Chelmsford Prison is reaching saturation point.
Figures released by the Prison Service reveal the prison is holding 572 inmates - only four away from its operational capacity of 576.
The jail was originally designed to hold 442 but had to take another 30 per cent extra, like jails all over England and Wales.
Published Friday October 11, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article