Inmates Sneak in Fried Chicken Takeaways at HMP Wandsworth

Inmates at HMP Wandsworth, a prison in south London notorious for recent controversies, have been filmed enjoying smuggled fried chicken takeaways in their cells. This revelation comes on the heels of the accidental release of two prisoners within days, raising serious concerns about security and oversight at the facility.

On October 29, 2025, Algerian migrant sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was released, followed by fraudster William Smith on November 3. These incidents occurred shortly after a damning inspection report characterized the prison as being in “chaos,” with inmates experiencing “greater despair” than seen in previous assessments.

The prison’s challenges extend beyond security lapses; the facility has drawn attention for its overcrowded conditions and numerous scandals. A video circulating on social media shows an inmate boasting about his takeaway meal from Chicken Cottage, displaying chicken wings and a burger before revealing his cell door. This footage, which has since been deleted from TikTok, underscores the ongoing issues of contraband entering the prison.

An investigation has been initiated to identify the inmate and any accomplices involved in smuggling food into the facility. Reports suggest that bribed security personnel may have facilitated this breach, while drones are increasingly being used to deliver illicit goods to prisons. According to a source, “These are criminals who should be stripped of any luxury. Instead, they are getting favorite meals hand-delivered.”

The Ministry of Justice responded promptly, stating, “We removed these posts immediately and are investigating. Those who break prison rules can face extra time behind bars.”

Inspection Reports and Overcrowding Issues

HMP Wandsworth is regarded as one of the most overcrowded prisons in the country, with inspections revealing alarming conditions. A report from last year raised concerns over leadership failures at every level, highlighting high rates of self-harm, violence, and drug use within the facility. The prison was described as “dangerously overcrowded” and infested with vermin, with inspectors noting that it was “alarming easy” for inmates to access contraband items like phones and drugs.

The report further indicated that almost half of the prison staff had been on the job for less than a year, which significantly undermined efforts to maintain order. Staff absences often reached 50 percent, exacerbating the challenges faced by remaining personnel.

In a particularly troubling incident last year, two officers were dismissed after making light of a prisoner’s suicide in a staff WhatsApp group. The living conditions in the prison were condemned as “squalid, dirty, and cramped,” with the overall environment described as chaotic.

Continued Security Breaches

The recent footage of inmates enjoying takeaways is not an isolated incident. Another video emerged showing a prison officer playing a video game with an inmate in his cell. Although the specific prison where this occurred is not confirmed, the Ministry of Justice is investigating the origins of the video.

Former prison guard Lee Davies remarked on the prevalence of mobile phones within prisons, stating, “Phones are absolutely rife in jails across the country. The sinister side of it is crime is orchestrated from prison cells.”

As HMP Wandsworth grapples with these ongoing security issues and public scrutiny, authorities face increasing pressure to implement effective measures to restore order and safety within the prison system. With incidents like these, the debate over prison reform and the management of facilities like Wandsworth is more urgent than ever.