Intimidation at North Oxford Canal

If you go out of the woods today, you may be faced with aggressive security staff from the privately run Her Majesty's Prison at Rye Hill on the Oxford Canal writes Kevin McNiff.

The moorings between bridges 80 and 81 on the North Oxford are very popular and so is the opportunity to walk dogs through the gate that leads to a field at the back of the large prison complex that includes Rye Hill.

Public footpath

The Ordnance Survey  map shows a public footpath within the trees but we have used the large field for several years to exercise and train our dog. Last weekend we were subjected to what only amounts to intimidation by G4S security!

The following is a letter sent by my wife to the Governor (Director) Sue Saunders of the prison:

Dear Ms Saunders

I write regarding an incident at the rear of HMP Rye Hill this morning (5th).

I was walking my dog (as I have for many years when cruising the canals) on the ground at the rear of the prison, having gained access, as always, through a gap in the hedge from the canal towpath.

I was approached by a young lady from Group 4 security, telling me that I couldn't go 'over there', indicating the far end of the field. I responded that I had no intention of doing so, and was told that this was a prison and that not many people wanted to walk their dogs by a prison.

I told her it didn't bother me. She then said that the green area I was on was 'prison grounds' (forgive me but I always thought prison grounds were enclosed—i.e. on the inside of the walls) and I had no right to be there but should use the public footpath. I asked where were the signs saying I could not be there, or the signs for the footpath, or indeed any locked gate or fenced off area indicating it to be prohibited. She simply replied that I was being awkward and didn't like my attitude, and to leave the grounds to which I replied I would when I had finished walking my dog.

The next part of the conversation is, I feel, the important bit. She then told me that they had patrol dogs wandering around 'off lead'! and that she didn't want my dog to be hurt. This would imply that the patrol dogs would therefore attack randomly instead of on command, and if that is the case, should certainly not be off lead—i.e. they are classed as dangerous and out of control dogs.

I then stated that if there were such dogs wandering around, then surely Health and Safety dictates (a) that there be a sign warning people of such, especially if an elderly person with a dog was using the footpath to go to the bus stop, and (b) that the footpath and grassed area should be sectioned off for public safety. She said that wasn't necessary to which I replied that I felt I should speak with someone about this. She retorted 'do what you like', and began to walk away. I would say here that I have never known police dogs, military police dogs or any security dogs being off lead until released by their handler.

She rejoined her group of colleagues by a white van, and I then saw a dog which had obviously been let out of the white van running about whilst they all endeavoured to catch it and put it back—I am assuming this was an attempt to threaten me.

I have absolutely no problem not walking my dog in that area, but until proper signage, or fencing, or whatever is necessary is erected, shall continue to do so in the future. I would add that I shall be making this incident public.

Yours sincerely

Mrs. P. McNiff

P.S, I daresay if your inmates knew that the green area outside the walls was considered 'prison grounds' they may exercise their right to use it!

Another boater

Another boater has confirmed that he had been approached in a similar way.

[Under the Highways Act 1980 Section 130 'Any person in a public place who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour commits an offence under Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1936'.

A public place includes any place where the public have access including a footpath eg 'a permissive path' Criminal Justice Act 1972 Section 33 (Shown on the Definitive Map that can be seen at council offices.)  The maximum penalty is six months prison or £1.000 fine or both—Editor. (Ex BHS Bridleway/Footpath Officer.)]