Bullwood Hall in Hockley has been highlighted following a 60 per cent national increase in suicide rates at women's prisons.

Research by the Howard League for Penal Reform revealed 14 women killed themselves in 2003 compared to nine the year before.

Inmates at Bullwood Hall in Hockley have contributed to the worrying statistics, the reform group said.

One prisoner, 19-year-old Jennifer Clifford, took her life last year, which made it three suicides in six years for the south Essex prison.

However, Bullwood Hall is by no means the worst of the 19 prisons in England and Wales which take women prisoners. Styal prison in Cheshire had six suicides last year alone.

Published Tuesday January 6, 2004

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