HM Chief Inspector of Prisons listed complaints of infestations of cockroaches and mice. Pest control had been called to attend the prison several times in recent months.

Only 16% of prisoners in a survey stated they could shower every day, only prisoners in full time work were allowed a shower daily, many other going longer than two days without a shower.

Generally unemployed prisoners had no more than 45 minutes a day out of their cells and offered outdoor exorcise or showers on alternate days. Some of the prisoners especially those in wheelchairs did not go outside at all.

Pentonville has barely changed structurally in 180 years and is now showing the challenges that come with an aging inner-city prison.