E-cig trial was 'major success'

Prison officials welcome findings

Allowing prisoners to smoke electronic cigarettes has been 'a major success story', a report into the trial has concluded.

Health bosses, politicians and inmates at the Isle of Man Prison are among those welcoming the findings of the six-month pilot project.

Prison governor Bob McColm welcomed the decision to introduce specially designed 'tamper proof' e-cigs in April last year.

An evaluation of the trial has now found it brought 'a raft of benefits', including a saving of almost £10,000 as well as a 42% drop in disciplinary cases.

The Isle of Man Prison became the first in Europe to ban cigarette smoke a decade ago.

One inmate, known only as Dave, said he'd never thought about quitting before trying e-cigs.

He says prison has been 'a good environment' to kick the habit.