NEW European human rights laws could pave the way for hundreds of court challenges against jail conditions, campaigners have warned.

A Prison Reform Trust report, published today, reveals a swathe of grey areas where prisoners could claim their fundamental rights are being infringed.

The news has angered North-East crime victims, who see the European Convention on Human Rights, due to be incorporated into English and Welsh law from October 2, as upholding the rights of prisoners while they are neglected.

Under the Human Rights Act, prisoners will be expected to claim the right to condoms to protect against the spread of Aids.

Prison overcrowding and the right to conjugal visits for inmates may also be targeted as criminals attempt to use the laws to improve their lifestyles.

The Act affects the Government's control over the prison service.

Governors could see their powers to increase inmates' sentences curbed under Article 6. Currently, they can add up to 42 days to a sentence without providing an inmate with legal representation.

Prison Reform Trust policy officer Joe Levenson said: "Many of the Prison Service's policies are in danger of breaching the Human Rights Act.

"Prisons should not wait for the courts to rule that there have been violations of the Act before introducing necessary reforms.

"No one knows how many cases will be brought but the answer is a lot. We are talking hundreds."

Solicitor Simon Creighton said: "Hundreds of decisions are made every day about individuals in prison that bring the Act into play. The question is whether the infringement is justified."

North of England Victims Association chairman David Hines believes prisoner challenges made under the Act will lead to chaos.

"It is an absolute nonsense," he said: "They have gone too far. Everyone is entitled to their rights, but this is being taken to the extreme.

"The legal profession is going to have a money-spinning field day."

Families of victims fear prisoners will get legal aid to fight human rights cases.

Mr Hines said: "We hope the Government doesn't pay out legal aid for these so-called human rights cases.