When HMP Five Wells first opened its doors in Northamptonshire, the government hailed it as the future of British prisons—a modern, eco-friendly facility built to rehabilitate rather than punish.
With ensuite rooms, TVs, tablets, and even yoga classes, it was meant to be a far cry from the crumbling Victorian jails that dominate the prison estate.
But three and a half years later, critics are questioning whether the country’s newest £238 million “super-jail” has gone too far in making life behind bars comfortable.
Life Inside Five Wells
Cells at Five Wells look more like student accommodation than prison blocks—brightly painted, with barless windows and private showers.
Prisoners, addressed by staff on a first-name basis, have access to gyms, sports pitches, and courses in everything from hairdressing to bike repair.
Good behaviour can earn perks like ordering takeaways or even family photographs during visits.
At Christmas, the prison even brought in miniature donkeys to entertain visiting children.
One partner of an inmate joked: “Shower in his cell, lake view, phone, tablets to text and email on… I wouldn’t mind swapping for a weekend.”
Staff Scandals and Security Concerns
Despite the glossy image, Five Wells has repeatedly been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Several prison officers have been jailed for inappropriate relationships with inmates, including one caught sending thousands of flirtatious messages and another who even had a child with a prisoner.
Long-serving officers say the problem lies in inexperience—over 70% of staff have been in their roles for less than two years, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation.
“This is not the prison service I joined,” one officer admitted.
“If you know you’re coming to Five Wells, you’re laughing. It doesn’t feel like punishment.”
The Sex Offender Controversy
Perhaps the most controversial policy at Five Wells is its decision to integrate sex offenders with the general prison population.
Today, more than 70% of its 1,700 inmates are convicted of sex crimes—one of the highest proportions in Europe.
Normally, such prisoners are kept separate for safety reasons, but at Five Wells they mix freely under an “offence-neutral” policy.
Inmates are even asked to sign contracts promising not to harass or intimidate sex offenders.
Families and staff have voiced concerns. One officer admitted: “How are you supposed to treat someone who’s abused a baby? There’s no training for that. Inexperienced staff just leave.”
Rising Tensions and Mental Health Struggles
Not surprisingly, the policy has fuelled tension. Reports of assaults, bullying, and even attacks with “prison napalm”—a boiling sugar solution designed to cause burns—have emerged.
Some prisoners turn to drugs to cope, while self-harm rates are among the highest in similar prisons.
Families visiting loved ones also feel uneasy. “You can’t keep your kids away from sex offenders,” one prisoner’s wife said.
“It’s worrying if you see someone looking at your children—you automatically assume the worst.”
Luxury or Rehabilitation?
The debate around Five Wells boils down to a single question: is it too soft? Inmates enjoy comfortable conditions, modern facilities, and a range of activities designed to cut reoffending.
Some relatives say they don’t see the prison as a “soft touch” at all—only as a place where their partners can serve time in a safe, stable environment.
But critics argue that the balance has tipped too far toward comfort and away from accountability.
“It’s like a boarding school for adults,” one officer remarked.
Official Response
In response to mounting criticism, G4S—the private company running Five Wells—insists it operates a “strict but fair” regime and that prisoners who break the rules face consequences.
Officials say steps are being taken to improve safety and reduce self-harm, while staff are supported with training and oversight to prevent corruption.
Still, the questions remain. Is Five Wells pioneering a new, rehabilitative future for prisons—or has it crossed the line, making punishment feel more like privilege?