AN inspection report into Cardiff Prison has concluded it was “reasonably good” but its approach was sometimes too casual.

Chief Inspector of Prisons, Nick Hardwick, called the prison busy and overcrowded, with more than 40 per cent more men at the time of inspection than it was designed to hold.

More than half the prisoners were on remand or had sentences of less than six months.

In a survey for the inspection, one in five prisoners said they had a disability, more than one in three said they had emotional or mental health problems, two out of five had a problem with drugs, and one in three had a problem with alcohol.

There had been five selfinflicted deaths over the past year, four in custody and one shortly after release.

Mr Hardwick said the prison has taken action to learn and implement lessons arising from these tragedies.

“HMP Cardiff’s strengths lie in its caring and experienced staff who ensure that outcomes for most prisoners are reasonably good in most areas,” said Mr Hardwick.

“However, the approach of the prison as a whole is sometimes too casual and this creates the risk that vulnerable individuals can fall through the net and some poor practices develop unchecked.”

His report can be found on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website at www.justice.gov.uk