Paedophiles have been allowed to record podcasts and bedtime stories for child relatives while behind bars.
HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire – Europe’s largest prison for sex offenders – has a state-of-the-art ‘multimedia studio’ where inmates can produce their own content.
The jail also allows paedophiles to record bedtime stories for young relatives.
Other sex offender prisons offer a range of similar perks, including a ‘hipster-style’ charity shop, an all-weather 3G football pitch and privacy locks on cells.
A victims charity said sex offenders were getting an ‘easy ride’ by enjoying access to ‘what many would consider luxuries’.
HMP Whatton is a Category C prison where around 70 per cent of its 836 inmates are sex offenders.
The latest inspection report revealed inmates with ‘protected characteristics’, which includes race, religion and sexual orientation, get the chance to record podcasts that are shared on the prison’s TV and radio channel.
An inspection report by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 2024 said this demonstrated HMP Whatton’s ‘commitment to learning about prisoners’ experiences, raising awareness among their peer group and staff’.
An older official report also found the prison takes part in the Storybook Dads initiative, which enables prisoners to read, record and send out a CD for their child, grandchild, niece or nephew.
The charity said the programme – which has received several awards – is intended to ‘strengthen’ family ties between prisoners and their relatives.
They can use puppets and have music and sound edited over their voices to create a recording described as ‘a bit like a CBeebies bedtime story’.
The Ministry of Justice said only inmates who pass strict risk assessments can use the service, and they are never allowed direct contact with victims.
Another sex offender prison, HMP Rye Hill near Rugby, was recently revealed as the home of Carson Grimes, one of Britain’s worst serial paedophiles.
Grimes is now serving seven life sentences for abusing 22 boys aged as young as five, although police suspect the true tally may run into the hundreds.
The jail – which has received glowing inspection reports – includes a slate of sports facilities including a gym, a sports hall for racket sports, volleyball and circuit classes, and an all-weather 3G football pitch.
As a training prison, Rye Hill is designed to prepare inmates for release, raising the question why it was considered suitable for a serial offender who may never be released.
Prisoners at HMP Stafford – another prison for sex offenders – can buy second-hand clothes at a ‘hipster-style’ charity shop.
A spokesman for Justice for Victims said: ‘Far too often, victims and their families feel let down by the justice system. This is just another example of offenders being given an easy ride.
‘They are serving time for some of the most heinous crimes as sex offenders, they should not have access to what many would consider luxuries.
‘Of course it’s important that consideration is given to rehabilitation, but tax payers money should not be spent on making their time an enjoyable experience.’
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: ‘Public protection is our number one priority and earned privileges play an important role to maintain safety in prison and cut crime. Offenders can lose access to these privileges if they fail to follow the rules.’
‘Educational and work-based programmes are important to rehabilitation and reduce the risk of re-offending.’
Sharon Berry, CEO of Storybook Dads, said: ‘[The charity] provides a multi-award-winning service for prisons to run, which helps to support literacy, family ties and can help to reduce reoffending.
‘Prisons deliver the service internally in a way that is known to be safe.’
