hmp low newton legal visits

• Prison visitors
• Visitor Centres

HMP & YOI Low Newton Visitor Centre

HMP&YOI Low Newton, 33/34 Finchale Avenue, Brasside, Durham DH1 5SD

Click on the blue question below to see the answers appear underneath. 

Contact details

Visitor Centre contact details:  If you have any questions please call us and we will do what we can to help. We are open: 

• Tuesday and Thursday 1.00pm-4.30pm
• Saturday and Sunday 1.00pm-4.15pm

We offer information and support if you are feeling upset or confused about visiting. 

You can call us on 0191 376 4138 and leave a message and we will get back to you. 

Or you can email the team  HERE 

Nepacs helpline: Freephone 0800 012 1539 Monday and Friday 12noon - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 2pm. Email [email protected] Text 07983 437 457

HMP YOI Low Newton Prison

The direct number for HMP Low Newton is 0191 3764000

Visits booking: Telephone line 0300 303 0632 or book online at www.gov.uk/prison-visits   

Worried about someone in custody? If you are concerned about anyone in custody you can leave a telephone message using the ‘At risk’ prison line on 0191 376 4189. Alternatively you can speak to a Visits Officer in the prison, or any staff at the visitors’ centre.

How can I book a visit?

Reception (first) visit  One reception visit is permitted within the first 14 days of being taken into custody and will last a minimum of 30 minutes.  The 14 days will start the day after arriving in custody.

A maximum of 3 adult visitors are able to attend a reception visit - there is no limit on the number of children.  Please note that children are those under the age of 18 years old.

These visits do not need to be booked but they can only take place within the normal times of social visits (Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun afternoons).  On arrival, visitors will need to go straight to the visitor centre and advise Nepacs staff that they are here for a reception visit.

Please be aware that the relevant checks need to be carried out on the visitor’s arrival to determine if the visit can go ahead.   Visitors can wait in the visitor centre while the checks take place, where Nepacs staff and volunteers are available to help.  Visitors will then be advised if the visit has been approved.

All visitors must have the correct form of ID.  Visitors will not be allowed to attend the visit if the correct ID is not presented prior to the visit. 

Please see ID requirement on the Government website HERE

Normal social visits

Online:  You can book your visit online by visiting www.gov.uk/prison-visits     By phone: You can call the visits line on 0300 303 0632. The line is open:   Monday 12:00pm - 5:00pm Tuesday 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday 12:00pm - 5:00pm Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm Friday 12:00pm - 15:00pm The person who books the visit must give details of every visitor who is attending the visit and must be on the prisoner’s contact list.

A visit can be booked a minimum of 2 working days prior to your visit date (subject to availability) and a visit can be booked up in a maximum of 28 working days prior to the visit (subject to availability).

When can I visit?

All visitors must have the correct form of ID.  Visitors will not be allowed to attend the visit if the correct ID is not presented prior to the visit.  

Please see ID requirement on the Government website HERE.

Prison visits Visiting times are: 

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 1.45pm to 3.45pm

Who can visit?

Only 3 adults with accompanying children may visit. Each table has 3 chairs; children’s chairs can be brought to the table.  Please notify the prison if you think there will be difficulties with this arrangement.    Visitors under the age of 18 years are not allowed to stay in the visitors centre unaccompanied.    Visitors wearing an electronic tag are not permitted to visit unless approved by the Governor. 

Is there a dress code?

HMP YOI Low Newton operates a family orientated visits policy. The majority of our visitors are accompanied by children and we wan to foster a decent, safe and relaxed family environment.

The following items of clothing should NOT be worn:

- Hats or scarves and head coverings which are not worn on religious grounds

- Inappropriately damaged clothing 

- Non-prescription glasses i.e. sunglasses 

- See-through / revealing clothing 

- Items of clothing that display offensive abusive or insulting words or gestures

- Mini or very short skirts / dresses unless worn with leggings 

- Shorts which are shorter than mid-thigh to knee length

- Visible or exposed underwear 

- Smart watches

This list is not exhaustive. 

It is up to prison staff to make decisions and judgements as to when clothing is inappropriate. When making these decisions, staff will always consider decency and diversity. You may be asked to adjust clothing or wear alternative clothing if available. As a last resort your visit may be cancelled if the dress code cannot be followed. 

How often am I able to visit?

Remand prisoners are allowed up to 2 visits on weekdays and 1 visit on a weekend (normal visiting hours apply).    Convicted prisoners are allowed a minimum of 4 visits every 28 days. 

Do I need a visiting order?

You do not need a visiting order. However, you will need a reference number which will be given to you when you book your visit by telephone. Please bring the confirmation reference number with you to the visit.

All visitors must be named on the prisoner’s contact list before they can book a visit and all visitors must be present when booking in. 

What ID documents will I need?

All visitors must have the correct form of ID.  Visitors will not be allowed to attend the visit if the correct ID is not presented prior to the visit (see ID requirements below)

All visitors will book in at the booking desk in the visitor centre as usual and Nepacs staff will check ID and mark off on the visits list.

All visitors over the age of 16 years old will need to bring the correct ID

You can present one photographic ID document from List A:

• Identity cards from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country
• UK photocard driving licences
• EU or EEA driving licences
• NI Electoral identity cards
• US passport card
• Proof of age card recognised under PASS with a unique reference number (This includes the Citizen ID card). Remember: Prisoners' families can get a £10 discount on the cost of a Citizen Card when applying online. Contact our helpline for the code.
• Armed forces identity card
• UK biometric residence permit (BRP)

If you are unable to present an ID document from List A, you may present one ID document from List B, supported by one document from List C:

List B: 

• Home Office travel document (convention travel document, stateless person’s document, one-way document or certificate of travel)
• Older person’s bus pass
• Freedom Pass
• Proof of age card recognised under the Proof of Age Standards
• Scheme (PASS) without a unique reference number (please refer to List A where a unique reference number is present)
• Birth or adoption certificate
• Education certificate from a regulated and recognised educational institution (such as an NVQ, SQA, GCSE, A level or degree certificate)
• Rental or purchase agreement for a residential property (signed and dated)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Bank, building society or credit union current account card (on which the claimed identity is shown)

All forms of ID must be originals, photocopies will not be accepted. If visitors fail to bring identification they will not be allowed into the prison and please ensure that you bring ID that provides proof of residence.

Can I get help with the cost of visiting?

You may be able to claim travel expenses if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits.

Please ask at the desk in the visitors’ centre for details of the Help with Prison Visits Scheme before starting your visit.   

Or visit https://www.gov.uk/help-with-prison-visits   to get started.

Find out more HERE .

Where can I wait when I arrive for my visit?

When you arrive at the prison you must go to the visitors’ centre where we will welcome you.

The visitors centre is open 1pm to 4pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. 

On arrival at the visitors centre you will register at the booking desk where Nepacs staff will check your ID and mark you as present on the visits list.  The prison visits process and all other relevant information will be explained to you. 

We will no longer be using a number system when booking in at the visitors centre.  All visitors will be going over to the prison at the same time regardless of what time they arrive for their visit.  

Visitors are to arrive at the visitors’ centre for afternoon visits for the visitor centre opening at 1.00pm, any late arrivals after 3pm will not be allowed into the visit.

There are toilet facilities and you will be able to purchase some light refreshments once you go over for your visit (refreshments are not available in the visitors centre).

There is a small play area in the visitors centre which is open for each visit session, and a youth room for children aged 8 to 17 years which is open on weekends. Parents/carers remain responsible for their children at all times. 

All visitors will be given a clear plastic bag to carry their ID, change for tea bar and locker key over to the visits hall in the prison. These are the only items that will be allowed to be taken over to the prison other than one clear baby bottle plus 1 unopened carton of baby milk or 1 clear bottle of breast milk will be permitted for babies along with changing materials.

All visitors need to be in the back waiting room of the visitor centre at 1:40pm to be banded and counted. If they are not there at that time then they will not be banded and may miss the visit.  At 1:40pm, Nepacs staff will do a headcount and band all adults and the prison will be notified in advance of how many visitors are being sent over to the prison. 

What can I take into the visit?

All visitors will be given a clear plastic bag to carry their

• Maximum £20.00 in coins per adult to buy refreshments
• If a baby is visiting, the carer can take one clear baby bottle plus 1 unopened carton of baby milk or 1 clear bottle of breast milk for babies along with changing materials.

No scarves/headwear, fashion wigs, electronic devices (such as Smart Watches or Fit Bits) can be worn on your visit. 

Refreshments are available in the main visit’s hall only. Adult visitors are allowed to take up to £20 each to spend.  This must be in coins as no notes are allowed. Change is available at the visitors’ centre but is limited so visitors are encouraged to change money prior to attending the visitor centre.

Will I be searched?

An officer will take all visitors over to the visits hall where you will be searched before entering the visits room.

There may be a passive drug detection dog on duty. The dogs are friendly and do not bark or jump up. If the dog indicates in any way that drugs have contaminated you, you will be offered a closed visit to assist in security.

How can I get there?

By train or bus: Train or bus to Durham, then taxi or bus to Brasside.

• Bus service 62, from outside the bus station in North Road, Durham at 12 minutes past the hour (Monday to Saturday only). No Sunday service.
• Bus service 64, which is every 10 minutes from outside Durham bus station (Monday -Saturday only) provides a limited service on a Sunday to the Jovial Monk Pub on Newton Hall Estate. The pub is a 10 minute walk to the visitors’ centre, which is an uphill walk on the return journey.
• Taxis from Durham City cost around £9.00 each way.

Parking is available at the prison. 

What facilities are there for children?

Play areas/youth room There is a small play area in the visitors centre which is open for each visit session and a youth room for children aged 8 to 17 years which is open on weekends. There is also a play area and youth zone in the prison visits room. 

Parents/carers remain responsible for their children at all times and should be discouraged from wandering around the visits hall. 

Do you run any special family visits?

We offer parent/child, extended child visits and special family visits.

The dates of our special visits are advertised throughout the prison and prisoners are able to submit an application to request a special family visit. Spaces on these visits are limited and a fair selection process is in operation.

Families will be contacted if they have a space on a special family visit. 

Can I bring or send anything in for a person in prison?

A range of items are available for the prisoner to purchase weekly eg vapes, toiletries, phone credit, coffee, chocolate. Newspapers and magazines can be ordered and clothing can also be purchased from within the prison. 

The following items can be posted in or delivered to a person in prison:

Reception parcels  Visitors attending for a reception visit may bring a reception parcel to the visit. This parcel is limited to clothing and footwear. A full list of items that can be bought in are listed below.

The following items are permitted:

3 x upper garments – eg, sweatshirt, jumper, long sleeve top 3 x lower garment – eg , joggers, trousers, skirts, leggings 2 x shorts 1 x shoes or trainers 1 x flip flops 1 x slippers 7 x pairs of socks 2 x pyjama set or night shirt 1 x dressing gown 3 x bras 10 x knickers or boxer shorts

Items will be checked against the current facilities list to ensure that they are permitted. 

Clothing You are able to order clothing from suppliers to be sent directly to the prison. The person in prison must apply for a clothing parcel to be sent in and provide the details of who will be sending the parcel. This then needs to be authorised before the clothing order is made. If a clothing parcel is sent to the prison before it has been authorised the parcel will be rejected. The suppliers which can be used are:    Argos, JD Sports, M & S, Next, ASOS, New Look    Families/friends need to place the order directly with the supplier and must list HMP Low Newton as the delivery address. Anything that arrives that hasn't come directly from the supplier will not be issued.

Letters/cards Letters and cards can be posted to the person in prison without the need to gain authorisation from the prison - cards cannot be padded. If letters and cards are sent to the person in prison directly from the family/friend, the letters and cards will be photocopied and the photocopy will be given.    Cards that are sent to the prison directly from Moonpig or Funky Pigeon will enable the person in prison to receive the original.    Books Books must be ordered online via Waterstones or WH Smith and delivered directly to the prison. There must be a delivery note attached to the package that clearly lists all the books included and listing their individual prices.

Many prisons also operate a size restriction so do not send large books or hard back books.

Be sure to avoid staples, cardboard and spiral binding.    The person in prison should not have more than 10 books in their possession at one time.    Photographs You can send photographs in to the prison via Freeprints. When you order the photographs online they must be delivered directly to the prison from Freeprints, stating the name and prison number/date of birth of the person in prison. Ordering photographs in this way will ensure the person in prison receives the original photograph. If photographs are sent in from home they will be photocopied in black and white Flowers Flowers delivered from any Interflora florist (flowers must not be in water bags) can be sent in without prior approval.

How can I send money to the prisoner?

You can transfer money via gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/send-prisoner-money  

You will need the prisoner's name, DOB and prison number.

You can make the payment using a Mastercard, Visa debit card or Maestro debit card. You can make an international payment using a debit card.    Money usually takes less than 3 working days to reach a prisoner’s account, but it may take longer.  This service is free, secure and available in all prisons in England.    You may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:

• are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
• do not have a debit card

You can get a copy of the exemption form from the link above, or ask a member of staff in the visitors' centre for more information. 

Who do I contact if I have concerns about a prisoner?

If you are concerned about anyone in custody you can leave a telephone message using the ‘At risk’ prison line on 0191 376 4189.

Alternatively you can speak to a Visits Officer in the prison, or any staff at the visitors’ centre.

What healthcare is available for prisoners?

There are doctors, nurses, mental health workers, drug and alcohol recovery teams and there is a pharmacy within the prison

The healthcare service in all seven north east prisons is ran by Reconnected to Health which is made up of Spectrum, Humankind and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. Spectrum have a section on their website with the answers to the most common questions families ask about healthcare:

https://spectrumhealth.org.uk/health-and-justice/faqs-for-families/

Can I have video calls with the person in prison?

Yes. The person in prison needs to complete an application form to request the video call.

You need to download the Prison Video app on your device to be able to receive the video call.

For more information about how to get started go to https://prisonvideo.com/ 

What other ways can I stay in touch with someone in prison?

Letters You can write to someone in prison. On the front of the envelope you will need to write their full name, prison number and the address of the prison. If you do not know their prison number you can write their date of birth instead. You will need to write ‘Senders Details’ on the back of the envelope and write your full name and address. 

Emails Email a Prisoner offers a quick, efficient, secure alternative method of communication for prisoners and their family/friends. Once you send an email to a prisoner the email will be printed by the prison and checked by security, and then will be delivered to the prisoner. Prisoners can then reply by handwriting a response which is then given to the prison who then pass it to Email a prisoner to be uploaded.

For more information go to https://www.emailaprisoner.com/ 

Prison Voicemail  The Prison Voicemail service also offers a service for phonecalls. For more information and associated costs for this service click HERE or visit  https://prisonvoicemail.com/

Can the person in prison phone or write to me?

The person is prison is able to use the in-cell phone to telephone family/friends if she has bought phone credit and had your number cleared by security. They can also write letter and will be given some free stamps each week. More stamps can be purchased as required. 

The Prison Voicemail service also offers a service for phonecalls. For more information and associated costs for this service click HERE or visit  https://prisonvoicemail.com/ 

Who do I contact if I need someone to talk to?

Visitor Centre

You can call our visitors' centre staff who will be available to offer information and support with issues you may be finding difficult during this time.  

We offer information and support if you are feeling upset or confused about visiting. You can call us on 0191 376 4138 and leave a message and we will get back to you. 

Nepacs Helpline

You can also contact the Nepacs helpline for families and friends affected by imprisonment. The helpline is free and confidential. We are open: 

• Monday and Friday 12pm-8pm
• Tuesday and Thursday 10am-2pm

Freephone: 0800 012 1539 Email: [email protected]    HMP Low Newton

The direct number for HMP Low Newton is 0191 376 4000

For more information about visiting please get in touch with the visitors’ centre on 0191 3764138.

Send us an enquiry

In this section.

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Low Newton visitor centre

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Hmp-yoi low newton.

• Inside Time Reports
• 13th December 2014
• Female Closed Training , North East , Prison Visit

Prison information

Address: LOW NEWTON Brasside Durham DH1 5YA Switchboard: 0191 3764000 Managed by: HMPPS Region: North East /Womens Estate Category: Female Closed and YOI Link to:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/low-newton-prison

Description

HMP/YOI Low Newton is a closed women’s prison, holding convicted and unconvicted adult prisoners and young female offenders.

Visit Booking: On-line

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

• prisoner number
• prisoner’s date of birth
• dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit Children’s Visits: Family Days/Child-Parent days approved by OMU

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

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If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

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HMP HUMBER (WOLDS)

3 thoughts on “ hmp-yoi low newton ”.

I hope I get a phone call back tommora trying to check something with you’re jail was beyond a joke I was saying about threats been made in against people and I was hung up on I’m not going to let this go use have a duty of care and didn’t even lowest to the situation I hope the tables turn one day

in most cases you can do this via email or text you can get this information usually off the prison website.

I’m enquiring about visiting my cousin she’s unconvicted an her family are wanting to visit her how will I go about booking it

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Low Newton Prison Information

• Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
• Education and Vocational Training: Low Newton Prison provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are also offered to enhance employment prospects upon release.
• Work Opportunities: Inmates have access to work opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, and other designated roles. These work activities aim to develop skills, a sense of responsibility, and a work ethic.
• Healthcare: Low Newton Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support, substance abuse programs, and specialist services are also available.
• Family Contact: Low Newton Prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and supports visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
• Resettlement Support: The prison offers pre-release planning and support to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. This may include assistance with accommodation, employment, and access to community-based support services.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to low newton prison.

• Monday: 12pm to 5pm
• Tuesday: 9am to 5pm
• Wednesday: 12pm to 5pm
• Thursday: 9am to 5pm
• Friday: 12pm to 5pm
• Tuesday: 2pm to 4pm
• Thursday: 2pm to 4pm
• Saturday: 2pm to 4pm
• Sunday: 2pm to 4pm

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

• Valid Passport
• Valid Photographic
• Driving Licence (full or provisional)
• Citizen Card
• Senior Citizens Bus Pass Travel Card (issued by Scottish Government)
• Utility bill
• Council tax bill
• Benefit book
• Bank statement
• other letter from official source

Low Newton Prison

Tel: 0191 3764000  –  Brasside, Durham, County Durham DH1 5YA

HMP Low Newton originally opened in 1965 as a remand centre. It held both male and female inmates until 1998, when extensive refurbishment work commenced. The establishment is now all female, holding both adults and young offenders, and is capable of holding category A prisoners . It is a closed prison and holds a limited number of women serving life sentences. Its capacity is 336. If you’d like information on how to get to HMP Low Newton, please refer to the map on this page.

Tel: 0191 3764000

Operational capacity: 336

Brasside, Durham, County Durham DH1 5YA

Prison Phone have been saving inmates at HMP Low Newton money on their calls from the prison to any UK mobile phone since 2013.

We do this by allocating a dedicated and secure local number to your mobile phone, this means when the inmate at Low Newton prison calls the new local number we have provided they will be charged at just the local landline rate (around 10p per minute) rather than the standard mobile rate (which is around 40p per minute).

This in turn helps to stretch the inmates PINS phone credit further and reduces the amount you need to send in for them to top up!

Send me Low Newton prison details via FREE SMS

Mobile number:

Here’s some facts about Low Newton Prison

HMP Low Newton is a high security closed-category female prison in Brasside, County Durham. Opened in 1965, the prison has capacity for 336 adult and young female inmates.

There are five traditionally built wings: Aykley (A), Bede (B), Cuthbert (C), Dunelm (D) and Elvet (E). E wing, the induction and first night unit, also incorporates a substance misuse unit and the Lynx open conditions unit. Finchale (F) wing predominantly holds long-term and indeterminate sentence women and includes 12 Primrose Service prisoners and restricted status women. The security specifications for Giles (G) wing, the drug free unit, are less stringent. I wing consists of the self-contained PIPE unit.

Serial killer Rosemary West has been in prison since November 1995, and is due to never be released. Mother and inmate at Low Newton, Julie McAllister , attacked her in prison after getting annoyed at “fan mail” from “twisted admirers”.

To view the latest HMIP inspection report, click here .

Visiting hours are 13:45 – 15:45 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 14:00 – 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Inmates have been found to prefer the drugs Subutex (a tablet that fights IBS) and Buscopan crushed up to smoke, than Spice, a synthetic cannabis.

HMP Low Newton’s most famous inmate is Rosemary West.

In 2006, the prison went through a security upgrade and can now hold category A prisoners.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

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HMP & YOI Low Newton

Inspection report (PDF, 4.6 MB)

Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI Low Newton by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (2-18 June 2021)

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Inside the uni halls-style prison where Lucy Letby could spend the rest of her life: Killer nurse with 14 life sentences is likely to see out days in HMP Low Newton where inmates go shopping for snacks and clothes, sleep in pink cells and pet animals

By Dan Sales

Published: 09:33 EDT, 21 August 2023 | Updated: 05:03 EDT, 23 August 2023

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Serial child killer Lucy Letby  could serve life behind bars with the country's most depraved murderers at a prison where inmates have the chance to go shopping, pet baby animals and decorate their cells pink.

The 33-year-old, who will be held in segregation at first to stop her being attacked by fellow inmates, is likely to be jailed in HMP Low Newton in Durham alongside Joanna Dennehy, who murdered three men during a ten-day spree in 2013.

Both Letby and Dennehy were sentenced to whole life orders. The only other women to have faced such a punishment are Moors murderer Myra Hindley - who died in 2002 - and Rose West. 

Past inmates at Low Newton have included Cromwell Street killer Rose West, Baby P’s mother Tracey Connelly and Britain's youngest female murderer Sharon Carr, who randomly selected and killed her victim when she was 12.

At the top security prison,  killer women get the chance to pet sheep and goats and look after a rabbit and birds as a way to keep them 'calm'.  The scheme was revealed in a report last year by the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB), a group which ensures prisoners are treated humanely behind bars. 

HMP Low Newton is next door to the so-called Monster Mansion of HMP Frankland, which holds Soham murders killer Ian Huntley, Wayne Couzens and Levi Bellfield. 

Lucy Letby will be in HMP Low Newton in Durham alongside Joanna Dennehy, who slayed three men during a ten-day spree in 2013

This is one of the general population prison cells in HMP Low Newton where Letby will serve her life sentence

The Rags to Riches shop featured well-known clothing brands which inmates were able to buy

There is also a library at the prison where inmates can borrow books 

If and when she is put into the main prison population, Letby will likely have access to the Rags to Riches shop which sells clothing to inmates. 

The general population wing also features cells in which some level of room personalisation is allowed. 

Photographs from a previous inspection show pink towelling and beauty products are also available.

Letby was originally held in HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, but was subsequently moved to HMP New Hall in Wakefield for the trial.

After sentencing today she will be taken to Low Newton, which is located in the village of Brasside near Durham.   

Rose West was moved to Low Newton from HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Middlesex - where Letby had been serving her time on remand - after prisoners were found to be plotting to batter her with pool balls. West is now at HM New Hall, Flockton, Yorkshire, after being convicted in 1995 of ten murders.

  The most notorious inmate currently in Low Newton is  Dennehy, along with Kilburn murderer Emma Aitken. 

Aitken was jailed for life for the murder of Barry Smith, whose beaten and burnt body was discovered outside Kilburn Welfare Social Club in Derbyshire in 2013. Her dad Vincent Aitken and boyfriend Nathan Dohert were also jailed for life.

As a multiple child killer, Letby will be viewed with extreme hostility by most behind bars and likely placed into the prison's segregation unit at first.

The area can hold up to three women and lacks some facilities.

Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life behind bars after being given a whole life order by Mr Justice Goss

Serial killer Joanna Dennehy is an inmate at HMP Low Newton, where she can pet sheep and goats to keep calm

Rosemary West used to shared recipes for Victoria sponge cake with her fellow inmates while she was in prison

If the scheme is still running, Letby will also be allowed to pet sheep and goats as therapy for inmates. As well as those animals, the prison also has a resident rabbit and two birds which are looked after by prisoners. 

The scheme was revealed in a new report by the Independent Monitoring Boards,  which ensures prisoners are treated humanely. 

The IMB noted that petting the animals had a 'calming effect' on even the most 'challenging' of prisoners. 

Low Newton — a maximum security jail and Young Offender Institution — is considered a leader in changing the behaviour of dangerous female offenders. 

It is home to the 'Primrose Project', designed to treat women with 'dangerous and severe personality disorders' — the only women's prison in the UK with such a unit.

It is thought to be the only high security jail in the country to be operating a 'petting' scheme, although some lower category prisons do. 

During the period of the IMB report — March 2021 to February last year — the jail had 10 pregnant inmates and introduced 'memory boxes' for prisoners to help them cope with the stress of being separated from their child. 

Former inmates at HMP Low Newton include House of Horrors killer Rose West and Baby P’s mother Tracey Connelly

Tracey Connelly, the mother of Baby P, and Rose West were all former inmates at the prison

Letby will be the subject of psychological inquiries and reports, and will become the 'patient' of various would-be therapists and healers, whether she wants it or not. 

Inspection reports on the jail said: 'Cells were not well equipped with only a bed, toilet and sink.

'The regime was limited with only an hour a day in the open air and half an hour to complete daily tasks, such as showering.'

The Ministry of Justice and Prison Service refused to comment to MailOnline about where Letby would serve her sentence, adding that they don't give information on individual cases.

Letby will remain a suicide risk, and staff would be heavily - and very publicly - criticised if such a prominent prisoner were to take her own life.

A suicide watch cannot be continued indefinitely, however - certainly not for years or decades, as it places too great a strain on the staff. 

It is a matter of judgment when a watch is lifted, and it is not a precise science.

Baby P's mother Tracey Connelly was released from HMP Low Newton last year. She was also eligible for the petting scheme 

Share or comment on this article: Inside the uni halls-style prison where Lucy Letby could spend the rest of her life: Killer nurse with 14 life sentences is likely to see out days in HMP Low Newton where inmates go shopping for snacks and clothes, sleep in pink cells and pet animals

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HMIP Inspections of HMP & YOI Low Newton

The prison was given an inspection in June 2021, the full report can be read at the Ministry of Justice web site, just follow the links below. In their latest report the inspectors said:

HMP & YOI Low Newton is a woman’s local and resettlement prison that services the courts across a large swathe of northern England. At inspection, it held 229 women with 45 unsentenced and the rest sentenced to anything from a few months to life. The excellent relationships between staff and the women, many of whom have complex needs, have helped to carry this prison through the last, difficult year.

The many examples of notable positive practice that we highlight in this report show the effort that staff members make to provide innovative support for the many vulnerable women, some of whom present a risk to themselves or to the public. The comfortable Achieving Best Evidence Suite was created to allow women, who have been victims of crime, to give evidence in a safe environment without needing to go out to the police station, and the recently decorated adjudications room was a contrast to the spartan environments that we usually see. Video calling had been expanded well beyond the limits of Purple Visits to mean that families living in different households were able to come together on screen. The chaplaincy was exceptional even when compared to the many good examples we see and family support was also excellent with a strong team helping women to maintain relationships at every stage of their sentence.

Given these many impressive initiatives, it was disappointing that the Listener scheme had been allowed to wither at a time when women needed peer support more than ever. There was a similar anomaly with clothing, where women were able to buy new clothes from the prison shop or choose from an extensive second hand range, while a ban on receiving parcels from home was a source of much frustration, particularly as the reasons for this policy were not clear to the women.

Levels of self-harm were lower than at most similar prisons and there was a very good range of support available to help women manage their feelings and avoid potential crisis.

It was very concerning to see that the prison is regularly being used as a ‘place of safety’ for women with acute mental health difficulties. These women should not be kept in prison where, out of sight, they exist in an environment that does not begin to address their needs. Health care and prison staff do their best to support women who are in profound distress, but they do not have the training, skills or resources to provide for patients who are so unwell. The unintended consequence of the well-intentioned policy designed to prevent seriously mentally ill women from languishing in police cells, has led to the problem being passed onto prisons, which are themselves an equally unsuitable environment. These women should be in hospital where they can be treated, not left in prison where they put an additional burden on already stretched resources. Women attending the health care department for their GP appointments could hear the constant screaming of one of the women.

Despite the many examples of good practice we saw at the prison, women continue to be locked in their cells for far too long and leaders must urgently begin to extend significantly the amount of time women are unlocked. There was very limited education provision, meaning that women who need to improve their basic learning, earn qualifications and acquire the skills that will help them to get work when they are released are not getting the help that they need to live safe, crime-free lives.

There is much that the team at Low Newton can be rightly proud of, and coherent planning from leaders with clear timescales and targets will help this prison to build on its many successes and provide more effectively for the often[1]troubled women in its care.

Charlie Taylor HM Chief Inspector of Prisons July 2021

Return to Low Newton

To read the full reports, go to the Ministry of Justice site or follow the links below:

• Inspection report (5 MB) ,Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI Low Newton by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (2-18 June 2021)
• HMP & YOI Low Newton ( 998.10 kB ) , Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI Low Newton (12–22 February 2018)
• HMP & YOI Low Newton , Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI Low Newton (29 September – 10 October 2014).
• HMP Low Newton , Announced inspection of HMP Low Newton (31 October – 4 November 2011)
• HMP/YOI Low Newton , Unannounced short follow-up inspection of HMP/YOI Low Newton (20-23 April 2009)

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The Karelia Republic, Russia

The capital city of Karelia republic: Petrozavodsk .

The Karelia Republic - Overview

The Republic of Karelia is a federal subject of Russia located on the border of Western and Eastern Europe, part of the Northwestern Federal District. It is a remarkably beautiful land of white nights, boundless forests and blue lakes. Petrozavodsk is the capital city of the region.

The population of Karelia is about 603,000 (2022), the area - 180,520 sq. km.

Karelia republic flag

Karelia republic coat of arms.

Karelia republic anthem

Karelia republic map, russia, karelia republic latest news and posts from our blog:.

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25 April, 2019 / Autumn in the Ruskeala Mountain Park .

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5 December, 2016 / The Soul of Russia - the Beauty of the Russian North .

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History of Karelia

People began to settle in Karelia in the 7th-6th millennium BC. The main occupations of the ancient inhabitants of this land were hunting and fishing. At the end of the 1st millennium AD, various tribes of Finno-Ugric groups lived in this region: Karels - on the Karelian Isthmus and the Northern Ladoga region, Veps - between Lakes Ladoga and Onega, Saami (Lop’) - further north.

In the 9th century, the territory of Karelia went into the sphere of influence of Kievan Rus. In the 12th century, after the collapse of Kievan Rus, Karelia became part of another ancient Russian state - Novgorod Republic. The town of Korela (present Priozersk in the Leningrad region) became its center. In 1227, Novgorod prince Yaroslav Vsevolodovich baptized Karels in the Orthodox faith. Veps also became Orthodox Christians.

At the end of the 13th century, Swedes seized part of the land in the western Karelia, where they founded the fortress of Vyborg (1293). However, their further advance was stopped by Russians and Karels. In 1478, Karelia together with other lands of Novgorod Republic was annexed to the Russian state (the Moscow State). In the late 16th - early 17th centuries, Swedes continued to expand eastward. According to Stolbovsky Treaty of 1617, Russia lost the Karelian Isthmus.

More historical facts…

During the reign of Peter the Great, several mining plants were built on the territory of Karelia. During the Great Northern War of 1700-1721, these plants played an important role providing the Russian army and navy with guns, rifles and other equipment. Later, Petrovsky Plant (1703) became the town of Petrozavodsk, which literally means “Peter’s plant”. In accordance with Nystadt Peace Treaty of 1721, the Karelian Isthmus returned to Russia.

In 1809, after the Russian-Swedish “Finnish” War, the Russian Empire captured Finland that received the status of the Grand Duchy of Finland. In 1812, Alexander I, as a gesture of goodwill, gave the duchy the territory of “Old Finland” - the western part of Karelia captured by Russia as a result of wars against Sweden.

During the First World War, as the Black and Baltic seas were blocked by the enemy, it was decided to build a railroad from Petrozavodsk to a newly built sea port on the eastern shore of the Kola Bay (present Murmansk) to be able to deliver military supplies sent by the Entente Allies. July 25, 1923, Karelian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was established.

By the end of the 1930s, Karelia was producing about 5% of all timber products in the USSR, 5% of paper, 25% of skis, 80% of feldspar and quartz, 30% of granite. Prison labor was widely used. The first Soviet labor camps were opened here - SLON (Solovki prison camp), Belbaltlag, Soroklag. Prisoners built the White Sea-Baltic Canal, Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, Pindushskaya shipyard and others objects.

After the Soviet-Finnish war of 1939-1940, Karelian ASSR was transformed into the Karelian-Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic. During the Second World War, a large part of the territory of Karelia was occupied by Finnish and German troops. In 1956, Karelia again became an autonomous republic within the RSFSR (the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic).

By 1950, the economy of the region reached the pre-war level. Lumber from Karelia played an important role in the reconstruction of destroyed towns and villages in the European part of the USSR. November 13, 1991, Karelian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic received its current name - the Republic of Karelia.

Pristine nature of Karelia

Karelia - the land of lakes

Author: Mikhail Grizly

Karelia landscape

Author: Dmitry Galushkin

Forest in Karelia

Author: Kulyov Nikita

Karelia - Features

The Republic of Karelia is situated in northern Europe, in the north-western part of Russia. In the north-east the region is washed by the White Sea. The western border of Karelia (798 km) is the state border of the Russian Federation and Finland, the European Union.

The weather in Karelia is changeable. The climate is mild with plenty of rainfall. Winters are snowy, usually without severe frosts. Summers are short and warm, with plenty of rainfall. The average temperature in February is minus 9-13 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 14-16 degrees Celsius.

Karelia has about 60,000 lakes, including the two largest lakes in Europe - Ladoga and Onega. Other large lakes: Nook, Pyaozero, Segozero, Syamozero, Topozero, Vygozero, Yushkozero. The White Sea-Baltic Canal (228 km) connects the basins of the Baltic and White seas.

The national composition according to the 2010 census: Russians (82.2%), Karels (7.4%), Belarussians (3.8%), Ukrainians (2%), Finns (1.4%), Veps (0.5%). The largest cities in Karelia are Petrozavodsk (280,900), Kondopoga (28,100), Kostomuksha (29,700), Segezha (25,300).

There are about 27,000 rivers in the region. The largest rivers are Vodla (149 km), Kem (191 km), Onda (197 km), Unga, Chirka-Kem (221 km), Kovda, Shuya, Suna with Kivach and Vyg waterfalls.

Forests cover about 85% of the territory of Karelia. The main minerals are iron ore, titanium, vanadium, molybdenum, precious metals, diamonds, mica, building materials. The economy of Karelia is based on metallurgy, mining, wood and paper industries. Because of the low population density, the road network is not much branched.

Historical and cultural identity of Karelia, which distinguishes it from other regions of Russia, is determined by cultural heritage of four indigenous peoples historically living in this region - Karels, Finns, Veps, Russians.

The borderline location of Karelia has often brought it to the foreground of major events in European history. Karelia has always been influenced by Western, in particular Scandinavian countries, which affected the culture and the mentality of its inhabitants. Today, this region can become an economic and cultural bridge between East and West.

The official language in Karelia is Russian. At the same time, there are peoples in the region whose written language is based on the Roman alphabet - these are Karels and Veps.

Tourism in Karelia

Karelia, having a favorable geographical location, unique natural and recreational resources, centuries-old cultural and historical heritage, is attractive for Russian and foreign tourists. Karelia is one of the most famous Russian territories in international tourism thanks to the presence of unique architectural, cultural and historical sites on the islands of Kizhi, Valaam and Solovki. They are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a national treasure of Russia.

Karelia is the birthplace of Karelian-Finnish epic “Kalevala” (literary monument of world importance). There are preserved ancient Karelian, Vepsian, Pomor villages with distinctive architecture that are of great interest for fans of ethnographic tourism.

Almost one million hectares, or more than 5% of the total area of the region, are protected areas: the national parks “Paanajarvi” and “Vodlozersky”, “Kalevalsky”, the natural park “Valaam Archipelago”, preserves “Kivach” and “Kostomukshskiy”, 46 nature reserves, 108 natural monuments.

The Republic of Karelia attracts tourists with its pristine nature, low population density and competitive prices. In summer this region is popular with lovers of water tourism, travelers on bicycles and cars, fishermen and hunters. Recently equestrian tourism has begun to develop. In winter you have an opportunity to engage in all types of skiing, take part in a safari on dog or reindeer sledding, take a trip on snowmobiles.

Tourists visiting the western part of the republic, declared the border area, should have identification documents in possession for a possible passport control.

Karelia scenery

Summer in Karelia

Author: Sokolov Alexey

Author: Andrey Malyshev

Rafting in Karelia

Author: Sergey Ashmarin

Main Attractions of Karelia

• Kizhi Museum-Reserve on Kizhi Island in Lake Onega - the world famous monument of wooden architecture,
• Valaam Monastery on Valaam Island in Lake Ladoga,
• Solovki historical and cultural complex on Solovetsky Islands,
• The resort “Marcial Waters” - the first Russian spa resort, founded by decree of Peter the Great in 1719,
• Assumption Church (1774) in Kondopoga,
• The architecture of the town of Sortavala - northern Art Nouveau, neo-classicism, functionalism, Kivach Falls,
• Staryy Olonets and old Karelian huts in the village of Bolshaya Selga,
• Ancient villages: Sheltozero, Kinerma, Man’ga, Rubcheila, Korza,
• The architectural ensemble of Ilyinsky churchyard and Murom Monastery,
• The sites related to “Kalevala”: Voknavolok, Kalevala (Ukhta), Voinitsa,
• Military and historical attractions: the line of defense “Medvezhyegorsk”, “Mannerheim Line”,
• Kivach waterfall on the Suna River,
• Ruskeala waterfalls on the Tohmajoki River,
• Ruskeala marble quarry,
• Yukankoski waterfall on the Kulismayoki River,
• Kumio waterfall, 70 km north-west of Voknavolok,
• Northern Ladoga skerries,
• Mountain Vottovaara,
• White Sea petroglyphs - ancient pictures carved into the rocks near Belomorsk,
• Onega petroglyphs - images of the Neolithic period near Pudozh.

Karelia republic of Russia photos

Pictures of the karelia republic.

Winter in Karelia

Author: Viktor Kabanov

Abandoned church in Karelia

Author: Nikitin Sergey

Wooden church in Karelia

Author: Kargin Alexey

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