A UK prison has been branded a “paedo paradise” after it emerged that convicted child sex offenders are being allowed to record podcasts and even create bedtime stories for children. HMP Whatton in Nottinghamshire, the largest sex offender prison in Europe, houses hundreds of inmates convicted of serious sexual crimes. The Category C jail, which has a capacity of 836 and a population made up of around 70 % child sex offenders, features a multimedia studio where prisoners can produce and broadcast their own content.
Among the schemes operating inside the prison is one that allows inmates to record bedtime stories for their children or relatives. The recordings, produced with the help of props such as puppets and toys, are edited with music and sound effects before being sent out to families.
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The prison also runs its own internal radio and television station, Whatton Earth Radio, where prisoners with “protected characteristics” — including those relating to race, religion or gender identity — can create and share podcasts.
An inspection report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 2024 praised the initiative, saying the podcasts reflected the jail’s “commitment to learning about prisoners’ experiences, raising awareness among their peer group and staff”.
However, critics have reacted with fury, arguing that such privileges are entirely inappropriate given the nature of the inmates’ crimes.
The scheme allowing prisoners to record bedtime stories is run by the Storybook Dads charity, which operates in around 100 prisons across the UK. The programme is open to inmates regardless of their offence, provided risk assessments have been carried out and approved.
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Sharon Berry, chief executive of the charity, defended the initiative, saying: “[The charity] provides a multi-award-winning service for prisons to run, which helps to support literacy, family ties and can help to reduce reoffending.
“Prisons deliver the service internally in a way that is known to be safe.”
The Ministry of Justice has also insisted that strict safeguards are in place, with only prisoners who pass rigorous checks allowed to take part, and no direct contact permitted with victims.
Despite these assurances, campaigners say the wider conditions at the prison paint a troubling picture. Analysis has found that inmates at Whatton and similar facilities enjoy access to amenities such as a bistro, a vintage-style shop and well-equipped gyms, along with privacy locks on their cells.
Inspectors highlighted the prison’s “excellent” physical education facilities, which include outdoor sports pitches, a large sports hall and a weights room.
The Justice for Victims group condemned the situation, telling The Telegraph: “They are serving time for some of the most heinous crimes as sex offenders they should not have access to what many would consider luxuries.”
William Yarwood, media campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, was equally scathing. He said: “Taxpayers will be absolutely appalled to see the ‘cushy’ conditions being provided to sex offenders at their expense. Prison is intended to be a deterrent and a place of punishment, not a paedo paradise with podcasting studios and private entertainment.”
An Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “Earned privileges encourage good behaviour and help maintain safety within the prison system. Offenders can lose access to them if they fail to follow the rules.
“Our number one priority is public protection. Educational and work-based programmes are important to rehabilitation and reducing the risk of re-offending.”
