Jail system in "serious crisis" -watchdog

LONDON, Jan 30 (Reuters) Chief prisons inspector Anne Owers launched a blistering attack on the government today, saying the jail system is in serious crisis and could get worse.

In her fifth annual report, Owers said an alarming mix of overcrowding, stretched resources and poor planning had wrecked attempts to stop prisoners reoffending.

''It is normally considered good practice to build an ark before the flood,'' she said. ''We have a serious crisis and one that is impacting on the ability to do rehabilitation work.'' Government pledges to build more cells will not solve the problems in the fast-expanding prison system, she added.

There are 80,000 people in jail, the highest per capita prison population in Western Europe. At least 8,000 extra spaces are planned.

Owers said disturbing inspection reports from overcrowded local jails and training prisons suggest things could get even worse.

''These are only straws in the wind -- but the wind does not appear to be blowing in the right direction,'' she said.

''True, more prison places are hurriedly being planned, but they are chasing ever-rising numbers.

''There is a real risk that already stretched resources within prisons will be spread even more thinly.'' As well as extra space to house prisoners, the system should provide better education, healthcare and help for offenders once they leave prison.

Many women and people with mental illness should not be in jail, Owers added.

Home Secretary John Reid is under intense pressure after a series of rows at the Home Office, including a dispute with judges over sentencing.

Reid and the government's legal advisers reminded the courts this month of guidelines saying jail terms should only be given to serious, violent or repeat offenders, sparking an angry reaction from some judges.

Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted on Sunday that Britain's prisons were ''full to bursting'', but said the government was tackling the problem.

In her report, Owers highlighted the impact of a change in the law two years ago to allow judges to give indefinite sentences.

These mean prisoners stay longer in jail, blocking places for new inmates.

She said too many of these offenders are housed in local jails that do not have facilities to look after them properly.

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