The response said: ‘I can confirm that HMP Winchester introduced a fish tank to support its aim of providing a calm environment for prisoners newly arrived at HMP Winchester.
In response to a Freedom of Information request, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that a fish tank had been installed in the induction area of A Wing in March 2023 at a cost of £7,890 from the local prison budget.
The tank was installed in the induction area of HMP Winchester two years ago, in a room where prisoners only spend time when they first arrive.
He claimed this cost included an alleged £3,000 to populate the tank with fish, though the prison did not reveal the cost of this.
I get that it’s daunting, your first time in prison, but I don’t see what a fish tank is going to do to relieve the distress you’re going through.’.
