[5] With a set opening date in February 2014, it was later announced in March 2014 that the immigration removal centre plans were officially put on hold until September.

In November 2005, an inspection report from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons criticised The Verne for weaknesses in its anti-bullying and suicide prevention policies.

The inspectors found that there were low levels of violence, good staff-prisoner relationships, and that the Jailhouse Café, a public cafe offering work experience to prisoners, was a successful social enterprise.

[10] Glam rock star Gary Glitter, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexual offences, was incarcerated at The Verne until his release on licence in February 2023.

[13] John Patrick Hannan was also sentenced to serve time at the prison but, after a 1955 escape, has set the world record for the duration of any inmate to remain a fugitive.