Three-Part Prison Investigative Documentary Announced By BBC Three

A new three-part investigative documentary series on the rise of contraband inside UK prisons has been announced by BBC Three.

Made by Antidote Productions, in the first film, documentary maker Livvy Haydock investigates the rise of contraband inside UK prisons, and uncovers the links in the chain on both sides of the law.

She spends time with criminals who are making 10 times a drug's street value by selling to prisoners behind bars, including a 'networker', a key link in the chain who sources goods on the outside and gets them to whichever inmate has made an order via the mule.

Livvy also meets a serial offender, currently on a tag, who admits he has "seen everything" inside - drugs, weapons, mobiles - and learns how drones and corrupt prison officers can be an effective means of getting contraband inside.

The film will reveal more than 'how it's done' from the criminal perspective - posing questions about wider prison life, what really goes on inside, and how the rise in technology combined with the lucrative black market behind bars is driving serious violence between inmates, which is extending to the outside world.

Livvy Haydock said: "This film exposes the shocking levels of contraband getting into UK prisons. Hearing from those on the front line I discover just how out of control things are."

Leila Monks, Director of the film and Co-Founder, Antidote Productions also said: "We're really proud of this documentary as it reveals the complexities of an underground network that is hidden from view. Livvy is the perfect person to help navigate this world and we're glad to be championing new female talent."

And Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three, added: "Livvy is a brilliant new talent and BBC Three is all about backing new talent. I'm confident these new films will open our audience's eyes to the world around them."

Details on the other two films in the series will be announced shortly.

Breaking Into Prison will be available on BBC Three, BBC Three on iPlayer and BBC Three YouTube from Monday 7 November 2016.
The three-part series is an Antidote production for BBC Three. The Executive Producer is Laura Jones for Antidote Productions. The series was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three, and Danny Horan, Commissioning Editor, BBC Documentaries.

(MH)