One prisoner died during the riot in October 2002

Several warders were injured during a riot at Lincoln jail in October 2002, and a 37-year-old inmate died from a drug overdose during the incident.

A report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, has concluded that work is still needed to restore harmony at the Victorian jail.

"Lincoln has a long way to go to meet fully the inspectorate's tests of a healthy prison," Ms Owers said in the report.

Locked in cells

"The report acknowledges that a prison riot is a traumatic event for both staff and prisoners, but points to many areas that need to be improved," she said.

Inspectors confirmed the prison was now safe, but warned that a heavy focus on security had led to an "institutionalised disrespect" towards prisoners.

RIOT PRISON In many ways this is a poor report but it deserves repeating that we were keenly aware of the trauma suffered by the establishment Anne Owers Chief Inspector of Prisons

"Too often prisoners were treated as objects to be managed rather than people," said the report.

The report stated the jail also had a large number of underemployed staff, and showed weaknesses in health care provision.

Concerns had been raised about the treatment of vulnerable prisoners and sex offenders, who were not offered reasonable protection from other inmates.

Inspectors said they discovered that inmates at Lincoln spent too long locked in cells without opportunities for work or education.

Only 15% of prisoners spent four hours or more out of their cell compared with 45% at similar jails.

"In many ways this is a poor report but it deserves repeating that we were keenly aware of the trauma suffered by the establishment in October 2002.

"Nevertheless, the time has come to move on," said Ms Owers.

Phil Wheatley, director general of the Prison Service, said: "I am pleased that the Chief Inspector recognises the efforts of the staff at Lincoln to maintain a safe environment.

"However, I acknowledge concerns in other areas and the governor has already addressed several of the recommendations."