PRISONER protests have hit record levels in a North-East prison that is currently struggling to contain a drugs crisis, Ministry of Justice figures have revealed.

On eleven occasions last year, prisoners in Holme House, in Stockton, prevented access to all or part of the jail by using physical barriers against prison officers – just four prisoner protests were staged in 2016/17.

“Incidents at height”, such as prisoners climbing on netting, over bars or onto the roof, were also at record levels, with 134 cases noted in in 2017/18 – up from 35 in 2016/17.

The figures is a 17-fold increase compared to the eight incidents in 2012/13 when the existing recording method began.

In response to the figures, a spokeswoman from the prison service said it would not tolerate indiscipline and anyone caught breaking the rules would face extra time behind bars.

She added: “Drugs can drive bad behaviour in prison, and Holme House is being given £9m as well as extra support and technology to help stop drugs getting in and being consumed.

“The project’s emphasis on tackling addiction will reduce violence and help prisoners lead more productive lives both before and after release.”

Prisons Minister Rory Stewart yesterday pledged to resign if violence and drugs problems in prisons were not tackled in the next 12 months.

He has also launched a £10m blitz to raise standards in ten prisons across the country, however Holme House will not benefit from the funding.

Alex Cunningham, Stockton North MP, believes the minister should visit the jail himself to see what changes could be made.

He said: “Although the Secretary of State visited a few weeks ago to re-announce a programme to deal with some of the issues at the prison including drugs, prisoner on prisoner assaults and assaults on staff, it’s clear that he needs to do much more.

“This means investing in more qualified prison officers, and ensuring that prisoners are provided with facilities to train and rehabilitate, rather than just incarcerate them.

“I am due to visit the prison again soon to see what is and what is not working so I can continue my campaign in Parliament to get more resources for both prisoners and staff.

“I think it’s now time for the Prisons Minister to visit too and see why much more needs to be done.”

Last year it was revealed that Holme House prison officers were suffering serious consequences after inadvertently inhaling Spice – a dangerous psychoactive substance – smuggled into jail in cappuccino, Oats-so-Simple and Weetabix packets.