.co.uk (18 July 2024)

The discovery of radioactive radon gas and the ongoing evacuation of Dartmoor prison have highlighted the critical issues in the UK prison system, Duncan Lewis’ Jon Salter has told the Express.

More than 175 prisoners are to be evacuated from the category C prison in Devon over the next two week, following the discovery of unsafe levels of radioactive radon gas.

The Ministry of Justice announced in December a plan to empty parts of the jail due to the naturally occurring gas leaking from the ground. More than 400 inmates have since been moved over the course of the proceeding months.

The Prison Governors’ Association has said that the system is just one further crisis level event away from disaster.

Jon Salter, prison law specialist within the Duncan Lewis Solicitors crime team, told Express.co.uk that the "the relocation of inmates and staff will pose a huge logistical challenge for bosses and will exacerbate overcrowding in other prisons, and will negatively impact the overall quality of care and security for all.

"This situation serves as an important reminder that ensuring the well-being of both inmates and staff must be a top priority in our prison system."

Prolonged exposure to Radon can cause cancer. Dartmoor was due to close in 2021 but this was postponed because of an expected spike in inmate numbers and a shortage of places.

Jon Salter is a dedicated caseworker in the Criminal Defence department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors.

Jon is known for his proactive and robust approach to legal disputes, while remaining sensitive to the emotions involved.

For assistance and advice in relation to any criminal law matter contact him via email at Jonathans@duncanlewis.com or by telephone on 020 3114 1109.

The Duncan Lewis crime & fraud department, recommended by The Legal 500 and ranked as a ‘top-ranked’ criminal practice in the independent legal directory Chambers & Partners UK, is able to deal with all criminal offences. Our team is available on an emergency basis for people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.