Cell-phones have become just that - cell phones - at Isle of Man Prison.

Prison bosses have defended the a new policy, introduced since the Covid lockdown, of allowing inmates to use mobile phones in their cells.

A defence lawyer, speaking at a recent court hearing when three defendants - including a prison officer - were jailed for smuggling a phone into Jurby jail, said it was ’ironic’ that inmates are now allowed to use mobiles inside.

Acting prison governor Leroy Bonnick said this was a privilege linked to good behaviour.

Historically, prisoners would use a bank of phones in a central location, but during Covid a project already underway was brought forward.

It means some prisoners can now be issued with a mobile phone which is linked to a central system, allowing them to make calls to pre-specified numbers at a time of their choosing.

This reduces demands on officers and gives prisoners more flexibility in when and how they contact family in particular.

These mobile phones are for calls only, not for playing games, video calling, recording videos or taking photos, said Mr Bonnick.

He said: ’The prison has rolled out in-cell telephony to certain prisoners.

’This forms part of the overall privilege scheme by which prisoners are able to earn improvements to their time in prison linked to good behaviour.

’In-cell phones allow prisoners to build and maintain family relationships, something we know is fundamental to their chances of rehabilitation.’

Mr Bonnick said keeping in touch with family and friends is an important part of supporting an offender’s mental wellbeing while in prison, along with visits.

He said all prisoners may use a phone to contact family and friends, for which they are charged. These calls are recorded for security purposes. Prisoners are also entitled to contact their legal advisors on the phone but these calls are not recorded.

So how are offenders prevented from using their cell phones to conduct criminal activity?

The acting governor said: ’The use of phones is facilitated under a well-managed system, with extensive safeguards. The system is completely locked down.

’Offenders are only permitted to call numbers which are provided and vetted in advance and all calls are recorded and monitored.

’The system is not set up for incoming calls, and prison authorities have the power to remove phones from those who have misused them.’

Robert Sewell was jailed for 12 months for smuggling a mobile phone into the jail while working as a prison officer.