Assault and sexual harassment are among the misconduct offences brought against more than 1,000 prison officers in England and Wales between 2000 and 2006.
According to a report by The Guardian newspaper, problems reached a critical level at a number of well-known prisons. At Birmingham, 51 staff were sacked or put on warning; at Risley in Cheshire 41 officers were also fired or cautioned, and at Manchester, Belmarsh and Brixton in London, at each prison 35 staff were dismissed or warned.
In total, 1,300 staff were guilty of misconduct, including assaulting prisoners and other staff, racial harassment, falsely claiming sick leave, failing to obey instructions, theft, and being drunk or high on drugs at work.
The figures follow a freedom of information request, released after months of delay by the Home Office.
