Junior

“Policy should be based on “The system hasn’t got the “It is a time for reassurance, clear researched evidence capacity and capability to coming together and small and not on the whim of do the things that it needs acts of kindness which every- the National Newspaper for Prisoners & Detainees Government.” Andrea Albutt to do” Dame Anne Owers one can do.” Juliet Lyon CBE a voice for prisoners since  Comment // page 19 Comment // page 23 Comment // pages 26-27 April 2020 / Issue No. 250 / www.insidetime.org / A ‘not for profit’ publication/ ISSN 1743-7342 BELOW THE BELT 21 // FOOD FOCUS 24-25 // PROGRESSION REGIMES 33 An average of 60,000 copies distributed monthly Independently verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations ALSO CORONAVIRUS What you need to know

l Prisons working closely with Public l Procedures in place to manage l “The safety and wellbeing of staff, pris- Health and NHS. outbreaks of infectious diseases, prisons oners and visitors is paramount and at the are prepared if cases are identified. heart of our approach.” Prisons Minister

how you use the gym or library or the jobs you different ways we can do that. do. It will probably mean less time out of your Jo Farrar - CEO Prisons and Probation cell. If you become unwell, or you have been in You can help to keep yourself and the prison contact with someone who has become unwell, healthy by continuing to follow the hand washing Right now, the country is facing something it has then you will need to stay in your cell until we can guidance and doing the same thing as people in never experienced before and everyone is having be sure you aren’t infectious. the community are doing. This includes social to do things differently. This is to help stop the distancing, particularly if you are over 70 or have spread of coronavirus and keep people healthy. I want you to know that you will still get basic pay a health condition that might make you and your incentives won’t change if you can’t vulnerable. Most children aren’t going to school, lots of peo- work because of this. I also know that you may ple are working from home, and the elderly and be worried about how your family might cope Everyone is feeling anxious about this situation people who might be more vulnerable to illnesses with the restrictions in the community, particu- because it isn’t something we are used to experi- are ‘socially distancing’ themselves. This might larly if they are unwell. They will also be worried encing. It does impact on everyone and now, mean they do not use the tube; they avoid large about you. more than ever, we need to work together to keep gatherings; or gatherings in smaller spaces. everyone healthy. One of our main priorities during this time is to We also need to make some changes in prisons to make sure that you get plenty of contact with Thank you for working with us at this difficult keep you healthy. This may include changes to your families and we are looking at a range of time.

VISITOR GUIDANCE: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-and-prisons#visiting-prisons-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

CORONAVIRUS: BULLETIN BOARD 32 // PRISONS TRY TO MAINTAIN REGIMES 12 // CCRC UPDATE 42 // NPR UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE MONTH 46

MICHAEL PURDON SOLICITOR CALL US: 0191 232 1006 SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED AN EXPERT VISIT: purdonlaw.co.uk PAROLE - RECALL LONDON: 7 New Square, PRE-TARIFF REVIEWS Lincolns Inn, London, WC2C 3QS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) CAT A REVIEWS-TARIFF REVIEWS NEWCASTLE: Wards Buildings, NATIONWIDE SERVICE 31-39 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Founding members, serving for 3 years as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Association Tyne and Wear NE1 1EW of Prison Lawyers 2 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime April 2020 Slave industry insidetime Bringing shame Mailbites a voice for prisoners since 1990 R Handley - HMP Ashfield on Islam Why DHL? the national newspaper for prisoners published Raj Koli - HMP Onley by Inside Time Limited, a wholly owned I have been in prison since March 2015 and I Name withheld - HMP Wakefield subsidiary of The New Bridge Foundation, have seen a lot of goings on that would raise I am sure there are many inmates just like me founded in 1956 to create links between the the anger of the calmest person. The guy The recent and past terror attacks in London, offender and the community PUBLISHED wondering how often does the contract/ who wrote the article ‘Prison is a business’ in Manchester and around the world by so- WEEKLY ONLINE AND MONTHLY IN PRINT tender to supply canteen for HMP estates get called Muslims are not Islamic acts, they are the March issue of Inside Time forgot to men- put out? And why is it that DHL always secures acts that are a disgrace and bring shame on tion that the prison business is a multi-mil- the contract? Why don’t Prison Service Islam. The religion of Islam is based upon Board of Directors lion pound ‘Slave’ industry. the words of Allah (SWT) and the sunnah administration award the contract to a major Trevor Grove - Chairman Former Editor Sunday (doings) of the Prophet (PBUH). Taking the supplier like Tesco/Asda or any of the others? Telegraph, Journalist, Writer and former Magistrate. “Who truly benefits from us being latter first, the Prophet (PBUH) never at- These major suppliers sell everything. Not only Dr Peter Bennett Trustee, New Bridge forced to work for commercial tacked or killed unarmed people going about would it be cheaper for the inmates, but it Foundation and former Governor of HMP Grendon their business. When he went to war it was at would be a refreshing change. Surely, DHL John D Roberts Company Director employing companies for a pittance of pay?” a prearranged time and place. He faced his cannot be the only company in the race, again? former prisoners enemies face-to-face, weapon-to-weapon, Louise Shorter CEO Inside Justice and former producer BBC Rough Justice I would say the profit goes to the govern- unlike what these cowardly terrorists do. The benefits of Xbox Alistair H E Smith BSc FCA Chartered Accountant, ment, the commercial companies that are A Pike - HMP Littlehey Trustee and Treasurer, New Bridge Foundation happy to use prisoners when it suits them, As for those who kill themselves in their act Phil Wheatley Former Director General of Prison of terror or who wear fake suicide vests so though they probably would not offer a job Xboxes are a time-killer for us prisoners and Service. that they will be killed, they are going although they don’t have a direct relation to to a released prisoner as they’d have to pay against the command of Allah (SWT) of do rehabilitation, they do keep us calm and The insideteam proper wages, and the prisons themselves not kill yourselves. Setting out with the in- benefit. But never the prison slaves. tention of being killed is equal to killing entertained, and this is exactly what we need yourself. whilst under the stress of being locked up in Boris Johnson wants to increase prison sen- prison. There are several prisons with confus- tences and build more prisons. Why? Obvi- There is, therefore, no martyrdom for these ing and contradictory rules about Xboxes - some allow them, and other jails will only ously in order to increase the number of people or for those cowards who talk others into doing these acts. allow them unless they were brought with the slaves available. We have the hypocrisy to John Roberts inmate from another prison. I feel that all complain about other countries and the slav- Publisher For these people only hell awaits, for no mat- prisons should allow them due to the benefits and Director ery they use, but we are no different in the ter how much they or their family and friends they bring. Why punish the majority because a UK. ask for forgiveness, there is no forgiveness minority might misuse them? We need to for disgracing Islam. streamline the rules around Xboxes and then We should have a system much like in Scan- let everyone know exactly what they are. dinavia where prisoners work off their debt So those who may be thinking of committing to society with a proper wage to take care of such an act in the mistaken belief of martyr- their families and get out to something other dom and heaven, wake up. Follow the words Not so grisly Risley Erwin James Rachel Noel Smith of Allah (SWT) and the sunnah of the than 46 quid and no prospects. Anthony - former prisoner Editor in Chief Billington OBE Commissioning Prophet (PBUH) or prepare for hell. Associate Editor Editor I spent 9 months at HMP Risley on G-wing. May 19-Feb 20. These have got to be the worst months of my life ever. The VP wing, while it has genuinely respectful staff and quite a few decent respectful inmates, I got to comment on the scary regime ongoing there. Spice Ben Leapman Paul Sullivan David Roberts heads are constantly wandering around the Reporter and Editorial Operations wings, there is a constant air of threats and Feature Writer Assistant Manager violence. And I relate my experience there to 9 months in hell. The food is shocking, unless you enjoy heaps of potato or rice with your meagre main. Nine channels of boring TV. Twenty-two hour weekend lock ups. £9.33 a week wage. Despite all this, I made some good Justine Best Carla Rowe Louise Van Head of Admin Assistant Mechelen friends, I survived. But this prison needs a Administration Accounts serious look at by someone high up. Supervisor KEEP IN TOUCH! Send secure emails, photos & get replies back! • Fast and easy from any Colin Matthews Gary Bultitude John Bowers (mobile) device Website Design Proof Reading Layout and • Design and Advertising Only 40p per message • Available in all *UK prisons Correspondence • Receive a reply • On your phone? Use our app! Inside Time Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, ** Hampshire SO30 2GB. Telephone: 01489 795945 • Send photos [email protected] / www.insidetime.org *Reply Service now available Facebook: InsideTime / Twitter: @InsideTimeUK in more than 60% of prisons **In selected prisons only Subscribe More info on our website. Inside Time is distributed free of charge Freephone 0800 144 111 throughout the UK prison estate. It is available to emailaprisoner other readers via a postal subscription service. SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES 03333 70 65 50 £35 per annum with concessions available see for further details or visit: website for details or [email protected] www.emailaprisoner.com Insidetime April 2020 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 3

Star Letter of the Month Failed drug Mailbag 2-11 Congratulations to this months winner who receives initiatives “They did not our £25 prize cordon the wing Name withheld - HMP Bure off or treat this infestation in any The magical legislation wand I write in response to the Page 6 way.” piece on page 12 of the Stephen Faulkner - HMP Maghaberry March 2020 issue about the Newsround 12-17 increase in drug problems in “The piece has The British Government want to introduce knee-jerk legis- prison. Drugs have always come back sur- lation in the wake of the two attacks by Islamic extremists been an issue in prisons, prisingly beauti- in London, by keeping anyone convicted of a terrorist of- when I first landed inside ful.” fence in prison for longer. back in 1987, the drug of Page 17 choice was cannabis and the Comment 18-32 “This would mean the British Government want majority of cons would be using that. Up until the in- Cheese please guv… “I’m a firm believ- to alter and retrospectively alter sentences that troduction of Mandatory © Deposit Photos er in the ethos had been lawfully imposed prior to this Drug Testing (MDT) there that what we feel was very little use of the we can heal. ” legislation.” No cheese, no whey! Page 21 harder drugs. Jason Adams - HMP Ashfield Even though the British Government accepted the ECHR Information 33-38 I was at HMP Nottingham ruling that the IPP sentence was unlawful in 2012, and For those of us who are connoisseurs of that mouth-watering “Individuals feel abolished it under LASPO in December 2012, they took the around ten-years into my mature solidified milky curd, there is neither piece nor invested and in view that it would not be right or appropriate to retrospec- sentence when MDT started pound to purchase here, and please pardon the puns, but the control of their tively alter sentences that had been lawfully imposed and within about a month situation is far from ‘grate’ and rather ‘butterly crackers’. surroundings.” the increase in heroin users prior to their abolition. Even though these sentences were Page 33 and are unlawful. went from around 2% to We can buy the biscuits; we can buy the bread; 80% - simply because heroin “ Legal 39-45 could be quickly flushed we can buy the onions, the sweet pickles, the spicy This just screams sheer hypocrisy; they are willing to ret- “The MoJ should rospectively alter sentences when it suits them and will through your body and not sauces. We can buy every conceivable accompa- show up on the tests. set up a scheme not when it doesn’t. End internment now by retrospec- niment, but we cannot buy that most versatile to compensate all tively altering IPP sentences. and salient ingredient - the cheese! ” victims of this After the introduction of Page 39 MDT prison went from a brutal regime.” fairly laid-back place to a There is not a whiff of the stuff, not a nibble. So, come on Jailbreak 46-60 Spotlight needed nightmare world where you HMP ‘Cheesefree’ stop being a mouldy old lot. Remember, couldn’t leave your cell door many of us, like you, are quite partial to the odd slab of “We rang off-duty Anthony Spalding - HMP Bedford open without someone stilton, wedge of wensleydale and chunk of cheddar. Have staff to call them walking in and robbing any- some empathy, put yourself in our shoes - you’ll soon grasp in,most of them I would like to share some facts on how grim this prison is. I thing they could in order to the pong of the situation - it really stinks. We need a ‘Can- said: ‘You must be Page 47 am facing extreme indefensible levels of neglect, despair and buy heroin. teen’ not a ‘Can’t-teen’, and a canteen without cheese is a joking - is this an longstanding failure whereby all staff agree I should not be stale one. Please hear our pleas and bring back cheese! April Fools?’” in HMP Bedford, let alone their SSU for a roof-climb I did More recently the smoking over two-years ago. ban has exacerbated the problems around the use of I’ve shown full compliance to date and been told ‘well done, New Psychoactive Sub- keep it up’. But I’ve had postal orders go missing and various stances (NPS), because peo- other things that needed complaining about. The prison is ple now smoke it ‘neat’ full of rats and cockroaches, it is just a dire place. (without tobacco) and the ef- fects are much more powerful. Yet, when I exercise my right to complain about these things I am sent an official letter (a copy of which I am enclosing) tell- Unfortunately, with prison, ing me that I have ‘Excessive use of complaint forms’. I have somebody’s ‘good idea’ usu- been ‘restricted’ to having two complaint forms per week is- ally has negative conse- sued to me. quences and lessons are rarely learned. I have no So, I am stuck in a concrete tomb, deep in the bowels of a prison, doubt that there will soon be and the right to complain about my treatment has been re- other types of drugs making stricted by the very people who have caused these complaints their way into prisons which in the first place. It just goes to show that there are no checks will have an even bigger im- and balances here, nobody to step in and shine a spotlight on pact. I hope that I am not in the murky world I am stuck in. How can this be right? prison to witness it.

Contributing to Mailbag If you would like to contribute to Mailbag, please send your letters to the address on the left. It is very important that you ensure the following details are on all paperwork sent to Inside Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON NUMBER & PRISON. Failure to do so will prevent us responding to you and your submission being withheld from publication. Please note letters for publication may be edited. ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include Botley Mills, your DOB on your entries. Botley, Southampton, To avoid any possible misunderstanding, if you have a query and for whatever Hampshire reason do not wish your letter to be published in Inside Time or appear on the SO30 2GB. website, or yourself to be identified, please make this clear.

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We may need to forward your letter and/or documents to Prison Service HQ or another appropriate body for comment or advice, therefore only send informa- tion you are willing to have forwarded on your behalf. ›› Registered with EMAP ‹‹ 4 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime April 2020

Authorised IPP: Time for change Slippery road back to jail Trying to supplier Jack Denny - HMP North Sea Camp make contact Name supplied - HMP Hull Emergency legislation introduced by the BH - HMP Elmley Can HMPPS please tell me if government will end the automatic early re- Gema Records is a ‘banned lease of terrorist offenders, referred to as ‘De- There is much discussion about family con- supplier’ in the prison sys- cisive action to protect the public and keep tact and how vital this is for many prisoners tem. Staff and governors our streets safe’. As usual, the government and I would like to comment. I feel that the here claim that they are are taking a widescale blanket approach banned but when I con- introduction of in-cell phones is a brilliant (just like HMP does) to say all terrorists are a tacted Gema Records di- idea and has already been set up in this risk, despite them serving their halfway pe- rectly they knew nothing prison. Unfortunately, this is all some pris- riod in custody. This is due to the actions of a oners have regarding contact with their about this and are still sup-

small minority that have failed in their reha- © Deposit Photos loved ones due to so many of us being from plying every other prison. bilitation and gone on to commit terrorist at- different parts of the country and the long Can you please clarify this tacks upon release. HDC debacle distances our families would have to travel for us? to visit. Our visits are limited to an hour-and- Garry Murphy - HMP Swansea HMPPS replies Shouldn’t we be investing additional aid into a-half and all too often visits start late and Each prison is responsible for supporting the rehabilitation of these prison- are cut short due to staff and regime issues. I would like to share my experience of the HDC (Home Deten- deciding which suppliers they ers instead? The prisons are at breaking There is talk about rolling out video-links for tion Curfew) tagging system, and highlight a failing with it. use. Gema Records is used by point. Keeping more offenders in prison for prisoners to have contact with GPs, which is some establishments, but its longer will only increase the risk of these of- deemed a success, and there has been talk of I was released from HMP Swansea on the 14th of January on services are not utilised at fenders reoffending, as conditions deteriorate internet access to The Samaritans. So how HDC and returned to my home. I live on a farm in a remote HMP/YOI Hull. Other suppliers and terrorist prisoners are kept locked up about introducing in-cell cameras for prison- are available to prisoners of- area of mid-Wales. I was visited later the same evening by with other terrorist prisoners for longer. Not ers to have contact with family and friends? fering the same range of prod- two employees of Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS), and to mention the cost involved and therefore Phone credit is very expensive and runs out ucts. HMP/YOI Hull will review informed that they would not be fitting me with a tag as they the negative impact on the wider rehabilita- so quickly, so an option for family to pur- this decision and there is a had issues involving health and safety with the road leading chase credit online for the prisoner could possibility that it will be rein- tion agenda. to my property. also be introduced. It’s worth thinking stated depending on the out- about, surely. come of the review. “Keeping these prisoners in prison The next morning, I called my probation officer to inform him and was told he would contact EMS and speak to them. for longer does not ‘protect the public and keep our streets safe’, Four days later I was visited by two different EMS employees as they will still be released at some and this time I was tagged and after connecting the device to the landline they left, satisfied that everything was in work- point.” ing order, although they were also grumbling about the jour- ney to reach me. The road to my property is a single-track Tackling their extremist views takes other tarmacked road, approximately three miles long, that is well decisive action such as reshaping the reha- maintained by the local council. In the ten years that I and bilitative measures delivered to extremists, my partner have been using the road, and our neighbours i.e. what are the underlying issues driving also, we have never had any issues driving up and down it. their radical views and behaviour? Staff on We have daily postal deliveries, council refuse and recycling all levels need to engage with these prison- visits, delivery vans and a taxi service twice a day for our ers to ensure all behaviours are documented son’s school journeys and never has there been any problems on offender records, so information is shared for these services. Yet, the employees of EMS deemed the and assessed to determine an accurate as- road ‘too dangerous’. sessment of risk level. Additional support can be tailored until this level is reduced. “As a result of their decision I was recalled back to “So good to see you!” This should be a dynamic assessment, so re- prison, after 54 hours in police custody, 12-days © Andy Aitchison/Library image quires a level of being proactive by prison of- after my release.” Contact issues with your children? ficers, probation staff, offender supervisors, class instructors, etc. Everyone has a role to On the fourth day of my recall I was visited by the HDC of- Name withheld - HMP Oakwood play. ficer and given the official notification that I would be leav- ing prison the next day. However, the next morning as I was I came into prison in December 2014 and had regular written and telephone The key concern though is that the govern- preparing to leave, I was visited again by the HDC officer and contact with my four children. My children then wanted to visit me in prison ment are prepared to retrospectively enforce informed that I would not be leaving as EMS now had issues and suddenly all of my contact, including written and telephone contact, was this legislation on the 50 jailed extremists with the phone line installed at my home address, claiming it stopped. I felt as though my life had ended and I hit the lowest point in my that will be affected, by this, when they have needed to be a BT installation (which we already have!). I life, which resulted in self-harm and serious problems with my mental health. already been sentenced for their crimes. This was also informed that the time I was released would be added to my sentence, even though I had not breached any of I then found out that you can apply for a Child Assessment Order (CAO) is concerning because IPP sentences were through the Family Court. You require a C100 form and a ‘help with fees’ being used more excessively than intended the conditions of my release and my probation officer was form, which will cover the cost of the court fee of around £255, as long as you and were therefore abolished in 2012, but satisfied with my living conditions. don’t have savings of more than £3,000. this was not applied retrospectively to those already serving IPP sentences. Thousands of I feel this whole debacle brings to light some serious failings The application is simple as most of the form is not required for the CAO ap- IPPs remain in prison today. in the HDC process regarding the release of prisoners living plication. You send the completed application, help with fees form and a re- in remote areas of the UK. A lot more work needs to be done cent statement of your prison account, and that’s it. A hearing will be Many IPP prisoners present a very low level between the Prison Service, Probation and the tagging com- panies such as EMS to ensure no one else needs to suffer as I arranged within 4 to 6 weeks at the Family Court when you can appear in of risk and therefore should be released as and my family have done. person or be video linked. You will also have a report completed by CAFCASS quickly as possible. So why doesn’t Justice before the hearing, but this is standard procedure. Your contact can be sorted Secretary Robert Buckland focus on the real sometimes at the first hearing. issues like supporting the rehabilitation of Corrections and Clarifications those sentenced and once they meet the test If I had not found out about CAO I don’t think I would be here now to write In the March issue of Inside Time, page 9, we published a for release, reduce the number of delays in this letter, this information has been priceless to me. mailbag letter entitled: Not so glorious. We inadvertently Parole Board hearings. I am not an IPP pris- attributed the letter to Elizabeth Williams - HMP Erlestoke. The court order which is made then holds more power than Public Protection oner, but I feel there should now be a review However the actual author of the letter was Erlestoke resident within prison and also over Probation and Social Services. I am sharing this of IPPs who remain in prison as the govern- Jailhouse Moose - Elizabeth Williams had merely been kind information with all of you so you too can use this process to resolve any con- ment have clearly shown that they have the enough to forward the letter on behalf of Mr Moose. We tact issues as the prison, Probation, OMU and Social Services don’t tell you power to impose decisive legislation affect- sincerely apologise to Elizabeth Williams for any embarrassment about this process. I hope this helps. ing those already sentenced, retrospectively. this error may have caused. £29,500 COMPENSATION because of a BROKEN NOSE

When Ray was attacked by his co-defendant, he was left Ray sustained a severe nose fracture and experienced with serious injuries to his face and nose. We handled nausea, headaches and facial swelling. Ray’s claim and he received nearly £30,000 in compensation. As a result of his nose injury, he lost his sense of smell and required an operation to straighten his nose. The prison had been warned to keep the Ray and his co- defendant apart due to the high risk of attack upon Ray. He was also affected psychologically and is now afraid of Ray had already been attacked by the same inmate and other inmates. After Ray contacted us, we started work on had made a complaint using a COMP1 form in which we his claim straight away. Liability was admitted early on and explained he was fearful for his life. When he was attacked, Ray received £29,500 in compensation.

Call: 0161 925 4155 I Click: jefferiessolicitors.com I Email: [email protected] The Triangle 8 Cross Street Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EQ

Michael Jefferies Injury Lawyers is a trading name of Jefferies Solicitors Limited, authorised and regulated by the SRA

MJ_Campaign_Dec2019.indd 1 19/11/2019 14:31 6 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime April 2020 Stop abusing Love changes everything No rep the Buddies JL - HMP Ashfield Liam Edwards - When I came to jail in 2015 for committing crimes I will be for D cat HMP Frankland eternally remorseful for, I genuinely accepted that it was the M Babic and M Richards - end of my ‘happy endings’. I had no hope of fi nding a success HMP Stafford When I glance through story in my life. Sure, prison was right for me at that time in Inside Time I quite oft en see my life, but I never, not for a second, thought that it would people complaining that change me as much as it has, indirectly. Here at HMP Stafford we they are disabled and have have many reps to help you had help from the Buddy Coming now towards the latter part of my sentence, I can with this and that, but when It’s a hard, scratchy life if you weaken System stopped, meaning safely say that I found love. Not that ‘born again’ Christian it comes to getting your D cat they can’t collect their love, but genuine ‘I am complete with you’ love. I found the the only help you get is a meals, so they are going on a person who I genuinely believe is my ‘one’. leaflet. Bedbug infestation registered hunger strike. I had always believed that I was heterosexual (open-minded, So, where do you go to get J Featherstone - HMP Ranby Stop being so childish. I am but heterosexual). So when I fi rst saw my partner I had to try information? RID desk? Your a wheelchair-bound prisoner and have that battle in my head. Some people might say that A month ago, here at Ranby, we had the first incident of an POM? Your key worker? Your who is paralysed from the I am just ‘gay for the stay’, but I can tell you now, when I infestation of bedbugs raised by a prisoner. Then his neigh- wing staff? I have started a T8 vertebrae. This means spent time with my partner, it was some of the most fulfi lling bours also noticed them, and a complaint was put into the and happy times of my life. Yes, my whole life got better in D cat rep project to see what that along with never being prison authorities. The lads on this wing were still going to prison. information is out there. work, education and kitchens - thus spreading the infestation able to walk again, I cannot Which of the D cat prisons stand or sit unaided. I around the prison. They did not cordon the wing off or treat Now my partner and I had full and honest intentions to are suitable for your needs? this infestation in any way. Some of the lads who had bed- cannot go anywhere except continue our relationship upon our release, albeit staggered, What do they offer? How bugs were even giving out clean kit. by wheelchair. and to the best of my knowledge that is still our intention. We soon can you work or visit have devastatingly been split apart due to a ship-out that outside of the prison? What So, to those on pathetic A month later, contractors were called in. They came and neither of us wanted. I have been incomplete ever since. No can you do if you find you looked around, then closed the wing and moved everyone hunger strikes I say stop letters, no phone calls, nothing. All because of the rules have been refused D cat? off. Up until this point, the lads had been moving around throwing your toys out of the which regulate contact between people who have been When are you eligible? freely and even tried taking their mattresses to other wings pram. Since being in jail I’ve convicted of sexual off ences. I have been trying lawfully to until the contractor stopped it. We were told to take nothing never had a Buddy, I don’t establish contact with my partner since he left . With the help of the OMU from our cells except our vape pens. Some of us left in our need one. I collect my own and other staff members boxers and were marched to the showers in front of female food; I dress myself and I get that there may be suspicion of some nefarious collusion, staff. We were showered, given new prison kit and placed on clean my own cell. I even but surely it doesn’t take much to realise that the fact we are things are going well. Now other wings wherever they had space. help another prisoner to asking permission proves our honourable, law-abiding residents are putting apps in collect their food. I also have intentions. I can think of a multitude of reasons why it makes or asking to see us for infor- I was placed in a cell that had previously been smashed up a cleaning job. sense to allow us to have contact and a relationship. mation and help about all and still not repaired, so I had broken windows, furniture, things D cat. We continue to and no electrics, just a bed and mattress. I am still here. It’s I will fi nish by saying this - love doesn’t always fi nd us in the You are being lazy, HMP will research and keep our infor- like no one cares anymore, the mainly inexperienced young Hollywood style, but when it does come it changes you not provide a Buddy for you mation current. staff don’t seem bothered. I have no kit and I am eating off a forever. It makes you realise how amazing life can be. And at home. Will you go on tray I made as there are no plates or cutlery. Now this wing is most of all, it gives you something to fi ght for, something to hunger strike then as well? infested with mice. People outside think we have it easy, so I never give up on because you know that what you have can would love them to see me crouched in the corner of my bare Buddies are there to help, never be replicated. Yes, you may have other future loves, but cell, trying to keep out of the wind and rain blowing through not be treated like slaves. none will ever measure up to the one you have now.  my broken windows and with the mice eating what little food Stop being lazy, man-up and  I’ve had to leave on the floor as I have no furniture except a collect your own food. You I just want the happiness that is aff orded to those ‘normal’  bed. Surely the way they are treating us here is illegal? are grown men, so act like it. people.

L A W Y E R S W H O CRIMINAL LAW - MENTAL HEALTH LAW - PRISON LAW H E L P M I G R A N T S I N Fixed Fees From £150.00: Money Guittard Applications Pre-Tariff Review T H E P R I S O N Laundering S Y S T E M Re-cat Reviews HDC Legally Aided Parole Independent Adjudication Category A Reviews Criminal WESTKIN ASSOCIATES Re-call Pre tariff Parole Board Reviews Appeals Closed Supervision Centre WE ARE IMMIGRATION SPECIALISTS AND ASSIST CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES Mental Health Law (Legally Aided) Proceeds IMMIGRATION BAIL Transfer to Hospital under Section 47 & Section 48 Mental Health Act UNLAWFUL DETENTION of Crime DEPORTATION APPEALS Criminal Law JUDICIAL REVIEWS DO YOU have an ongoing confiscation order? COMPENSATION DO YOU have an ongoing case and want to change solicitors? 24 HR SERVICE DO YOU want to appeal your IPP sentence? Lucinda Nicholls LAWYERS - VISITING YOU AND WORKING WITH YOUR FAMILY Mental Health Law (Legally Aided) Transfer to Hospital under Section 47 & Section 48 Mental Health Act GET IN TOUCH US WITH YOUR FAMILIES CONTACT DETAILS ON THE Legal Aid Available OUTSIDE For an immediate response, please contact: , Yasmin Aslam for Criminal Matters Solicitor Advocate/Prison Law Supervisor 0 2 0 7 1 1 8 4 5 4 6 AGI Criminal Solicitors,489 Chester Road 0207 842 1995 I N F O @ W E S T K I N . C O M Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9HF 1 M A D D O X S T R E E T Write to Lucinda at: M A Y F A I R , L O N D O N 24 Hours -7 days a week W 1 S 2 P Z Freepost LAWYERS C A L L T O D A Y CALL US! www.nicholls-nicholls.com 0161 226 2070 Insidetime April 2020 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 7

Mailbites Courses Life savers Hope, kindness Matty - HMP Holme House Samaritans phone not working do work Gavin Cooksley - HMP Swinfen Hall Paul Stellato - HMP Gartree I just wanted to write this and compassion letter to show my apprecia- SMC - HMP Hewell I am serving a 6-year, 8-month EDS. I suffer with depression In the December issue I read tion. For a year or so I have and anxiety issues and I am on medication for both, however, some comments from Sir been suff ering a mental Going through the justice system can be a robotic, imperson- sometimes the meds don’t work. So, I use the Listeners to help Martin Narey (former Head al and dehumanising process for those subject to it, there- unload what’s going on in my head and they help a lot. A lot of health issue brought on by a of the Prison Service) about fore, hope, kindness and compassion are key. staff are reluctant to get them out to see me and suggest I use problem that I have been his assertion that courses do the Samaritans phone, which I would if it actually worked in my having outside of prison. I not work. I would like to In some cases, people have lost all hope as hearsay or cell. It hasn’t been working for over 3-months and several spoke to healthcare concern- point out his epistemologi- unsubstantiated historical accusations are taken as truth people have had issues with it. Luckily two of my mates are ing my depression and they cal flaws when using the and the courts only see the charges and not the person. Listeners and they have saved my life countless times. Thank helped me get counselling. Kindness and compassion are paramount to help people you D Wing Listeners and respect to all the Listeners in UK jails; term ‘work’. The person who is now my move on and overcome their situation. you are all lifesavers and without you guys I’d be dead. So, I counsellor works with Courses do work and I can owe you my life. Thank you. MIND. Aft er my sessions I prove that they nearly all feel like a great weight has “When you arrive in custody you can find kindness work. The Prison Service been lift ed. The support I get from fellow inmates and some staff, they know Think free and positive! may assert that they give us is amazing and I know if I Sebastian Yellowe - HMP Long Lartin the courses to reduce risk, how you feel. Some offer advice, a coffee, or even prioritise my issues one-by- I am 5-years into a 12-year EDS, and over time I’ve realised that but that is wrong. They give give you a pen as yours was taken on reception. one I can learn to deal with focussing on the negative is a waste of time. There is a whole lot us courses to make the pub- them individually rather Such kindness, in most cases, is without reward or of positive to be focused on. Free education, a library from lic believe they are reducing than muddling with it all at expected reciprocation.” which you can read and gain all the knowledge you wish, to risk, whether they do so or take GCSE’s and even apply for A levels. There is so much you not is irrelevant. So he has once. Even though MIND are Compassion or a listening ear is a basic need, especially as can do to better yourself whilst in prison. I would advise interpreted the word ‘work’ a massive help I have also the police only investigate and want a conviction regardless anyone to take advantage of it and free your mind. incorrectly. got to mention the wing-staff here who are as supportive of the truth. They show no compassion and make no eff ort to get facts or to get to know the person, they only see what they Secondly, turning to his and take the time to stand Outstanding Andrew! want to see. definition or close to it - and listen. I have read GS - Physical Training Instructor - HMP Grampian courses can all work if vari- plenty of letters stating that Compassion needs to be extended to the families of those I am contacting you with regards to the impressive sporting ous factors are in force. the prison system is failing subject to the system, they are, indirectly, victims too. The achievement of our Gym Passman Andrew Cameron. At Prisoners feel justice and mental health, but I must 2019 Ministry of Justice initiative called Procedural Justice Grampian Gym, we hold monthly sport/fitness related events, fairness, in other words, if disagree because if it wasn’t Perceptions, talks of four Performance Protocols - Respect, February being the Lands’ End to John O’Groats Cycle the Prison Service breaks for the support from MIND Neutrality, Trustworthy Motives and Voice, both staff and Challenge. Prisoners are invited to collectively cycle the whole laws, treats us unfairly, and wing-staff in this service-users are encouraged to feel part of or have a say in distance of the UK, logging all mileage completed on our static harshly and generally in a prison, I really don’t know the system they work in or are subject to. exercise bikes. Andrew decided to complete the distance on his way we don’t like (excluding where I would be today. I own as a personal challenge. Andrew Cameron completed the punishment per se) then appreciate the time and If there is no kindness or compassion, which is paramount, 874 miles. Averaging 70 miles a day he completed the distance courses are not in the right eff ort put in by all. then there is no hope. in 12 days. This is an outstanding achievement. environment to work. So, in effect, the Prison Service is Comp wipes making the courses not Kevin McPhee - HMP Glenochil work. Funding cuts have undermined the prison system for years There is a shortage of loo-roll here and it is very distressing. Committing further offences making it more dangerous, less tolerant and poorly equipped. I asked staff about when they would be buying more to which after having taken courses is We have specialist solicitors who may be able to help you with: the officer replied, ‘April or May’. I moaned, as usual, and the not evidence the courses officer told me to ‘dry your eyes’. To which I replied, ‘I would if don’t work because ‘work’ in I had a tissue’. I then asked for a PCF1 Complaints form. He gave average usage is ‘reduce Assaults by police or prison Care in the community after it to me and said, ‘You better not be complaining about me’. risk’ not eliminate risk. o cers release I replied, ‘I’m not complaining, sir, I need to use the toilet and a Feedback is pointless, be- PCF1 is better than no toilet-paper at all.’ Excessive use of force Serious injuries, long-term cause psychologists have a pecuniary interest to make High-risk/unlawful restraint health conditions and Personal diabetic choice the courses seem as if they methods terminal illness GG - HMP Littlehey ‘work’ (in Mr Narey’s defini- Unauthorised use of hand Discrimination based on tion) because nearly all of In response to the comments by Jay Graham - ‘Diabetic cus/chains disabilities, gender, religion, nonsense’ (March issue) - I would like to say that Bovril is my them will work in govern- personal choice to help me with my diabetes. Being a Type 2 ment and most go into the Restraint of ill and disabled ethnicity etc. diabetic for over 30-years, on both tablets and insulin, I am Prison Service, so they are prisoners Lack of employment and self-reinforcing their own fully aware that Bovril alone does not lower blood sugar levels. Frequently missed hospital training opportunities In my case I use it as a drink or on crackers in order to stop me jobs. picking at unhealthy foods. That is why I said it ‘helps to reduce’ appointments Denial of risk reduction in my letter. I am sure that you, as a fellow diabetic, have And, of course, prisoners Care needs assessments and courses to foreign nationals methods of your own choice. Regarding the fact that the only have reason to lie and say plans they got something out of Access to housing upon sugar-free thing sold in your canteen is Polo mints is part of the Assessments of carers problem that my letter was trying to highlight - the poor the course, ergo their input release choices available to diabetics. on evaluating a course is Reasonable adjustments Access to education, both pointless, blatantly obvi- Lack of mobility equipment ously and unreliable. The whilst in prison and in the Prop probs most important point to take Risk assessment of carers community Name withheld - HMP Guys Marsh from this is do you think I’d like to raise the issue that’s occurring at Guys Marsh - the that all of these psycholo- refusal to issue property that has come from another jail. I got gists and Prison Service offi- Contact us at our new o ce: transferred here from Lowdham Grange, and a few weeks later cials, many of whom will the rest of my property was sent from that prison, but staff have earned degrees, do not 27 London Road, Bromley, here refused to accept it. It was then re-sent and eventually know the above? Can they accepted, however, Guys Marsh are refusing to issue it to me. I not work it out? Can they re- BR1 1DG have no idea why toiletries, coffee, books and protein powder, ally all be that thick? As a Tel: 020 8181 3100 all bought from the canteen at a category B prison, can conclusion - silence is bliss suddenly become ‘dangerous’ in a category C prison. and full employment. 8 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime April 2020

Mailbites Please, show some respect Name withheld - HMP Durham

Vape waste I always take a great deal of time to read Louis Burdett - HMP Swaleside Inside Time but something I don’t see much We are all well aware of the sheer volume of plastic we are of a mention of is religion. I have been a using and then not recycling having a huge effect on the Christian my whole life, fi rst attending environment. It has been predicted that by 2050 there will be church at just a few days old and continuing more plastic in the ocean than there are fish. So, my question is to do so up to the present day. Becoming - have the empty vape capsules that we are not recycling been involved in the administration and, most factored into this prediction? Also, what about the plastic recently, in the church band. I’ve made my blister packs they come in? We know that at a minimum around mistakes, as we all have, and ended up 70% of the prison population use vapes, so at 2 to 3 packs per inside, but I still love having the chance to prisoner per week that is a hell of a lot of empty capsules going attend chapel services each week. However, straight into landfill. Why do we not have a scheme to recycle my question is - where is the respect? these things? It upsets me to say that there is not one instance I can count in which chapel has not Electro-fi eld of dreams Feed us! been interrupted, mocked and disrespected © Deposit Photos James Wooly - HMP Nottingham during all of my time in prison. Here in Durham we are very lucky to have a beautiful Out there in space I am writing as a very concerned prisoner about the meals here building in St Cuthbert’s Chapel overlooked Sam Slater - HMP Nottingham at Nottingham. During the week the food is pretty good but by Durham cathedral, which always has a come the weekend it becomes a serious concern. Every peaceful and positive aura on entering. Yet I have recently been in telecommunication with a far further evolved, techno- weekend all we get is two thin slices of bread with what can there are numerous individuals who wish to logically advanced, post-humanoid species that exists only on our dimen- only be described as synthetic cheese that has little taste, and a spoil said atmosphere, using it only as a sions as an interpretable electromagnetic frequency range - perceivable by poxy bag of crisps. How can they be getting away with this chance to get off the wing for an hour and see myself from a timeless, higher dimension then deciphered and extrapolated every weekend? Last weekend I had a chicken tortilla with a their pals from other wings, talking, laugh- into an understandable format, by which I can start explaining in English, so half-minced leg bone sticking out of it, all I got out of it was 4 ing and joking all through the service. mouthfuls of actual food. And not all of us can afford to buy you can experience this translation is being presented. the rip-off priced food from the canteen in order to supple- People go to the chapel to worship and feel ment the poor weekend meals from the hotplate. I’m beginning closer to God, and those who maybe aren’t so “My current condition is being cloned out at an unacceptable to suspect that the kitchen have no staff on weekends which is religious use the peace and tranquillity to rate, resulting in a strong disbalance in the physical universe.” why the food is so poor. Yet when the Prison Inspectors were in allow their minds to escape general prison life. Why then should they have this ruined the food improved amazingly. This is evident by the carbon-based life forms on the spheroid type planet by complete idiots on a weekly basis? Here at Earth seeming to have an attraction to extending its most influential appara- Durham we are lucky to be visited occasion- tus from the quantum core of its home - described by current scientific under- When will it end? ally by Durham University Gospel Choir who standing as a ‘natural race’ to garner the light, heat and abundance of energy A Prisoner’s Mother put on a great performance especially for us that has been emitted by the celestial central star, of its life-bearing Solar throughout the year and especially at Yet again I read of instances of miscarriages of justice happen- System we refer to as simply ‘the sun’. ing ‘Whatever happened to...’ & ‘What if I’m Innocent?’ (Jan Christmas. This should be enjoyed and respected, but, again, people go to get off the 2020 issue). This is compounded by the fact that claiming There are two most interesting species that have evolved on the planet, not new wing and talk non-stop. This is hard to ignore innocence is often a bar to progression through the system. I on a galactic scale, but having applied to itself a state of ‘selective memory’, personally, so I can only imagine how have to entirely endorse the sentiments in these two letters, ‘randomised generation’ and ‘technological pursuit’ it finds itself in a para- diffi cult it is for those performing. and the others, having seen first-hand an example of British doxical cycle of tedious repetition it deems necessary for its own entertain- Justice and its associated numerous flaws from beginning to Spring has fi nally arrived, and Easter is fast ment and as part of a refinement process, whereby each individual member end. This seems to be especially prevalent when it is one approaching, the most important time of the will, at some point, develop a perception of experienced perfection derived person’s word against another’s. People involved can be biased year for the church, yet maybe not the from sufferance to pleasure based measures within their own sensory in these situations and the defendant under a lot of mental busiest. Many of us will have an additional parameters. pressure. Who is the victim when justice fails? Good Friday service as well as an Easter Sunday service and so I ask those attending They are being explained that each is being created as equals and that it is Sort it out to please respect the place where you are and only their environments that creates difference among them - this has been Michael Hughes - HMP Lancaster Farms the reason that people have gathered, a most disproven many times in fully controlled environments - the outcome always special and important time for many. And to proving socially unacceptable. With awareness that the currently simulated I’m another unfortunate human being that has been given the those who have maybe never attended environment is an electric-radioactive field dedicated to point, line, sphere, label of IPP because I committed my offence before the church in their life, I deeply encourage you to dimensional expansion the dodecahedron is the target shape for the thought government realised the madness of this type of sentence and go along during the Easter period and see gland in the humanoid, technological species as it recognises itself as a third decided to have it abolished. If they can retrospectively change what it is all about or just go to simply enjoy dimensional party. the sentences for terrorist offences, then why the hell are they that peaceful place and time. But please leaving us to rot? I hope, like many others, that they have a don’t spoil it for others. Happy Easter to My fifth dimensional counterpart, with which I can sometimes communicate rethink and sort things out. I was given my IPP sentence back in everyone in prison and to all our loved ones is in the process of reconciling the fourth dimension into a transferable for- November 2008. who can’t be with us at this special time. mat. Watch this space.

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threatened with murder and rape in a You- On the Wage Wire Offensive ideas Tube video. How can anyone justify that? Working You ask a question and the response is ‘I’m Jolene Davies - HMP Bronzefield going to rape and murder you’, and we are together Society’s secret slaves the ones in prison! Name supplied - I read an article in the Daily Mail entitled Name withheld - HMP Winson Green ‘March of the Thought Police’ and it reignited HMP Manchester I know that generally letters to Inside Time Boris Johnson has said that he is going to change the justice my frustration at the world today. are prison related but this is a real issue. I Monthly meetings between system, and I say good on him. Maybe he’s going to change the have tried asking questions about this sub- fact that we prisoners are working for well-off private compa- In the article, a businessman named Harry staff and prisoners take ject and others like ‘non-binary’ and ‘gen- nies and get paid an absolute pittance for doing so? Or is he Miller was spoken to by police officers be- place in every prison across going to change the average weekly prison wage of £9? Or, der-fluid’ and such like but no one really the UK. They all have differ- cause they wanted to ‘check his thinking’ perhaps he has plans to invest money and manpower into feels comfortable talking about it. ent names, and some are surrounding tweets that he had made or prisons and get us all working and training for brighter futures? retweeted to do with questioning whether a just a tick-box exercise. Lately I keep hearing and seeing a term I would guess at none of the above. As everyone knows we transgender woman could really be a biolog- called ‘woke’ and I didn’t quite understand have families outside who we would love to help out whilst we ical woman. However, recently, here at what it meant, so I asked my Pagan chaplain. are incarcerated and also to save a bit of money for our release Manchester, Safer Custody He explained that it meant the new genera- so that we are not coming straight back in, but working for It was investigated as being a ‘hate crime’ asked for prisoners and staff tion of people who believe themselves to be peanuts to a grown man who wants to provide for his family is but dropped when it was admitted no actual to get together and work to- PC and enlightened. If being ‘woke’ means nothing but imposed slavery. crime had been committed, however, how gether to reduce violence. A you have to live an Orwellian existence and long will it be before a situation like this is lot of prisoners were unsure have police questioning you to ‘check your Where’s our minimum? constituted as a hate crime? about the effectiveness this thoughts’ I’d rather be un-woke. Name withheld - HMP Birmingham would have, and scepticism “The world is getting ridiculous, you was everywhere. If I work for an employer outside I must, by law, be paid the Every one of us has the right to believe what ‘minimum wage’ per hour. If I do not receive the correct wage cannot say anything or do anything we choose to believe and be what we want to “However, after con- then my employer has broken the law and I am allowed to without causing some kind of be and if someone wants to disagree I be- claim back the money I should have been paid. This is the law. lieve they also have that right. I believe that offence.” structive discussions, it So how come I’ve been in prison for 12-years on approximately the only time any belief becomes a problem was a relief to see that £10 per week? Surely I should be entitled to compensation for is when derogatory comments are made, bul- being worked as a slave by the authorities? I even read an article where some woman is lying occurs and when others try to isolate staff and prisoners trying to ban men from talking about foot- those with differing views and opinions. want the same - work- ball in the workplace because it is offensive - Cut not welcome ing and living in a safe Rachel Bateman - HMP Styal why? A lot of women like football and what if To ask a question, to hold views or opinions the men then decide they don’t want women is not the problem, to have a thought is not place.” I have just been made aware that the wages for my job as a talking about make-up or worse, periods, be- yet a crime. The world is not becoming en- stores orderly worker have gone down from £2.80 per day to cause it offends them? lightened, it’s just changing tactics. No one No one held back, and pris- 72p a session. I worked very hard to get this job as I really is ‘woke’, we are all very much asleep and oners and staff were as hon- needed the wage as a mum of three children with no money Going back to the original topic, I don’t see love to judge and persecute and this will est as possible to each other. coming in from anywhere else. I work hard at my job, lifting what is wrong with asking questions, but continue to happen until people realise we Some great ideas got shared heavy objects and going out in the cold weather to make sure seemingly no one can anymore. Do you are all individuals and have different views. and the hard work was pre- every part of the jail gets their deliveries. I am disgusted that in know what is worse? He and his family were Accept that and let people be. sented to the Governor by 2020 in a female prison we should be doing slave labour like prisoners and staff together this. It will not help to encourage prisoners to work or become as a little presentation in the Enhanced and it will cause all sorts of problems as working chapel. At the end of the people get into debt, just like outside. We are already the presentation, staff and pris- lowest paid prison and it is not fair on prisoners, the majority, who have no family or friends outside who can send in money. oners had constructive chats FREE and numerous governors got involved. Why less? QUOTES J Dennis - HMP Styal All of this has only been This prison is an absolute joke! We used to get paid £2.80 per possible due to the hard day for an orderlies job, but they have now cut this to 72p per work all parties did together. session, which is Basic pay. When I asked why this was happen- Programmes and Psychol- ing I was told it was so that they could put more people on the ogy Departments also had a Enhanced regime. The money they take from us will be spread PAY YOUR POCA massive input and made around in order to make this prison look as though more of us sure that both sides ideas are Enhanced. How can this be right? Do you need money to pay for your con scation? and opinions, regardless of whether staff or prisoners, Where’s the rest of our wages? got given the same Name supplied - HMP Risley importance. I work in a workshop here called ‘Remade With Hope’, which is LETS GET THE CPS It is an ongoing process and a company that is in quite a few prisons. In Buckley Hall and there is no doubt that every- other prisons where they do this work the prisoner workers are one wants the same - to feel paid £46 per week for their labour. Here in Risley we are paid £15 per week for the same work from the same company. A few safe at HMP Manchester. OFF YOUR BACK weeks ago, the boss of the company ‘Remade With Hope’ came to visit our workshop and when I questioned him on the Consistency seems to be an and reduce your sentence disparity of pay between Risley and other prisons, I was told important factor to reduce that he pays the prison £46 per week and the governor chooses violence, and rewarding to only pay the workers £15 per week. My question is - why is good behaviour has to be the governor taking money that we have earned, and what is he given more importance in doing with this money? 41 the future. There is a long £ way to go but we all have no HMPPS replies doubt that if prisoners and HMP Risley and the wider prison estate complies with the pay staff carry on to work to- rates set out in the Prisoners’ Pay PSO (4460). Prisoner pay is set POCA cases No Upfront FIVE gether, day-to-day life can completed in 2019 Fee REQUIRED STAR REVIEWS locally in line with individual establishments’ pay policy and re- be better and safer for gime and therefore varies from prison to prison. Governors may set everyone. rates of pay to ensure a balanced regime and/or according to @ [email protected] 01992 676605 other factors, for example geographical location. We recommend Bridge Finance Direct, Prince of Wales House, 3 Bluecoats Avenue, Hertford SG14 1PB On this day Strangeways speaking to your prison’s Governor for further information on the Riot 1st April 1990 page 47 local pay policy. 10 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime April 2020 On the Virus Wire Madness Denial via Richard Roberts - the back door Super spreader environment HMP Garth Name withheld - Tony Lee - HMP Birmingham HMP Glenochil In the February issue the Has anyone considered what will happen, when, as is inevitable, editorial talked about the The Scottish Prison Service this COVID-19 virus hits our prison system? Let’s face it, Government’s commitment are running an offending healthcare in our prisons could never be described as the best to spending £2.75billion on behaviour course called you can get, unless there’s an award for dispensing paraceta- more prison places and ‘Moving Forward, Making mol! But, on a serious note, prisons are perfect breeding grounds improvements to security. Changes’ and there are high for disease and the spread of viruses. Too many bodies all But, let’s look at some of the Not sleeping on the job numbers on the waiting-list packed together and mingling. One cough, one sneeze, and figures, which are all boom! approximate. for this course.

Keep calm and carry on We have a prison population Mattress nightmare As a prisoner who is serving of around 90,000, with at a four-year sentence for Name supplied - HMP Nottingham Jason Adams - HMP Ashfield least 10% elderly, each something that I did not do, makes it harder for me as I’m It would seem, from media reports, that we are in the grip of a prisoner costing £40,000 The prison mattress is a hideous monster: a repulsive instru- required to do this course major pandemic with COVID-19. But I think this is all being built annually to be interned. The ment of torture forged in the deepest depths of hell, a mon- with other prisoners who are up by the kind of people who are forever thinking that the sky elderly population costing strosity that inflicts misery, pain and suffering. Its mere use is falling on their heads. Every year thousands of people die more as a great many of results in an onslaught of afflictions. guilty of their crimes. from the flu, and nobody runs out and stockpiles pasta and them have underlying health toilet-roll. We should try and put this into context. Yes, a lot of problems, putting pressure When you escape the grip of this beast in the morning you “Although there is a us will probably get COVID-19, I think that is inevitable, we are a on prison budgets because feel like you’ve just gone several rounds in the ring with ‘deniers assessment’, very social species, but we should remember that the people of staff having to do hospital Tyson Fury, you’re exhausted, battered and bruised and full who die from it will mostly be suffering from underlying medical visits and stays. The of aches, pains and strains - far from fresh, fit and ready for there is no separate problems and are quite likely to be elderly. I know that this is no majority of the elderly are in the new day ahead. course for those who comfort to those affected by it, but panic is not the answer. prison because of historic sex offences. deny committing the “These plastic-clad sponges are nothing more COVID bang-up offences they are The Government needs to H Williamson - HMP Edinburgh than a calamity and should come with a health convicted of.” look at other more radical warning much like the dangers to health dis- Can anyone tell me what plans the Scottish Prison Service have ways to use the technology, for isolating prisoners who test positive for the Coronavirus? which is now available, to played on cigarette packets.” The Scottish Prison Service Are we to be locked in our cells for two weeks, and if so what look outside the box. If they recommends that I am re- provisions exist for access to phones and everything else? Are used GPS tracking chips that Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to establish if any quired to do the Moving For- we to be just locked up with nothing? were surgically inserted into risk assessments or long-term evaluations have been con- ward, Making Changes a person and spent the ducted for this product. course despite them know- COVID rolls? money available on equip- ing the high numbers on the ment and personnel, they Continued use of this so-called mattress leads to sleep depri- waiting-list, so knowing the Big Jimmy - HMP Highdown would save millions of vation. Sleep deprivation is harmful to our wellbeing. It is chances of me getting on the I’ve just seen the funniest thing ever on the TV news, two pounds. detrimental not only to our physical and mental health, but course would be slim, there- women fighting over packets of bog-roll in a supermarket. They also to our prosperity, self-esteem and self-efficacy. A lack of fore taking away my right to were proper tearing into each other, screaming and pulling hair If we look at the figures, sleep is known to result in things such as - a weak immune the Parole Board Tribunal like the bog-roll was the most important thing in their lives. But spend £5million on premises system, reduced life expectancy, accidents, stunted growth, approving release. it made me think - hold up, this virus doesn’t give you the s***s, and equipment, spend poor emotional control, impulsive behaviour, aggression, an surely? So why all the trouble over bog-roll? Are they using it to £10million on 200 staff, this inability to solve problems well, negative addictions, stress, Although the Parole Board wipe their noses? And, if so, why are they not fighting over includes staff to cover negative ways of thinking, mind traps and poor communica- might consider a number of tissues instead? Just one of life’s funny mysteries I suppose! sick-leave and holidays. tion skills. It is therefore abundantly clear that these mat- issues, this course demon- Have 150 core staff, each 3 to tresses work against the principles of restorative justice and strates whether risk is still Why no lock-down? monitor 10 prisoners, and are not fit for purpose. They are harmful, not helpful. an issue. So prisoners who release 500 elderly, which CB - HMP Highdown haven’t completed this will give you a saving of During an average night’s sleep of about 8-hours our bodies course will definitely not get Everyone here had a notification via the kiosk that an inmate on only repair for around 2-hours. The repair process happens £25million. released on parole. Complet- Houseblock 4 was suspected to be infected with COVID-19 and during ‘Delta Sleep’ (also known as Stage 3 Sleep). The less ing the course does not was sent to hospital where he is currently. This prison should be sleep we get the less repair takes place. It is vital that we get From these rudimentary guarantee release but the in lock-down but for some strange reason it isn’t, and I would good sleep to avoid severe consequences. figures I can see a potential chances will be much like to know why? I have heard from a family member that HMP saving for the prison system. higher. Bullingdon has been put into lock-down due to an inmate Start releasing non-violent The use of quality mattresses has many health benefits and it transferred there from Thailand who also has the COVID-19 elderly prisoners and then is a compelling argument that good sleep hygiene compli- I’m not even sure that this virus. I think that the governor and healthcare staff here are roll it out to the rest of the ments and supports the process of restorative justice whereas course helps prisoners not to letting this disease spread through ignorance and inaction. non-violent prisoners. poor sleep hygiene can destroy it or prolong it. reoffend, it would be inter- I strongly urge the Ministry of Justice to reflect thoughtfully esting to see some statistics Dr Anton van Dellen on those who have com- Fraser Chambers on how they can better achieve their objectives, how better pleted and not reoffended. Challenge Your Sentence Deton Solicitors we can achieve ours and, specifically, consider the benefits DEFENDING YOUR CAUSE!!! that can come from allowing us to sleep well. Mattresses that But would this course help a Instruct direct access barrister are fit for purpose will enable us to wake in the morning feel- prisoner who denies ever Experienced Representation in Prison Law, committing the offence in Detailed knowledge of sentencing Criminal Defence and Appeal & Reviews ing refreshed, strong, happy, healthy, assertive, thoughtful, legislation and procedure focussed, enthusiastic and ready to engage. the first place? Shouldn’t a • Independent Adjudications course be tailored for those • Appeals against conviction and sentence Advice on and representation in And, if it comes down to cost, I simply ask - ‘What price does prisoners maintaining appeal against sentence • Challenges to sentence calculations • Re-categorisation & knock backs appeals (Private) the MoJ put on prisoners’ health and rehabilitation?’ innocence? Challenges to type and length of • ROTL applications and appeals (Private) sentence and other orders • Judicial Review • Parole review IPP & lifers Representation in appeals to the • Parole reviews for recall Disclaimer Crown Court and Court of Appeal • Crown/Magistrate Court Representation • Confiscation of Assets and Forfeiture Cases Inside Time is wholly responsible for its editorial content. Comments or complaints should be Very competitive fee structure We also handle Personal Injury Compensation Claims directed to the publisher and not to New Bridge. Views expressed are those of the authors and not Call David Mace on 0203 582 1767 necessarily representative of those held by either Inside Time or the New Bridge Foundation. If you [email protected] For Prompt representation call William or Mo on 0208 617 0120 or 0757 240 1468 wish to reproduce or publish any of the content published by Inside Time in the newspaper or Fraser Chambers RDE 30th Floor online, you should first contact us for written permission. Full terms & conditions can be found at The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, Alternatively please write to: London EC3V 4AB 28 Portland Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4PF www.insidetime.org. Inside Time is a ‘not for profit’ publication. £30,000 COMPENSATION because of a dodgy screw

Inmate James Costelios’ top bunk didn’t have a safety rail, prison and the NHS for personal injury and negligence and he rolled and fell 5 feet onto an unforgiving concrete floor were awarded £30,000. and fractured his pelvis. James is just one of many prisoners Jefferies Solicitors Unfortunately the subsequent operation failed because have successfully represented over the years. a collapsed screw underpinning the fracture went You may not have your freedom but you still have rights. undetected. You could be entitled to personal injury compensation Through no fault of his own James had to endure caused by trips, burns, gym or workshop accidents, even considerable pain for several months... so we sued the attacks by cell mates or staff.

Call: 0161 925 4155 I Click: jefferiessolicitors.com I Email: [email protected] The Triangle 8 Cross Street Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EQ

Michael Jefferies Injury Lawyers is a trading name of Jefferies Solicitors Limited, authorised and regulated by the SRA

MJ_ITCampaign_Jan2019.indd 2 18/12/2019 09:32 12 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

stretched public services. added: “We are also looking Andrea Albutt, president of into ways to keep prisoners Newsbites the Prison Governors’ in close contact with their Association (PGA), said it families in all eventualities, Prison education contracts ‘failing’ was likely some prisoners and will share further Prisoners are getting poor-quality teaching because prison would die, and in the worst information as and when governors lack control over their education departments, a case 65,000 would be necessary.” report has claimed. New contracts introduced last year, known infected. as the Prison Education Framework (PEF), were handed out The Ministry of Justice issued regionally rather than prison-by-prison, so governors could not She said: “Prisons are guidance to prisons and choose which provider would meet their local needs. The report overcrowded, so when you other places of detention on from the Prisoner Learning Alliance, published in February, says: have a lot of people in a handling cases of coronavi- “Funding for prison education has not increased since 2013. The small area, transmission of rus and curbing its spread. PEF appears to have led to decreased resource in many areas. disease will obviously be Among the measures are: Governor autonomy remains more rhetoric than reality.” The easier … In prisons we don’t report, called Leadership in Prison Education, adds: “Sequencing • Staff, visitors and prisoners completely mirror society is a complex challenge and, in many prisons, the competing with our demographic of are asked to wash their This is serious demands on prisoners’ time get in the way of delivering educa-

© Deposit Photos prisoners, so we do have a hands for 20 seconds more tion. Prison officers do not always understand the importance higher number of people in frequently than normal, and of education, and workshop instructors and education the vulnerable groups, so catch coughs and sneezes in departments are not always as integrated as they need to be.” they will be ill and there will tissues. Coronavirus be deaths.” • Surfaces that are touched More nickings in women’s prisons Prisons try to maintain regimes Experts at University College regularly should be cleaned Female prisoners are more likely to get ‘nickings’ for violence London told The Observer and disinfected frequently. than their male counterparts, official figures have shown. Jails were taking emergency A Ministry of Justice that the disease could kill 1% In the year to September 2019, the women’s estate saw 45 steps to combat the spread of document, seen by the BBC, of the prison population, or • Any prisoner with a new, adjudications for violence per 100 prisoners. In the men’s coronavirus as the first said jails would focus on the 900 people. continuous cough or a high estate, the rate was 44 per 100. The overall rate of adjudications prisoners fell ill and hundreds “core security processes” of temperature should be was also higher, at 300 per 100 prisoners in the women’s estate of officers went off work. handing out food and In a statement last month, placed in protective isolation against 257 per 100 in the men’s estate. The figures, which medication, and ensuring Frazer said: “Prisons have for 7 days, but not trans- cover English and Welsh prisons, were published in Parliament Chapel services were family contact, while things existing, well-developed ferred to hospital unless they by Lucy Frazer, the Prisons Minister, in response to an MP’s stopped and some gyms that could stop temporarily policies and procedures in are “severely unwell”. A question. They do not show the outcomes of the adjudications were shut. In Northern included cell searches, drug place to manage outbreaks healthy cellmate is consid- or the seriousness of the alleged violent incidents. Overall there Ireland all visits were halted, testing and offending of infectious diseases. This ered part of the sick prison- were 214,233 adjudication outcomes during the 12-month while prisons elsewhere cut behaviour programmes. means prisons are well er’s “household” and period, among a prison population of just over 80,000. visitor numbers. Visitors prepared to take immediate remains in the cell. were having their tempera- The first case of COVID-19 action whenever cases or Prisoners spending longer in custody tures checked before being confirmed in a UK prison suspected cases are identi- • If lots of prisoners display The average time served by prisoners rose by 11% in two years, allowed in. was an officer at High Down fied, including isolating symptoms, the prison may according to new figures from the Ministry of Justice. on March 16, followed within individuals where necessary. consider “cohorting” or People released from determinate sentences in 2018 had Jury trials and oral parole days by an officer at Usk and locating them all together. served an average of 13 months in custody. Among those hearings were cancelled, prisoners at Manchester and “We understand that Every prison must identify released in 2016, the average time served was 11.7 months. potentially increasing the Kilmarnock. By March 20 prisoners and their loved areas suitable for cohorting. The figures reflect longer sentences passed by judges. They also prison population if prison- around 900 officers out of ones might be concerned take account of time spent on recall, which has risen in recent ers spend longer on remand 21,000 in England and Wales about the situation. But we • If staff need to an interview years, as well as early release schemes. Analysis by sex showed or awaiting release. were reported to be off work can assure them that we will a person suspected of having that men released in 2018 had served an average of 13.7 sick or self-isolating. continue to operate normal the disease, they should months, up by 11% in two years, while women had served an Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer regimes, with the minimum wear face masks and average of 5.8 months, up by 5%. QC MP said normal regimes Troops could stand in for disruption, for as long as we disposable gloves or else would be maintained “for as absent officers after the can. This will include visits stay two metres apart. Apprentice schemes may be offered in jails long as we can” and said the Ministry of Defence assigned to prisoners.” top priority was the safety 20,000 armed forces • Staff or visitors who Apprenticeships could be offered to serving prisoners under and wellbeing of staff, personnel to a “COVID However, in an indication develop symptoms should go Government plans to get more ex-offenders into work. At prisoners and visitors. support force” ready to help that visits could cease, she home. present, all apprentices must have a contract of employment - meaning prisoners are automatically excluded. However, officials in Whitehall are in the early stages of considering could order an “executive release” of prisoners nearing the whether the rules could be changed to extend the schemes into end of their sentences, while Nick Hardwick, the former chief jails. Apprenticeships are paid jobs which include both inspector of prisons, joined the calls. Hardwick said: “If on-the-job and classroom training, leading to a recognised you’re talking about low-risk prisoners coming to the end of qualification at the end. Gillian Keegan MP, the Minister for their sentences, it’s perfectly possible to manage them in the Apprenticeships and Skills, said in a House of Commons written community safely. No-one is saying you’re going to let out huge numbers of dangerous people, but you can reduce pres- answer: “The Department for Education and the Ministry of sure on the system by letting out a bit early people who Justice are at the early stages of exploring the potential costs maybe have got a month or two longer to serve.” and benefits of the various options for a potential future prison apprenticeships programme to complement existing schemes.” Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is calling on the government Release them now! to assist in slowing down the emergency by releasing the fol- Jailing terrorists for longer ‘could backfire’ lowing groups of prisoners: An emergency law to increase the jail time served by people Calls are growing for UK jails to release prisoners in order to l Everybody aged over 75, no matter what their conviction; convicted of terrorism offences could put the public in greater slow the spread of COVID-19. Campaigners claim the move l Those over 50 convicted of non-violent/sex crimes; danger, a watchdog has warned. Since February 26, people would ease pressure and allow safer care of vulnerable pris- l People held under immigration detention powers, serving determinate sentences for terrorism offences are no oners who remain. Experts say jails are potential incubating whether in prison or detention centres; longer released automatically at the half-way point. Instead grounds for the virus due to crowded and unsanitary condi- l All those who have under a year of their sentence left to serve; they must serve two-thirds of their sentence before they can tions. Several US states released prisoners last month as a l All prisoners with physical disabilities; apply for parole. The rule-change was backdated to apply to health measure, while Iran freed 85,000 inmates. Civil serv- l People awaiting extradition; currently-serving prisoners. Jonathan Hall QC, the Independent ants at the Ministry of Justice were reported to have drawn up l IPP prisoners whose tariffs have expired. Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, speaking as the legislation plans to release prisoners, which ministers initially rejected. was going through Parliament, pointed out that individuals The charity Birth Companions called for the release of preg- who served their full sentence behind bars would leave prison Former justice secretary David Gauke said: “There is a strong nant women from prison, due to the extra risks they face. Its without being on licence, which would limit the powers of the case for releasing some of those coming towards the end of director, Naomi Delap, said: “We fear the current crisis will authorities to manage their risk. In a report to the Government, their sentence a few months earlier.” put more lives in jeopardy. The prison environment makes it he said: “In my view, risk management is better achieved by very difficult to limit the spread of COVID-19.” ensuring that existing prisoners are released on some period of The Prison Officers’ Association suggested that ministers World Prison - Virus Focus page 15 licence.” Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Newsround 13

Looking Newsbites Back... Offenders spared prosecution in police scheme through Inside Time A scheme launched by one police force which lets offenders April 2012 avoid prosecution if they take part in a rehabilitation pro- gramme has cut reoffending, early figures show. More than 2,600 people have gone through the Checkpoint scheme, run by Durham police, after crimes including burglaries and assaults. Participants sign a contract agreeing to spend four Ricky Tomlinson and months under police supervision and to accept help for such colleagues: “Convictions my arse!” problems as substance abuse, homelessness or mental health Credit: shrewsbury24campaign.org.uk conditions. If they complete the contract without committing further crimes, the original case is dropped. Initial results, seen Pickets get appeals heard after 48 years by The Guardian, pointed to a 15 percentage point fall in the reoffending rate after two years among offenders who took A group of builders who were convicted over backed down and agreed to reconsider. Now part compared with those who did not. The Checkpoint their role as pickets during a strike in 1972 it has said it will refer the eight men’s cases scheme featured on a Channel 4 documentary last month will finally get their appeals heard. “The for appeal. It called on the rest of the 24, called How to Stay Out of Jail. Horrifying IPP Shrewsbury 24” were convicted in a series of including Tomlinson, to come forward, saying I would just like to say how trials during the 1970s of offences such as it was likely their cases could also be referred. “ Public ‘losing confidence in police’ horrified I am to read people’s unlawful assembly, conspiracy to intimidate, The public are losing confidence in the police and opinion may stories [about IPP], it is not just and affray. Some were jailed for up to three Terry Renshaw, one of the men whose case have reached “tipping point”, a report has warned. Almost half male prisoners on IPP years while others received suspended has been referred, said: “We are absolutely of Britons say they never see a ‘bobby on the beat’, the highest sentences, my daughter was sentences. delighted with the decision and look forward figure since records began 12 years ago, while only 16 per cent given a two year tariff - she is to our day in court to show that we were say they see a foot patrol at least once a week. The findings, now entering her third year.” Among the 24 was Ricky Tomlinson, who victims of a miscarriage of justice.” from official figures, were highlighted by the Police Foundation, Mailbag - Prisoner’s mother went on to star in Brookside and The Royle Family. Ten of the 24, including Tomlinson, CCRC chairman Helen Pitcher said: “Our review a think-tank which is conducting a review of policing in England Doing our bit applied to the Criminal Cases Review of these cases was detailed and thorough but and Wales. The report, by former Scotland Yard crime analyst “Can I please say a big ‘thank Commission (CCRC) in 2012 to have their we reached a view in 2017 that in spite of our Andy Higgins, says there is still a “bedrock” of support but adds: you’ to all residents and staff convictions overturned. The CCRC spent five considerable efforts we did not have grounds “Public views are changing ... This appears to reflect a wide- here for the support they have years investigating before telling the men in to refer them to the Court of Appeal. spread perception of police ‘withdrawal’ across multiple shown for the Help for Heroes 2017 that it would not refer their cases to the aspects of service.” campaign. To date we have Court of Appeal. “These are complex matters of judgement raised £1,100 and we are still and not precise calculations. Some will think Spice user died hours after release going strong. We may be Eight of the 10 took the CCRC to a judicial this has not been the Commission’s finest A prisoner who used Spice heavily while in jail died after taking behind bars but we can still review - although not Tomlinson, who hour, but it does at least show that we are an the drug on the day he was released. Adam Ramsden, 30, took do our bit.” dropped out saying: “I’ve got no faith in the organisation that can revisit a decision Spice “extensively” at Wealstun, an inquest heard. Dozens of Mailbag - HMP Wymott judicial system whatsoever.” impartially and where necessary change its incidents were recorded including emergency call-outs to his mind.” cell. Within hours of being released from his two-year sentence Smoke free zone Part-way through the judicial review, the CCRC CCRC page 42 in October 2018 he acquired alcohol, pregabalin and cocaine, “Prisoners in Guernsey Prison and took around three pipes of Spice. He was found unrespon- will be banned from smoking sive at an address in Bradford, and was taken to hospital but in their cells from 1 January was pronounced dead just before 5pm. There was no sign of next year. At the moment they anyone else being involved, or that he intended to harm himself. are restricted to their cells when smoking.” WILSONS AUCTIONS Former prisoners no longer ‘offenders’ Newsround People on probation are no longer to be called “offenders”. Probation chiefs said they wanted to “reset the language” and Deal or no deal WE CAN SELL YOUR ASSETS use a term that would “resonate” with those under supervision. “Alex Salmond and his Justice · Do you have an outstanding confiscation order? Instead of being known as an offender, anyone under supervi- Secretary are under pressure · Would you like a free valuation and a no obligation sion will be referred to as a “person subject to probation to answer damaging claims services”. The change reflects the fact that people on probation that they did a deal with the quote to sell your assets for the highest price? are expected to have stopped committing crimes. It will affect Lockerbie bomber that led to ex-prisoners on licence and people given community sentences his controversial release.” for low-level crimes. As part of the reform, the term “Offender Newsround WILSONS AUCTIONS CAN HELP Manager” will be replaced with “Probation Practitioner”, while As the sole agent for over 40 law enforcement agencies, Wilsons Auctions specialises “Offender Management” will become “Sentence Management”. Course change for the in selling assets that are subject to confiscation proceedings, often in sensitive worse circumstances. We are the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland High-tech tags on the way and with 80 years of experience, we can sell assets worldwide. “When the courts sent people More people on probation will wear high-tech electronic tags to prison in the 70s and 80s under plans announced in the Budget. Alcohol-detecting they were offered vocational “sobriety tags” will ensure compliance with abstinence orders, training courses like plaster- while GPS tags will check that wearers are staying out of ing, bricklaying, scaffolding exclusion zones. The devices will be funded with £68.5 million and electrical engineering, of extra spending to strengthen community sentences. Laws allowing the use of sobriety tags, which monitor alcohol in increasing their chances of Jewellery Cars Property All Assets employment on release. The sweat around the clock, will come into force later this year. prison population was less GPS location monitoring tags were introduced last year. than half of what it is today. In For more information Some of the money will fund schemes to divert women from the 90s vocational training prison into specialised support services. courses were phased out and FREEPHONE 0300 124 0438 replaced by ‘offending Simply provide us with the following Name Solicitor (if any) Knife crime at record high behaviour courses’. So, instead details and we can do the rest! Prison / Prison Number Your Asset Details The number of people convicted or cautioned for carrying a of leaving prison with some knife has reached a record high, official figures have shown. practical skills that might give In 2019, police and courts in England and Wales confirmed you a chance of not going Trench Lock 2, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5YL 14,219 offences of “possession of an article with a blade or point” back to crime, you now leave - up by 4% year-on-year and the highest total since figures were prison with a head-full of first compiled in 2009. The number of immediate jail sentences psychobabble, if you’ve www.wilsonsauctions.com handed out for knife offences also hit a record high of 8,383 in managed to take any of it in.” Northern Ireland | England | Republic of Ireland | Scotland | Wales 2019, up from 8,174 the previous year and 5,733 in 2009, Mailbag - HMP Belmarsh according to a quarterly update from the Ministry of Justice. 14 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Budget boost for prison repairs Newsbites Crumbling prisons will receive an extra £156 million this year for urgently-needed maintenance work. Chancellor Rishi Drug laws fill women’s prisons Sunak announced the spending in his March budget, saying it The number of women jailed around the world has risen would improve living conditions for prisoners. sharply since the start of the century due to harsh drug laws, a report has found. There are estimated to be more than 700,000 It comes after a damning report from the government’s spending female prisoners across the globe, up by 50% on the figure in watchdog earlier this year identified a £900 million backlog 2000. Over the same period the total world prison population of outstanding prison maintenance over the past three years - mostly men - rose by only 20%. The report, by law firm in spending on prison maintenance. The National Audit Office Flushing liberty! Linklaters for Penal Reform International, says: “It is clear from (NAO) found a backlog of 63,200 maintenance jobs in jails, from country-based research that the number of women in prison leaking roofs to failing heating, and warned that 500 prison has not grown dramatically because of an increase in criminal places were being lost annually due to poor physical condition. activity, but because of political choices, including harsh drug ‘Slopping-out’ is back! policies.” It explains that women are often involved in the The extra money for repairs to jails was first announced last ‘Good for the character’, says Minister lowest end of the drug trade, as “mules”, making them more October by Robert Buckland QC MP, the Justice Secretary, likely to be caught and jailed than the kingpins behind the operation, who are mostly male. The report, called Sentencing who said at the time that it would be used to update fire The Ministry of Justice has announced that the practice of of Women Convicted of Drug related Offences, compares the systems and boilers, and refurbish cells and showers. It has slopping-out is to be trialled in eight prisons across the punishments handed down in 18 countries. While low-level now been confirmed as part of the Chancellor’s £50 billion country. Speaking at a press conference on April 1st, Darcy drug offences were likely to result in a non-custodial sentence spending package which reversed the austerity policies of the Brassneck MP, the newly appointed Minister of Sanitation, past decade. in Germany or New Zealand, they could attract up to 20 years told the media that due to the Coronavirus the supplies of in jail in Hong Kong or the Philippines. porcelain are drying up - meaning that damaged sinks and Other Budget announcements included: toilets in prison cells cannot be replaced quickly enough; • £68.5 million to strengthen community sentences in War on drugs ‘being lost’ leading to 284 cells having to be put out of use. He stated: “In England and Wales, including GPS tagging and alcohol-de- Jailing drug dealers has little impact on supply and fuels times of prison overcrowding we cannot afford to have so tecting “sobriety tags”; violence between rivals in the trade, a Home Office report has many prison places lost. Therefore, we have set up a working • £114 million for police and security services to combat found. Dame Carol Black, who was asked by the Government terrorism; committee to reintroduce the practice of slopping out”. to review the drugs problem, found that police crackdowns had • £10 million to prevent domestic abuse plus a £5 million trial “little impact”, while more and more children were becoming of integrated domestic abuse courts; Rancid Foulstench, the governor in charge of purposeless involved through county lines gangs. She found that the drugs • £15 million more for victim support; activity at HMP Laydown, earmarked as a test prison, was market in the UK was worth £9.4 billion a year, while the total • £5 million to steer young people away from crime; and unimpressed however. “This initiative stinks,” he said. “All cost to society exceeded £19 billion. She told the UK Drugs • £3 million to launch a Royal Commission on criminal justice my efforts to ensure that prisoners here have nothing to do Summit in Glasgow: “It’s purer, it’s more available, you can buy in England and Wales. will be flushed down the pan.” Those prisoners in the eight whichever drug you want almost anywhere. It wouldn’t be too prisons targeted for trials will be issued with waste pots made far to go to say it’s almost, for some drugs, as easy as getting your The NAO report in February said that £194 million a year from reinforced cardboard, which they will empty each pizza.” The report found that arrests of drug dealers could spark needed to be spent on prison maintenance, yet over the past morning in communal sinks in wing recesses whilst singing violence by creating gaps in the market for rivals to fight over. three years only £78 million a year had been spent - a the first two verses of ‘The National Anthem’. When ques- shortfall of £115 million a year. As a result of the spending tioned on whether this was a backward step, a Prison Service Public back IPP man squeeze, according to the NAO, 49 out of 117 prisons need spokesman raised an eyebrow, puffed up his chest and said, A campaign to free a prisoner held on an Imprisonment for major repairs in the next three years to stay operational. “Certainly not - it will be character building”. Public Protection (IPP) sentence has attracted more than £1,000 in public donations. The man, now 31 and suffering from Welsh prisoners bipolar disorder, was convicted of two attempted robberies as a 17-year-old in 2006 and sentenced to a minimum of 15 months. get the vote He was released in 2017 but recalled within weeks after breaking a window at his hostel, and has now served 14 years. Welsh prisoners will be After his case was taken up by a local newspaper, an online allowed to vote from 2022 appeal by his family to cover legal fees attracted 69 donations under plans unveiled by the ranging from £5 to £100, together with supportive messages. Welsh Government. The move More than 2,000 people are still detained on IPP sentences. will affect almost 2,000 pris- oners who are serving sen- tences of less than four years, Warning over officers quitting Jails are suffering from a staffing crisis, a former Chief Inspector and who have a former home Your Prison Injury Specialists of Prisons has warned. Professor Nick Hardwick pointed out address in Wales. Announc- that 2,800 operational staff left English and Welsh prisons in ing the plans in March, Welsh 2019, resulting in a year-on-year fall in officer numbers. Local Government Minister Speaking at Middlesex University London School of Law, Prof Julie James said the reform Hardwick said: “The leavers’ rate is 12%, the highest on record, would send a signal to pris- and I think that the struggle to hold on to staff is likely to get oners “that they continue to Medical Negligence worse. Why would you work in Feltham and get punched, have a stake in society”. when immigration down the road in Heathrow are recruiting Under the terms of the Local and paying better, when the police now are recruiting at pace?” Government and Elections Pointing to Government plans to employ more police and (Wales) Bill, prisoners will lengthen custodial sentences, Prof Hardwick warned: “There be able to vote in council isn’t going to be enough space to hold the additional prisoners elections by post or proxy, Accident Claims that are undoubtedly in the pipeline.” so there will be no need for polling stations inside pris- ons. Votes will by counted in Awards for Shakespeare projects the area of the former home Two drama teachers have won awards for staging Shakespeare address, rather than the lo- plays in prisons. Rowan Mackenzie and Dr Bruce Wall were cation of the prison. Welsh presented with Inspirational Educator Awards by the Assault Claims prisoners in English prisons Worshipful Company of Educators. Mackenzie, based at will be included - although Birmingham University’s Shakespeare Institute, started at this will require the co-oper- Gartree in 2018, leading 14 prisoners in productions of ation of the Prison Service. Macbeth, Julius Caesar and The Merchant of Venice. She has Even foreign nationals will gone on to work at Leicester, Stafford, Wakefield and Call us: 0161 429 8383 / Freephone: 0800 387 967 get the vote if their last Birmingham. She says participants build up empathy, confi- home address was in Wales. dence, public speaking and teamwork skills. Dr Wall is the However, English prisoners founder and director of the London Shakespeare Workout Write to us: Prudential Buildings, 63 St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1DH held in Welsh jails will not Prison Project, which has been running for 21 years. get the vote as they do not Professional actors join the sessions at which prisoners learn to have a home address in Wales. dish out insults and write verse in Shakespearean style.

It follows an historic reform in Scotland, re- ported in Inside Time last month, where pris- oners will be allowed to vote in elections to the Scottish Parliament - but only if they are serving less than 12 months and are in a Scot- tish prison. Convicted prisoners throughout Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Newsround 15

America frees prisoners Prisoners make masks and sanitiser Brazilian break-outs World Prison - Virus Focus The United States began to Prisoners are making essentials to fight the spread of coronavi- Hundreds of prisoners release prisoners last month rus around the world. In New York state, nearly 100 residents at escaped in Brazil after they amid fears that coronavirus Great Meadow Correctional Facility have been contracted to were told their Easter home could sweep through make hand sanitiser to combat a shortage of the product. And leave was cancelled due to overcrowded institutions. at jails in Hong Kong and Taiwan, prisoners are producing face Coronavirus. Riots and In cities and towns across masks to meet escalating demand. Campaigners have con- break-outs affected four America, space was cleared in demned the arrangements, claiming that low wages paid to the semi-open prisons in São local jails with grants of bail workers mean they are effectively being treated as “slave labour”. Paulo state after authorities or early release. With more Pay for prisoners working in New York jails averages 65 cents there announced restrictions, than two million Americans in (50p) an hour. In Hong Kong, around 100 women prisoners at including the scrapping of custody, President Donald Lo Wu jail were reportedly working six days a week for six to 10 leave and a curb on visits. An Trump gave the idea a hours a shift, including night shifts, to ensure round-the-clock estimated 1,500 prisoners cautious welcome. Asked if he production of face masks in a bid to make 2.5 million of the went on the run, according to would free inmates from items a month. They were being paid around HK$800 (£80) a the human rights news site federal prisons, he said: month, which is below the minimum wage in the former colony. Ponte. Videos showed crowds Free at last, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe “We’re talking about totally of escapees fleeing down a non-violent prisoners – we Riots sparked by virus leave 30 dead street and pouring across a football pitch on a beach. Iran frees 85,000 prisoners are actually looking at that, More than 30 prisoners died around the world last month in Some were reported to have Iran has sent home 85,000 healthy prisoners as a precautionary yes.” riots triggered by coronavirus. In Italy, there were 12 deaths as been recaptured. The São measure to contain the spread of coronavirus. The freed 6,000 prisoners joined protests against a ban on visits from Paulo state penitentiary individuals have been granted “furlough”, a form of temporary In Los Angeles County, families and friends. And in Colombia, 23 prisoners were killed department said it was leave, by the country’s courts. They will be expected to go back officials reduced the jail at one jail during a nationwide demonstration against over- necessary to cancel the Easter to prison when conditions improve, but no date has been put population by more than crowding and poor healthcare. The Italian protests broke out as leave, which 34,000 convicts on their return. And a second Middle Eastern country, Bahrain, 1,000 in three weeks, mostly the country became the first in Europe to fall into the grip of would have benefited from, has freed 1,486 prisoners - the majority of them through royal by granting more bail. There the disease. A two-week ban on visits sparked disturbances at because they might have pardons, meaning they will not return to jail. were smaller releases in San 27 detention sites. Relatives staged demonstrations and blocked Francisco and Salt Lake City. traffic outside jails. There were incidents at jails in Modena, picked up the infection at home and brought it back In Iran, prisoners with underlying health conditions, making In New York, the mayor Pavia and Milan, all in northern Italy, and Foggia in the south. into the prison with them. them particularly vulnerable to the virus, were prioritised for announced the first releases The deaths in Colombia occurred at La Modelo prison, one of There was also anger over release. Among those temporarily let out was Nazanin Zaghari- from Rikers Island prison, the largest in the capital, Bogotá. The country’s justice minister restrictions on visitors Ratcliffe (above), the British-Iranian woman whose detention in where former Hollywood said the violence had been coordinated, with incidents at 13 jails. showing signs of colds or Iran since 2016, convicted of “plotting to topple the regime”, producer Harvey Weinstein, At Anuradhapura prison in Sri Lanka, two prisoners were report- suspected of carrying the has caused tensions between the two countries. Reports from now serving 23 years for rape edly shot dead by guards as they tried to escape amid protests virus. Iran say that coronavirus infection is sweeping through the and sexual assault, contracted over restrictions on visits and bringing in food from outside. prison population. A 42-year-old male prisoner called Meqdad, a confirmed case of COVID- speaking to America’s Fox News in a phone call arranged by an 19. In Cleveland, Ohio, opposition group, said: “The situation here is that really we’re emergency court hearings led Prisons and prescribed places all ill, we are all having dry cough. We have a fever. There is no to 38 people being released of detention guidance test kit for coronavirus or any test kits available.” He said that from jail on bonds, on time disinfectant, hand sanitiser and detergent were only available served or with non-custodial to prisoners who could afford to pay for them to be brought in. sentences. stay at home for 7 days, if you live alone stay at home for 14 days, if you live with If you have a or others, including all household members

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Good prison news Not so soft art Newsbites Frogs, snakes and prisoners

Prisoners will build homes for frogs and snakes in a drive to boost wildlife inside prison walls. The project at 11 jails will have a dual purpose - as organisers hope the work will also lift the spirits of those taking part. Ponds will be dug at some prisons to attract amphibians such as frogs and newts. Prisoners will create areas for snakes and lizards to bask and hibernate.

The two-year initiative will be led by Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK (ARG UK), which has been awarded a Prison Service grant under a scheme aimed at improving prisoners’ wellbeing. Angela Julian, co-ordinator of ARG Mutual rehabilitation

UK, said: “Where possible prisoners will have the opportunity to have ‘hands Credit: HMP Werrington on’ experience, pond dipping to survey for frogs, toads, newts and looking out for reptiles including grass snakes, common lizards and slow-worms. We are In the dog house at Werrington particularly keen to work with individuals and groups who have found it Every day many dogs are abandoned because their owners harder to connect with the natural world and to help them find out more about cannot cope with their behaviour. After seven days, local Credit: HMP Stocken our native wildlife.” authorities put them to sleep. Moorlands Dog Rescue save many of these dogs. They have now teamed up with HMP Art installation by Werrington where the young men help rehabilitate the dogs Wagon before its destruction men from Stocken and make them suitable for homing. Happy Inspection! During March, men from Stocken recreated a Following a full unannounced inspection at the end of 2019, prison cell at an exhibition at the New Walk Warren Hill achieved a rare score of ‘Good’, the highest Museum and Art Gallery. The installation possible, in all four tests of a healthy prison. Peter Clarke, HM which used actual furniture and a toilet is Chief Inspector of Prisons, was so impressed with the progressive displaying work by prisoners from the prison. regime at the prison that he made only a few recommendations The gallery, in Waterloo Way Leicester, has a to improve it and said he would encourage HMPPS to look at Project Manager Kim Brassington range of displays including galleries on the 16 features of the prison, which he rated as ‘good practice’ wheeling in the fi rst timbers Credit: HMP Dovegate dinosaurs and ‘wild space’. The prison cell with an open mind and give serious consideration to what was designed to cocoon visitors in the sounds could realistically be replicated elsewhere. Dovegate men getting back on the rails of a prison wing via an audio background Inspector Calls page 38 recorded at HMP Leicester. Visitors then For some men who have gone off the rails and are resident in Dovegate, they stepped out into the gallery to be faced with have the opportunity to get back on the rails by helping to restore a First projections and a recording on the theme of World War railway wagon for the Knotty Coach Trust, based at the Foxfield hope. Steam Railway. The £20,000 project, which will see the men expand their woodwork, metalwork and painting skills, will see the wagon totally rebuilt at Over the road at Soft Touch Arts Young one of the prison’s workshops. A few years ago, the old wagon was set on fire People’s Arts and Heritage Centre, a virtual so, at the moment it is mostly a pile of burnt timbers. The work is funded by reality headset experience took visitors inside money from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston an authentic prison cell in a sound and vision Mmm… tasty learning Credit: HMP Lindholme Foundation, the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and donations in memory experience modelled on a prisoner’s first of a British soldier who died in 1918. The ‘Knotty Trust’ is a registered charity glimpse of their new home. Also exhibited What’s cooking at Lindholme which aims to restore and preserve railway rolling stock from the North was artwork from prisoners across the The men at Lindholme are eagerly studying for NVQs in Staffordshire area. John Hewitson, Serco Contract Director at HMP Dovegate, Midlands, including paintings, drawings, catering and have the pleasure of eating the results of their hard said: “The range of opportunities for skills training are tremendous.” mixed media and sculpture. work.

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Could Reading Quilt of human kindness IMB watch Newsbites Gaol become an arts centre? Cookham Wood The IMB say: “The Phoenix A campaign to turn the old segregation block is unfit Grade II listed Reading for purpose. Cells become Prison into an arts centre has very hot in summer and got a boost after Stephen Fry very cold in the winter announced he is backing the months; they do not have project. The government put individual showers or the prison up for sale last Credit: Fine Cell Work telephones. The exercise year amid fears it would be yard is very small with no turned into flats. Fry, who exercise facilities; it is played Oscar Wilde, who Fine art stitching lined with steel sheeting was imprisoned at Reading - and thus, in hot summer A quilt designed by one of the world’s leading artists and Young prisoners helping out from 1895 to 1897, in a 1997 sun, becomes a brutal, Credit: HMP Feltham stitched by prisoners was the star item in a charity auction. film, said: “If living art can oven-like space. Inevitably The hand-embroidered piece was the work of Ai Weiwei rise up from the place where therefore, stays in segrega- Feltham residents decorate community centre (above), a critic of the Chinese government who has spent It’s been a busy time for the young men at Feltham. Last month Oscar and so many others tion on Phoenix result in time in the country’s jails. Called “Odyssey in Quilting”, it some of them worked alongside other volunteers to help suffered, then how perfect an inhumane regime.” that will be, for Reading, for depicts the movement of migrants across the globe. redecorate the main hall at Linden Hall Community Centre, near the prison. A Linden Hall spokesperson said: “What a great Britain”. Deerbolt Thirteen stitchers at eight UK prisons completed sections bunch of lads! They’ve done a fantastic job here, our older During the period to their Wilde wrote a poem about following the artist’s plans, then sent them to be assembled in people will love it.” Twelve residents also worked alongside last report, Deerbolt his experiences there called a workshop staffed by ex-prisoners. The 2m x 2.4m quilt was professionals to tidy up and renovate the grounds of a local suffered some serious ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’ shown at Sotheby’s auction house then sold online along with church. In further good news from Feltham, six young men who problems. With a shortage works by seven more artists which were also stitched by already have bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards have achieved of staff, violence, assaults This too I know - and wise it prisoners. The Human Touch exhibition and sale raised their silver awards. and self-harming were were / If each could know the £226,100 for Fine Cell Work, the prison needlework charity. increasing to ‘worrying same - That every prison that levels’ and was heading Men convicted of sexual offences to move into men build / Is built with Describing what it was like to take part, Weiwei said: “I towards a ‘tipping point’. Hollesley Bay bricks of shame. started working with Fine Cell Work when they showed me the possibilities. I was to provide a creation or design for By May, last year, the IMB Despite objections from locals, it has been confirmed that were so concerned they Hollesley Bay will be holding men who have been convicted of Local MP Matt Rodda also people who were in jail to work on. For me that was a very wrote to the national IMB sexual offences. After meetings with the local councils it was supported the scheme fascinating idea, myself having been in jail and many of my chair Anne Owers about promised that the men would not move into the prison “until saying: “I am absolutely friends have been in jail. The piece has come back surprising- their concerns. The Prison the security measures are in place and that wouldn’t be until delighted that the campaign ly beautiful. It has really been done with care and sensitivity. Service set up a multi- autumn at the earliest.” The prison is about a mile from the to turn Reading Gaol into an The topic is powerful - it is about refugees, about Human agency improvement board local village and locals were worried about men absconding arts and heritage site has Flow. I think people in prison conditions may understand the which cut the population from the D-cat establishment. About 100 men from Hollesley been recognised by Stephen topic better, and several of the prisoners have written me by 20% (from 513 to 386) currently work outside the prison and it is expected that will Fry.” letters which are very emotional.” and improved the staff to continue. However, it was confirmed that any decision to allow prisoner ratio and since men convicted of sexual offences to work in the community then significant improve- would be down to the prison itself who would have to confirm ments have been made. the suitability of any residents.

Bristol “HMP Bristol has, over National Prison Law Solicitors many years and in common with other prisons, had www.instalaw.co.uk insufficient funding and lacked the required We have over 20 Prison Law Experts who can help you with: resources and facilities to operate a best in class prison. This lack of • Parole Board oral hearings • Breach of Data Protection facilities and resources • Paper Parole Reviews • False Imprisonment has become embedded as

• Recalls • Independent Adjudications normal and standard … A Credit: HMP Risley normal basic daily regime • Judicial Review • Private cases (Transfer/HDC) did not always operate, Prisoners help save the environment •- MandatoryPersonal LifersInjury/Workplace accidents + more due largely to lack of The men at Risley are doing their bit for the environment by resources when these are helping to hand make ‘Scrubbies’ - eco friendly, biodegradable, diverted to other increasing cotton cleaning pads for a business based in Lanagollen. Local Call us today for free advice on: 01782 560 155 or higher priority demands MP Simon Baynes praised the work they are doing in a House such as supervised visits of Commons speech. Justice Minister Robert Buckland confirmed that over 480 businesses had now signed up to the Nottingham office: Instalaw, 4th Floor Parliament House, and/or constant supervi- sion and bed watch duties. MoJ New Futures Network aimed at offering work to prisoners 42 - 46 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AG A regular and reliable as a pathway out of reoffending. Berwyn is hoping to join the daily regime is key to Scrubbies workforce soon. Staffordshire office: Instalaw, 2nd Floor Copthall House, King Street, meet the basic needs of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1UE prisoners and ensures Telephone listener scheme in Jersey stability and efficiency A new system at Jersey’s La Moye prison allows prisoners to call within the prison estate. trained prisoners (Listeners in England and Wales) at any time Shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year by the Law Society When the daily regime using in-cell telephones. Prison managers say the scheme, does not operate as which launched in December, is proving especially important Winners of Client Care Initiative of the Year 2019 planned the Board has at night. There are currently four trained ‘listeners’ who regularly observed the received 88 calls in the first two months of this year. Two more knock-on effects of are being trained. The Jersey branch of the Samaritans are now cancelled activities and working to roll out the service across the UK. The new technol- appointments, more time ogy would reduce the need to unlock prisoners during the in cell and disgruntled night and is aimed at reducing self-harm and suicides; the level prisoners who cannot get of which has been called ‘a scandal’ by HM Chief Inspector of their basic needs met. “ Prisons, Peter Clarke. 18 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

making a shapely drama, rather than their lives unfold, we trace the route a string of disjointed experiences. In that led them to prison and to depor- fact I only learnt this was the working tation. Clodine can’t believe that it method after I’d watched the play was a DWI (Driving While Intoxi- and been bowled away by the vi- cated) charge that got her into trou- brancy of the lives up there on the ble, ‘No one was hurt, I wasn’t hurt, stage. This really was living theatre. nothing like that.’ Patrick, who’d The opening prologue sets the scene passed drugs to an undercover po- with a group of deportees in an aero- liceman, ‘They gave me six months plane on their way to London Heath- in this jail, six months in another row. In command is a huge guard, jail. They say there’s a whole jail on Curtis, acted with panache by Nich- the road. Currently moving around, olas Beveney, who is the ICE (US Im- you know, prison to prison.’ migration Customs and Enforcement) representative, and enjoys his job so As we get to know the weaknesses much that he sometimes breaks into and sufferings of the characters, we a dance as does the whole cast at one recognise a similar lack of self-pity point or another. and a kind of bravery as they try to Tor Times keep going through mistreatment; Dartmoor’s ‘Tor Times’ arrived in Under his control is Nikol, played often in the home and sometimes by response to my call for editors of with sharp wit by Yvette Boakye, and prison magazines to get in touch with who enters shackled with her arm in the state. Guilty as charged is not, after all, the end of the story - nor me. It is one of the most impressive a sling. Her companions are Anne I’ve read. Founded by Sean Parker, (Amrita Acharia), Clodine (Mayo even serving their time. Deportation waits for them all. Unending sepa- with a first edition last September, it Akande), Kathy (played by Miranda covers an enormous variety of sub- Foster with her usual intelligence), ration from young children is the one punishment that no one can jects, including prison news - which Patrick (acted by Fergal McElherron must always be vitally important, reasonably be expected to accept. who, complete with bicycle helmet, but also ranging far more widely.

‘True Stories’ range from ‘The Day I Shot a Hippo’ by Ross Clifford (from Fergal McElherron fl ying high his original text in Afrikaans) to Credit: Tristram Kenton Richard Budd’s remembrance of a childhood visit to an ancient house where the dungeons turned out to be On the road home disappointingly uncreepy. There is also a comic fictional story about Andy who in his attempts to do Deportations abound and Hippo everybody a good turn, causes may- hem wherever he goes. Mike Nicholls shooting on The ‘Moor wrote it and, like Sean, is one of the editorial team. One of Sean’s contri- Month by Month butions is ‘A Brief History of Twenti- eth Century Art’ which should be on the A Level History of Art reading list US and the UK, which dates back to (when they next come round) be- a speech made by Winston Churchill cause he gives such a vivid sense of in 1946, is here used ironically. This change in the visual arts world and Rachel Billington is a drama about detainees in Amer- its relationship with world events. ica who are deported to Britain be- Trumping in the UK

cause they have British citizenship, Credit: Tristram Kenton There are two pages of letters and six although many of them have lost all pages of ‘Viewpoint’ where men are ‘The Special links with their ostensible home also has a stab at Boris Johnson) and In a foreword to ‘The Special Rela- encouraged to say what they think, country. Some left so long ago that John (played by Duncan Wisbey, who tionship’, author Abdulrazzak chal- respectfully and well argued of Relationship’ they don’t even have memories of it. gives Donald Trump a run for his lenges the audience: ‘Is deportation course. Nathan Notts disapproved of I’ve been to the theatre a lot in the money. a double punishment and if it is, do some younger prisoners, ‘Many peo- last few weeks, something I’m un- Author Abdulrazzak talked to depor- we care? It will be up to the audience ple who come into prison have come likely to be able to do for some time. tees in the Prisoners Abroad offices Each one of them tells a story, start- to decide.’ With such a heavy sub- in brainwashed by social media. As the Coronavirus lock-down and found their stories so revealing, ing with their birthplace. Anne says, ject, carrying the underlying ques- They exemplify a sort of degradation spreads from the sick and the older and indeed dramatic, that he even- ‘My name is Anne. I was born in tions of the UK’s detention policy of civilised behaviour…’ members of our society, it looks like tually decided to use their words Southampton. I had a crazy start as towards foreign nationals, it is per- Old people seem to have more of a we’ll all be getting a glimpse into verbatim. This has the advantage of my biological mother was fourteen haps surprising that the evening is chance here than in most prisons. One what it feels like to be imprisoned, giving a truly real feel to the charac- when she fell in love with my father not only very serious but also enter- page celebrates the opening of ‘The even if we are inside our own homes. ters but raised the challenge of in Argentina and got pregnant.’ As taining. This is down to Esther Baker I found myself pleased that I had and her cast; who never allow our Fox’s Den’, an old storeroom converted seen and done quite so much re- attention to flag as one person after by the men as a drop-in centre and cently and that I had ideas from dif- “I can’t believe they put me in jail for that!” another strip the layers of their self also the accreditation of Dartmoor’s ferent worlds to stock my thoughts. for our greater understanding. Phys- ‘Health and Social Care Enabling ical energy and black humour keep wing.’ I should also mention the pro- One of the plays I saw at the begin- the show buzzing. fessional layout and design, which ning of March was ‘The Special Re- makes the magazine a pleasure to read. If there is an answer to Abdulraz- lationship’ by Hassan Abdulrazzak. If there was more space, I could high- zak’s question, it must be that one This was commissioned by Synergy light more of the magazine, for ex- treatment cannot fit all and that Theatre Project which does work in ample, the ‘Catering Corner’ or the treatment must always be humane. prisons and schools, and researched poetry. As it is, many congratula- Far too often, deportation is indeed in collaboration with Prisoners tions to Sean, Mike, Charles Howe- used as a kind of further punish- Abroad. The play was directed by son, Paul Reitman and J Joseph. And ment. I hope that this play, whose Esther Baker, who has a long track also to Dartmoor Governor Bridie life on the London stage was cut record of thought-provoking produc- Oakes-Richards, who makes it clear short by the Coronavirus, will in the tions, and showing at the Soho The- that she is right behind ‘Tor Times’. atre in London. future find a place in other venues, including prisons and also cross the Don’t forget you editors, send in your The title, recalling the so-called Atlantic in the opposite direction magazines and I’ll always have time from the drama’s detainees. ‘special relationship’ between the Credit: Tristram Kenton to read them; and write about them. Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 19

more and more accommodation will be closed dangerous and entrenched criminal who and instead of 10,000 extra places, it will be comes through our gates where punishment is 12,000 or, god forbid, increased overcrowding. necessary. Prison would have let down society, and victims of crime, if we do not attempt to I think we will now go to the crowd pleaser of make them less dangerous on the day we re- putting more people in prison for longer. Eng- lease them than on the day we incarcerated land and Wales already has the highest prison them. Surely this is a fundamental role of population in Western Europe with little im- prison too? Where is the funding to deliver a pact on reducing crime in our communities. stable environment, activity places for all - Britain seems to enjoy locking too many people with training, education and offending behav- up for too long in too small a space and with iour programmes? A key emotion in getting too little training and rehabilitation. Like offenders to engage in any rehabilitation is many other public services, the years of aus- hope for the future. Increasing the custodial terity in prisons has left a legacy which, in a element to two-thirds in prison will certainly nutshell, has made a significant number of our punish the individual for longer, but it will not prisons ‘universities of crime’, places of de- improve the level of risk the individual may spair, fear, violence and control. They do not pose and will certainly not reduce the level of provide the rehabilitative environment to crime in society. Potentially a shorter time on make people better citizens and reduce the licence in the community could increase risk. burden on society. The announcement of £100 million for tech- Prisons: “Places of despair, fear and violence” We know intuitively and research shows that nology to reduce illicit items into prisons is © Andy Aitchison/Library image prison and longer sentences do not work for very much welcomed and desperately needed. most. It does keep people off our streets for the What is critical is that this technology, par- period they are incarcerated, but almost all ticularly body scanners, has been shown to offenders will be released at some point. The have a significant impact on preventing drugs Prison policy should announcements by Boris Johnson give no in- coming into our prisons, the biggest driver of dication of what funding is available for re- violence and instability in establishments. gimes in prison. It is worth saying that the This technology will support the safety agenda level of physical and mental health, substance in our prisons. be based on evidence addiction and learning difficulties is exces- sive, so we are dealing with the extreme end Finally, we need to absolutely decide what the Time to pin down purpose of prison and fund appropriately of society whose needs are numerous, complex purpose of prison is and fund it accordingly. and expensive, and probably the worst place Policy should be based on clear researched staffing level, 23 hours lock-up for prisoners to put them is prison and it is certainly not a evidence and not on the whim of Government. was a reality, not a myth, and self- inflicted place of safety for those at risk to themselves. Until we get to that position we will never have deaths hit an historic high. To rehabilitate such criminals takes a mul- the prison system all in our society deserve. Andrea Albutt ti-disciplinary approach with input from many We know that overcrowding increases violence experts and organisations. Prisons are used to upheaval. We change our and instability. We have clear evidence from Andrea Albutt is President of the Prison Secretary of State and Ministers like we change HMP Liverpool’s recent report by Her Majesty’s Of course there will be the hardened, Governors Association (PGA) our underwear. Last year we changed our Inspector of Prisons that if you reduce a prison Prime Minister and with that came a new Min- population, along with increased staffing, in- isterial Team for the Ministry of Justice. As is vestment in the environment and hard work always the case, new people mean new ideas by all, outcomes for prisoners will be dramat- and a change of focus. We were back into the ically improved. Increased stop and search ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric with a promise of will increase overcrowding in prisons. The 20,000 new police officers, increased stop and announcement on these initiatives by Boris search powers, increased severity of some Johnson has already had an impact on popu- prison sentences, life meaning life for some lation with suggestions that we will run out of Shaw and Co offences and less early release at the halfway places by the autumn. We have prisoner ac- Specialist Accident Compensation Solicitors point in custody. We had a promise of 10,000 commodation closed not only because it does OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS additional prison places at a cost of £2.5 billion not meet health and safety legislation, but also and £100 million for security technology to for stability reasons. New build prisons will combat illicit items entering our prisons. It is take years to come to fruition (if ever) but an important, as experts in the field of caring for increase in population will not be polite Dental Treatment those in custody, that we unpick this populist enough to wait for these places. There will be policy and what it means in reality for prisons increased need to reopen this accommodation and the reduction of crime. and the impact on some of our most challeng- Medical Care ing prisons will be to once again add to the Let us begin with the promise of 20,000 extra instability they face on a daily basis. General Accident Claims police officers with more powers for stop and Call Chris or Sharon about your claim on: search. Following Government austerity across 10,000 extra prison places. Clearly new, mod- all public services earlier this decade, the pay ern, fit for purpose prisons are welcomed but and reward package for prison officers was what about the current prison estate, all of reviewed and became significantly less gener- which it appears will remain open and opera- FREEPHONEOr you can 0800email us at: 389 1590 ous. Like all public services, prisons have suf- tional. There has been no mention by Govern- fered immensely from austerity, not least the ment of the critical investment needed to make impact on safety for those who live in, work old and not so old dilapidated and squalid and visit them. After a massive recruitment prisons decent, let alone make them modern [email protected] campaign in the last three years we have suc- and fit for purpose in the 21st century. A recent Shaw and Co Solicitors Ltd cessfully employed the alleged correct number National Audit Office Report ‘Improving the Three Indian Kings House of staff to deliver current policy, but retention Prison Estate’ was damning of the conditions 31 The Quayside remains challenging in many prisons due to and maintenance of the current prison estate. Newcastle upon Tyne the hostile environment, and options for safer The money required per annum was an NE1 3DE employment elsewhere for the same pay. A eye-watering £450 million for 25 years. This polished recruitment campaign by the police, continued policy of putting sticking plasters All calls are confidential. a safer working environment, and better re- over the wounds of underinvestment will not Your claim will be represented on a No Win No Fee basis. ward package will drain our pipeline for new suffice. HMP Winchester is a classic example recruits and encourage established prison of- of a prison left to rot (literally), where prisoners ficers to leave. We cannot go back to 2015/16 were able to dig their way out of sodden walls. NO WIN NO FEE when we could not recruit to our agreed If the investment required is not found, then 20 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020 out here it all changed… Garden Chronicles I like construction, wood- work, DT, art, isn’t it? That’s supermarket to buy my usual a brilliant thing … the DT, and quantity of sweetcorn with an just doing ground mainte- Sweetcorn panic air of naivety. As I usually do, nance with Martin. I’m al- I started to put the bags of ways moving about. I love sweetcorn into my trolley. I physical work. I hate sitting suddenly felt a presence - not in somewhere with a pen and ghostly, but very human-like. paper. That’s another thing I As I pushed my trolley away enjoy here, you’ve always got from the frozen food area, something to do. I like cook- something made me look First to see will buy! ing as well. At certain places back. Now I wonder if other © LandWorks you’ve got to do the same customers must have thought that I knew something they thing every day, whereas here didn’t about the simple sweet- you don’t. Chris actually asks What LandWorks corn. Had they also got ducks you what you want to do. SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSEand chickens in need of a That’s another good thing, treat? I think not. But sud- people don’t just presume, We’re all in it together denly I see three or four peo- does for me they ask. That’s good commu- ple also piling bags of nication. I enjoy it… Jenny Greengrass a treat after all. A bit like giv- sweetcorn onto their trolleys. Rich not what I want to do, but I ing the cats just one pouch of Unwittingly, I had started I was lucky not to get sent can do the stuff that Chris Whiskas between three of people panic buying sweet- (Project Leader) tells me to do down. I think it was because FIGHTING FOR JUSTICEcorn! It is only a treat for my LandWorks gives me Who would have thought it? them as a teatime treat. It is a … I said to the judge …‘if you birds but I don’t want them to the enthusiasm to without worrying. If you’re on TheOu simpler speci alittlelist l eyellowgal team sweet- have anjoy out tosta watchnding t rbutack rthereecord isin norep resenting victims of sexual, give me this opportunity, I miss out on their daily allow- change. Otherwise, if I didn’t a building site and you mess cornphy wouldsical an haved em ohadtion suchal ab uanse . obvious sharing - every man won’t let you down’. The judge ance so I will have to go back come here, I’d probably be up, you know you’ve messed effect on the happiness of our (or bird) for themselves. The was saying to us … ‘do you Disclosing details of past abuse can be difficult and often traumatic. todayYour d eanddicat seeed laif wthereyer w isill any doing the same stuff I was up, but here, if you mess up ducks and chickens. Not only ducks are a bit wary of the feel remorseful?’ At first I said advise on the merits of your claim and will support you through the left.claim Buts pr odoubtlesscess to en thesure super- doing when I wasn’t here. It there’s always something to that but it seems to have chickens as they are outnum- I didn’t - then I realised, so, I markets will have now run helps me look at things differ- make it better or someone to broughtyour vo bothice is flocksfinally htogethereard. bered by 8 to 4 but I think they wrote the judge a letter saying into one happy team-building out and I will have to find an- ently. Certain situations, like help you get it better. That’s should ‘man up’ and stand I was sorry for what I did and exercise.Can you mBusinessesake a claim ?could other source. instead of getting stressed why I enjoy it and all the their ground. But who am I to was remorseful. He said he’d take note of this. Away days say what happens in the bird and getting angry, I can now friendly people. Do you know We recover compensation for abuse in schools, children’s home, detention centres with foster and team-building exercises kingdom? On a lighter note, we are now think of different strategies to carers, religious organisations and sports clubs and many more…. regularly having eggs from all “Give me a chance, I won’t let you down” to unite company team mem- get out of it. Before, I wouldn’t bers could be simplified and I am becoming quite knowl- chickens (except Cocky of have been able to. I’d have Even if your abuse occurred many years ago you may still be able to make a successful claim. of course it would cost much edgeable about human be- course) as well as lovely blue- just flipped instantly, but less. haviour. I buy bags of frozen tinted eggs from the ducks. coming here it’s changed me. At Jordans Solicitors we pride ourselves on handling each case with pThey’rerofessio payingnalism, mesen sbackitivit yfrom and understanding and adhere tosweetcorn strict profe sonsio naal daily rules obasisf con fidentiality I can handle not big groups, I knew chickens liked sweet- and the birds can get through my stressful bulk buying in full. Thank you birds - we will but biggish groups, whereas cornWh butat t oI dwaso n osurprisedw:- that quite a bit as you can imagine. combat this problem, as one. before I wouldn’t be able to. it Swaspeak alsoto on ea otreatf our tfoream the in c ompHowever,lete confid ethisnce: became an So, it’s helped with my confi- ducks.Call: 0800 Now 9555 I have 094 a problem issue in the supermarket yes- dence and that. I appreciate - howEmai tol u feeds at: themabuse fairlyteam@j withord ansterday;solicitor ans.co experience.uk that has it. That’s why I enjoy coming a daily limit of one cereal Write to us at Jordans Solicitors, leftAbu seme d eap arbittm traumatised.ent, Neil Jorda nI HouJennyse, W eGreengrassllington Roa isd ,a keen here. It’s not a place where bowl to all of them. It is only called in to the local Dewsbury, WF13 1HL amateur horticulturist you feel like … you’re not al- ways thinking … ‘I’m here © LandWorks because I’ve done something give me a suspended sen- SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE like a horrible crime’. I am what I mean? You could go to tence. He sent everyone else here because I’ve done that, some places and they could down, not me because I said but they don’t make you feel be happy for a minute and I was sorry. You might as well. like you’re here … like I was then it all changes and they’re You know that you’ve done it. saying earlier, if people show all moody. That’s what I like You’re only going to get you respect, you’re going to here, everyone smiles, every- caught out, so what’s the respect them and you’re going one’s got respect for each FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE point in keeping on lying, it’s to want to do stuff. If you’ve other, no matter what your We have an outstanding track record in representing victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. got someone stood there at past is or what you’re here for, only going to make things worse. I think that was the you all day going ‘do this, do everyone gets along and Our specialist team have already helped survivors who suffered abuse at many different places that’, you’re not going to want that’s what I enjoy. That’s why biggest step for me, telling the including: to get up in the morning and I like it… truth, especially from the cul- go there. ture I came from … when you • Children’s Homes in ; When I first came here I was come from the gangs, it’s hard Leeds, Nottingham, Wales

That’s another reason why I a little bit nervous because I to tell the truth because that’s • Prison Detention Centres including ; enjoy coming here, because didn’t know what I was ex- when people start making ac- you always learn something Medomsley, Whatton, Kirklevington pecting. My probation officer cusations and they snitch on new, you’re always doing said that Chris and all of you you. There’s no point though, • In Foster Car e something new every day. were really nice here and I’d because you don’t get no- Another thing why I enjoy get along. He said don’t ‘f’ where in life lying. Disclosing details of past abuse can be difficult, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, sensitivity and coming here is because it’s a about. He was just saying how understanding and adhere to strict professional rules of confidentiality. nice atmosphere to be around. Chris gives people opportuni- That’s what I’ve learnt from When you’re stressed and you Your dedicated lawyer will advise on the merits of your claim and support you through the claims process. ties; explaining what it’s all coming here as well, because come here, it’s like you get to W hat to do now:- Registered with about at first because I was everyone is just so honest and that gate and it all lifts off emailaprisoner high alert or something where Speak to one of our team in complete confidence: you. You haven’t got a worry truthful here. It makes you I had to be escorted, where Call: 0800 9555 094 and that’s another thing I think. You don’t need to lie to people watch me, supervi- Email us at: [email protected] enjoy by coming out here be- get far in life. Tell the truth, sion. I had to be supervised Write to us at Jordans Solicitors, Abuse department, Neil Jordan House, Wellington Road, cause it’s stress-free. I can do, you’ll get further.” Dewsbury, WF13 1HL every week. So, when I came Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 21 Inside Voices Madness in their method

Mike Nichols - HMP Dartmoor form of jeopardy in place for those who bring malicious, unsupported accusations against any innocent person. If they stood to face an Science plays a vital part in all our lives. It invoice for wasted police time or the full costs enables us to do many things, from curing of a trial that resulted in a ‘not guilty’ verdict, killer diseases to achieving audacious goals in there would be far less incentive for atten- space, whilst extending our life expectancy. tion-seekers, sociopaths and fantasists to try ‘Science’ literally means knowledge and it is their luck. If this sounds harsh, consider the through scientific procedures that we eventu- vast number of unfortunate prisoners who ally arrive at increasingly truer explanations have been unfairly deprived of their savings, of forces and events; but these procedures homes, jobs, reputation, freedom and possibly, must follow a strict code of practise. as a final kick in the teeth, their pensions. Callum, (above left) fi ghting for survivors I am not holding my breath though. Such Credit: Callum If you are a scientist (or if you wish to behave like one), you will start with an idea of what changes would require our ‘justice’ system - (Survivors Manchester). I now the truth might be. This is called a conjecture, surely now the laughing stock of the civilised sit on panels for the NHS and or a hypothesis, and it will quite possibly be world - to admit that it is fundamentally Below the Belt am credited by the Ministry of entirely wrong. Continuing the scientific flawed, not by misfortune, but by design. In Justice for helping to break method, you will next set out to find every the interim, and in the spirit of fairness and ‘I’m the only professional boxer in the down the fear around one of scrap of evidence that will prove it to be wrong. truth, I would like to suggest the adoption of world who is talking about these things.’ the most taboo subjects in to- If you cannot find sufficiently compelling ev- a new ‘caution’ along the following lines …‘You day’s society. In November idence to disprove your conjecture, you can do not have to say anything, but it may harm 2018 I was honoured to talk in assume for the moment that it may well be the the Prosecution’s case if you fail to mention, their most vulnerable. Some the Ministry of Justice on In- truth. At this point your hypothesis has be- when questioned, anything they could later of the things I heard were ternational Mens Day for my come a theory: it is the explanation that, for rely upon. Anything you do say will be taken heartbreaking and it was at bravery and inspiration to down and revealed to your accuser in order Callum Hancock the time being at least, best fits the results of this time that I decided to create change. In 2019 I again your investigation. Whilst the scientific that they may change their statement to their break my silence. I recog- got selected. I set up my own method carries no guarantee of arriving at the advantage. You should be aware that the police will work only for the Prosecution, have been When I was a child I was nised, first-hand, how many organisation: ‘Below the Belt’, truth, those who follow it can be sure that they instructed to believe only your accuser and raped and sexually abused. people serving prison sen- in order to help others and have used the best method of obtaining a will therefore not consider anything contrary This led to me developing tences shared a similar expe- raise awareness. I have done truthful answer. Only someone intent on to their case against you. Anything found to many negative coping mech- rience to myself, and how this talks throughout the country reaching a foregone conclusion for their own be supportive of your defence will be ignored, anisms, which, at the time, I played a huge part of the rea- and overseas on this subject. benefit, rather than finding the truth, would ‘lost’ or concealed. You will be considered to didn’t understand. So, I did son they are in prison. There In them, I talk about anxiety, try to prove a conjecture by looking only for be an offender from the time of this arrest and what the perpetrator of my was no one to turn to for peo- depression, anger, PTSD, su- evidence that supports it, because those who will be treated accordingly throughout the sexual assault convinced me ple like us, nowhere to go that icidal thoughts and overcom- search for the truth above personal gain know legal process, your imprisonment and the re- to do, and that was to keep anyone knew about. I sud- ing obstacles to turn this that such a method has time and time again mainder of your life.’ silent. Staying silent was how denly realised that something negative into a positive. I now proved to be the one most unlikely to arrive at had to change and that I could go into prisons, schools and the truth. Perhaps you have guessed where I coped with what had hap- If there is one word which sums up this coun- pened and it led to problems be the person to change it. universities to share my expe- this is leading? riences and engage in conver- try’s current police and legal system, it must for me. surely be ‘dishonest’. Come on MoJ, admit your I have to say that prison gave sations to create the change Ask yourself this: does the Police Service fol- guilt - it would be in everyone’s interest. I used to get bullied something me that breathing space, the needed through authentic, low the scientific method; the one most likely terrible, name-calling, vio- chance to stop and take stock. inspirational, insightful ap- to reveal the truth; or the opposite method that lence, piss-taking and steal- I made friends, for the first proaches where we can learn is influenced by wishful thinking and pressure ing my stuff, my skateboard, time, I trained, I read a lot of and realise that we are not to achieve a result (in their case a conviction) We will go the my bike… I just didn’t fit in, I books; mainly self-help books alone, or at fault, and that based only upon concurring evidence? Having extra mile for there are people who love us was different. When the other which contained a wealth of answered that, it will be clear why we see es- you! kids were into football and knowledge. I realised that be- and would love to support us. timates that one conviction in every ten is that, I was more into adven- fore I went to prison, my life wrongful. A success rate tures, building forts and that had hit rock bottom. But the My next move in order to fur- As an observant, compassionate person enter- to be proud of! sort of thing. It was only later good thing about rock bottom ther raise money and aware- ing the penal system, I quickly became aware that I took up boxing. is that it gives you a solid ness will be a sponsored Independent Adjudications foundation to build on. simultaneous bike ride from of the shocking number of middle-aged and elderly men who have been imprisoned for Parole Board Hearings (Oral & Paper) When I was 23 years-old Sheffield to Manchester, ‘historic offences’ at trials where no evidence everything caught up with I first concentrated on my around 50 miles. I’m doing it Lifer/IPP Specialist against them was presented, or indeed re- me. It was back in 2015, I had own healing. I’m a firm be- out here with five of my quired. These prisoners continue to deny guilt Recalls an argument with a doorman liever in the ethos that what mates, who have all suffered despite heavy and oft-repeated coercion by the and one of his mates jumped we feel we can heal. I found sexual abuse, and at the same Judicial Review authorities to do otherwise ‘in their own inter- on my back. Having a man on out that 1 in 6 males have time several prisons will be Appeals against Conviction & Sentence est’. Surely the number of prisoners being my back was a catalyst for me been sexually abused, that involved - Buckley Hall, Garth, wrongfully convicted could be drastically re- Magistrate/Crown Court Representation - it brought back the terrible means there are many men in Stocken and Strangeways - duced - or even eliminated - if the police abuse I had tried to keep se- prison, and out, who are suf- who will be having prisoners Confiscation Cases adopted the proven, scientific method of ar- cret, to keep silent about. I fering and keeping silent - doing a static bike ride in the riving at the truth (if indeed they would be plus Family & Children law went wild and seriously as- think about that for a gyms at the same time. interested in doing so). saulted my attacker, I frac- minute. WE SPEAK ARABIC If any other prisons or prison- tured his nose, jaw and Equally important would be the reintroduction Fixed fee services for areas of Prison Law not Since Breaking My Silence in ers would like to get involved, eye-socket. I got done for Sec- of the ethos that accusers are required to fur- covered by Legal Aid. Please contact 2017, I have gone on to help just drop me a line: Callum tion 20 and, for my first ever nish actual evidence supporting their claims. Juliet or Mariam on: thousands of people, I’ve Hancock, Survivors Manches- 0207 625 4300 offence, I was sent to prison Hearsay should not be treated as evidence, and raised awareness and money. ter, Unit 9, Deva City Office J. Benson Solicitors Ltd for 21 months. an accuser should not be treated as ‘a victim’ In September 2019 I did a 50- Park, Trinity Way, Salford M3 unless there is actual compelling evidence that 270 Kilburn High Road mile run from the place where 7BP. It will be held on Satur- I was sent to HMP Doncaster, the accused person should be treated as an I was raped to the place that day 25th April. We are in this London NW6 2BY which wasn’t too bad. I be- ‘offender’. came a Listener, so I was sat helps males through the together and it is okay to talk. 24 hour Emergency 07956 817783 Break your silence. with a lot of men who were at trauma of being raped It seems to me that there also needs to be some NATIONWIDE SERVICE 22 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020 Outside Voices Overcoming doubt…. Longford scholarships - making an often lonely journey easier Horses for Courses With hindsight I was extremely privileged to have been a Longford Trust scholar. It wasn’t plain sailing, at times I doubted I could pull it LM - former prisoner as a direct result of voicing rolled out sometime late in out the bag. The Longford Trust remained con- 2016. Granted there were pi- her concerns. sistently supportive throughout everything, lots done, but in terms of making an often lonely journey that bit long-term evaluation? Abso- “The Ministry of Justice acted Whatever the outcome of the easier.” ‘unlawfully’ in allowing the Tribunal, the important factor lutely nothing! Sex Offender Treatment Pro- in this entire debate, at least Each year, the Longford Trust awards twenty gramme to continue for five in my opinion, is the realisa- To date, there’s been no relia- five scholarships to young serving/former pris- years - despite initial research tion that the MoJ had had the ble evaluation of either pro- oners who are committed to continue their which suggested it wasn’t necessary information upon gramme. The most reliable rehabilitation by studying for a degree at a UK working, a government ana- which to recall the two pro- method of testing the efficacy university. So far more than 260 scholars have lyst has said. Kathryn Hopkins grammes but chose not to. of either programme would be been on the programme, with 85 per cent suc- said she presented research in That much is obvious; what is by way of randomised control cessfully graduating and getting good jobs. We 2012 which showed the SOTP not obvious is the reasoning trial, but these are expensive are proud that more than half of last year’s made sex offenders more behind this unconscionable and difficult to organise, so scholars, like Jacob, graduated with a first-class harmful, but the programme delay... the government would clearly degree. Jacob is now working as a motivational wasn’t halted until 2017.” rather just blag its way speaker, is on the Trust team and considering Keep the through. further ambitions in academia. If you think a The above extract was taken programmes we Jacob: once down, university degree could help you build a new from the BBC website I refer you back to my earlier now flying high future, find out more in the prison education 16/02/20. know … increase point: the MoJ demanded Credit: Jacob department, or the library, or contact the HARD EVIDENCE before it Longford Trust direct: PO Box 64302, London Philippa Budgen I’ve brought this to the atten- the likelihood of withdrew the SOTP/Ex- NW6 9JP. You can call on Tuesdays and tion of Inside Time because reoffending, tended, yet this benchmark Thursdays on 07747 365037. If you have internet even though this information withdraw them, has been significantly low- When Jacob (above) was young he was kicked access, email [email protected]. is now in the public domain, ered to fit with a new narra- out of school, “As a kid I’d never cared about and can therefore be seen for introduce two new tive. Keep the programmes we education,” he says, “But I started to realise I To apply for a Longford scholarship fill out an know … increase the likeli- what it is, the MoJ has done programmes and wasn’t as daft as I’d come to believe.” Jacob application form (available on-line, if access nothing to address the funda- hood of reoffending (at least received a Longford scholarship of financial allowed) or request from the Trust. Closing date mental concerns that could its ‘business as until after the 2017 elections), and mentor support for his university degree for applications is June 5th 2020. prevent a similar debacle withdraw them (quietly), in- and last Summer he achieved first class hon- from occurring in the future. usual’. troduce two new (as yet un- ours. “By the time I applied for university I proven) programmes, and its realised I was more than capable with the right Philippa Budgen is Scholarship Manager at ‘business as usual’. In June 2019, the analyst ... And still we wait! support and guidance to complete a degree. the Longford Trust named in the article, Kathryn The MoJ was accused of put- Hopkins, took the Secretary The MoJ has claimed that the ting the public at risk of seri- of State for Justice to the Em- poor quality of Ms Hopkins’ ous harm, intermittently, ployment Tribunal. Ms Hop- analysis forced MoJ officials Perrie Lectures Essay Competition 2020 kins hoped to show that by to seek verification else- between 2012 and 2017, when raising her concerns about where; whilst that may be it was forced to act, and here stimulating dialogue that can aid the im- the MoJ not acting, she could true (we have no way to cor- it is again, doing the same provement of care for offenders and assist show that they had not only roborate this), it undermines thing, putting the public in in the advancement of penal policy. The failed in their duty to protect their later argument as you’ll potential danger on the back theme for 2020 is ‘Staff Cultures’ and the the public, as per their legal see (please bear in mind the of, as yet, untested lectures committee has asked for essays an- obligation, by not withdraw- MoJ’s ‘focus on reliable empir- programmes. swering the question: ing the SOTP and Extended ical data’). Programme in a timely fash- The fact of the matter is that ‘Why does the culture among staff matter? ion (which, according to Ms Moving on... we just do not know if these What impact does it have on staff behaviour Hopkins, led to further vic- programmes work. The obvi- and the treatment of prisoners?’ tims in the five years it took to Vis-a-vis the two programmes ous question, at least in my withdraw the two pro- introduced to replace the mind, is a simple one: ‘Are Prisons are undergoing a period of great grammes), but that she her- SOTP/Extended, namely you willing to take the gam- change, with staff who are young and inex- self had become a victim of Kaizen and Horizon: these ble?’ The answer seems to be, perienced and who rely more on social inter-departmental bullying programmes were hurriedly yes, they are! media than traditional methods of commu-

© Andy Aitchison/Library image nication and support. There is also a change in the relationship with the organisation away from a ‘job for life’ to more of a step- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Staff Cultures GRAHAM & CO ping-stone to another career. How does this POLISH SPEAKING AA HELP LINE CRIMINAL SOLICITORS l Why does the culture impact on behaviour to those in our care? MASZ PROBLEM Z PRISON LAW among staff matter? Adjudications For the essay competition, the committee are Home Detention Curfew PICIEM? looking for entries of no more than 1,000 Oral Hearings l What impact does it have ANONIMOWI ALKOHOLICY CRIMINAL DEFENCE Recall on staff behaviour and the words - ideally typed and double spaced. MOGĄ CI POMÓC Confiscation There will be prizes of £30, £20 and £10 Crown Court Representation treatment of prisoners?’ for the best three entries and the win- zadzwoń lub napisz Fraud ning essay will be published in ‘Inside Assault/ Drug Cases APPEALS Time’. 020 3916 00 97 INCLUDING SOPO VARIATIONS AND DISCHARGES CCRC Applications The Perrie Lectures, named after Bill Perrie, Poniedzialek - piątek: 19.00 - 21.00 POCA Appeals and enforcement. who was a prominent prison governor well Entries should be marked ‘Perrie Competi- sobota i niedziela: 17.00 - 21.00 FUNDING Legal Aid Available on permitted services aware of the need to reflect the concept of tion’ and sent to: Perrie Lectures c/o New Fixed Fees Available humanity in his dealings with his staff and Bridge 1a Elm Park London SW2 2TX. The e-mail: [email protected] those in his care, each year run an essay closing date for entries is 15 May 2020 and http://aa-pik-wielkabrytania.org.pl/ CONTACTUS competition for serving prisoners. Since its the winning entries will be announced at 01227 918436 inception in 1986 the lectures have exam- the lectures in June. Winners will be notified ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS [email protected] POLISH SPEAKING AA HELP LINE GRAHAM & CO, 67 HIGH STREET, HERNE BAY CT6 5LQ ined a particular theme, with the aim of after the lectures. Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 23

initially got quite positive re- they haven’t heard of the IMB. been in prison as well as peo- sponses from some of our What are you doing about that? ple from different age groups boards, that prisoners were and different backgrounds. getting the face to face con- The last time the Inspectorate tact and it had reduced the asked that was in 2017. I would You learn a great deal from number of applications to hope we have become more people who’ve got lived expe- IMBs. We’re now getting visible since then, with the rience. In our training, it’s boards reporting that the con- greater publicity we’ve had important for all our members tact is tailing off and there’s recently and the new govern- to get a really good sense of redeployment of staff. We’ve ance structure. But I do think what it feels like to be at the indicated our concerns and there’s an issue for us of how other end of a system over we’re trying to get evidence. to make sure we raise our pro- which you feel you’ve got no file and people know we’re control. On OMIC stage two, the in- there. We’ve got new publicity prison probation officers, materials coming out, boards (Later, Dame Anne’s office there are problems with re- take part in inductions wher- provided figures showing cruitment but we’re waiting ever possible, they’re out on that 12% of IMB members are to see. the wings two or three times under 45, compared with IMB Chair Dame Anne Owers DBE - “We want to expand our diversity” a week. In one prison the IMB around 75% of prisoners, while Don’t IMB annual reports has got ‘champions’ on the of IMB members whose eth- often make the same recom- wings, the equivalent of nicity is known, 6% are black mendations year after year? Insiders. and minority ethnic, com- pared with 27% of prisoners.) No quick fixing The system hasn’t got the ca- It has been reported that only pacity and capability to do one former prisoner has ever Finally, away from the IMB the things that it needs to do been an IMB member, and that’s you’re also a member of the But Boards must keep reporting failings and that it has been recom- because he’d had his convic- Westminster Commission on mended to do. When you’ve tion quashed. Would it be Miscarriages of Justice, which actual outbreak, there are are more staff, so you’ve got got two prisoners sharing a helpful to have the perspective has almost completed its In- consequences for prisoners in more prisoners out of their cell meant for one, with an of former prisoners on boards? quiry. Will it be a good report? terms of people being quaran- cells, but many more of the Ben Leapman unscreened toilet, there’s no tined for long periods, essen- staff are inexperienced. One sense in which that is right, We’ve got people who’ve had You’ll have to wait and see! It tially in solitary confinement, of our boards was reporting but nor is it possible immedi- criminal convictions. We has certainly been useful to Every prison in England and or regime closures if staff get an increase in violence on the ately to make it better. It’s don’t keep records of whether have a look at where the Crim- Wales has a team of volun- ill. Like everyone else, the wings because there were dif- very important that boards or not we’ve got former pris- inal Cases Review Commis- teers who visit regularly to Prison Service will be strug- ficulties in supervision. keep going on about things oners, but there’s no bar to sion is. I was particularly ensure proper standards are gling to deal with something that aren’t right, even if they them applying. We want to interested as I was on the maintained and investigate which is unprecedented and Maintenance is still a big can’t immediately be fixed. expand the diversity of peo- body that recommended the prisoners’ complaints. They where no-one knows what the issue in prisons, there are still ple on our boards from all creation of the CCRC, so it is are the Independent Monitor- eventual outcome will be. considerable backlogs and in When inspectors survey pris- backgrounds and that would something that has always ing Boards. In 2017, for the some cases things that are not oners, sometimes 40% say include people who have been very close to me. first time, a National Chair The plans say prisoners should humane. Coldingley contin- was appointed to lead and be in single cells if they’re ues to report that there’s slop- co-ordinate their work. The being isolated. Will IMBs find ping-out on one of their job went to Dame Anne out if this is possible, given the wings, things we really THE LEADING TAX SUPPORT SERVICE IN PRISONS Owers, 72, a former HM Chief number of prisoners in the shouldn’t be seeing in 21st Inspector of Prisons and chair system? century prisons. of the Independent Police Complaints Commission. She Our job is to monitor what’s And safety and security - DO YOU HAVE... spoke to Inside Time’s Ben happening and flag that up there’s a significant rise in self- Leapman. the line as quickly as we find harm and in violence often TAX DEBT? out. We are taking advice associated with bullying and We’re talking on the telephone about how we can safely carry drug deaths. These are things TAX PENALTIES? instead of face to face because out our duties at the moment. that come up over and over of coronavirus. It must be on again in board reports. TAX RETURNS everyone’s minds inside pris- Besides the virus, what do you ons. Is enough being done to see as the most pressing prob- How are the Offender Manage- OUTSTANDING? protect prisoners? lems in prisons right now? ment in Custody (OMIC) re- forms working out - the I think the Prison Service and We’ve come through a period Keyworkers and the pris- DOES THE TAXMAN Ministry of Justice are well when prisons were seriously on-based probation officers? WORKED IN THE aware of the risks. In a prison understaffed. We’re moving OWE YOU MONEY? where there is a suspected or to a situation now when there In terms of Keyworkers we CONSTRUCTION Free Four Year Tax Review INDUSTRY? Include as much information as possible: Jason Elliott Associates • Prison/Prison number Do you need to file a TaX Return? • Your full name including middle name Specialists in Prison Law, Parole and Criminal Appeals CIS (tax deducted 20%/30%) work including: • Your date of birth Expert in release from custody • Dry lining • National insurance number • Labouring • Employment history Legal Aid available in suitable cases • Scaffolding • Contact address/number on the outside • Bricklaying Please advise if you change Prisons - Please contact - • Painting after responding. Jason Elliott Associates Limited THE TAX ACADEMY CIC 01824 704535 Unit 4, Ffordd yr Onnen, Lon Parcwr Business Park [email protected] 18 Albion House North Shields Tyne & Wear NE29 0DW Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1NJ 0191 447 4389 FREE completion and filing of Tax Returns (including mutiple years) [email protected] FREE appeals against Tax Penalties. FREE Tax Debt resolution. 24 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

obesity-related illnesses are of concern. But we prisoner on food. also get a number of letters about the quantity of food, particularly since the start of the ‘aus- Before the privatisation of much of the prison terity’ era we are now still going through. A system, a lot of prisons would make their own typical complaint is about the ‘child size por- bread, rolls, and duff baked fresh every day. tions’ and the lack of hot meals. Most prisons had their own farms and grew vegetables that were used by the kitchens I am old enough to remember the days when when in season. Prisons like Grendon and prisoners, by law, had to be provided with Blantyre House had their own orchards, sup- three hot meals per day. We would be served plying apples, pears and plums. It appears the up a fairly substantial breakfast of toast or prison system was much more self-sufficient bread, a sausage or piece of bacon, and in some in the past when it came to food. prisons and borstals they served up an old navy favourite called ‘Sea Pie’, which were One of the best fed prisons in the world is in basically potatoes mixed with corned beef, or Italy, where the prisoners work to produce or- fish and baked into squares. And, of course, ganic fruit and vegetables, including olive oil. porridge. Serving time in British prisons was The prison has its own state-of-the-art food “Give us back our porridge” actually called ‘doing porridge’ because por- production areas for manufacturing wine and © Andy Aitchison/Library image ridge was a staple of the prison diet. It was orchard management. The operation is super- deemed to be a cheap and nutritious form of vised by a professional management team. The carbohydrate and fibre, not to mention the fact prisoners benefit by eating all of their own that it lowers blood sugars and cholesterol. home-grown healthy food and are even al- Making a meal of it But, even here, the prison system had to go for lowed a small wine allowance to help reduce the very cheapest option and bought their oats cholesterol levels. ‘mystery meat’ pies at every opportunity. I’m from Canada, where it was usually used as happy to say that once a new catering team pig-meal. With the lack of employment, fresh air and took over, the food at that prison was vastly Noel Smith work skills, and constant complaints about improved. These days, mainly in order to save money and food in our prisons, maybe it’s time to go back give kitchen and servery staff more free time, to the older model of partial self-sustainability Just lately we have been receiving a lot of post But food is a basic human need, we cannot you are provided with a breakfast-in-a-bag, or, perhaps, to follow the Italian model. Give about the food in prison. Food, to be honest, keep going for long without it, and it seems handed out the evening before. Also, most every prison their own farm or growing area has nearly always been a contentious issue that a lot of the complaints we get about prison prisons no longer supply a hot meal at lunch- and then train prisoners to work on the land with prisoners, right back to the days when food are not only about the quantity but also time, preferring the cheaper option of giving and produce their own food. The initial outlay prisoners could expect ‘Hard beds, Hard fare the nutritional quality. The average mod- out a sandwich, an apple and a packet of ge- would be the main cost but that would more and Hard labour’ as their lot, and when plain ern-day man needs to consume around 2,500 neric ready-salted crisps. Gone are the days of than pay for itself in short order. Teaching pris- bread and water was the norm and a drop of calories per day, with women requiring slightly freshly cooked fish and chips at lunchtime on oners the skills needed to work out in the com- gruel was luxury. In fact, one of the first letters less. To be fair to the Prison Service, new die- Friday, or a nice stew or curry during the cold munity and releasing them as healthier I sent to Inside Time, back in the early 1990s, tary regulations have been introduced in re- months, it would seem that the prison system individuals with a good work ethic may put a was about the terrible food we were getting in cent years which are designed to avoid the is one of the places where they really have serious dent in our disgraceful reoffending a Surrey prison, (whose catering was run by a onset of health problems. Long-term prisoners pared their catering budgets down to the bone. rates. At the very least, the prison authorities private company) which was nicknamed ‘HMP are very at risk because of poor diet and poor The majority of prisons are now operating a should think about bringing back that healthy Piedown’ for its propensity to serve up healthcare provisions - diabetes, strokes and policy of spending just under £2 per day per porridge. Justice & Mercy

Jesus suffered the most horrendous and The Bible tells us: Justice brutal death by crucifixion. It was a gross God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in & Mercy injustice: as the Son of God, He was him we might become the righteousness of God.1 innocent of all the charges against Him. Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself for our sin was the greatest But justice was done. God needed to possible act of mercy. Because of His Son’s sacrifice, punish our sin. And Jesus willingly took the God offers forgiveness to everyone willing to receive it. punishment we deserve. It is available to all who will believe in Jesus, repent of If you are not a child of their sin and choose to live to follow Jesus. God, please request a copy of our new booklet, Justice was done… Jesus willingly took Justice & Mercy. the punishment we deserve. Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself for our sin It may be the beginning of was the greatest possible act of mercy. a journey which leads you Two days after being to find the true purpose of crucified, Jesus rose from How will you respond to the sacrifice that Jesus life – a relationship with the dead. Easter is a time for made for you? God who created you and celebrating the resurrection of who sent His Son to die One day Jesus will return to earth, without warning, to Jesus, who is now in heaven with for you. judge everyone who has ever lived. It will be a time of God the Father. immense joy for everyone who is a child of God.

12 Corinthians 5:21

BeaconLight Trust, PO Box 91, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 9BA Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 25 Perking up the day! “It’s all a bit up and down” ‘Time we started seeing good food prepared and served in prison to improve the quality of incarcerated life’ end up in prison” he told me, as I stepped into Lucy: “Brixton is best!” his kitchen for the first time. Although it seemed like a throwaway comment, I later realised Felix applies this belief to every dish he creates. He’s not cooking prison food - he’s cooking food he’d be proud to serve to his wife and grandkids, that just happens to be created within the logistical and financial parameters prison assigns.

Once I’d been around Felix’s unadulterated positivity and soaked up the energy of his kitchen, I couldn’t quite tear myself away. I did a shift in the kitchen, where I saw the fresh curry pastes, French kitchen classics, home- © Andy Aitchison/Library image Lucy Vincent made pizza doughs and jerk spice rubs come to life. I hung out in his office, with one of his trusted admin assistants, who just happens to When I found out that HMP Brixton came out be a prisoner. I followed him down to the Best and worst - Food top as the best men’s prison for food in the wings, where lunchtime on the servery was a country, I was pleased - but I wasn’t surprised. fun and lively part of the day where incidents Inside Time report about different aspects of recommended budget for Last year, I visited the kitchen at Brixton for were rare. daily life every time it in- meals is £2.02p per prisoner the first of what would be many visits over the spects a jail. The scores are per day, a figure that has not months to come. I met Felix Tetteh, the catering I’ve met many catering managers, visited tons A new league table published in separate inspec- changed since 2014, although manager, who greeted me with open arms, of kitchens, and seen the good, the bad and names the prisons tion reports, but now re- governors have been given pristine chef’s whites and a spoon tucked in the ugly of prison food. Brixton comes out on searchers at law firm Stuart more freedom to increase or his top pocket. top because Felix doesn’t just consider the end serving the best food Miller have compiled them. decrease the spending. plate of food (and whether it comes in budget - as rated by prisoners. I have been running Food Behind Bars, my or can be cooked for 800 men) he considers the Results relate to each prison’s kitchen, its workers, and the people they’re most recent inspection, up to national campaign to improve prison food, for Residents at every jail in Eng- Top 10 for food more than three years. I truly believe that food feeding with the highest respect. land and Wales were asked by November 2019. Because is one of life’s most powerful tools for change inspectors: “What is the food there may be several years East Sutton Park 85.4% - and nowhere could this have a bigger impact His kitchen runs like the professional kitchen like here?” The results show a between inspections, some Brixton 69.9% than in prison. I’ve visited prisons up and of a West End restaurant, and its staff learn wide gulf between the best, results go back as far as 2015. Ashfield 68.2% down the country, spent time with catering valuable skills. One former kitchen worker and where three out of four say the Buckley Hall 62.6% managers, spoken about the subject in the UK ex-prisoner at Brixton told me: “I truly felt like food is “quite good” or “very When HMIP last visited East Usk 59.9% and abroad and surrounded myself with the a colleague and part of a team that was deliv- good”, and the worst, where Sutton Park it called the cater- Lancaster Farms 57.2% stories of those who’ve experienced prison ering such high quality food. This has been a it is less than one out of four. ing “impressive” and said: Isis 55.2% food first-hand. real boost to my self-confidence and self-image “The varied menu included a Lowdham Grange 54.2% shortly before release.” The jail rated the best for food wide range of healthy options Prescoed 53.9% But I’d never met anyone like Felix. His food is is East Sutton Park, a wom- and catered well for different Drake Hall 53.6% shaped by his philosophy of respect, care and Eating is a physical act and food has a physical en’s prison, with a satisfac- dietary requirements. A four- bloody good cooking. “Absolutely anyone can effect on us. But I’m far more interested in the tion score of 85.5%. In second week cycle of menu choices emotional impact. With Food Behind Bars, I’ve changed three times a year, place, and the best men’s Bottom 10 for food come to realise this has a far more powerful prison, is Brixton on 69.9%. and produce from the prison farm supplemented the range effect. This isn’t simply about the nutritional Wormwood Scrubs 15.9% of meat and vegetables.” Nirinder Dhillon value of your dinner (although that is impor- At the other end of the table, Whitemoor 16.8% Nationwide coverage tant), but how it’s eaten, how it’s presented, Wormwood Scrubs is bottom, Bullingdon 20.1% At Whitemoor, they found the Experienced Prison & Criminal how it makes you feel and what it makes you followed by Whitemoor, both Hewell 20.1% kitchens to be “shabby” and think of. When done right, like in Brixton’s with satisfaction scores below Portland 22.1% Defence Solicitor “grubby”, adding that “food case, dinnertimes perk up the day and lift your 20%. Werrington 22.1% was sometimes cold by the spirits. When done wrong, poor quality prison Wayland 22.5% Independent Adjudications end of service and food trol- food degrades your mental and physical well- The surveys were carried out Aylesbury 22.8% leys were filthy”. Pre-Tariff & Tariff Reviews being further. by HM Inspectorate of Prisons Preston 23.1% (HMIP), which questions a Swansea 23.1% Category A reviews People like Felix make me believe that achiev- random sample of prisoners The Government’s ing my vision of tasty, nutritious and varied Parole Reviews food in prison is possible. We are even collab- orating on recipes - next month we’ll be intro- Re-categorisation ducing Meat-Free Days to the Brixton menu, Miscarriage of Justice? with new, exciting recipes I’ve designed spe- HDC “Tagging” cifically for his kitchen. On a wider scale, I’m ASHLEY SMITH & CO CRIMINAL DEFENCE SPECIALISTS working with a group of 5 chefs, restaurant Our experienced and dedicated team undertake Criminal appeals owners and cookbook writers (and even an ex-Bake Off contestant). They have each cre- Appeals and CCRC Acting on behalf of Police interviews ated a unique prison menu recipe which we are hoping to trial on the menu of a few men’s Parole Board Representation privately funded and All criminal matters and women’s prisons very soon. I’ve got plenty All Prison Law Matters legally aided clients more ideas up my sleeve and Brixton continues to influence my work. IN ALL PRIVATELY FUNDED MATTERS WE WILL QUOTE FOR YOU Legal Aid Available A REASONABLE FIXED FEE- STAGED WHERE APPROPRIATE (Fixed fee options also available) It’s time we started seeing decent quality food in prison as paramount to a decent quality of Please write or call 07539 406 411 life in prison. Brixton - as the statistics show Ashley Smith & Co Limited, 0208 609 6711 / 6710 Write to: Nirinder Dhillon - is doing it better than anyone else. It’s my Romer House 132 Lewisham High St, 24hr emergency mission to ensure that in the future, they’re London SE13 6EE PO Box 666, Egham, TW20 2DW not the only ones. 07889 428132

Miscarriage of Justice? ASHLEY SMITH & CO CRIMINAL DEFENCE SPECIALISTS Our experienced and dedicated team undertake Appeals and CCRC Parole Board Representation All Prison Law Matters Acting on behalf of privately funded and legally aided clients IN ALL PRIVATELY FUNDED MATTERS WE WILL QUOTE FOR YOU A REASON- ABLE FIXED FEE - STAGED WHERE APPROPRIATE Please write Ashley Smith & Co Limited, Romer House 132 Lewisham High St, London SE13 6EE or call 0208 609 6711 / 6710 24hr emergency 07889 428132 26 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

to prisons, I am able to gain some very direct having completed it. insight into what life is like for people in cus- tody … As the minister responsible for their He said that prisoners who had been placed on safety, I feel a very personal sense of duty to ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Team- them. work) observation orders due to fears for their safety should get extra help after they were “Any death in custody isn’t a statistic, it is a taken off it “so that they do not feel there is an tragedy. I have asked the Ministry of Justice to immediate dropping off of support that we inform me personally of each instance and the know can lead to relapse”. circumstances surrounding it.”

He said it was an “enormous challenge” for prisons to deal with the 2,500 residents who on any given day are assessed as being at risk of harming themselves. An official review of the 1983 Mental Health Act, published in 2018, recommended that people suffering from a mental health crisis should no longer be held in police cells or remanded to prison as a Conference of hope “place of safety”, but should be placed in

© Inside Time “healthcare settings” instead.

Buckland told the Keeping Safe conference: “Working with justice and health partners, we are determined to make that happen.” He also Keeping Safer! promised to speed up transfers between pris- Nadine Dorries: “Get happy!” ons and secure hospitals. © Inside Time Ministers and officials pledge to reduce the Most prisons offer a “safer custody line” to Prisoners should be happy, says minister number of self-inflicted deaths in prison report concerns for a prisoner’s welfare, but A Government minster has said she wants pris- when the phone numbers were tested last year oners to feel “happy” during their time in people suffering from a mental health crisis; by researchers from the Prison Advice and custody. • Ensure every prison has a working telephone Care Trust (PACT) and the Prison Reform Trust hotline for friends and family to report urgent (PRT), some were not working, while the ma- Health minister Nadine Dorries MP said: Ben Leapman concerns for a prisoner’s welfare; jority went straight to answering machines. “When people are in prison, it’s important they • Improve the way prison officers are trained can lead healthy, happy lives. They are no dif- to deal with suicide and self harm; and Buckland said in his speech: “Families must ferent to people in society.” Last month, in collaboration with the Inde- • Offer more support to prisoners coming off be able to make contact to raise a concern over pendent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody ACCT observation orders. safety at any time. We are working hard with Her remark came in a speech to the Keeping (IAP), Inside Time co-hosted the first ever all prisons in the estate to ensure that there is Safe conference at Westminster, focusing on Keeping Safe conference at the Abbey Centre a well-advertised and reliable means of speak- solutions to the problems of suicide and self- in Westminster. The purpose of the conference Robert Buckland QC: ing to a member of staff - such as a duty gov- harm in prisons. Penal reform campaigners was to focus on the issue of self-inflicted “Only prisoners know” ernor or orderly officer - where there is an welcomed her words and said they could not deaths and self-harm in prison, and specifi- imminent risk, as well as a separate voicemail recall any previous minister saying such a cally to make connections and find ways to service for less urgent matters where calls are thing. reduce both. It was attended by almost 200 monitored regularly and, yes, followed up.” delegates, including MoJ officials, prison gov- No-one under the care of ernors, prison unit leaders, NGO directors as This pledge was welcomed by Peter Dawson, well as members of the public; and bereaved director of the PRT, who said: “We particularly the state should lose their life family members of prisoners who had suffered welcome Robert Buckland’s promise to make self-inflicted deaths. Speakers included Jus- sure families can easily speak to someone with by suicide. We are taking steps tice Secretary Robert Buckland QC and Minis- authority in a prison when they have an urgent to improve the system. ter for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health concern about the safety of a loved one. We Nadine Dorries MP. Director of Inquest Debo- know that not every prison yet delivers this rah Coles sat on a panel supporting bereaved very basic service. We will keep checking until Dorries, a former nurse whose ministerial brief parents, who also spoke. Chair of the IAP Juliet they do.” includes mental health and suicide prevention, Lyon praised our ‘tremendous partnership acknowledged that the amounts of time pris- with Inside Time’. She said, ‘Keeping Safe mes- © Inside Time The Justice Secretary said that every new oners spend out of their cells, and the amount sages are rippling through Westminster and Before delivering his speech, the minister lis- prison officer was getting improved suicide of contact they have with their families, have the Prison Estate. Looking forward to working tened as grieving families described how the and self-harm training, while existing staff an effect on their “wellness” level. She said: together to call a halt to the use of prison as a deaths of their loved ones in custody could were getting it as refresher training. He said “No-one under the care of the state should lose place of safety.’ have been prevented. Afterwards he met some more than 25,000 members of staff had started their life by suicide. We are taking steps to of them for one-to-one discussions. Also to receive the new training, with 14,000 so far improve the system.” Minister’s mission to reduce deaths among the audience at the conference were The Cabinet minister in charge of prisons de- prison governors and senior Prison Service clared a personal mission to reduce the num- officials. ber of deaths in custody. Robert Buckland, the Dedicated Prison Lawyers For You Justice Secretary, said he had ordered his civil He praised the 1,400 prisoners who serve as Over 60 years’ combined experience servants to inform him directly of every death Listeners, as well as the Samaritans volunteers in a prison and its circumstances. Last year, who run the scheme. He said it was vital for IPP & Lifer Parole Reviews 300 serving prisoners died in England and prisoners to support one another … “because only Licence Recalls Wales, including 84 who took their own lives, they know what being in custody is really like”. while there were a record 61,000 acts of self Independent Adjudications harm by prisoners. Buckland, a former criminal barrister and Crown Court recorder who has been in his cur- Sentence Calculations Buckland said: “It is one of my goals in office rent post since last July, said in his speech: Criminal Defence Work to see a reduction. They are not just figures on “When a person loses their liberty, they do not a page, they are real people. I think it is really suddenly stop being human. Their humanity Call Stephanie Brownlees today on important that we learn from each death, so does not disappear from them. They are still that we can understand what went wrong and people. Like you and me. And every person 01902 275 042 how we could have done things differently.” deserves dignity, even if they are suspected, or convicted, of a crime. West Midlands House, Gipsy Lane, He pledged to: Willenhall WV13 2HA • End the use of prison as a “place of safety” for “As Justice Secretary, and on my regular visits Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 27

She said liaison and diversion services, in the Samaritans, the Government hopes that Grieving parents address minister which clinical staff are based in police custody in-cell phones will reduce the violence some- The parents of a man who took his own life in Working together suites and magistrates’ courts to spot offenders times associated with payphones on landings, custody have told prison chiefs how their pleas with mental health needs and remove them as well as cutting the demand for illegal for help were ignored. Mark and Donna Saun- to keep people safe from the criminal justice system when appro- mobiles. ders described how their son Dean, who was priate, would be extended throughout England suffering from a mental health crisis, died in by next year. And she pointed to £20 million The installation programme is ahead of sched- his cell after the jail took him off constant funding for Reconnect, an NHS “prison leaver ule. When the Ministry of Justice announced watch. Juliet Lyon CBE service” intended to ensure that ex-prisoners £17 million in 2018 to fit in-cell phones, it said transfer smoothly to a GP and other healthcare 50 prisons would have them by March 2020. The couple spoke of their loss at the Keeping services in the community. Scotland has lagged behind England and In summing up the impact of the Keeping Safe conference, which focused on preventing Wales, but the Scottish Government last year Safe conference, I truly felt the inspiring suicide and self-harm in prisons. Among those Dorries also said that magistrates were making asked the Scottish Prison Service to “explore nature of the day and respected the way in listening were Justice Secretary Robert Buck- too little use of mental health treatment re- the options” for installing in-cell phones at which a large, diverse group of people made land and Director General of the Prison Ser- quirements, which can be added to a commu- Polmont Young Offenders Institute. a strong commitment to do all they could in nity sentence to compel an offender with vice, Phil Copple. their different ways to protect lives. Now the mental health needs to accept help. IAP will do all we can to make sure that In particular, Mr Copple Dean, 25, died at HMP Chelmsford in 2016. He practical points and proposed changes put One in two cells has a phone said acts of self harm should had been arrested weeks earlier after Mark was forward by speakers and delegates can be More than half the prison cells in England and stabbed while trying to stop his son harming progressed over the coming year and be- Wales are now fitted with telephones. The never be dismissed as himself. An inquest found Dean was “let yond so there will be good outcomes. This milestone was reached after thousands of in- ‘attention-seeking’. down” by the prison and mental health ser- would mean: cell phones were installed over the past 12 vices. Mark told the conference: “He should • Involving families, whenever possible, as months to help prisoners stay in touch with have gone to a mental health ward. He went to In his speech, Mr Copple acknowledged a link advisors at every stage in the criminal jus- friends and family. This was announced by prison as a ‘place of safety’, he went in on con- between the decline in the number of prison tice process; Nadine Dorries: “Get happy!” Phil Copple, the Director General of the Prison officers over the past decade and the rise in stant watch. Service, in a speech to the Keeping Safe the number of deaths in custody. He spoke of • Ensuring that the helpline for families and conference. the importance of staffing levels, officer avail- “When I found out he had been taken off con- friends works well in every prison; ability, time spent by prisoners out of their stant watch, I begged them to put him back on. • Supporting and strengthening invaluable His officials said that as of February, 66 pris- cells and access to purposeful activity and I told them, “If you don’t put him back on con- work done by the Samaritans and Listeners ons had phones in some or all cells. A total of programmes. stant watch he will kill himself - the paperwork in every establishment across England and 44,500 cells had phones. Some of the cells are has told you, the courts have told you, the po- Wales; doubles, so the number of individuals with He praised prison officers who treat prisoners lice have told you and I have told you. They access to an in-cell phone will be higher. How- with respect and help them through difficult still would not put it back on. Our son lost his • Emphasising the importance of good lead- ever, funding has not yet been secured to ex- times, but admitted: “There are some [staff] life. We don’t want him to have died in vain.” ership, strengthening the influence of de- tend the initiative to every prison. Mr Copple whose behaviour and attitudes aren’t what we cent, compassionate staff and improving admitted: “There’s more money needed to do need them to be, and they are letting us down. Donna Mooney told the conference how her staff training; the rest.” Sometime that can contribute to tragic out- brother Tommy Nicol took his own life at HMP • Making more effective use of reports and comes.” In particular, Mr Copple said acts of The Mount in the sixth year of an IPP sentence As well as improving family contact and allow- recommendations made by Coroners, regu- self harm should never be dismissed as for which the tariff had been set at four years. ing prisoners to phone support services like “attention-seeking”. lators and independent monitors and sup- porting the development of a national After delivering his speech, Mr Buckland oversight mechanism to ensure spoke with Dita Saliuka, whose brother Liri- compliance; BEING ON YOUR We can help you with all don Saliuka was found dead in his cell at Bel- Criminal and Prison Law cases marsh in January. • Developing a risk assessment to examine SIDE IS ONE THING. impact, and report, on prisoner and staff FIGHTING YOUR CRIMINAL LAW An analysis of Coroners’ reports following safety before major policy and operational deaths in custody has found that the same changes are made; CORNER IS ANOTHER. • Police Interview Assistance failings are being raised repeatedly. Alexia • Applying research to practice to reduce WE DO BOTH. • Magistrates Court Durran, the Deputy Chief Coroner, told the self-harm; conference that the research had looked at 20 • Crown Court Advocacy “prevention of future death reports” in which • Gaining a proper response to people with • Defending false allegations Coroners make recommendations to improve mental health needs by strengthening liai- safety. Issues raised following suicides in son and diversion services and increasing • Miscarriage of Justice prison included: over-reliance on prisoners court use of community sentences with mental health treatment requirements; • Court of Appeal Applications saying they had no suicidal thoughts; unac- knowledged phone calls from families; obser- • And, above all, working with partners to • CCRC Applications vations not being done; falsified records; call a halt to the use of prison as a place of failure to share information and administra- safety. We will always assess if you are eligible PRISON LAW tive errors. for legal aid. If you are not eligible for I cannot say enough how grateful the IAP • Independent Adjudications is to all involved in making the conference legal aid we o er a ordable  xed prices. Forensic Accountants • Parole Board Hearings a success and how optimistic we are for the Mark Newby, Hollie Alcock and Nick with over work we will do together to ensure lasting Hayles are all Solicitor Advocates and • IPP and Lifer reviews 20 Years Experience impact. Now in the face of the very real will always reply to your letters and calls. threat of the Coronavirus, we have written • Pre Tari and Guittard Applications • Proceeds of Crime & Confiscation • Money Laundering to our partners Inside Time, Prison Radio • Tax Investigations and the Samaritans to pledge to work to- • Cat A reviews • Fees with Legal Aid Funding • Ex-Serious Fraud Office Forensic Accountant gether to help keep people safe. There are QualitySolicitors • HDC applications “The case settled very favourably thanks in large many ways this can be done, including en- measure to your report. It is not often that one suring that people in prison and their fam- Jordans • Sentence Calculation and Planning finds an expert who is so thorough” ilies and friends get the clear, accurate Client Benefit Amount Riley Moss Benefit Mr M £783,000 £6,000 information they need and that Listeners Mr D £1,176,000 £18,000 and peer mentors receive additional sup- Mr A £2,040,000 £77,000 port. It is a time for reassurance, coming For Life’s Important Moments Contact Waseem Yasin or John Rafferty for together and small acts of kindness which Led by Mark Newby, Solicitor Advocate with a strong record for quashing convictions FREE no obligation advice everyone can do. 0161 832 1438 Doncaster offi ce: 01302 365 374 4 Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BP [email protected] www.qualitysolicitors.com/jordans www.rileymoss.co.uk Juliet Lyon is Chair of the Independent 184 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 8LQ Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAP) 28 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Banks finds a new beginning, a new hopefulness. Tales of Wisdom

It might surprise you to hear significantly better than for those that had no that Easter is firstly about plant. Being occupied, having responsibility harshness and accusation. and having a plant to care for gave those resi- It’s about rejection and vio- dents a sense of purpose and a reason to be - and lence, about pain and mess the researchers found these residents did more and loss. Good Friday is the and got much more out of life and reported a story of an innocent man who higher sense of wellbeing on assessment tests. was so challenging that the only way to silence him was Whilst you may discover the Prison Service to kill him. You may have find some reason to forbid you having a pot heard talk about Jesus dying plant, you may, and indeed should seek out on the cross to ‘take our sins purposeful activity to enhance your quality of upon him’. Well, so many life in custody. Most prisons offer employment human failings revolve around opportunities and whilst it might not be the pride and prejudice, hatred job you want; because not everyone can be the and fear - and these were gym orderly or red band in education, it will surely the things that nailed occupy your time as well as give you a bit more him to that cross. All these to spend on canteen. You can also work as a centuries later, don’t they still © Deposit Photos volunteer; become a peer mentor, wing repre- nail us all to our own personal Sid Arter sentative or Listener. You can use the library, crosses - our own failings as with many prisons offering jigsaws, art mate- well as those of others? rials and even educational DVDs as well as The pot plants books, newspapers and magazines. And if you cannot read, many prisons offer schemes to But that’s where Easter Sun- Brian Banks: “I was on a journey” A number of years ago, university researchers help people learn to read and indeed write. You By Jeff Lewis - Brian Banks, CC 4.0 BY-SA day comes in. Because the could even listen to educational radio pro- tragedy becomes a story of carried out an experiment with the residents grammes or change your viewing habits to resurrection and new begin- in a care home. Half the residents were given a small, simple pot plant to look after and the watch TV documentaries. A new beginning, ning. I don’t pretend to under- other half were not. Those with a pot plant stand what actually happened, clearly showed an interest in it and even if they I appreciate not all opportunities exist in all but I know it changed the were unable to water it themselves, they made prisons, but most have a range of things that a new hopefulness lives of Jesus’ closest friends. sure one of their carers or visitors did - and you can do that are purposeful - ask, you might And then, over two millennia, After such a devastating ex- most of the plants thrived. even be allowed a pot plant or get a chance to that story changed the lives of Sharon perience, you would expect work in the gardens and grow vegetables or countless people, including Grenham- bitterness and fury. Instead, This was no surprise to the researchers as they flowers. And whilst you might say you cannot mine. Because the events of Thompson Banks focusses on what he had expected the pot plants that were carefully see the point in maybe living longer - we could Easter Sunday are a promise does have in life, not what he looked after would do well. What did surprise all do with getting a better quality of life. that even after the darkest of Brian Banks (above) was a lost. “I can sit here and al- them was the life expectancy and, importantly, times, there is a new light and rising star in the American ways think of the ‘what-ifs’ the quality of life of the plant owners was Sid Arter is a teacher and entertainer a new hope. Even the worst football world. However in and what should have been, situation can change you….. 2002, at the age of 16, he was but I think it’s more important for the better. It’s what Brian accused of rape. Facing a pos- to reflect on the reality of sible 41 years in prison, he what is now and what is... not Banks discovered too. accepted a plea bargain that only did I have faith in God saw him spend 5 years in jail, that he would get me through Banks’ story may resonate with a lengthy probation pe- the hardest times of my life with you if you feel unjustly riod to follow, as well as reg- but I also knew that would treated. Only you know, deep istration as a sex offender. happen as well. When and down, the truth of who you how long that would be? I had are, and what your life has A decade later the accusation no clue. But I know I was on been like. Actually, I would Prison Law Experts / Legal 500 Recommendation was retracted. Banks was de- that journey and my faith say that God does as well - clared innocent and his con- helped me out.” and whether you’re innocent viction was overturned. or bang to rights, the Easter Nationwide Coverage - in-house video link facilities available Although he played some It’s a story of terrible trial, but message is that it’s not the football games in the NFL it’s also a story of resurrec- end of the story. after this, he never really re- tion. A life that’s not the same Specialist advice on gained his form, and eventu- as before - everything has Rev Sharon Grenham- ally took up public speaking changed. But instead of giv- Thompson is former chaplain parole reviews as a career in 2014. ing way to despair or anger, of HMP Bedford police interviews recalls criminal appeals Unit 19B, Imperial House, 64 Willoughby Lane, extradition adjudications London N17 0SP Call us: 0208 8017422 Email: [email protected] criminal defence con scation & www.legalguys.co.uk proceeds of crime The Legal Guys We take pride in providing a Do you need an immigration lawyer? full range of Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers We can help with: Criminal and Prison Law Represantations to the Home Office Services. Contact our Prison Law Department Appeals against deportation Bail applications FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT 01904 431421 Leave to remain applications Hannah Rumgay [email protected] Partner applications Prison Law Solicitor Howard and Byrne Tates, 12 Park Place, Leeds LS1 2RU Chestnut Court, 148 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3EB 0113 242 2290 Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 29 ‘Make us feel that we have a place in society’ PPN launch at Brinsford cancelled - here is a preview of what we were going to share

needs are a constant source of led to frustration, dwelling on prisoners working to deliver frustration. the past and focusing the the elements within the Reha- pains of imprisonment; con- bilitative Culture approach, ‘If you keep your head ditions which encouraged and spread these principles down, do your bird and just people to try to escape the across a diverse prison sys- try and go through the pro- reality of being stuck inside. tem; something that we stand cesses, put in apps, speak to For those with mental health ready to assist them with. officers, you get absolutely conditions, prison not only nowhere. If you kick off, exacerbated their own dis- What next? smash up your cell, keep tress but also that of others These are uncertain times for ringing the bell, eventually who witnessed that distress. us all, but make no mistake they’ll give you what you you have spoken out clearly want.’ ‘We are all prisoners [staff on what works to reduce ten- Communication plays a piv- and prisoners], we have dif- sion, conflict and violence. otal role in mediating ten- ferent uniforms but they all The whole of PRT, and in par- sions. Whilst the outcome have a number on it.’ ticular the PPN team, will may not change, understand- If there is an overriding mes- work hard to get your solu- ing the reasons can help peo- sage it is that elements of tions in front of Ministers, ple to accept it. But to be HMPPS initiatives known as policy makers at the Ministry effective, communication ‘Enabling Environments’ or of Justice and HM Prison and needs to be honest and timely. ‘Rehabilitative Culture’ hold Probation Service, and gover- There were numerous re- the key. nors. In the meantime, thank sponses voicing frustration at you to all who contributed; being ‘fobbed off’, leading to ‘There is opportunity, per- the clarity, depth and insight more tension rather than less. sonal input to the day and was immense. I am excep- Paula Harriott want to share their expertise took the time to contribute to running of the prison which tionally proud of the report, and experience with policy the report. ‘Give prisoners the sense leaves people with a feeling and hope to be able to send it makers. It’s free to join and that they are not spending of achievement. They do out to all our PPN members anyone in prison can get What is clear from your re- dead time...make us feel we not feel like they’re just a ‘If you think you are and prison libraries soon. involved. sponses is that you see the have a place in society.’ number.’ too small to make a complexity of the causes of It was disappointing, but not The report reveals plenty of difference, you hav- ‘How can we reduce ten- violence. There is no ‘silver surprising, that many of you examples of good practice en’t spent the night sions, conflict and violence bullet’ that can address the reported spending many within prisons, but the chal- Paula Harriott is Head in prison?’ factors all at once. hours in cells with nothing to lenge to policymakers is how of Prisoner Engagement at with a mosquito.’ Tensions, conflict and vio- do. You told us that boredom to support those staff and Prison Reform Trust African proverb lence are for many of you the ‘Until you do something daily reality of prison life. It about the mass of people We made a decision to post- was clear from your responses crammed into these jails, pone the Prisoner Policy Net- to our previous consultations you won’t see much rehabil- Offi cially work report launch event at that we needed to tackle this itation going on.’ the LARGEST HMP & YPI Brinsford to en- challenging question and get Many of you said that high Prison Law sure the safety of everyone your insight and solutions for levels of overcrowding, and Practice in there and those who had been improving safety in our the large number of people in the Country planning to attend. However, prisons. prison, were significant The National Prison Law Specialists that doesn’t prevent us from causes of tension and conflict Trusted by more prisoners in England and sharing the findings with you We heard from over 1,000 in custody. all. So read on for a sneak pre- serving prisoners, former Wales than any other Solicitors. view ahead of our official prisoners, and family mem- ‘We refused to bang up be- With Experts across the Country, launch. bers. We received responses cause there was no toilet we can represent you in ANY PRISON. from 54 different prisons in paper.’ For those of you yet to hear England and Wales, from Showering, using a tele- Write to us today for FREE Expert about the work of the Prisoner every security category, men phone, going to the library or advice at the following address: Policy Network (PPN) it is a and women, young offender gym can for many people only group of current serving pris- institutions as well as foreign be achieved when an officer FREEPOST RTAB-BATB-HGAU oners, ex-prisoners and con- national prisons, and I’d like unlocks the door. You told us Carringtons Solicitors, nected organisations who to thank every person who that delays or denials of these Nottingham NG2 2JR www.carringtons-solicitors.co.uk CANTERS CRIME Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers and Howard League for Penal Reform We are a friendly rm, with solicitors and legally quali ed sta who are experts in their particular Forensic Accountants Our team of more than 40 Experts are here to help areas of law CONFISCATION PROCEEDINGS you, with a wealth of experience specialising in all UNDER POCA! Bartfields have considerable UK wide experience of areas of Prison and Criminal Law AREAS OF WORK analysing and revising prosecution benefit calculations LICENSE RECALL PAROLE REVIEWS within tight deadlines. (Legal aid available) • Parole Board Reviews & Hearings • Recall to Prison Free prison visit for all pre-confiscation hearing cases IPP REVIEWS ADJUDICATIONS Recent Cases: • Independent Adjudications • Category A Review Other Prison Law issues considered Prosecution Benefit Bartfields Benefit • Minimum Term Reviews • Re-Categorisation but payment may be on a private fee basis Mr M £69,000 £8,000 Mr C £3,684,000 £47,000 • Close Supervision Centre Reviews • Sentence Calculation All areas of Criminal work including Police Mrs D £271,000 £45,000 • Transfer • HDC “Tagging” Interviews/ Court Appearances Mr O £378,000 £16,000 Mr L £1,015,000 £111,000 • Criminal Defence • Police Interviews CONTACT US Mrs N £785,000 £103,000 0151 239 1020 Contact Raymond Davidson on 03332224445 (opt3) Bartfields Forensic Accountants For FREE Expert (local rate) [email protected] St Paul’s House,23 Park Square,Leeds,LS1 2ND 08454 750 650 Suite 4 1st Floor 1 Derby Square, [email protected] advice call us today Liverpool L2 9QR www.bartfieldsforensic.co.uk or 0115 986 0983

Carrington Advert 155x130 Oct 2019.indd 1 21/10/2019 16:24 30 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Even in the give-them-noth- ing prisons like HMP Wand- Book Review sworth we were allowed a radio and Walkman. Some people, myself included, modified their Walkman by A Bit of a Stretch, a hell of a read wiring it to the speaker of a radio so that music could be A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner by Chris Atkins heard without the constraint Publisher: Atlantic Books / ISBN: 978-1838950156 / RRP: £9.99 of those clunky headphones of yesteryear. Raymond Smith that he can’t climb stairs through disability and the second he is racist, sexist and homo- As the years went by and phobic. The substance abuse centre is the eas- prison rules relaxed some- Since my period in iest place to get drugs, so is avoided by Musical cells what you would find guys in © Andy Aitchison/Library image Pentonville, I de- recovering addicts. And visiting European the Dispersal prisons buying spair of depictions Academics cannot believe how many hours huge multi-sound, sur- of prisons. Unreal- British prisoners spend locked in cells with round-sound, loud-sound istic; over deco- nothing to do and wonder how this country Jailhouse Rock stereo systems, and most rated for dramatic thinks that helps rehabilitation. prison cells would be vibrat- impact. Here is the ing to the bass. Obviously, on exception; newly Music to ease the pain of confinement This is easy to read; being well-written; but is occasion, this could lead to published ‘A Bit of not an easy read. Key issues are exposed; none trouble and it was not that a Stretch’ is an ex- a radio sent in. The radio could avoided. And the book does not use over-dra- uncommon to see one of these cellent, accurate be no bigger than a cigarette matic descriptions of the characters passing huge systems flying over the description of life box and it had to have an ear- through. There are no ‘monster’ types. No Noel Smith landing the morning after a in jail as mostly phone so that other prisoners, saintly sorts. Everyone here is recognisable. presumably those who did not bass-filled night before! This ‘banal and incon- have a radio and might erupt was before in-cell electricity sequential’ but Music has always played a big We meet a wide spread of characters with their into a jealous rage at the when 16 DD batteries could also noisy and riddled with menace. part in my life, I can’t go a day own personal history, but futures stolen by a sound of one, could not hear cost three-weeks wages from without hearing some kind of system which crushes the spirit of people in- it. As it happens, borstal was the prison canteen, so most Author Chris Atkins is an award-winning film music and even in prison I side and takes away their drive and confidence quite a musical place. I don’t people took to ‘wiring up’, maker who, with others, attempted to manip- managed to get my musical for life outside. Here is the true state of the mean we were all singing and running a wire from the ste- ulate a Government Grant scheme resulting in ‘fix’ almost every day. Most penal system that will not be found on staged dancing around the cell reo to the cell-light in order to his being sentenced to 5 years for fraud, of people do not think of music ‘Ministerial’ visits where cells will be freshly blocks like Elvis and his little run their huge musical ma- which 9 months was spent in Wandsworth. He when they think about prison, chines. Some people got their painted, with troublesome sights and people firm of Shifty Henry, Bugs, kept a diary recording everything; this is the but it plays a big part of the first ever electric shock from placed out of sight and out of mind. and the Purple Gang in the result. It is not political, but politics runs daily fabric of prison life. this practise, but not their film ‘Jailhouse Rock’, but we through it as he draws attention to the failure last. Atkins hits harshly at the failures of those run- were each allowed 5 of the system, referencing statistics as appro- My first taste of incarceration, ning Wandsworth. He memorably says that if long-playing records and 15 priate to prove the argument. But he does not back in the 1970s, was at a But, once CDs were allowed this was a school then pupils would be leaving 45rpm single records sent in drown the reader in too much detail as this is juvenile detention centre in (early 1990s), there were cer- knowing less than when they walked in and and were allowed to play aimed at everyone and not just criminologists, Surrey that existed to admin- tain standard sounds that you that it is a complete failure of governance. He them on the wing record or even criminals. ister the dreaded ‘short sharp could hear being played on recognises that lack of resources contributes player (a dilapidated 60s Dan- shock’ to juvenile offenders. most prison landings - The but concludes it is no excuse for the shambles sette) during weekend associ- We go from Southwark Crown Court, the first This official policy was de- Eagles, Phil Collins, Pink ever time he was locked up, via the sweatbox he found. ation. Also, in borstal the staff signed to be brutal enough to Floyd and The Ramones were and into jail. We share his life inside; including would turn on the wing radio deter us young offenders from foremost amongst these back the tearing away from his four-year-old son So, who should read this book? Families of for the top 40 chart count- committing crime. Of course, in the day. In fact, prison be- which he finds hardest to take. There are mo- those inside will get a deeper feel of what life down from the BBC every that was never going to work came a place where you could ments that are genuinely funny, such as the is really like. Those in prison will appreciate Sunday evening when we and if they’d looked a bit fur- be exposed to a vast variety Alcoholics Anonymous Group including Tee- the depression they feel is shared and can be were all locked up. That was ther than their own official of musical tastes that you total Muslims who go along just to escape their overcome, and there will be an end to their a treat that we youngsters all noses at the time they would might never have heard in cells for a few hours and the price inflation he prison time with life waiting outside. But above looked forward to. have known that. The fact is your outside everyday life. causes by paying 2 tins of tuna over the odds all I hope it is read by those whose views of that in the days when they Roots reggae, Columbian pop for his laundry. There are other events not And there was, every Thurs- prison vary from Ronnie Barker in Porridge to used to publicly hang pick- music, thrash metal, punk amusing at the time, such as the cell cohabitee day night at 7pm, Top of The Ross Kemp in Belmarsh and think prison is a pockets a dozen at a time for rock, calypso, drum and who used loud, foul, bodily noises to get At- Pops, in which we got a ‘soft touch’….the British electorate. pickpocketing, far from being bass, acid music; in fact, from kins to move out so he could get to share with chance to see the hits being deterred the still-free pick- around 1989 until well into someone he wanted. We’ve all met him! And mimed by the artists. On 5 out of 5 for this book. Buy it, enjoy it, and if pockets would work the 1993 the most commonly we smile at the ingenious activities of people Thursday evening the TV you are in prison insist the library stock it. watching crowd and fleece heard shout from the win- inside to obtain illicit items to ease their stay. room in borstal would be Then make sure you have your name top of the them as their confederates dows of most local prisons packed and heaving as the list to read it. dangled and kicked their last. was the rave music buzzword Human tragedy permeates the book. Atkins borstal boys drooled over the Deterrence does not work, of ‘Aceeeeeeeeeeed!’ How an- expresses guilt that his reactions move from scantily clad Pan’s People simply because no criminal noying was that? Very. shock at the sight of people who have self- performing their dance moves assumes he is going to get harmed to almost acceptance as it’s so com- in living colour. This was our caught. It’s not quantum The fact is, whether you have mon. He becomes a Listener, a job he takes PURCELL PARKER version of porn. physics, is it? noticed or not, prison can be seriously, allowing him to meet a wide range Solicitors a place of music. When re- of people who speak openly to him. He is angry Then I had my first taste of BIRMINGHAM’S TOP But even in the brutal and gimes were working well and that people suffering unresolved mental adult prison where anyone PRISON LAWYERS desolate confines of a juvenile staff seemed to be in happy health issues face abuse from staff, then end was allowed to have a radio Licence Recalls detention centre we got to lis- abundance, a lot of prisoners up becoming suicide risks. He is shocked at sent or handed in (those were ten to BBC Radio 1 in the and staff would come to- learning of a young Lithuanian shoplifter with Prisoner Adjudications the days!) as long as it did not workshops as we laboured at gether and form their own mental health problems whose interview with IPP & Lifer Parole have an FM band and it was breaking cassette tapes with bands, sometimes putting on a specialist nurse was useless as they could HDC Medium Wave only. It was not a toffee hammer. The catchy mini-concerts for the prison not communicate, having no interpreter; who Sentence Calculations until the late 1980s that HMP pop music of that era helped or for visitors. As Billy Shake- then killed himself. Re - Categorisation allowed in FM radios and me to survive each pain and speare once put it - ‘Music Walkman’s, around the same Call now to speak with: humiliation-filled day in that hath charms that may soothe Then there are absurdities. He cannot get Par- time they introduced prison Tiernan Davis, Sadie Rice or Jan Arkwright gaff. the savage breast’, and there acetamol after 4 pm and when he needs a plas- phones. This opened up a are no shortage of ‘savage ter there are none in the wing first aid box, but Purcell Parker Solicitors whole new musical world for 204 - 206 Corporation Street Birmingham B4 6QB Then when I was in borstal in breasts’ behind the walls of he could easily buy Spice. An elderly inmate prisoners as we could now Kent, we were allowed to have HMP. Calm down and listen says he has been made an Equalities Officer have cassette tapes sent in. to a few tunes. but there are minor problems, the first being 0121 236 9781 Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 31

director of the crematorium Outside View gave the address, talking of Farewell Pete Pete’s life - his upbringing, family, sad divorce and love A sunny winter day brings some sad for gardening, how he rose early and worked hard. There but uplifting surprises was no mention of his being in prison. Jane - New Bridge Befriender the prison and find out.

Next day, New Bridge called After the service the chaplain was speaking to Pete’s two I am a volunteer with New to pass on a message from the heavily pregnant daughters, Bridge, a charity that has prison, Pete had died the pre- saying how popular he had been befriending people in vious night. I was stunned. prison for over 60 years. They His death was attributed to been on the wing. His fellow are usually people who, over lung disease. The prison said residents wanted his family to time, have lost the support of Pete’s daughters had been know. As I approached one of family and friends. with him at the end. We dis- the sisters asked, ‘Are you cussed if I would want to go to Jane?’ The second sister asked I befriended Pete for over 3 the funeral, if this was accept- the same question. Yes, I was years. He was well into a 22- able to the family? I said I Jane. I told them it was a year sentence, anticipating a would. Some weeks later, the lovely service and it would parole hearing in 4 years, prison chaplain contacted me have meant a lot to their fa- planning where he might live about the arrangements. I ther that they were with him and work on release, he knew began thinking of what I at the end. there would be restrictions. could say to the family to give Stamps - a window to the world Pete had been a landscape meaningful support, without An older woman, I assumed gardener and was still in breaching confidentiality. Pete’s ex-wife, grasped my first adhesive stamps were order to facilitate better com- touch with a former employer hand. ‘Are you Jane? Because introduced. Although we take munications between Eng- but contact from his family The director of we have some things at home.’ it for granted now, the new land and Scotland, when the had been minimal and had Perhaps my letters? I told her Paul Sullivan stamps meant people could monarchy of England and recently ceased altogether. the crematorium I had been grateful to have buy postage in advance. The Scotland were joined in 1603, During a visit he sadly told me gave the address, known Pete. The children new postal service was the James established a postal he had sent each of them a were in and out of the family mug for Christmas but got no As a child I was introduced to email of its day and a letter service between London and talking of Pete’s life group. Her grandchildren? response. collecting stamps by my older posted in London in the Edinburgh. The first public ... There was no How many? ‘23’ she said, then brother. He soon tired of the morning would be delivered postal service was created by pointed at her daughters, ‘An- Our mutual interests were hobby but I carried on until by lunch time - so you could Charles I in 1635. There were mention of his other in March, one any gardening and painting, we my mid-teens. Collecting send a letter inviting a friend many changes, attempts at moment’. both toyed with acrylics and being in prison. stamps was a great way to to lunch the same day, and privatisation. The first ‘mail watercolours. Much to his sur- learn about the world and I even get a reply in time for the coach’ ran in 1784 and the Later, I emailed the chaplain prise, Pete won a Koestler On a sunny winter day, I soon knew all the countries, meeting. first ‘mail train’ in 1830. In to thank her and asked if she prize. We usually concluded stepped off the train and took their capital cities and cur- 1994 Conservative minister had arranged for Pete’s with comments on the state of a taxi to the crematorium. I rencies. I concentrated on UK The Penny Black was the very Michael Heseltine made the daughters to be with him at the world - Brexit, rugby, the was the first to arrive. An el- stamps and science stamps first stamp issued, available first proposals to sell off the the end. She told me that latest clanger from Donald derly couple came in; then a from around the world and from May 1st but not valid Royal Mail; it wasn’t finally when it was clear Pete had until after 6th May. At the dispatched until the Postal Trump. woman wearing a dog collar remember saving up to buy came in with a man who little longer to live, she con- the complete Battle of Hast- time of its release, postal rates Services Act of 2000. To in- tacted the family and with a were very complex and often crease profits the second I had a letter from him and turned out to be the deputy ings set in 1966. They must be prison officer had driven a paid for by the recipient when daily delivery was scrapped despite not hearing back, I governor. We introduced our- still around somewhere and, five hour round trip to collect it was delivered. The new in 2004 and in 2006 the Royal continued writing. A month selves. The elderly woman if only I could find them, must his daughters. They could not stamp cost one penny (equiv- Mail monopoly was scrapped later I realised I had still called to me, ‘Are you Jane?’ I be worth about £150 for the have made it by train. Next alent to about 40p now) and, allowing private companies heard nothing. I wrote pro- nodded. She was Pete’s set now. day, two prison officers did for the first time, was fixed for to deliver parcels. In 2013 posing my next visit and sent cousin. He would phone occa- an email to the prison re- sionally and had mentioned the round trip to take the The Channel Islands (Jersey a letter of half an ounce (14 Royal Mail was floated on the questing a visit. The following Jane. She said she thought the daughters home after a night and Guernsey), as part of the grams) irrespective of dis- Stock Exchange and the pub- morning the prison replied - a work that New Bridge did was awake at the hospital. British Isles always used nor- tance. Today’s first class post- lic encouraged to buy shares. visit was not possible, Pete wonderful. mal UK stamps except during age costs 70p but the weight The government made nearly was in hospital. I contacted I was amazed. I found it up- the German occupation of the has increased to 100 grams. £2billion from the sale. After the New Bridge office to dis- The service was quite full. lifting to learn the astonish- islands from June 1940 to May privatisation the value of cuss options: would a card Many small children were ing lengths the prison service 1945. On 1st October 1969 Our mail system is called the shares rose by up to 87% and reach him in hospital? The running around, but not in- had gone to in caring for one both Jersey and Guernsey Royal Mail because it was cre- many people sold their stakes manager agreed to contact truding on proceedings. The of their prisoners. were allowed to produce their ated by Henry VIII in 1516. In to larger investors. own stamps (Guernsey Post Office produced special stamps for the island of Alder- Our team of specialists can o er ney in 1983). Sark and Herm, free advice and assistance in two small islands off Guern- relation to Legally Aided issues, No Letters? No Visits? sey use Guernsey stamps. I including: was keen to add the Guernsey Lifer/IPP Parole Board Reviews (Pre/Post Tari ) stamps to my collection and Most of us need someone to talk If you would like a volunteer Recalls things over with - someone we can befriender; write to us at: through my philatelic interest Independent Adjudications I later visited Guernsey quite Category A Reviews trust, who talks straight, stays in NEW BRIDGE a New Bridge, frequently and spent my hon- touch, and doesn’t make promises Elm Park, London, SW TX. eymoon there many years We can also o er competitive xed fees for matters they can’t keep. later. which are not currently covered by Legal Aid such as: Sentence planning/calculations For over sixty years New Bridge has In the early 19th century with Challenging Licence Conditions been providing a befriending service to the blooming postal services Re-categorisation prisoners through letters and visits. there became a need to show Accessing O ending Behaviour Programmes that the fees for delivery had Contact us today: Address: % of prisoners said that they would been paid and in May 1840, T: 01752 600833 Genesis O ce 6, 235 Union Street recommend the Befriending Service to as part of major postal re- others that they have met in custody! forms by Sir Roland Hill, the @: o [email protected] Plymouth, Devon PL1 3HN 32 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

A journey through the therapy looking glass Coronavirus Bulletin Board

honest change requires seems individual people and organ- Koestler deadline extended Butler Trust Award too much to muster for most isations that work tirelessly Ceremony postponed that leave. across the country who have In light of the current situation around COVID-19, we wanted to send a note to let you know how we are continuing to support faith in the ability for us to While we had very much individuals in criminal justice settings - whilst looking after When I walk around the place change. These range from so- hoped to go ahead with this ourselves and those around us - and how this may impact you. on my daily travels, granted cial enterprises, educational year’s Award Ceremony as there are signs of a bygone era. initiatives and even things as planned, in the light of the We know the importance of our work to those who are in the government advice issued There was a time when there simple as relapse prevention criminal justice system, particularly those who may be more were football, rugby, hockey, programmes. The problem I isolated than usual, due to specific challenges our prisons and yesterday afternoon we snooker, boxing and countless see, having completed my time other secure settings will face. We will, therefore, do our utmost clearly cannot do so at this other sporting teams and here, is not those individual to respond to submissions to the 2020 Koestler Awards in the time. Recognising the critical events. On display in a cabinet pockets of hope across the usual ways (feedback, awards, certificates, sales, exhibitions) role of those working in pris- by the gym are some of the system, for they are true sav- in the coming months. We will focus our work on core pro- ons, probation and youth jus- trophies which date back to iours, it’s the whole bloody grammes, and do our best to update entrants, volunteers, tice settings is important at © Fotolia.com the seventies. It is clear that system. I could be accused of criminal justice staff and other partners on revised dates. any time - and particularly so Nathan Joshua this was a place where a radi- preaching to the converted as in the current circumstances cally different approach to we discuss these matters in Our priorities at this challenging time are ensuring that the - which is why we, and our Believing prison was being trialled; and Inside Time every month (or Koestler Awards 2020 go ahead and looking after our commu- Patron, The Princess Royal, thankfully, albeit in a differing weekly online), but surely it is nity. Following government and NHS advice, our staff and were especially keen to carry the dream capacity, still succeeds today. now time to get the govern- volunteers are expecting to be in the office very little in the on with the event if we possi- ment on board, somehow. coming weeks. bly could. While we cannot

Societies that do not believe I often hear people say hold it right now, the Cere- We anticipate that prisons will struggle to assist entrants in offenders can change will ul- Grendon is not the place it used We can change. Given the right mony is being postponed getting their work to us for the 3 April deadline. So, to help with timately get offenders who do to be, and for the trophy cab- group of people to encourage, rather than cancelled, and inet alone I understand this not demoralise, and to empow- this, we will be flexible on the deadline this year. We are mov- not believe they can change. will go ahead at a later date. sentiment. But I do see it er, not oppress, people can ing the deadline for the 2020 Awards to Thursday 30 April - and Just think about that for a mo- In the meantime, we will con- ment … changing with the times, and reinvent themselves. Build will continue to review this and update you via our website, tinue to do what we can to I feel optimistic for the ways more Grendons. Offer people social media and newsletter. Wishing you all well. Team Koestler help promote, celebrate and If that is true; and I say it is - in which it is moving. The some tolerance and patience support the outstanding work then we now have a self-ful- structure of the therapy pro- to adjust to this radically dif- PPO ALERT! of the #HiddenHeroes who filling prophecy, perpetuating gramme remains similar to the ferent way of doing time, and will continue to do what they the ever increasing misery in early days, and ultimately that we will see some of the most The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is committed to do best, throughout the cur- our prisons. And if that is in- is what is important. troubled and difficult mem- continuing to respond to and investigate your complaints dur- rent crisis, on behalf of the deed the case, then how on bers of society reform their ing this period of exceptional uncertainty. To help us do so, we earth are more prison places lives. I believe the dream sim- ask that you make sure you send all of the relevant documents, people in their charge, and and longer prison sentences I no longer ply because if it can work for including your complaint forms and all HMPPS responses, the wider public they serve. in our overcrowded under- care whether this washed-up old fool, then when you submit your complaint. For the foreseeable future, Simon Shepherd - Director of funded prisons ever going to it can work for anybody - given we will not be able to return original documents to you. the Butler Trust improve our society? The frus- people believe the chance. Prison inspections suspended trating thing for me, and no I am capable of doubt many I know, is that we Quite frankly, deep down, I no Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, has announced that all scheduled inspection work already have a solution. I’ve change, as after longer care whether people involving visits to prisons or other places of state detention in England and Wales has been just been through this thera- some time spent believe I am capable of change, suspended up to the end of May 2020. This will affect around 15 full inspections, independent peutic approach myself. as after some time spent here, reviews of progress and visits as part of thematic inspection work. This decision will be kept here, belief some- belief somehow arises from constantly under review in the light of COVID-19-related developments. HMI Prisons believes it Grendon is a little known pris- how arises from within. However, it took a pro- would be inappropriate to subject prisons and other establishments to the demands of an in- on set in the Buckinghamshire cess of people believing in me spection or other type of visit at a time when they are devoting all their resources to preparing countryside, opened in 1962 within. enough for that change to to deal with the impact of COVID-19. as a social experiment. At that occur. If offenders are released time, when the buzzword for We have small groups and with a sense of inclusion and Mr Clarke said: “We acknowledge the huge pressure prisons are now under so, until the end of policy makers was ‘rehabilita- community meetings; psycho- purpose, rather than stigma May as presently envisaged, we will not be arriving unannounced at establishments to inspect. tion’; it was created for those drama and art therapy. Some and shame, then surely (is it However, we will seek alternative ways of fulfilling our obligation to monitor, understand and who were deemed unsuitable have music therapy, education not obvious?) they are more report on the treatment and conditions in prisons and places of detention. Where we can, we for sectioning under the and countless annual events, likely to be successful will share this work publicly. It is important at this difficult time to reassure the public, those in prison and their families, and ministers, that we will not lose sight of our primary duty to offer Mental Health Act, though still much of which have been writ- law-abiding citizens. To con- an independent assessment of conditions in detention.” in need of psychological inter- ten about here. The people tinue to stigmatize and ex- vention. Most said it wouldn’t change, staff move on, and the clude just perpetuates the work; but all of the statistics theory may evolve in how to cycle. Unfortunately, instead collected over a 58 year period help us but what does remain of this being an assumption, now prove Grendon does work is an underlying sense of some- it’s now become my hard- Important Parole Case Coming Up? - fact! thing special. Many who I have earned experience. So when met at this democratic thera- faced with the choice of how Get Someone Dating back to the 90’s, all I peutic community prison say to treat offenders, it’s a Who Gives a $@*#! ever heard on my tour of the something similar. Grendon no-brainer to me. Belief, ac- “I can’t believe how fortunate we were in choosing prison estate about Grendon gives you enough time to talk cording to the dictionary, 99% of Clients happy with the Emmersons. You were amazing, I would recommend came from those who didn’t and listen, in order to eventu- means accepting something outcome of their case Emmersons to anyone looking for an approachable and last. And in the three years I ally work through all of the as truth without any visible reliable firm of Solicitors.” have been here I have come to troubles that brought us to proof. What more evidence do 52 John Street, 137A Back High Street, Gosforth, experience most of the reasons prison in the first place. The we need of the possibility to Nearly all clients achieved release or Sunderland SR1 1QN Newcastle NE3 4ET why people struggle to adjust people here believe, despite instigate change - thereby re- open conditions 0191 567 6667 0191 284 6989 to a completely different pris- how horrendous our pasts may ducing crime and essentially on to any I’ve/they’ve been have been, we can come to future victims, than that which We are experts in category A reviews Freephone used to. Yet I did always won- terms with our histories; that you’ve just read? and independent adjudications 0800 193 0146 der how honest peoples’ justi- we can use this experience to emmersons-solicitors.co.uk fications for leaving were? In change for the better. Nathan Joshua, a nom de truth, change is the hardest of Parole Hearings • Adjudications • Recalls • Category A Reviews plume, is a resident of HMP EMAP There are of course many Registered with things, and the courage that Grendon Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Information 33

from prospective residents, or estate. EBM considers risk fac- where people learn and grow, “As a life sentence prisoner others involved with their tors identified through a CFR where every voice counts, and who is on his third recall, sentence plan. Each PR oper- (case file review) compiled by individuals feel invested and something had to change. ates slightly differently, ac- psychology, and targets are in control of their With too many questions cording to local resources, but set. Every 12 weeks or so, an surroundings. hanging over me I felt the the national team work to- EBM meeting is held, and res- only way forward was to gether in an effort to ensure idents, keyworkers, commu- If you’re an ISP who may ben- put myself out there. By this PR residents are accommo- nity and prison offenders’ efit from participating in a PR I mean, alongside the dated at the most suitable site. managers, psychology and PR either speak to your offender course I’m doing, I needed staff have an opportunity to manager or ask them to make to show evidence that I am Most PR residents will have check progress. In between a referral or write to the open to change, willing to completed their recom- those meetings, residents will prison in your resettlement change, and need help and mended offending behaviour meet with their OMs and key- area. All referrals will be con- support in making change. work, and some may have workers to review EBM pro- sidered; if someone is not Through the Progression spent time in a Therapeutic gress, taking into account found to be suitable, feedback Regime I am taking away Community and/or PIPE be- factors such as case notes, will be given with an indica- the easy route, the short Follow me lads! fore joining a PR. Whilst on security reports and the resi- tion of what needs to be cuts, and the usual path I the PR, residents participate dents’ own reflections. When shown before that person can would take, to achieve my in EBM (Enhanced Behaviour sufficient progress is made, join a PR, such as a period of goals. This whole PR is all Monitoring), which is other- residents progress through good behaviour or the com- new to me and despite it wise only delivered in open three stages, with increasing pletion of programme work. The way out! being in its infancy, I feel I conditions and the female access to opportunities to am at the beginning of Progression regimes for indeterminate something that can help sentenced prisoners “I wanted to join a PR for Cooking for freedom me progress, challenge me opportunities to do things in change and hopefully Julia Powers improve chances of success- which enable me to prove create something special ful release or to the Parole Board I’m no going forward.” PR resi- re-categorisation. longer a risk to others. I was dent Chris Are you serving an indeter- recalled after being out for minate sentence and are 4.5 years; being a recalled SE (London, South East & within four years of your HMP Warren Hill was the first IPP felt awful - things were Eastern) - PR site: Warren Hill tariff date? Are you an IPP prison in the UK to open a PR; going well and now I have Barking & Dagenham, Haver- over-tariff and feeling it attracted positive attention to work rebuilding the ing & Newham Barnet, Brent ‘stuck’? Are you serving a from inspectors and helped things which are important & Enfield Bexley, Bromley & life sentence and are not el- many ISPs achieve parole, so to me, like family relation- Greenwich Camden & Isling- igible for, or struggling to three further PRs were estab- ships. I was 22 when I was ton City, Hackney & Tower get to, Cat D? Have you been lished; at HMPs Humber, sentenced, I’m 35 now; I Hamlets Croydon, Merton & recalled on a life licence and Buckley Hall and Erlestoke. At HMP Erlestoke ‘The View’ want to be settled, enjoying Sutton Ealing, Harrow & Hill- want to improve your a happy family life, doing has capacity for 80 ISPs; ‘As- demonstrate they can be Resettlement Areas ingdon Hammersmith, Ful- chances next time? Are you simple things like taking the pire’ at HMP Buckley Hall has trusted. NW (North West) - PR site: ham, Kensington, Chelsea struggling to gather evi- dog for a walk, going to the capacity for 60 ISPs; ‘The Buckley Hall. Central & North Westminster, Haringey, Red- dence to prove you’ve beach, just being normal. I Hope Unit’ at HMP Humber Each PR is slightly different, West Lancashire, East Lanca- bridge Waltham Forest, changed? think being on the PR will has capacity for 48 ISPs, and but all offer virtual services, shire, Blackburn, Darwen & Hounslow, Kingston Rich- give me more access to pro- Warren Hill has 198 PR places which may include access to Ribble Valley. Cheshire - mond, Lambeth & Wand- Progression Regimes (PRs) fessionals, more evidence to across three units. cooking facilities, a PR shop, Knowsley, St Helens & Wirral, sworth Lewisham & are designed to give Indeter- prove I can be trusted, and PR community events, in- Liverpool & Sefton. Manches- Southwark. minate Sentenced Prisoners a chance to listen to feed- (ISPs) opportunities to show Referrals have to be sup- creased association time, unit ter, Salford & Trafford Cum- back from others.” Bedfordshire Cambridge & they are managing their own ported by offender managers, keyworkers, drop-in sessions, bria Rochdale, Bury & PR resident Paul Peterborough Hertfordshire risk factors in order to but initial enquiries can come gardening, unsupervised vis- Oldham Stockport & Tame- its, resident pets and side Wigan & Bolton Shrop- Kent North Essex South Essex peer-mentoring. The expecta- shire & Herefordshire Norfolk & Suffolk Northamp- DAVIES & JONES tion is that residents take Staffordshire. tonshire Surrey & West Sus- more responsibility for day- sex, East Sussex & Brighton SOLICITORS Coventry, Solihull & War- to-day tasks, comply with “The PR gives residents a wickshire Leicestershire. prison rules and the regime, chance to live in an envi- Specialising in collect evidence of good be- ronment where positive SW (Wales, South West & haviour from the people they behaviours are recognised Criminal Defence and South Central) - PR site: interact with, and participate and there are opportunities Erlestoke Bristol & South Prison Law in purposeful activity. In to be more independent. Gloucestershire Devon Plym- doing this, residents can be Mistakes are still made by O f f e r i n g outh, Cornwall & Isles of better able to demonstrate to residents, but they have Dillex Solicitors Scilly Dorset Hampshire N a t i o n w i d e S e r v i c e the Parole Board that they are time to reflect and learn, Specialist in Prison Law Southampton, Portsmouth & ready for release. with support so people can Isle of Wight Somerset & change. I want to see peo- • All Criminal Court Proceedings Thames Valley North (Buck- As the new PRs become estab- ple succeed instead of re- Criminal Defence inghamshire, Oxfordshire & • Parole Applications lished there are opportunities peatedly failing. It’s good to Matters Milton Keynes) Thames Val- to help shape and design the feel you’re actually making • Licence Recall ley South (East & West Berk- Appeals (All convictions & Sentences) environment, work in PR spe- a difference.” PR Officer Joe shire) Wiltshire & • Appeals CCRC & Judicial Reviews cific jobs, undertake peer Gloucestershire Dyfed Powys • Adjudications mentoring roles and partici- Parole, Adjudication pate in resident led forums. NE (North East) - PR site: Gwent North Wales South Recall & Re-categorisation Humber Barnsley & Sheffield Wales One South Wales Two Contact Walsall & Wolverhampton Police Station/Crown/ In 2019, HMP Warren Hill at- Bradford & Calderdale Cleve- David Rees or Simon Palmer tained the Enabling Environ- land Darlington & Durham Dudley & Sandwell Worces- Magistrate Court Representations Davies & Jones ment (EE) award from the Doncaster & Rotherham East tershire, West Mercia Confiscation/Forfeiture Royal College of Psychiatrists, & West Lincolnshire Hull & Birmingham. 32 The Parade, Roath, and the other PRs will be East Riding Kirklees & Cardiff, CF24 3AD Do Not Hesitate To Contact Lucy Today working towards this accred- Wakefield Leeds North & Dillex Solicitors itation too over the next cou- North East Lincolnshire North Julia Powers is Progression Tel: 029 2046 5296 107b Ripple Rd, Barking IG11 7NY ple of years. The spirit of EE is of Tyne South of Tyne York & Regime and ISP Lead HMP TEL: 02085913351 Erlestoke and SC Group or 24 Hour Emergency Number: to create an environment North Yorkshire Derbyshire (24H) 07572086247 which supports both staff and Nottinghamshire. 079 7096 9357 Inspector Calls - Warren residents, creating spaces Hill page 38 34 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020 Turning around education in a Young Offender Institution

left, but still he was moved on before he could finish. I’d like to get to a position where the guys can’t move on until they’re done.

Is there anything unusual Aylesbury’s educa- HMYOI Aylesbury holds the tion department offers its students? longest sentenced 18 to 20-year- Catherine: There are lots of things happening old men in the English prison at the prison, and lots of things on the horizon too. We had a panel of authors in recently - LJ system. It also makes one of the Flanders, Robyn Travis, Carl Cattermole, Mark highest numbers of successful Maciver - all of whom had written about their applications for PET courses. We prison experience. We’re also linking our gar- dening club work with a Milton Keynes College recently spoke to the education horticulture diploma and our work at Redemp- team there to hear how they tion Roasters with a customer services quali- ensure learning stays at the fication too. heart of the prison. “I’d like to work in electrical engineering, How important is education at Aylesbury? for a company like Jaguar Land Rover. I want to help my mother when I’m out Catherine Bentley, Head of Reducing Reof- too, so getting a qualification is really fending: When I first came in as Learning and important to me.” ‘ Aaden’ is studying Electrical Technologies Skills Manager I realised that overseeing dis- realised I wanted to move to a Cat C and had “I want to open my own sportswear Theory Level 3 tance learning could be a big role if someone to work for it. You need to do everything you business. I want to focus on US sports were doing it full-time. Thankfully the prison can while you’re here. Sit down and get it that are in hot demand. It’s a chance to mix agreed and Lorraine [Kovacs, Further Educa- done.” Tell us about the change and impact distance tion Facilitator] was appointed. Within a year both my passions - business and sport.” ‘Marlon’ is studying Business AS Level at learning can have on your students. we’d doubled the number of young men start- He’s studying sports science at university now. Aylesbury ing courses. He was a real inspiration to the young men. Lorraine: Mohammed was with us a few years He’d been where they are, walked in their back. He only had one GCSE and had had years Lorraine: We run three sessions a week for Catherine: Sometimes we look outside the shoes. The lads were mesmerised listening to added onto his sentence because of an assault distance learners where they can use the com- team to help encourage distance learning. him. inside. But he was funded by PET for his Sci- puters and talk to me about any issues they’re Jason was a big, tough lad here at Aylesbury a ence Access course with the Open University having. Whether it’s the digital entrepreneur few years back. Just recently, he came to visit Are there any particular challenges working in and became a different person. He wanted to course or animal care, I will sit and read the us from another prison on ROTL. a YOI? know everything. He did every course going. course through with them. He got a distinction and went on to do a de- He said to the young men, “When I was first at Catherine: It’s heart-wrenching to see stu- gree. His mum and dad came in for his cele- How do you show the value of education to the Aylesbury, I was the one starting fights, bring- dents move on before they complete their bration event - they couldn’t believe he was young men here? ing in contraband. But I’m not like that now. I course. One young man had just three weeks doing so well. It was amazing. What do children in custody think about their education?

boys are assessed as a risk of Access to education and give children new opportuni- violence to each other, and training ties. However, in seven places, kept separate for activities. For the report, children were between 6% and 26% of chil- For some children, it means asked about their access to dren were not participating in very long periods being education, jobs and voca- any activities. Worryingly locked in a cell. This paints a tional training. Overall, 83% across all establishments, picture of turbulent environ- of children were involved in only 6% of children had a job, Course Notes ments where disruption to education, and there was no with the same number in- activities is commonplace. significant difference be- volved in vocational training PET funds a wide range of This has a huge impact on tween STCs and YOIs. - so there is an insufficient distance learning courses. children, their motivation, range of activities to motivate To apply, you will need to: and their ability to be settled Participating in education them. and comfortable. can open up life chances and l Be serving your sentence in a prison in England or At any one time, up to from children who are in Se- Wales; 1,000 children aged cure Training Centres (STCs Pickup & Scott cover the majority of l Have at least six months between 12 and 17 can - secure accommodation prisons in the South East including left to serve; holding children aged be- l Have gained Level 2 be in prisons or secure tween 12 and 17) and Young but not limited to: HMP Bullingdon, English (literacy); training centres. Offender Institutions (YOIs - HMYOI Aylesbury, HMP Woodhill, l Some courses also require Francesca Cooney, larger establishments for HMP The Mount, HMP Bedford, Level 2 Maths (numeracy). PET’s Head of Policy, boys, run by HMPPS). Over HMP Grendon & Springhill 700 children completed the reviews the recent re- If you would like any advice survey in the last year (84% We are able to assist with all about which course to port from HM Inspec- of the eligible child popula- Please contact study or for more informa- tion), so it gives us a good aspects of prison law, including: torate of Prisons The Prison Law Dept at: tion about how to apply, (HMIP) on children in basis to understand their write to us at FREEPOST, experiences. • Parole Board Reviews Pickup & Scott Solicitors Prisoners’ Education Trust. custody and outlines • Recall to Prison 6 Bourbon Street You can also speak to your what it tells us about Disruption to activities • Independent Adjudications Aylesbury prison’s Education access to education. commonplace • Sentence Calculation Bucks HP20 2RR Department. The report highlights that es- 01296 397 794 Every year, HMIP publishes a tablishments often struggle Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers report of survey responses with ‘keep apart’ lists, when Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Information 35

Alcohol admissions up Inside Drink & Drugs News DDN News Round-Up Alcohol was the main reason for almost 360,000 hospital Drink and Drugs News (DDN) is the monthly magazine for those admissions in 2018-19, according to figures from NHS working with drug and alcohol clients, including in prisons. In a Digital - a 6 per cent increase regular bi-monthly column, editor Claire Brown looks at what’s on the previous year and 19 per been happening lately in the substance misuse field. cent up from a decade ago. The figures are based on the narrow This complete reversal of scheme has already recouped measure of instances where an approach is not restricted to the spend through saving on Claire Brown alcohol-related disease, politicians looking back at their hospital admissions, multiple condition or injury was the DDN Editor own failed policies. Some key arrests and all the other asso- primary reason for admission. figures in politics and law en- ciated costs. Using a wider measure that ‘For the last 40 years we have forcement are realising that the includes conditions that could been fighting a war on drugs. only sensible approach is a In the North West of England Say no more… © Deposit Photos I’ve been a general. We sought health-based one - which makes they are offering a similar be caused by alcohol the to deal with it through the sound economic sense too. service through the GP Lonely drinkers number rises to 1.3m admis- hammer blow of the criminal practice, where patients inject More than one in ten people who experience loneliness are turning sions, 8 per cent up on the justice system and I am sorry Glasgow and Middlesbrough under the supervision of to alcohol to cope, according to a YouGov survey commissioned previous year. for having supported this war. are two areas that have been trained staff and are put in by the treatment charity Turning Point. Around 30 per cent of It has been an utter failure.’ exploring the potential of touch with all the healthcare Britons feel lonely ‘all, often or some of the time’, the poll found Heroin Assisted Treatment and support services. - 35 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men - with people aged Greater harm The illegal drugs market ‘has These words were spoken by (HAT). Both parts of the UK 40 and above most likely to drink to cope with their isolation. Lord Charles Falconer, a are desperate to change their Cleveland’s Police and Crime long existed but has never former minister under Tony reputation as being at the top Commissioner is among those Mental health risk The right questions caused greater harm to society Blair’s government, at a recent of drug-related deaths league to actively support (and joint- Moves to legalise cannabis risk Almost 90 per cent of people than now’, according to the first tables and know that the ‘war fund) the project. The 11 par- phase of Professor Dame Carol conference I attended. One of ‘fuelling the nation’s mental accessing Phoenix Futures’ his previous roles was justice on drugs’ keeps continuing to ticipants in this 12-month pilot services have suffered a traumatic Black’s ‘Independent review of health crisis’, the charity Rethink secretary, so it was striking isolate people who need scheme ‘had committed 943 life event and more than a third drugs’. The illicit drugs market Mental Illness has warned. that he should say: ‘It’s time treatment and help for their crimes that were detected at a have experienced sexual abuse, is worth around £9.4bn a year, While it recognises the ‘strong for us to acknowledge our drug addiction. cost of £3.7m’, said PCC Barry according to the organisation’s it states, and not only are drug Coppinger, ‘so you can see how failure and examine the evi- arguments’ for legislative latest ‘Footprints’ survey. More deaths at an all-time high but dence-based alternatives.’ Glasgow have based their the arguments stack up in than half have been homeless, change, more needs to be done the market has become ‘much service in the city centre, at a support of this scheme.’ 15 per cent were in the care to determine if legalisation more violent’. The report The Blair government was homeless service. The visitors would increase levels of public system as a child and 70 per cent responsible for such sound- have a pre- and post-injection With an ‘overwhelming’ change have been to A&E in the last year. estimates the health harms, cost harm, the charity states, as use bites as ‘tough on crime, tough assessment, and inject them- being seen in the participants The treatment charity says the of crime and wider societal on the causes of crime’ and selves twice a day with medical in a very short timeframe, the of high-potency cannabis can questions ‘give us an under- impact to add up to almost focused on prohibition and grade diamorphine (heroin) project’s clinical lead, Danny increase the likelihood of devel- standing of the life lived before £20bn, ‘more than twice the punishment rather than a in one of four booths. While Ahmed, hopes they can convince oping psychosis. a person comes to us’. value of the market itself’. health-based approach to they are there, they are offered the Home Office to extend HAT drug problems. ‘You only need injecting equipment, wound further afield: ‘The majority Is DDN in your library? to look at overdose deaths management and naloxone have battled addiction for Your prison can receive monthly printed issues of DDN magazine free of charge by emailing compared to those countries (which will reverse an overdose) decades and they are finally [email protected]. DDN is also online at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com who have moved away from and introduced to all-round able to lift their heads out of punishment, such as Portugal, healthcare services. The first the daily struggle of substance Your letters are welcome to see this approach is cata- patients were introduced to use and look forward to living If you would like to share your experiences with DDN readers please write to: Claire Brown, strophic,’ said Falconer. HAT in December and the life,’ he told me. Editor, DDN, Romney House, School Road, Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT.

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Cellstudy™ in association with the Tax Academy™ Homeless and leaving prison Unlock’s Debbie Sadler provides some information on the help that supplementary pages. You can ignore this if you can expect if you’re likely to be homeless when you leave prison. your total gains don’t exceed the annual ex- emption for 2019/20 of £12,000, and the pro- plan will also include details ceeds do not exceed four times the annual Just a roof and bed on the out please of the things that the council exemption. have to do to help you. Where you have sold a property that was your If you’re homeless this could main residence you will need to check the oc- include: cupancy history. This is because if the property • Helping you get emergency was the main residence for only part of the housing such as a hostel; ownership period, private residence relief ex- • Giving you details of land- emption may only apply to part of the gain. lords who are willing to ac- cept anybody on benefits; Losses • Checking whether you can Where there is a capital loss you still need to get help with rental costs; disclose on your tax return as these losses can • Helping you to find a private be used to reduce future gains. rented home - for example by helping you with a deposit or Pension contributions rent in advance. © Deposit Photos A common error for self-employed taxpayers is not declaring the fact that they have made pen- The council will expect you to Paul Retout

sion contributions during the tax year. This is © Deposit Photos follow the steps set out to find particularly important where you have been a accommodation for yourself. higher rate taxpayer. By the time you read this article the 2019/20 tax People leaving prison are cies to do this for them. The assumption is that you’ll year would have ended on 5 April 2020. Those often at a high risk of home- accept any accommodation State pension offered to you, unless you of you that have a Unique Taxpayer Reference lessness. You may have been Initially, the prison/agency State pension needs to be declared on your tax have extremely good grounds (UTR) and were self-employed prior to entering homeless before entering will need to determine which return and forms part of your overall taxable for refusing. If the council be- prison will be expected to complete a self-as- prison but you could find that local authority you’ll come income. Where your total income is less than your criminal record will be a under. They’ll do this by es- lieve that you’ve ‘deliberately sessment tax return by 31 January 2021 if you £12,500 it will not be chargeable to tax. further barrier to finding the tablishing where you have a and unreasonably refused’ to are filing electronically. There is a misconcep- right sort of accommodation local connection; this could cooperate with your plan then tion that being in prison negates you from your Married allowance upon release. If you don’t be somewhere that you’ve you’ll be given a ‘warning’ responsibility of filing a self-assessment tax Where you are a basic rate taxpayer and your qualify for housing from a lived or worked previously or setting out the reasons for the return. Nothing could be further from the truth! spouse does not fully use their personal allow- local authority then the delay where you have a family asso- ‘failure to cooperate’ and pro- HMRC also takes the view that being in prison ance, they can elect to transfer up to 10% of it in receiving the housing ele- ciation. Being in prison won’t viding you with details of is not a ‘reasonable excuse’ for non-compliance (£1,250) in the tax year 2019/20 to you. ment of Universal Credit often establish you as being resi- what will happen if you con- with tax deadlines! means that you’ll be unable dent within the area that the tinue to refuse to follow the It is also worth considering this in reverse for to secure accommodation prison is situated. steps set out. This could be There will however be the added incentive for future tax years as your spouse can utilise the with a private landlord. removing you from the coun- those of you anticipating a tax refund, particu- 10% of your personal allowance against their Once a referral has been made cil’s housing list. larly those in the construction industry, to pre- basic rate tax and generate a tax refund. However, statistics show that to a local authority, an assess- pare and complete their tax returns as soon as nearly 2 out of every 5 people ment will be carried out. It’s The government has said that possible. Coding out tax will need help in finding a important to know that not it is addressing the issue of Where you owe tax in 2019/20 of less than place to live when leaving everybody who is homeless or people being released from Whilst the above deadline seems a long distance £3,000 you can opt to have it coded out through prison, and 3 in 5 say that at risk of becoming homeless prison without accommoda- away, it is worth preparing now as you will not your PAYE code albeit you need to file your tax having somewhere to live is will be entitled to accommo- tion in its rough sleeping be able to file electronically whilst in prison. return by 30 December 2020 if sent in electron- important in stopping them dation. However, everybody strategy, which aims to elim- The deadline for filing a ‘paper’ tax return for ically and 31 October 2020 if by ‘paper’. reoffending. With a national is entitled to advice from a inate all rough sleeping by 2019/20 is 31 October 2020 and therefore a much shortage of housing stock, housing service. 2027. However, this is still a tighter deadline. Charitable donations most councils have very strict long way off and for now, we’d It is worth pointing out that donations to reg- criteria on who is eligible for The assessment will take into recommend that if you are Where you did not work in the tax year 2019/20 istered charities made by higher rate taxpayers housing and far too often peo- account details of: likely to be homeless upon it is important to write to HMRC to inform them will generate higher rate tax relief. This includes ple leave prison without hav- 1. The circumstances that led your release, you make this of this fact and for HMRC to adjust their records one-off entry fees to various museums, zoos as ing a permanent home to go to you being homeless or known to the relevant depart- accordingly and to prevent the issue of tax pen- ment in the prison - and to well as annual subscriptions to, for example, to. Government figures show threatened with alties in the future. your OM - as soon as the National Trust. fewer than half of prisoners homelessness; released between October 2. Your housing needs - what possible. Those of you that cannot access their records Get your tax affairs in order pre-release 2016 and January 2018 went accommodation would be via family and friends can file an estimated tax out to settled accommoda- suitable for you and anybody Remember to contact The Tax Academy CIC to return, but box 20 on page TR8 needs to be tion; and there was a 20-fold that you reside with; and review your tax affairs to ensure they are up- completed on the self-assessment tax return. increase in people sleeping 3. What support would be to-date. There is nothing worse than being re- rough. necessary for you to be able to leased from prison and finding that you have Unlock is an independent Income sources retain suitable tax penalties and tax debt that need to be re- charity for people with convic- It is extremely easy to omit non-standard sourc- The Homelessness Reduction accommodation. solved with HMRC (see our main advert on page tions and our helpline pro- es of income such as ESA/JSA from your tax Act, which came into force in 23). vides confidential peer advice return. Remember, with effect from 6 April 2017 October 2018, has put an ob- At the end of the assessment, on overcoming the effects of two new tax-free allowances are available to ligation on prisons to have a a housing plan will be put to- criminal records. You can call: individuals with small amounts of income from system in place to identify gether which sets out any 01634 247350 Monday to trading or property rental sources. A ‘trading anybody who will be home- steps you’re required to take Friday, 10-4 (the number does Paul Retout is a Tax specialist and Tax author. allowance’ and a ‘property allowance’. Both less or at risk of becoming for the purposes of securing not need to be put on your The Tax Academy CIC is the leading provider of allowances are £1,000 each. homeless well in advance of and retaining suitable accom- pin) or write to Unlock, MCSC, tax support in prisons. their release date and to then modation. This might include 39-48 Marsham Street, Maid Capital gains tax refer them to their local au- things like agreeing to get stone, Kent, ME14 1HH. If you sell an asset for more than you paid for thority. Many prisons will use debt advice if, for example, Our website is www.unlock. it, you may need to complete the capital gains the services of outside agen- you have rent arrears. The org.uk. // Through the gate

Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Information 37

‘only those with less than three years left to available); serve to earliest release should normally be • Prisoner Escort Record (PER) form; Security Categorisation considered for open conditions’. This is a wel- • OASys (if opened prior to sentence) or come increase from a general maximum period Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) or other assess- PRISON Ryan Harman managing their risk of: of two years under the previous policy. If your ments prepared for the court: REFORM Advice and Information • Any relevant and available information from • Escape or abscond; circumstances mean that you may be appro- TRUST Service Manager the police or other law enforcement agency. • Harm to the public; priate for consideration for Category D/Open • Ongoing criminality in custody; conditions when you have three years or more In line with changes made in the ROTL Policy • Violent or other behaviour that impacts the to serve, this must be approved in writing by In February, HMPPS published the Security Framework published last year, those with a safety of those within the prison; and the Governing Governor of the prison in which Categorisation Policy Framework. This docu- history of escape, abscond, or serious ROTL • Control issues that disrupt the security and you are held. ment has details about how the categorisation good order of the prison‘. failure can now be considered for open condi- process is changing across the prison estate. This extension of eligibility will only apply to tions and ROTL, provided that it occurred There have been some changes to review time- those categorisation assessments completed more than two years ago and has only oc- This policy is being rolled out in stages and frames, with an increase in frequency towards at establishments where the new process and curred once on your current sentence. will only come into force at the prison you are the end of people’s time in prison. If you are digital service have been implemented. Please in when the Digital Categorisation Service an adult serving a determinate sentence and be aware that the policy does not cover assess- If you have concerns about a categorisation (DCS) is in use there. The DCS is described as held in a Category B or C prison, your catego- ment of ISPs suitability for open conditions, decision, the Policy Framework encourages ‘an online form and the mechanism for mak- risation must be reviewed every 12 months which normally requires a recommendation you to discuss it with your Key Worker in the ing, recording and justifying categorisation until you have less than three years left to from the Parole Board. first instance who can pass these concerns on decisions. It supports staff in identifying rele- serve to earliest release. At this point, routine to your Prison Offender Manager to provide a vant risk factors and reaching a decision on an reviews must increase to every 6 months. We have received a number of queries over the full explanation of the process and reasons for individual’s security needs but does not make the decision. If you want to challenge the de- years about eligibility for open conditions for categorisation decisions itself.’ At time of writ- cision or the reasons given, you can do so If you have less than three years left to serve people serving Extended Determinate Sen- ing there are 9 prisons where the system is live, using the internal complaints process. The at the point of initial categorisation, 6 monthly tences. The new Policy Framework includes and we understand that the aim is for imple- policy says, ‘The review will involve retaking reviews will start immediately. If you have 28 the following: mentation to be complete by the end of the days or less to serve to earliest release at the the decision afresh looking at all the informa- summer. tion that informed the original decision as well time of initial categorisation, you will not need ‘For individuals serving an Extended Determi- to be categorised unless you are transferred as considering any further information not nate Sentence (EDS), their earliest release date For prisons in which the revised process has out of the Reception prison. available when the original decision was will generally be their Parole Eligibility Date. been implemented, PSI 40/2011 Categorisation made. This will usually be carried out by a To be eligible for Category D/Open conditions and Recategorisation of Adult Male Prisoners Individuals held in Category D/Open condi- person senior to the person who approved the they must also be within 5 years of their Con- and PSI 41/2011 Categorisation and Recatego- tions will not have routine reviews of their original decision.’ risation of Young Adult Male Prisoners are security category but may be recategorised to ditional Release Date, or beyond their Parole cancelled. The new policy does not apply to higher security at any time if risk increases to Eligibility Date’. If you would like us to send you a copy of the women’s prisons and so PSI 39/2011 Categori- a level not manageable in open conditions. Policy Framework, please feel free to contact sation and Recategorisation Of Women Pris- All categorisation decisions must be fair, ob- us using the details below. oners is still the relevant policy. It also does There is no mandated routine review of cate- jective and consistent with current policy. not apply to Category ‘A’ or Restricted Status gorisation for Young Adults until they turn 21 They must be based on individual security risk You can contact the Prison Reform Trust’s advice prisoners - PSI 09/2015 and PSI 08/2013 remain - there is more information about Young Adults assessments taking account of all available team at FREEPOST ND6125 London EC1B 1PN. the relevant policies in these cases. in section 13 of the Policy Framework. information - for example: Our free information line is open 3.30pm- 5.30pm on Monday and Thursday, and The new policy includes a broader understand- As before, your categorisation can be reviewed • Previous Convictions (if any); 10.30am-12.30pm on Wednesday. The number ing of risk, including assessment of ongoing at any time if it is considered that your risks • Details of current offence(s); is 0808 802 0060 and does not need to be put criminality and other risks in custody as part have changed to the extent that your current • Current custodial record; on your pin. of the categorisation process. It states that the category is no longer appropriate. This may be • Previous record; either an increase or a reduction in risk. • Security Department assessment of relevant purpose of security categorisation is ‘to ensure Please note, the above article focusses on prisons evidence and intelligence; that those sentenced to custody are assigned in England and Wales and may not apply In a significant change, the policy says that • Public Protection information (MAPPA) (if the lowest security category appropriate to elsewhere.

M c. IVOR . FARRELL Northern Irish Solicitors • Criminal Appeals against Sentence or Conviction • Parole Hearings • Proceeds of Crime/Confiscation Hearings • Police Interviews under PACE throughout NI and in Prisons • All Criminal Defence Cases ‘Nicking’ • Judicial Review & Human Rights Cases • Family Law • Injury Claims within the Prison ‘Nicked’ • Welfare Issues • Prison Visits Arranged within 24hrs ‘Adjudications’ WE’RE HERE TO HELP Whatever it is called, it can lead to an Please call us on 028 9023 7053 or 028 9032 4565 extra 6 weeks on your sentence. or write to us at Don’t go it alone, get expert lawyers 129 Springfield Road Belfast BT 12 7AE on your side. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!! [email protected] Call us: 01642 247656 www.mcivorfarrell.co.uk Write to us: 102-108 Borough Road, Middlesbrough, Teesside TS1 2HJ 38 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

and Wales said that they had • Wish to seek to transition 1 or more transgender permanently to a new The Inspector Calls The prisoners. gender; • There were 139 prisoners • Wish to consistently live in currently living in, or present- the gender with which they Inside Time highlights areas of good and bad practice from the RULE ing in, a gender different to identify but do not seek to most recent Reports published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons their sex assigned at birth have this recognised in law; and who had sat a Local • Have gained legal recogni- Book Transgender Case Board. tion of their new gender. • Of these, 111 reported their with Paul Sullivan legal gender as male, 23 re- Also included in the scope of ported their legal gender as this framework are those who female and 5 did not state identify as transgender but do their gender. When asked not seek to acquire a new gen- about the gender the prisoner der. They will be managed in identified as, 114 identified as accordance with their legally female, 19 as male and 6 did recognised gender and in- not provide a response. clude those who: • Are Intersex or individuals Where individuals have with variations of sex charac- HMYOI Aylesbury HMP Warren Hill gained legal recognition, they teristics who are content with A closed young offender institution holding Category C adult male closed prison with a must be treated in accordance their sex assigned at birth; 18 to 20 year-old males serving from four progression regime with their legally recognised • Do not identify with a gen- years to life imprisonment. Unannounced Inspection: 18 November - gender in every respect. In all der (non-binary); 6 December 2019 Published: 19 March 2020 cases, any risks posed, • Have an inconsistent gender Unannounced Inspection: 30 September - whether to the individual or identity (gender fluid); 11 October 2019 Published: 25 February 2020 Safety: Good; Policy Framework: to others, need to be acknowl- • Are cross-dressers Respect: Good;; edged and managed. (transvestite). Safety: Not sufficiently good; Purposeful Activity: Good; The Care and Respect: Not sufficiently good; Resettlement: Good, Management of This is a re-issue of instruc- The proper assessment of risk Purposeful Activity: Not sufficiently good; Individuals who tion for dealing with prison- is paramount in the manage- Resettlement: Not sufficiently good. “Excellent prison helping serious offend- ers who are transgender: The ment of all individuals in our ers make progress” are Transgender aim of this Policy Framework care. The management of in- is to detail the minimum man- dividuals who are transgen- “Safer with positive signs but increasing Although not a perfect report, Warren Hill was Implementation date: datory requirements which der, particularly in custodial population could put progress at risk” found to have maintained high standards and 31 October 2019 are needed to care for and and residential settings, must achieved the top score in all four of the inspec- manage individuals who are seek to protect both the wel- After a period of poor reports this prison was torate’s Healthy Prison tests. HM Chief Inspector This Policy Framework can- transgender. In doing this, fare and rights of the individ- placed in special measures and its population of Prisons, Peter Clarke, says: “Warren Hill is cels PSI 2016-017 - The Care there is an emphasis on ual and the welfare and rights unusual among category C closed prisons in and Management of Trans- adopting a balanced ap- halved from 400 to 200. Although the healthy of others around them, in- that it is entirely dedicated to delivering a range gender Offenders proach which considers the cluding staff. Decisions must prison assessments are ‘not sufficiently good’ of services in specialist environments to support safety and needs of those who be informed by all available for all criteria, Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector long term or complex prisoners towards pro- The Prison Service (HMPPS) are transgender, whilst en- evidence and intelligence in of Prisons says: “It would be quite wrong to gression into open conditions or for release into has been struggling to deal suring that decisions do not order to achieve an outcome infer that there had been no progress made in the community. The overwhelmingly positive with the issue of transgender negatively impact on the well- that balances risks and pro- the time since the last inspection. What we aspects of the prison were such that we have prisoners especially where being and safety of others, motes the safety of all in our made very few recommendations.” found was that there had been some distinct prisoners self-identify from particularly in custodial set- care and management. male to female. There have tings such as in women’s movement and indeed some improvements Within the prison there is a therapeutic com- been problems moving such prisons. within the gradings.” Reception/Induction pro- munity, a psychologically informed planned prisoners to female prisons cesses must be respectful and environment (PIPE) and other units delivering where the women are ada- This Policy Framework is in- afford individuals who are A ‘free-flow’ system had been introduced which what is described as a progression regime. The mant that they do not want tended to provide staff with transgender dignity through- report says: “Warren Hill was the safest category clear direction in the support allowed the men to make their own way around ‘biologically male’ prisoners out, with immediate consid- C prison in the country, with the lowest levels and safe management of the estate and, possibly as a consequence of joining them as there have eration given to the safety of of self-harm and violence among comparable transgender individuals in this, the overall rate of violence had increased, been assaults and the women the transgender individual establishments. It was also thoroughly respect- say they would not be safe. our care, including managing but, according to inspectors, the seriousness and others in custody. A per- ful, with strong staff-prisoner relationships. risks both to and from trans- The Prison Service policies on son remanded into custody of it had declined. The accommodation was fit for purpose, all such prisoners has developed gender individuals, and ena- must always be initially allo- prisoners having single cells, there was excel- over recent years and the new bling risk to be managed cated to an establishment The daily regime had been inadequate at lent time out of cell and the range of activities, Policy Framework represents when an individual is placed which matches their legally Aylesbury for many years, and it remained the both educational and extra-curricular, was the latest incarnation of their into a prison which is differ- recognised gender, or best- case that, for much of the week, there was no impressive. There were more than enough ac- policies. ent to that of their legal gen- tivities available to keep every prisoner occu- der or where a Gender known evidence of legal evening association, time out of cell was poor gender. pied on a full-time basis.” The numbers of transgender Recognition Certification and often unpredictable and there was no op- individuals held in the adult (GRC) has been obtained. It All people who identify as portunity at all for prisoners to eat together. Mr Summing up, Clarke said: “Warren Hill was an prison estate are low (approx- provides information and sets transgender should obtain a Clarke commented: “For these very basic so- excellent facility that benefited from dedicated imately 1.6 transgender pris- out mandatory actions relat- cialisation processes to be absent or poor in a staff delivering a range of specialist interven- oners reported per 1,000 ing to the care and manage- copy of this policy from their prison library and read it in prison holding young adults was clearly unac- tions in an atmosphere that encouraged good prisoners in custody). In a ment of transgender1 order to consider how it ap- ceptable and needed to be addressed. The fact behaviour. It offered prisoners serving long snapshot data collection held individuals in Prisons, Pri- sentences, many of whom have had little hope vate Prisons, Youth Secure plies to them. In doing so they that the population had halved while staff levels in April/May 2018 and pub- of progressing in the past, the chance to begin lished in November 2018, Estate, Approved Premises should think carefully about had remained the same should have enabled the often long and difficult path towards release there were 139 prisoners cur- (AP), Probation and private which of the groups, listed more positive changes to have been made.” or being placed in open conditions. We com- rently living in, or presenting providers who provide ser- above, they consider them- mend the approach and achievements at Warren in, a gender different to their vices on behalf of HMPPS. selves to belong to. Familiar- Summing up, Clarke said: “I was concerned by Hill. We also identified no fewer than 16 features sex assigned at birth and who ity with this Policy Framework suggestions that there might be plans to return of the prison that we considered to represent had sat a Local Transgender The primary focus is on indi- will assist prisoners when dealing with issues to do with the roll to its previous number of around 400, good practice. Some of these were obviously Case Board. viduals who express a con- more easily delivered in a prison such as Warren sistent desire to live their gender identification. but without increasing staff numbers. If this Hill than in many others, but nevertheless I According to the data collec- permanently in the gender were to happen - and I hope it does not, at least would encourage HMPPS to look at them with tion exercise conducted in with which they identify, and A copy can also be down- in the short term - I would be very worried about an open mind and give serious consideration March - May 2018: which is opposite to the bio- loaded from the Inside Time the potential impact on the treatment of and to what could realistically be replicated • 44 of the 124 public and pri- logical sex assigned to them website: https://tinyurl.com/ conditions experienced by the prisoners.” elsewhere.” vate prisons (35%) in England at birth, including those who: uloo5br Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Legal 39

Advertorial Advertorial Compensation scheme for Unlawful Detention trainees at detention centre Convicted prisoner entitled to thousands in compensation due to unlawful detention on immigration point Rob Casey to ensure that boys who were For an injury to be accepted at Medomsley had the best as a ‘lasting injury’ the injury Rachel Burley-Stower - Luton Law Centre prior immigration decisions, especially when opportunity to receive must have persisted for a sig- you consider that Government figures revealed Switalskis have been pursu- compensation. nificant period of time be- that over half of immigration appeals are suc- ing cases of abuse at the Me- yond the period of detention Finally, the Supreme Court has decided that a cessful when appealed in court. Rwandan refugee was unlawfully detained domsley detention centre in The scheme will operate out- and included injuries such as: It is now clear that if a detainer makes an un- and is entitled to pursue a claim for damages County Durham since 2003 side of the Civil Courts with fractures, dislocations, scar- lawful decision and then relies upon that de- for false imprisonment. The prisoner, who for when Kevin Young com- the amount of compensation ring, depression and Post cision to detain, the detention is unlawful. The legal reasons we must refer to as DN, is a plained about brutal treat- dependent on the length of Traumatic Stress Disorder. person must be released and compensated for Rwandan national who was granted refugee ment there. Numerous former the period of detention. There Medical evidence will be unlawful detention. status in the UK pursuant to the 1951 Refugee trainees at Medomsley, a de- is also a provision in the necessary. Convention. DN was subsequently convicted Pierre Makhlouf, director of Bail for Immigra- tention centre for boys aged scheme to compensate for of a number of offences, the most serious of tion Detainees who assisted and drafted 17-21, have claimed damages long-lasting physical and/or The amounts of compensa- which occurred when he pleaded guilty to ground on this case commented: for sexual assaults - notably psychological injury. tion have been agreed to re- assisting the unlawful entry of a non-EEA na- by the head chef, Neville flect not only the assaults that tional in the UK. He travelled to France with “Unfair or unlawful decisions lead to unfair and Husband. To be eligible for the scheme: a detainee suffered but also his sister and travelled back with his cousin unlawful detention, cutting people off from the witnessing and living with using his sister’s passport. He was sentenced legal advice and community ties they need to There have been prosecutions 1. A claimant must have suf- the brutal regime at Medoms- to 18 months. fight the incorrect decision. The Secretary of for physical and sexual as- fered physical abuse commit- ley. An award scheme based State has too often been quick to make decisions saults of other individuals ted by a member of staff who on the length of detention At the end of his sentence, DN was not released to deport people without proper account being more recently arising from was employed at Medomsley was considered to be the fair- - the Secretary of State for the Home Department given to their human rights. This ruling holds the Durham Police ‘Operation during the period he was de- est way to administer the used powers under the Nationality, Immigra- the Home Office accountable for the trauma, Seabrook’. tained there and who has scheme. The amounts under tion and Asylum Act 2002 to order the depor- pain and suffering caused by their poor and tation of DN on the grounds that DN’s attempt been convicted in respect of the scheme are not huge but careless decision making. to assist his cousins unlawful entry to the UK Throughout, alongside other such offences; and provide recognition of the was a serious offence by way of the National- “The Home Office has such wide powers of de- solicitors, I have pushed for wrongdoing by the prison of- ity, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (Speci- tention and deportation, acting as judge, jury compensation to recognise 2. A claimant must have inde- ficers involved. fication of Particularly Serious Crimes) Order and executioner. This case demonstrates the the boys who were subjected pendent evidence of his pe- 2004. The Secretary of State ordered DN’s de- benefit of more judicial oversight that may im- to equally violent physical riod of detention (e.g. a I am aware that this scheme portation and detention pending deportation. prove the quality of decision-making.” brutality that was meted out criminal record showing de- will not be available for every DN is now in the process of pursuing a claim at Medomsley. Finally, the tention at the time). person who suffered physical The matter boiled down to whether or not the for compensation for unlawful detention. We Ministry of Justice has recog- abuse at Medomsley. Discus- original detention order was lawful - the ques- cannot comment on the amount that he ex- nised the plight of those boys To date, the members of staff tion then being - were the crimes DN was con- sions are continuing with the pects to receive, but we can say that other peo- physically abused at Me- victed of serious enough to trigger the who have been convicted are: MoJ on how they intend to ple who have pursued similar cases have been domsley and has set up a detention order? Having considered the facts deal with claims where de- awarded up to and in excess of £100,000 de- scheme of compensation for Christopher Onslow tainees suffered physical it was agreed that assisting the unlawful entry of a non-EEA national into the UK did not meet pending on their personal circumstances and anyone harmed by the harsh “Machine / Mean Machine” abuse by as yet un-convicted the length of the unlawful detention. environment there. John McGee “Big John / members of staff. the threshold of a ‘serious offence’, rendering Pigeon Man” the original order unlawful. By holding the Home Office accountable for Switalskis Solicitors, along Brian Greenwell “Puppett” I am also gathering evidence Most would presume that common sense their decisions, Luton Law Centre hopes this with a number of other Solic- Kevin Blakely “Broken Nose” of how widespread the ‘short would prevail and that if the order to detain ruling will encourage them to exercise greater itor firms, who together rep- Alan Bramley “Bong Eye” sharp shock’ regime and in- was unlawful then the detention itself would care over their life-changing decisions. resent over 1,000 claimants, discriminate assaults on de- be unlawful. However, it has taken 13 years of We are happy to assist others who have either have finally agreed a com- There is also another criminal tainees was during the1970s legal battle in order to convince the courts that in the past been detained unlawfully or indeed pensation scheme with the trial which will take place in and 1980s as I believe the MoJ this should be the approach. Previously, a remain in detention. If you think you may be Ministry of Justice. November 2020 involving two should set up a scheme to Judge had ruled that an earlier legal error or have been in this situation or something former officers, Ian Nicholson compensate all victims of this would not render a later decision, and indeed similar please contact Luton Law Centre. We Generally, cases involving and Alexander Flavell. brutal regime. Please contact actions by Government departments, includ- suggest, given the coronavirus and everybody historical physical abuse us if you suffered as a youth ing prisons, unlawful as there was sufficient having to work from home, the best way to have poor prospects of suc- The compensation awards in detention. distance between the original erroneous deci- make initial contact is by writing, we will then cess due to the issue of time will fall into three sion and the later decision to detain. reply and provide stamped addressed enve- limits. A claim for personal categories: This judgment is very important in particular lopes for further correspondence until a visit injury must be brought to the for prisoners who are detained on the basis of can be organised. court within 3 years of the Category 1 - A claimant was date of the incident(s) giving detained at Medomsley for 3 We o er free condential legal advice rise to the claim. The limita- months or less and will re- tion period has already ex- ceive a payment of compensa- Rachel Burley Stower has 25 years’ experience as a pired in all these cases from tion in the sum of £1,750; solicitor ghting for those whom are most in need the 1970’s and 1980’s. Courts do have discretion to set aside Category 2 - A claimant was Specialise in Immigration, Housing and Health Wealth and Social Care Law the limitation rule and allow detained at Medomsley for Much of her work securing accommodation and care for prisoners and the wider public. a claim to be presented out of more than 3 months and will time in limited circum- receive a payment of compen- Her work around unlawful detention arose as a result of an elderly person being If you think you are eligi- stances. Courts don’t tend to sation in the sum of £2,500; prevented from leaving an old persons home because she could not walk. ble for the scheme please allow the three year time lim- She made it clear she wanted to leave but the sta would not let her. contact one of the follow- its to be extended in physical Category 3 - The claimant who Rachel successfully challenged them claiming unlawful detention ing: Caroline Chandler, abuse cases and will only ex- has provided medical evi- David Greenwood or me tend in sexual assault cases. Rachel now works alongside Landmark Chambers running unlawful detention cases dence to show that they sus- Rob Casey at Switalskis securing the release of those detained and substantial sums in compensation tained a lasting physical or Solicitors, 19 Cheapside, There is a very clear risk that psychological injury as a di- Wakefield, WF1 2SD or if assault cases went to court rect result of their treatment call 01924 882000 My Call Rachel Burley Stower at Luton Law Centre on 01582 482000 they would fail on this point. at Medomsley will receive a email address is Community House, 15 New Bedford Road, Luton LU1 1SA or email It was for this reason that we payment of compensation be- [email protected] [email protected] / https://www.lutonlawcentre.org.uk had discussions with the MoJ tween £3,000 and £5,000. 40 Legal www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Advertorial Ignoring your right to legal advice at an adjudication What’s the worst that can happen? wellsburcombeSOLICITORS The rules relating to access proper representation adjudications at the time. If an individual has been ac- Nicola Maynard cused of a disciplinary of- Still not convinced? fence, the charge against him must be laid as soon as pos- It would appear from experi- An adjudication is the disci- sible, and in any event this ence that many prisoners are plinary procedure used for must be within 48 hours of discouraged from seeking the prisoners in prisons in Eng- the discovery of the alleged advice of a solicitor as … ‘it land and Wales. They are offence, save for exceptional will only be a simple matter’. commonly known as circumstances. The time If a single charge is proven ‘nickings’. limit is strict and is often a against you before the Inde- ground for dismissal before pendent Adjudicator, you can Who presides over a Judge. receive an additional 42 days POLICE INVESTIGATIONS COURT PROCEEDINGS adjudications? to your sentence. This can have Adjudications are carried out A disciplinary charge must huge implications on your l l normally be laid within 48 sentence generally or for your Are you about to be interviewed Have you received a postal by either the Governor or an hours of the discovery of the recall/parole. Many prisoners by the Police? requisition? Independent Adjudicator offence. The hearing may be do not understand the risk (Judge). Provisions state that l l adjourned for a number of when deciding on whether or Facing the prospect of fresh Have you been charged with matters involving prisoners reasons, including the una- not to have a solicitor and we charges? new offences? eligible to receive additional vailability of the reporting are attending prisons where l l days who face allegations se- officer or other witnesses, but there may be 65 matters listed Want to avoid an additional Do you have a hearing coming rious enough to attract extra if the hearing has not been - however only a very small sentence? up and need representation? days should be referred to the concluded within six weeks, amount of these have a solic- l l Independent Adjudicator. the adjudicator must decide itor. A question to ask is Waiting for the Police to make Are your current lawyers doing whether or not the delay goes whether you would represent a decision on potential fresh enough to help? If the prisoner indicates that against natural justice and yourself in a trial before the charges? l fairness to the prisoner. Magistrates or would you Do you face POCA proceedings? he would like to seek legal l advice, he may be granted an have a solicitor? If the answer Concerned over Police delays in Can I appeal the decision? adjournment in order for him to this is ‘no’, which we are making a decision? Yes, if the hearing was con- sure it is likely to be, then why to do so. If the case remains ducted by the Governor, the take the risk on an adjudica- l Had no update from your Solicitor? with the Governor, there are appeal must be submitted on tion? Even if you are choosing l no provisions for a solicitor to form DIS 8 within 6 weeks of to plead guilty, prison law Been recalled and worried about attend the hearing; but writ- the hearing’s conclusion. The solicitors can assist in putting being charged with new offences? ten representations can be prison must then forward the forward mitigation and se- submitted as well as the pris- form to the Briefing and Case- curing the best possible sen- oner receiving detailed ad- work Unit (BCU), who will tence. The Judge has the power vice. However, if the matter is then consider the prisoner’s to sentence to loss of privi- referred to the Independent request. Again, if you wish to leges in some cases and so Adjudicator the prisoner is appeal, Reeds Solicitors will the difference between hav- always entitled to legal rep- be able to assist you with this ing a solicitor and not having APPEALS resentation at the hearing and for a fixed fee. a solicitor could be huge. should always utilise this If the hearing was conducted If you find yourself in a situ- l right in order to have the best Do you feel your sentence is too by the Independent Adjudica- ation where you have been chance possible of a fair and long? tor, a prisoner can only ap- given a ‘nicking’ and referred proper hearing. peal their sentence and not to the Judge act now! Call us, l Do you disagree with your Lawyers the finding of guilt. This can we can assist you. about not lodging an appeal? Prisoners can only receive be done by writing to the PRISON LAW Legal Aid when their case is Chief Magistrate’s Office Nicola Maynard, Head of l Wrongly convicted? sent to the Independent within 14 days of the decision. Prison Law Department at l Due for parole? Adjudicator. This is why it is important to Reeds Solicitors l Concerned about disclosure l Been recalled? failures? With our team of Prison Law specialists we can provide assistance Nationwide. l Due for a category A review l Let down at trial by your legal Our commitment and service to you, does not stop when you leave the dock. Reeds team? solicitors are dedicated to providing legal expertise along with unparalleled client care. l Suffered parole delays that This service also includes issues you may experience in custody. you feel you should be l Do you feel you have grounds compensated for? to appeal? RTXS-CHLX-SYRC Reeds Solicitors, Offices Nationwide Suite 358, First Floor, Silbury Court 358 Silbury Boulevar, Milton Keynes MK9 2AF LEGAL AID / PRIVATE REPRESENTATION / NATIONWIDE SERVICE

Our Prison Law Team are able to offer advice and assistance under the Legal Aid Scheme for the following issues: Herts, Beds, Bucks, Essex London & Thames Valley, Appointment only Kent, Surrey Determine/ IPP Recall Independent Adjudications Pre-Tariff Sifts Sentence Calculations Parole 5 Holywell Hill, St Albans, 4 Britannia Court, The Green 13 Halstead Road, Our experienced Solicitors also offer competitive fixed fees for general Prison Law matters Hertfordshire AL1 1EU. West Drayton, Middlesex Wanstead, including: Tel: 01727 840900 UB7 7PN. Tel: 01895 449288 London E11 2AY. Re-categorisation Sentence Planning Contact our team now by calling 01865 592670 or write to us using our Freepost Suite 358, First Floor, Silbury Court 358 Silbury Boulevar, Milton Keynes MK9 2AF www.wellsburcombe.co.uk Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Legal 41

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account at the time the Order is made - or chal- Variation applications can be made to challenge the lenged. Defenders can ask for the Court to satisfy amount allowed to be spent on living expenses - i.e. itself that the expense of appointing a Receiver is the weekly sum that will be free from the Restraint Restraint & Receivers Order. What is required is a careful analysis of truly a proportionate response to a perceived risk, given the damage such Orders can inflict on busi- expenses, together with as much proof as possible nesses and lifestyles. - these steps need to be considered at the very ear- Your Money or Theirs? liest opportunity. Property held jointly Third parties holding an interest in property can be Application for variation or discharge issue; namely failure by the Crown, at the ex parte If there is to be a challenge to the imposition of a stage, to properly fulfil their duty of full and frank affected by a Restraint Order, or Management Receivership Order. The most obvious example is Restraint Order then the first step must be for the disclosure. Lord Hughes LJ (as he was then) said in applicant to sit down with his or her legal advisors Jonathan Lennon SFO v A [2007] EWCA Crim 1927, para 6: the spouse of someone who is facing criminal charg- and Aziz Rahman es, for example the wife of someone facing serious and figure out what the possible challenges are, how fraud charges where the wife has a joint bank much money is needed for reasonable living expens- ‘Because the initial application is commonly made es, what is said about the charges/ proposed charg- without notice, the Court will not at that stage hear account and holds the matrimonial home in joint names. In law, where any person has been, or may es, how much of the defence case it is tactically wise Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 argument on both sides. For this reason…..the Court to give away at that early stage and whether the The purpose of a Restraint Order is to freeze prop- insists on full and complete disclosure by the be, affected by the actions of a Management Receiver, an application can be made to the Court prosecution can demonstrate it acted properly at the erty that may subsequently be confiscated. Applicant of everything which might affect the deci- ex parte stage. Confiscation is the power the Crown Court has to sion…….There is a high obligation upon such an under s62(3) for directions as to the exercise of the make orders depriving convicted offenders of their Applicant to put everything relevant before the Receiver’s powers. The Receiver potentially has the power to sell property to satisfy his bill, even before The future assets if the offender has benefited from his criminal Judge, whether it may help or hinder his cause’. Anyone affected by a Restraint or a Management conduct. A Restraint Order made under POCA tells the matter has come to trial - though such a serious step should not be taken without seeking a direction Receivership Order needs to get to grips with their the target that he/she cannot ‘deal’ with the prop- Even if this duty has been breached it does not nec- own finances as soon as possible, consider the case erty cited in the Order. If the Order mentions your essarily mean the Court will quash the Order. It from the Court; Re P [2000] 1 WLR, 473. The case of Gibson v RCPO [2008] Times Law Reports 14/7/08 is against them, the terms of the Order and develop a car for example, it will mean that you cannot sell might, it all depends on the facts of the case and strategy with their lawyers as soon as possible. the car, or transfer it, or dispose of it, or in any way how bad the breach has been. instructive. In that case a Confiscation Order was ‘realise’ it - i.e. turn it into cash. made against a convicted drug trafficker. The assets Joint benefit identified had been the 50% equity in the matrimo- When and how can a Restraint Order be made? The case of R v Ahmad and Ors [2014] UKSC 36 can nial home and joint bank account, held by the Jonathan Lennon is a Barrister specialising in serious Section 40 of POCA sets out a number of circum- have a critical bearing on the extent of a Restraint offender’s wife. The Crown Court took the view that and complex criminal defence cases at Carmelite stances in which the Crown Court may issue a Order. In that case the Supreme Court considered the wife must have realised the mortgage was being Chambers, London. He has extensive experience in all Restraint Order. Such Orders usually come early in two confiscation appeals. In both cases, multiple paid by the husband’s ill-gotten gains and was thus aspects of financial and serious crime and the Proceeds a case and often before an arrest - as long as an defendants had jointly acquired money through an asset which could be sold to satisfy the of Crime Act 2002. He is ranked by the Legal 500 and ‘investigation’ has started, s40(2)(a). The applica- criminal activities. The issue for the Court was Confiscation Order. But the Court of Appeal found Chambers & Ptnrs specialist POCA and Financial Crime tion is made ex parte - i.e. without notice to the whether each defendant could be held liable for the that there was no legal principle under which a sections as a ‘leading barrister’; “he is capable of grasp- suspect so the only lawyer at Court is for the prose- total sum and, if so, whether the full amount could spouse could be deprived of the benefit of illegally ing issues at short notice despite voluminous and com- cution, presenting the Crown’s case for the Order. be recovered multiple times. The upshot is that the obtained property on the grounds of public policy; plex obstacles.” “His easy-going manner makes him Up until 2015 it was fairly easy for a prosecutor to answer is ‘yes’ - or at least sometimes. One of the that was not how POCA worked. The wife kept her popular with clients and juries. This is backed up with secure the Order; all that had to be shown was there defence arguments was that although the defend- half of the house and bank account. Applying that real determination.” (2019). was reasonable cause to believe that the alleged ants obtained their benefit jointly, for the purposes principle to start of proceedings, i.e. the Restraint offender has benefited from his criminal conduct. of confiscation the liability should be apportioned Order stage, there is solid argument for limiting the Aziz Rahman is a Solicitor-Advocate and Partner at the However, since 1st June 2015 the test is now even between them. The split should be determined after scope of any such Order where there are assets leading Criminal Defence firm Rahman Ravelli easier as s40 was amended by the Serious Crime Act an assessment of their individual roles, but if this which are held in joint names with a spouse. Solicitors, specialising in Human Rights, Financial Crime 2015, so that now all the prosecution has to show is was impossible to determine, the presumption and Large Scale Conspiracies/Serious crime. Rahman there are reasonable grounds to suspect. should be of an equal split. Living & legal expenses Ravelli are members of the Specialist Fraud Panel and This is another area which often rankles, with those have recently been ranked by Legal 500 as an ‘excellent’ All the Crown has to do is persuade the Judge, to the The Supreme Court accepted that ‘double recovery’ on the wrong end of a Restraint Order - the amount firm with Aziz Rahman being described as ‘first class civil standard, i.e. on the balance of probabilities, was wrong in principle - the State could not recover allowed by the Order for ordinary living expenses. and very experienced’. that there is reasonable cause to suspect that the more than was actually made from the crime by alleged offender has benefited from ‘criminal con- pursuing confiscation against multiple defendants. duct’. This ‘criminal conduct’ is widely defined as But that was a matter of enforcement. The State any conduct which would constitute an offence could pursue in enforcement proceedings against A leading firm (s76). It must be remembered - the Judge is not trying one defendant with assets over another with no to see if the allegations are true or not, just that there assets for the same benefit amount. There is an offering the is some evidence of reasonable grounds for suspi- obvious risk of injustice but the Supreme Court was cion. unsympathetic. strongest legal

The first a suspect will know about an Order being The risk is that in Restraint proceedings, a Court representation made is when he or she is served with the Order, or might be persuaded to freeze everything that a sus- even finds that his or her cash-card for some reason pect has - even though he or she, realistically, was to those being no longer works at the bank’s ATM. only responsible for a small part of the fraud or whatever the offence was. The suspect could be investigated Windsor & Hare v CPS [2011] EWCA 143 is an impor- pursued in Restraint just because he can pay - not tant case in this area. HMRC were investigating an because he should. or prosecuted alleged duty diversion fraud involving suspects linked to the Eastenders group of companies dealing Receivers in serious and in alcohol imports. In December 2010 they obtained If a suspect’s finances are complex the Court may two Orders on an ex parte basis; a Restraint Order appoint a Management Receiver (s48) to receive and complex crime cases. and a Management Receivership Order. The Court manage the property. This too was an area where of Appeal quashed the orders; though allowed time the Court of Appeal set down guidance in the for the Crown to re-apply to the Crown Court for new Eastenders case as to how such applications should orders. That later application was unsuccessful. The be made. The Management Receiver will often be a Appeal Court took advantage of the case to effec- sizeable accountancy firm who could have the legal tively teach HMRC a lesson (and a lesson to Judges) authority to take possession and control of any or that such orders should not be granted ex parte all of the suspect’s property and sell any assets. This unless the prosecution can demonstrate that they is a major step which has significant implications • Specialists in defending cases • Expertise in arguing admissibility of have done their job properly. for those on the receiving end. involving large-scale police operations. evidence, abuse of process, disclosure and public interest immunity. • Experienced defenders in Regulation The Court noted that the Restraint Order regime is Management Receivers do not come cheap. They are of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) harsh and, as such, Judges must take extra care with officially appointed by the Court but they charge for • Our reputation ensures the very best applications where the defence are not present. The their services and the first port of call for their fees cases involving informants, undercover experts represent our clients. Court must focus on the proper statutory test - i.e. is the restrained or confiscated assets, see s49(2)(d). police, surveillance and interception of whether there are reasonable grounds for suspicion. One area that is of concern is the Receiver’s costs - communications. • We have helped shape the law. The Court of Appeal was particularly critical of the which are rarely insignificant. This can lead to a way the application was made - in a hurried rushed gross injustice where the restrained assets have fashion, giving the Judge hardly any time to get on been used to pay the Management Receiver’s large Roma House, 59 Pellon 36 Whitefriars 3 Brindley Place, top of the papers and thereby not fully understand- bills, only for the suspect to then go on to trial and Lane, Halifax, West Street, London, Birmingham, West ing the case. Papers must be lodged well in advance be acquitted - in that scenario the innocent suspect Yorkshire HX1 5BE EC4Y 8BQ Midlands, B1 2JB and there should always be an oral hearing in com- may have to bear the cost; see House of Lords ruling Tel: 01422 346666 Tel: 0203 947 1539 Tel: 0121 206 2287 plex cases. in Capewell v Commissioners of Custom & Anor [2005] 1 ALL ER 900. The Higher Courts have been troubled time and www.rahmanravelli.co.uk / [email protected] Nationwide Service again in recent years in respect of a procedural That possibility of unfairness should be taken into 42 Legal Insidetime April 2020

and we have a range of other Covid-19 situation, please about a loss of time direction murder conviction of a 16 COVID-19 measures that will allow us to don’t forget to tell us your new if your attempt to appeal is year-old who can’t be named continue working as long as address so that we know based on sensible, arguable for legal reasons but whose It’s hard to know what to say we sensibly can. where to contact you about points. However, if the single case was referred on the basis this month with the Covid-19 your case. judge ticks the loss of time of new psychiatric evidence. situation going on inside and There is no getting away from box on the Form SJ, or if what outside prison. I am writing the fact that the potential ef- Loss of time they say about your applica- The biggest set of cases we this towards the end of March fects of Covid-19, such as When we visit prisons to tion makes it seem like they have referred for appeal for and already schools are CCRC staff becoming ill; hav- speak to CCRC applicants and thought your reasons were a some years were the eight closed, pubs, cafes and other ing to isolate themselves; the potential applicants, we often waste of time, you should members of the ‘Shrewsbury places for socialising have closure of schools and so on hear that loss of time direc- think very carefully about 24’, whose convictions we re- shut and public transport has will have a significant impact tions are a real worry for peo- continuing with your attempt ferred on 4th March. The eight Appeals been cut back. For people in on how much casework we ple thinking about appealing. to appeal. men were members of a group custody those things may can do. The longer Covid-19 A loss of time direction is of 24 construction workers well seem pretty irrelevant goes on the worse that effect where the Court of Appeal adds You cannot get a loss of time convicted in the 1970s for a The Criminal Cases Review compared to concerns about is likely to be. time to someone’s sentence order if the CCRC refers your range of offences such as un- Commission (CCRC) is the Covid-19 on the inside, its ef- because the judges think the case for appeal. You can apply lawful assembly, conspiracy publicly funded body fect on prison visits and wor- We aim to carry on as near to application for permission to us if your application for to intimidate, affray and responsible for investigat- ries about its effect on normal levels as we can for as (sometimes called “leave”) to leave to appeal is turned threatening behaviour. To- ing alleged miscarriages families and loved ones on long as we can. Whatever hap- appeal is so weak it’s a waste down at the first stage (i.e. by gether they became known as of justice in England and the outside. pens, we will do our best to of the court’s time. Usually the single judge), but remem- the Shrewsbury 24. After a Wales. They are the only keep the disruption and delay the court will say something ber that the normal CCRC con- lengthy and very extensive body with the power to There’s nothing the CCRC can in individual cases to a mini- like the application was “to- ditions will apply and we investigation, the CCRC de- send a case back to the say or do about those things, mum - so please rest assured tally without merit”. won’t look at exactly the same cided in 2017 that we could courts for a second appeal. but we wanted in this month’s that if you have applied to the reasons for appealing that not refer the cases. article to at least recognise CCRC, you and your case will Normally, you can tell there’s you sent to the single judge. In this regular column the situation and to offer not be forgotten and we will a danger of a loss of time As always, we’ll be looking The applicants launched legal they answer questions some reassurance to those of get back to normal as quickly order because the single for something new that wasn’t proceedings against the about what they do and you with ongoing CCRC as we can. judge will say so by ticking part of your trial or your ear- CCRC’s decision not to refer. more widely about applications. the “loss of time box” on the lier attempt to appeal. During the Judicial Review miscarriages of justice. On a practical front, if you Form SJ - that is the form they hearing, in April 2019, the Since Covid-19 arrived we need to contact us you can send to say they are refusing CCRC cases CCRC agreed to revisit its de- The CCRC apologises have been making plans for write or phone as usual. Dur- leave to appeal. The “loss of Finally, there is just room for cision based on two specific but is unable to answer how the CCRC can carry on ing Covid-19, you may find time” box is on the right, just a few lines about recent CCRC issues including the non-dis- questions relating to with its work, whatever comes you need to leave a phone above where the judge signs. cases referred to the appeal closure of the fact that some individual cases. our way in relation to the message. All mail and mes- courts. Since our last Inside original witness statements virus and the impact on us of sages will be collected and Loss of time directions are Time article in February, we had been destroyed. Send your Appeal the government restrictions. passed to the right person, but actually very rare and from have referred 13 cases for ap- Queries to: ‘CCRC Q&A’ Almost half of CCRC staff are we cannot say at the moment what we know people seem to peal. These cases have in- We are waiting for the out- Inside Time, Botley Mills, already working from home, when we will be able to con- be more worried about them cluded a non-custody public comes of these cases at the Botley, Southampton, using secure remote access IT tact you in return. than perhaps they need to be. order conviction referred on appeal and we will aim to up- Hampshire SO30 2GB. equipment that allows them the basis of non-disclosure by date Inside Time readers next to carry on working on cases If you leave prison during the You shouldn’t need to worry the police, and the attempted time. Specialists in Prison Law

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0151 200 4071 63 Hamilton S quare Birkenhead Wirral C H41 5J F solicitors Insidetime April 2020 ‘Legal’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Legal // Q&A 43

JS HMP Ranby sentence and you expect to get Member Case Assessment A On 15th February 2019 the Practically then Justice Secretary David your Category D in February Guidance published by the Has the order on the Q Gauke announced the roll-out 2020. Unfortunately, we do not speaking, there is Parole Board. Government website extend- of a new GPS tag which was think you will be eligible for ing HDC to 180 days for sen- a route whereby 24/7 monitoring of offenders. release sooner than the half- Practically speaking, there is tences between 2 and 4 years The stated aims were to help way point of your sentence on EDS prisoners can a route whereby EDS prisoners come into effect as it was strengthen supervision, en- GPS tagging. That is because meant to on the 6th of January reach open condi- can reach open conditions force exclusion zones and give 2020, or is it yet another aban- you are statutorily excluded tions prior to prior to consideration by the doned policy? victims greater peace of mind. from Home Detention Curfew Parole Board. Two years before as you are serving a sentence consideration by the their Parole Eligibility Date Initially it was rolled-out into of 4 years or more. If you were A The Criminal Justice Act (PED) a prisoner can make three regions, North West, serving a sentence of less than Parole Board. Prison Law & 2003 (Early Release on representations to the Midlands and North East. It Licence) Order 2019 is on the 4 years, you would have been Governor to permit them to go Compensation was also piloted in London to An EDS is made up of two el- legislation website however it eligible for Home Detention to open conditions. However, monitor offenders who were ements, the custodial element is still in draft form. The web- Curfew and part of the licence there is no legal aid available released from prison who had and the extended licence ele- Hine Solicitors site said it is a draft item of conditions may include GPS for this. Stevens Solicitors been convicted of knife crime location monitoring. ment. At the two-thirds point, legislation and has not yet Michael Jefferies Injury offences. of the custodial period, the been made as a UK Statutory Response by AGI Criminal Two public law issues there- Lawyers prisoner is entitled to automat- Instrument. Solicitors fore arise out of this issue. One Kesar & Co A number of offenders are el- ic release or to have their suit- might query; AGI Criminal Solicitors It appears that the draft Order igible for these tags, including ability for release considered those subject to court imposed BL HMP Featherstone was laid before Parliament by the Parole Board. The (i) The failure to provide legal bail, community orders, sus- Answers to readers’ legal under section 330(5)(a) of the Q If early release (parole) is Parole Board will become in- aid for EDS prisoners, who are pended sentences and Home queries are given on a Criminal Justice Act 2003 for contingent upon identical volved if the custodial period serving more than 10 years, to strictly without liability Detention Curfew cases and approval by resolution of each criteria, and a Parole Board’s is 10 years or more or the of- seek open conditions before basis. If you propose acting House of Parliament; howev- for life sentences, IPP prison- decision, why is it that the fence is listed in Parts 1 to 3 of the expiry of their custodial upon any of the opinions er, we suspect that due to an ers and extended determinate sentence is not managed in Schedule 15B of the Criminal period; that appear, you must first sentence prisoners. election being called, and a similar manner - for exam- Justice Act 2003. take legal advice. Parliament being shut down, ple recategorisation to open it was not approved prior to As you are serving a determi- (ii) The lack of jurisdiction of Send your Prison Law conditions? Where the Parole Board is in- the election. nate sentence of 9 years for an the Parole Board to consider Query (concise and clearly volved in an EDS case the op- offence of Possession with open conditions at the PED for marked ‘Prison Law Query’) Response by Kesar & Co I can see that your query Intent to Supply Class A Drugs, A tions available to the Board EDS prisoners who are serving to: David Wells, Solicitor Solicitors you are a standard determi- relates to pre-tariff sifts for are to order the release of the more than 10 years. c/o Inside Time, Botley Extended Determinate prisoner or refuse to order re- Mills, Botley, Southampton, nate prisoner which means AF HMP Parc Sentence (EDS) prisoners. You lease. In short, the question of Both of these issues would Hampshire SO30 2GB. that you will be released at the correctly identify that EDS a recommendation for open make for interesting challeng- Q The whole prison is talking halfway stage of your sen- For a prompt response, prisoners are not eligible for conditions is kept out of the es to policy, on cases with about the new changes to GPS tence, namely four and a half readers are asked to send their pre-tariff sifts in the same way jurisdiction of the Parole Board appropriate facts. tagging. What exactly are the years. We understand from queries on white paper using that life sentence/IPP prison- changes and the criteria for your letter that you have when it comes to EDS prison- Response by Kesar & Co black ink or typed if possible. ers are. us to be eligible? served 25 months into your ers. This is set out in the Solicitors

Amanda’s Story Amanda was at risk of losing everything when the Courts asserted an £442,024.31 available amount of £442,024.31 to be paid. This amount was made up of a large amount of tainted gifts, investments and a pension. However, further to lengthy, successful arguments advanced by Crown TO Defence Solicitors, Amanda was ordered to pay just £56,005.31, being the pension. £56,005.31 Amanda is no longer at risk of serving a default sentence. CONTACT CROWN TODAY WE HAVE SAVED OVER 1/2 BILLION FOR OUR CLIENTS. We can help you with: Prison Law Advice & Representation | Criminal Defence & Appeals | Confiscation & POCA | Immigration Contact: 0178 587 8000 Email: [email protected] Freepost: Crown Solicitors Web: crowndefence.com QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Jefferies Solicitors is a specialist you have spoken to and make a note of what who will examine you and prepare a report. Q. I sustained a 6cm cut on my head after personal injury law firm dedicated their responses were. Ensure the accident This report will detail the injury you have falling out of bed while I slept. The cut looked has been logged by Officers and go and suffered, the treatment you have received, to helping you with accident deep and was bleeding quite badly. I saw see healthcare. The prison and healthcare and assess the extent of any ongoing healthcare to show them how bad the cut claims, personal injury, industrial are classed as separate entities. If you only disability. Importantly, it will give a prognosis was. They just cleaned it and put a plaster diseases and medical negligence of when you are likely to recover from your report it at healthcare, the prison will have on it and sent me away. After a week or so I injuries. Your solicitor will then look at other compensation claims, including no record of your accident. Put in a COMP1 if took the plaster off and noticed that the cut no one will assist, or a COMP2 if you get no successful cases where people have suffered claims that have arisen from an was still open so I went to healthcare again. I response from your COMP1. similar injuries with a similar prognosis showed them the cut and they put butterfly incident in prison. period and assess the value of your claim. stitches on the cut and sent me away. After a Q. I slipped on some water in the kitchens Your solicitor will also consider any financial If you have suffered an accident or number of weeks, the cut eventually healed when I was working and hurt my ankle. I’ve losses that your injury may have caused or injury on the road, had an accident but now I have been left with a really thick had treatment through healthcare but I’ve is likely to cause in the future. Don’t listen to or injury in a public place, been tales of what other people have claimed – scar. Can I make a claim? been told that the officers will make my each claim for compensation is very different! injured as a result of medical life difficult if I make a claim. I’m due to be malpractice or negligence or had released next year, can I wait until I’m released A. Yes, you can. Depending on how deep Q. I had problems with my wisdom teeth the cut was, Healthcare should probably work-related accident while in before making a claim? before coming into prison. I told the dentist have referred you straight away to the local prison, the expert solicitors at that I had problems with these teeth when A. You have three years from the date of hospital. The local hospital could have closed Jefferies can help you. I was first seen and they advised me that I the accident (known as the limitation date) the wound with stitches; if they had done needed them removing at the Hospital. I was in which to make a claim. We recommend this, your scar would be significantly thinner If you have been injured while in told that I would be referred to the Hospital that any claim is started within two years of and less noticeable. This is something for prison, contact our specialist injury but I have still not been for the extractions the date of the accident as the claim has to which you can make a claim and could be and I have now been waiting over 18 months. lawyers to find out if you have be issued in the court before the three-year investigated further. I feel as though the prison is just ignoring grounds to claim. time limit expires. Ideally, before proceedings my requests for an appointment despite me can be issued at court, all evidence such as having complained of severe pain on several Q. My nose was broken in an incident around Write to us at Jefferies Solicitors medical records, a medical report and other occasions. Can I make a claim? a year ago. I was not treated at the time Limited, The Triangle, 8 Cross Street, supporting documentation will need to be when I had the incident and now my nose is obtained and this can take several months. Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1EQ. A. Yes. Although it is not uncommon for not aligned correctly. I also cannot breathe As long as you leave enough time before the the waiting list for dental extractions at through my nose and have found out that expiry of the limitation date you can wait Hospital to be relatively long (up to/around because they took so long to take me to until you are released before making your Q. I cut myself on a machine while working in 18 weeks), there appears to have been an hospital, I now have to have an operation. the workshop. Afterwards, prison staff told me claim. unreasonable delay in your treatment. You I had to wait for almost 6 months to go to I should have used the machine’s guard, but would be entitled to claim for the pain and hospital to see a Doctor. Do I have a case? didn’t know it had one and no one had shown Q. I’ve been burnt badly using a kettle in my suffering you have experienced as a result me how to use it properly. They now want me cell. I’ve been told that if I make a personal of the delay and any other damage to your A. Yes, as they failed to refer you to an to sign my training record and backdate it. injury claim it could be worth a lot of money dental health which has occurred as a result Ear, Nose and Throat specialist following What should I do? and someone else has said it won’t be worth of this delay (if any). It will be important to your incident then you may have a case. anything. How do you know what a claim is establish whether the delay is due to the Suspected broken noses need to be imaged A. Never sign anything unless you date it worth? Prison and/or the Healthcare Department, or correctly. Obtain the names and prison the Hospital which you have been referred to. and followed up quickly. There is likely to be numbers of all witnesses who saw the A. Your solicitor will be able to value the It would be advisable to start your claim as support for the suggestion that if had you incident, or who started at the same time as injury element of your claim from your soon as possible as the law provides a strict been taken earlier, the initial straightening you (and also received no training). Obtain medical report. Your solicitor will arrange three-year deadline for commencing Court would have avoided the need for a further the names of the supervisors and officers for a medical expert to visit you in prison proceedings. operation.

Call: 0161 925 4155 I Click: jefferiessolicitors.com I Email: [email protected] The Triangle 8 Cross Street Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EQ

Crossword

Answers BARE

Across Down G FUN

1. Road vehicles, typically with four wheels 12. Save our souls

I IB

DIVE 2. Go to see and spend time with 13. A fruit consisting of a hard shell TERM

3. Discovered recently

M DGY E

M A E R EC C 14. Present time or moment I 4. Periods in the year, alternating with holiday

5. To plunge head first into water 15. To suffer from sunburn W R UNNING

R I A SUMMER

6. Light-hearted pleasure 16. Tense, nervous, or irritable BURN

W E N

7. Not clothed or covered 17. Movement of a runner W

8. A mixture mainly of oxygen & nitrogen OR

18. Comfortably high temperature. VISIT

SU

OW

9. Summer time, milk based treat UT N A SUNT 10. Warmest season of the year 19. Atmosphere of a place felt by others O

11. Golden-brown colouring of the skin 20. The colour of fire CARS

InsideTime_April_Q&A.indd 1 18/03/2020 16:05 Adam was playing pool when he slipped on a wet floor, badly injuring his back. The personal injury solicitors at Prison Injury Lawyers secured him nearly £30,000 in compensation.

Adam was playing pool when he slipped on rainwater on the floor and fell onto his buttocks, injuring his lower back. The rainwater had come in through broken windows and the prison staff hadn’t put up any signs to warn inmates about the wet floor. Adam visited healthcare and an MRI scan showed that he was suffering from degenerative disc disease in his lower spine.

2 years after the accident, Adam still experienced stiffness in his back. He struggled to stand for long periods and the back pain disturbed his sleep. Our solicitors arranged for him to see an orthopaedic expert who stated that Adam’s symptoms were unlikely to improve and that, unfortunately, he would probably experience long-term back pain. We secured Adam £29,950 to compensate him for his pain and suffering.

“We understand prisoners and prison injury claims. We are the UK’s leading Prison Injury Lawyers and will fight for what you deserve.”

At Prison Injury Lawyers, we can help you claim for:

 Dental negligence  Workplace accidents  Bunk bed falls  Medical negligence  Burns  Transport accidents  Slips, trips and falls  Assaults  Accidents in the gym

0800 808 9577 I prisoninjurylawyers.co.uk The Triangle 8 Cross Street Altrincham [email protected] Cheshire WA14 1EQ

Prison Injury Lawyers is a trading name of Jefferies Solicitors Limited

InsideTime_Nov_PIL.indd 1 21/10/2019 12:20 46 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020 Stay tuned to NPR for the The Reader latest info on Coronavirus are determined to keep our service going throughout this Beginning, During and After Love difficult period. We know that regimes will be disrupted; we Reader Leader Emily The poem finishes with the refrain: know that daily life is uncer- ‘I have spread my dreams under your feet; tain and difficult. We’re run- Tread softly because you tread on my dreams’. ning faith services every week Certain days in prison are harder than others: while normal faith services this much I have learned from the many dis- Here, a thread of melancholy had entered into you might attend in your cussions over the two years I worked with the the conversation: someone in the group de- prison are disrupted, and we’re women in HMP/YOI Low Newton. Christmases, clared that ‘all of us have had our hearts bro- constantly updating our news birthdays (both one’s own and other peoples) ken’, someone stamping on those dreams bulletins with the latest infor- - even Halloween - away from family and spread with such trust under their feet. mation at the top of each hour. friends, away from big roast dinners and silly party hats, birthday cake with friends or trick- The next poem, then, was surely a timely one. We want you to know that or-treating with the kids. Holidays emphasise Derek Walcott’s ‘Love After Love’ begins: switching on National Prison the separation, they throw into relief the real- The time will come Radio you will hear friendly ity of prison life. when, with elation with information, support and supportive voices who you will greet yourself arriving are there to keep your spirits Valentine’s Day has its own flavour of nostal- and entertainment to help at your own door. up and to keep you up to date gic sadness: on this day of sugar-sweetness, you deal with prison life and make the most of your time with what’s happening. heart-shaped balloons, of twelve red roses and Coming home to oneself and saying, ‘sit here. the all-important three words we all love to behind bars. Eat’ seems a salve to the utterly self-effacing National Prison Radio has You can contribute too - we hear, life in prison draws inescapable lines mood of Yeats’ ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of been broadcasting into prison The current Coronavirus out- want to hear your views, your around the possibility of fully participating in Heaven’, where the disciple-like speaker pri- cells across the country 24 break is the most difficult requests and your stories, so the holiday. oritizes their idol above all else, and to the hours a day, 7 days a week for situation any of us have had please call us on: 0808 123 potential detriment of themselves. over 10 years. We are here to 1234 and tell us what’s on Rather than ignoring, repressing and resenting to deal with in all that time support you - to provide you but now, more than ever, we your mind. the day (making it more bitter than sweet, Walcott proclaims that ‘You will love again the more self-hate than love), we read a scene from stranger who was yourself.’ His poem of heart- the ultimate and original love story: William break is paradoxically a celebration: Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. We were Give back your heart Coronavirus response head reading the famous balcony scene; I asked for to itself, to the stranger who has loved you three volunteers to read Romeo, Juliet and a all your life, whom you ignored brief cameo from Juliet’s Nurse. The scene is for another, who knows you by heart. speaks to National Prison Radio all innuendo (Romeo’s family name ‘Mon- tague’ - which makes him Juliet’s enemy - is Walcott led us towards the conclusion that Ed Cornmell is in charge of organising prisons We know the sustained dry cough and a raised not ‘hand, nor foot,/Nor arm, nor face, nor any ultimately, we have only ourselves: that after across the country to react to Coronavirus as temperature are both indicators of Coronavi- other part/Belonging to a man’), miscommu- the breaking of hearts, and trust, and dreams, the outbreak progresses and he spoke to Na- rus. I’d ask everyone to look after themselves nication and lavish compliments (Juliet is ‘a ‘after love’, we can only return to ourselves. tional Prison Radio to answer your and we are trying to create the right space for bright angel’ with eyes that are ‘Two of the stars This, on Valentine’s Day, in prison, seemed the questions. people to recover, as they would do with flu. in all the heaven’). The group agreed that the most poignant: we can give to ourselves that For someone who’s feeling unwell, if they’re ‘star-crossed lovers’ were too young and barely love we crave, wherever and whoever we are. What’s happening with visits across the country? in the older age groups or have an underlying knew each other: was this love? We wondered, Walcott finishes with the sumptuous invita- condition, it’s important to contact staff and or just the beginnings of fleeting fancy. tion, ‘Sit. Feast on your life.’ We want to keep visits going as long as possi- make yourself known. You should also with- ble, and we know that many families and loved draw from normal engagement with other Romeo’s declaration got us talking of the For over a decade, The Reader has been running ones who would be visiting prisons … it might people, be as patient as possible, and our power of love: Shared Reading groups in prisons, secured units not be a good time to do so because they have healthcare professionals will prioritise people With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls, and Approved Premises. Each week the Reader to protect themselves, and they might be anx- who might be susceptible to complications. For stony limits cannot hold love out, Leader brings a short story or book extract and ious about visiting the prison. We’re rolling out And what love can do, that dares love attempt: a poem for the group to read aloud and discuss. temperature checks on visitors and we won’t It’s not easy to self-isolate in a prison wing, and Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me. Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts and permit people entry if they’re showing symp- if your cellmate shows symptoms that’s a very feelings about what has been read, although toms of Coronavirus. This is a temperature worrying time. Are there enough facilities for Despite our reservations on whether the cou- some people choose to reflect on these privately. probe which doesn’t physically contact the the number of people you expect to self-isolate ples one-day old romance was true love, I Either way, Shared Reading gets people to come person. It scans the person and takes a read- to be able to do so safely? asked if the group agreed that ‘stony limits together and talk to each other. thereader.org.uk out of their temperature so we can reassure cannot hold love out’ and that ‘what love can people that everyone who comes into visits is That really is a challenge. We’re applying what do, that dares love attempt’ (essentially, the safe to do so. happens in a household - if someone in a famous Beatles line, ‘all you need is love’). One household comes down with symptoms, the group member adamantly said, ‘Absolutely. TurningPages A question from a listener in HMP Bullingdon whole household is supposed to isolate to- Love is the most powerful thing in the world.’ who’s on a foreign national hold and is worried gether. We think of people in a cell as being about how long he might be held for. Do you like a household - so we won’t always put peo- This sentiment was shared by many in the Prisoners who can read have any information for that listener? ple with symptoms in a single cell, particularly group, and was reiterated in our discussion of teach prisoners who can’t people with mild symptoms. The focus is on ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’, by Wil- We know some of the normal processes that those who are really vulnerable, who could liam Butler Yeats. In this stunningly romantic If you would like more information on operate in our prisons, like immigration hold, have serious side effects and consequences poem, the speaker declares that he wishes for how to become involved, as either a will be disrupted. From a prison side we’re from contracting Coronavirus to get the space ‘the heavens’ embroidered cloths, enwrought Mentor or a Learner, contact the Reading trying to function with low staffing levels. they need and the medical care they need. with golden and silver light’ so that he may Plan Lead in your prison (ask a Shannon We’re being really honest that we know there’s ‘spread the cloths under your feet’. He yearns Trust Mentor who this is) or write to: disruption, and we ask people in situations Keep tuned to National Prison Radio 24 hours to give his lover everything, in heaven and Shannon Trust, Freepost RUAU-LAHR-JGZH such as an immigration hold to be patient with a day, 7 days a week, for all the latest news and earth but ‘I, being poor, have only my dreams’. Studio 1.15, Edinburgh House, Kennington us - we’re trying to work through things as information on Coronavirus, and for special Yeats’ poem encouraged the discussion to Lane, Lambeth, London SE11 5DP quickly as we can. programming to help keep you safe and in weave in how it feels to be completely in love, good spirits throughout the outbreak. Call Na- and how vulnerable you are in that state: ‘I A listener in HMP Leeds who’s worried they may tional Prison Radio for free on 0808 123 1234 built my dreams around you’, as Shane Mc- ShannonTrust have Coronavirus. Is there any advice you can give to tell us your views, your requests and your Gowan says. to people who are worried about their own health? stories. Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 47 On this day… 1st April 1990 Behind the Gate remaining hard core of rioters The life and infamous times of Britain’s prisons: took to the roof and barri- caded any route up to their this month HMP Foston Hall vantage point. The prison is spread over 7 wings that serve a Alan Lord, as lead negotiator variety of functions, such as holding remand between the rioters and the Noel Smith and juvenile off enders, and the healthcare has authorities, presented the three inpatient beds. Inmates are provided prisoners’ demands. They with work in gardens, gym, textile and craft wanted: improved visiting fa- workshops and kitchens; all of which off er the cilities, including the right to Some people may have seen HMP Foston Hall chance of gaining qualifi cations. The educa- physical contact with their on the recent Prison documentary strand on tion department off ers NVQ’s in cleaning ser- visitors and a children’s play Channel 4. On the programme the prison vices, hairdressing and basic and key learning area; Category A prisoners comes across as a well-run and enlightened skills. (the highest security inmates) establishment. This month we highlight the to be allowed to wear their prison in our Behind the Gate series. In their most recent inspection of HMP Foston Treat us like humans! own clothes; longer exercise periods; and an end to 23 HMP Foston Hall, near Uttoxeter, has been a Hall, HMCIP stated; ‘We last inspected Foston hours a day locked up in their women’s prison since 1997. Set in the grounds Hall in 2016 when we found outcomes for pris- oners to be reasonably good against most of our Tempers would fray during cells. of an old country house, the prison comprises healthy prison tests, although improvement was slop-out time as queue-jump- a mix of accommodation, including some more ers attempted to empty their needed in the provision of purposeful activity. They outlined their griev- modern purpose-built facilities. The prison RIOT! mess and invariably ended up At this inspection we found a very positive insti- ances to Manchester Evening has several functions, with the prisoners held rolling around the pissy floor tution where outcomes were now reasonably News’ editor Michael Unger, ranging from those on remand in the Midlands, Strangeways with angry objectors. And this who was allowed into the good against all of our tests. up to and including 52 serving indeterminate was all before breakfast - prison as an “independent sentences. With a capacity of 286. finally explodes every day. observer” to speak to the riot- ‘Most prisoners at Foston Hall felt safe. Violence ers. Their grievances included was rare and incidents minor. Work to investi- Inside Time reporter The original Manor of Foston and Scropton By noon, on the 1st of April mental and physical brutality, gate incidents when they did occur and the sup- was owned by the Agard family from the 14th 1990, rioting prisoners, their poor food and conditions, and port off ered to victims and perpetrators did, to the 17th century. It was bought by John Bate, On 1st April 1990, Paul Taylor, numbers now swelled by the misuse of the “liquid however, need to be better. The incentives a small-time crook from Birk- those whose cell doors had cosh” to control prisoners. On whose son Richard was the High Sheriff of scheme was not very eff ective and adjudica- enhead, rose from his seat in been unlocked by the initial the 23rd day, Alan Lord was Derbyshire, in 1679, and stayed in the hands tions and use of force were both higher than we Strangeways’ prison chapel rioters, had control of most of called down from the roof to of the Bate family until 1784, when the estate expected, although incidents when force was and strode up to the altar dur- the prison. Almost all of the talk to the authorities about was sold to John Broadhurst, about whom little used were not normally very serious. Use of ing Sunday service. He took staff had deserted the prison meeting the prisoners’ de- is known. The Manor was destroyed by fi re in segregation was much reduced but conditions the microphone from Father and David Evans, the general mands, but he was jumped by 1836, but many parts of the house survived. A in the facility had yet to improve. Noel Proctor, who had been secretary of the Prison Of- a snatch squad and shipped new Jacobethan house was designed by TC addressing the congregation, ficers’ Association, described off to another prison. Hine of Nottingham and built in 1863. The and spoke to the 309 prison- conditions inside the prison ‘The general environment at the prison was main two-storey front has eight bays and an excellent and most accommodation was good. ers present. The sermon was as a “war zone”. By 25th April, there were just off -centre three-storey tower. The house is now Access to showers and most basic amenities being recorded for a prayer five prisoners left on the roof. a Grade II listed building. had improved, although processes for dealing group and Taylor can clearly They were almost out of the with simple applications was poor. This was be heard shouting: “I would food they had hauled up from The prison authorities acquired the hall and just like to say, right, that this the kitchen stores and the mitigated slightly by the valued support of peer grounds in 1953. Foston Hall has been a juve- man has just talked about the daily soakings and noise had information workers. Supervision of the wings nile detention centre, an immigration centre blessing of the heart and how worn them down. They agreed required improvement, but most prisoners were a hardened heart can be de- to end their protest and they and, before it was closed down in 1996, it was positive about their relationships with staff. livered. No, it cannot - not were taken down from the a satellite prison for HMP Sudbury. The present New work to promote equality and diversity had with resentment, anger, bit- roof in a cherry picker. Paul prison was opened on the 31st of July 1997, begun and was encouraging, with new arrange- terness and hatred being in- Taylor was the last man down, following a major refurbishment, and was des- ments for consultation now in place. Health care stilled in people.” The Strangeways riot led to the setting foot on the hydraulic ignated as a closed-category female prison. had improved considerably.’ Strangeways Riot had started. creation of Inside Time platform at 6.24pm. The long- est prison riot in British his- Officially, the prison only had Several areas of the prison tory was finally at an end. CATALOGUE 2020 NEW NOW! OUT #126 CATALOGUE 2020 NEW space for 970 men, but it was were burning, and Manches- NEW 2020 CATALOGUE #126 OUT NOW! NEW 2020 CATALOGUE #126 OUT NOW! heavily overcrowded in 1990 ter Police had set up a cordon In total, 194 people were in- with 1,647 packed two and around the jail in case any jured; 47 prisoners and 147 2020 three into cells that had orig- prisoners tried to escape. officers; and two died: pris- inally been built for one occu- Strangeways’ governor oner Derek White and prison CATALOGUE #126 pant. It was a crumbling, Brendan O’Friel later told the officer Walter Scott, who suf- depressing Victorian ware- Inquiry: “We had about 200 fered a heart attack. Much of OUT NOW! house where prisoners were staff on duty, and we must the Victorian jail was de- Send a £2 payment to GEMA RECORDS, PO BOX 54, READING, BERKS, RG1 9JP to receive a catalogue given nothing and plenty of it. have lost nine or 10 as casual- stroyed and had to undergo a with a £2 Gift Code! Alternatively, ask a friend or relative to order a copy for you on our website! ties. I tell you what really £100m refurbishment before In 1990, prisoners were still bugged us was the element of being renamed HM Prison Do you want a copy of our catalogue but can’t because your prison doesn’t use our catalogue service? “slopping out”: every morn- April Fools’ about it. We rang Manchester. Are you missing out on the exclusive CD Packs, UK Rap Mixtapes, Special Offers and Xbox 360 Consoles ing when the cells were off-duty staff to call them in Gema Records offer that aren’t available anywhere else? opened there would be a line and most of them said: “You In the trials following the riot, Request your prison contacts us today! of prisoners queuing up to must be joking - is this an 23 prisoners were sentenced empty their pots and buckets April Fools’?” to 140 years’ additional im- of bodily waste into a central prisonment for what the sluice on each landing. The On that Sunday evening, more prison governor described as + 2 FREE GAMES! + 2 FREE GAMES! smell was horrendous, like an than 800 prisoners had given “an explosion of evil”. [from a specific list] [from a specific list] ante-chamber of hell, and the themselves up, and in the 4GB £169.95 sluice could often not handle next few days another 400 The subsequent Woolf Report 4GB £159.95 the sheer volume of effluence were captured by HMP snatch led to an overhaul in UK 250GB £184.95 250GB £174.95

and would invariably flood, squads, usually after vicious prison standards, with a rec- 500GB £199.95 spilling its contents over the hand-to-hand fighting, and ommendation that toilets be NOW! OUT #126 CATALOGUE 2020 NEW NOW! OUT #126 CATALOGUE 2020 NEW side and onto the floor. removed from the prison. The installed in all cells. NEW2020 CATALOGUE #126 OUT NOW! NEW2020 CATALOGUE 48 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Cell Workout TROY’S WORKOUT

WALKOUT PRESS UP Who would have thought it, aye? WITH PLYO JUMP 60 seconds on Continuing guest pieces by an LJ Cell Workout graduate x 30 seconds off

guidance I could prosper lol, not great things, which is where I am now. Now I work for Serco and have become a PTI. I’ve passed everything that has been thrown at me and more.

Lyvonne had been so pleased with my progress that she in- vited me to come back to Dovegate for a motivation speech and to perform a workshop. So I was at home one day and thought about LJ and emailed him. He replied, PLANK UPS which I never expected from 60 seconds on typing the first letters in my x 30 seconds off first email to him. To my sur- prise he arranged to call. I told him everything. I had time and invited him to a workshop in Dovegate which Troy Gayle ‘Is this what I’ve resorted to? he kindly came to. This was Is this the rest of my life … amazing to me, a great looking at four walls?’ I achievement. I felt on top of Me? Staring out from Inside looked at some pictures of my the world. He asked me to be Time lol, I mean you gotta kids and cursed and kicked part of his team and I was so admit that is pretty spectacu- myself harder than ever. I saw honoured. Since then we have CURTSY LUNGES lar isn’t it? Hasn’t been easy how selfish I have been and travelled around prisons to 60 seconds on though, coming from a bro- how much of a failure I have deliver speeches, workouts x 30 seconds off ken home, foster care from become with my actions. I and life lessons. Together we the age of 6, to relatives, to cried and cried and punished have helped many prisoners children’s homes, to jail! And myself with negative who have got lost on their that’s not even the half of it! thoughts, smoking, fighting, journey. We continue to grow no self-worth, nothing. as a tribe and family and offer I’ve never had much love or support and guidance to any- attention off my parents, as I remember being in the block one within the system feeling sad as it sounds, I used to and asking for a book, and there is no return, no chance have to go to my mates’ house guess what it was? Yep, LJ’s of a good healthy positive life- around their moms just to feel Cell Workout. I read it and style. Look at me, if you were affection. Hahah boo boo. I performed the workouts and to see my NOMIS on the sys- know we all have it hard, but I remember thinking I wish I tem and my nicking sheets I really have. My life has been could do this, I wish I could then you would see that I was a massive roller-coaster, up be part of something like this. an active prisoner like a lot of down, up down. Better yet, But I thought it was unimag- let’s call it a pogo stick … lol. inable and beyond me. I re- others, but I turned it around. turned from the block and I’m no saint, no one is, and I On a more serious note, I have had a leaflet pushed under still have it hard, really hard, SIT UP WITH ALTER- even been battling with men- my door from Serco Jobs. I to fight temptation, struggle, NATING HEEL TAPS tal health problems from an rang the number and spoke to moan, and think at times … 60 seconds on early age, and when my mom Chris and Ollie and told them ‘f**k this’. But then I remem- x 30 seconds off was murdered it really did I would join up. That’s when ber how great I am, and how send me wild. I’m talking I met Lyvonne. I sat and spoke much life and achievement, wild! My mom was taken from to her and she signed me up. and opportunities, experi- me at the age of 16, I was so Not thinking anything of it ences, and love I have yet to young - I felt like I was to but I got stuck in and com- receive. And most of all I think how lucky I am. I have blame. I felt like the world was muted and showed her I gen- SPLIT SQUAT JUMPS the chance to be a dad and a against me. I took to crime uinely needed this. I climbed 60 seconds on and was involved in a lot of through hoops and was chal- role model, a hero, a rock and x 30 seconds off street ‘antics’. I was caught in lenged daily from all angles. a friend for my two angels a trap. On my last sentence I I was slated by a few of the who on so many close calls was wound up and acting and boys and even the screws. I could not have had that behaving in a self-destructive was attacked, betrayed and opportunity. manner. After hitting rock stabbed by so-called friends bottom I was left no other op- through envy. I didn’t rise to Look past whatever is cloud- tion but to make that change. it. I went through hell and ing your thoughts and vision. I had hit a point where I was back, and that was enough to Destroyed and rebuilt - I have unpredictable to myself, and show Lyvonne that I needed nothing to prove to no one - it scared me. this. She saw something in yet so much to prove to every- REPEAT 6 TIMES me and gave me a chance. She one. They say time will heal Photography by Tommy I remember saying to myself, saw that through a bit of the us ... I’m waiting... Banham & Federico Gangemi Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 49

Sphynx Standeaths. Hold for 5 slow Why bring a film festival to prison? Yoga for Stress breaths. opportunity to witness the effect of violence, The Prison Phoenix Trust and hate, the result of human cruelty and so- ciety’s apathy, and it allowed us to empathize Ximena Escobar de Nogales with the victim. The Prison Phoenix Trust Here, we feature one of the has a new 12-part yoga and sequences from that pro- During the discussion, I raised the question: meditation programme on gramme, designed by Sally Locust Two weeks ago, in the framework of the (Ge- ‘What is the purpose of bringing a film festival National Prison Radio! It who teaches at HMP East- Hold for 5 slow breaths. neva-based) International Film Festival on to prison?’ to which an inmate responded: ‘The starts with prisoners and wood Park and leads taster Human Rights, I was invited to view and dis- film helped me understand the pain inflicted. former prisoners in conver- workshops in prisons across cuss the documentary On Her Shoulders at the The woman was a victim of the crimes some sation about how the prac- the UK. prisons of Champ Dollon and La Brenaz in of us in here are accused of.’ tice is helping them find Geneva. freedom inside, before a The focus of this session is 40-minute yoga and medita- on calming and steadying The question about the purpose of bringing a Seated Forward Bend Surrounded by a jury of prisoners, guardians, tion session. Tune in each the mind. Many of you write film festival to prison begs the broader ques- Hold for 5 slow breaths. penitentiary staff and accompanied by the Friday at 3 pm, or hear it re- and tell us how difficult you tion about the purpose of incarceration. If in- peated on Sunday at 8 am find it is to do this; and how project’s energetic leader, Claudia Dessolis, we carceration is meant to inflict punishment on and again at 5 pm. yoga and meditation can saw the story of Nadia Murad, a Kurdish Iraqi a perpetrator, and only that, some may argue help. young woman abducted and made a sexual there’s no need to entertain prisoners. But if slave by Islamic State in 2014. Nadia’s story of Mountain the role of incarcerating an individual is, as I abuse is dramatic, her courage unique, and Stand like this for 5 slow It can be hard to cope with believe it is in our society, to rehabilitate, re- her search for action painful. Alexandria Bom- breaths. the recurring thoughts, wor- form and ultimately release and integrate into ries and fears that go round Bridge 1/Bridge 2 bach’s film is sensitive, intelligent and society, then there is definitively a place for and round in your mind, es- Start with your feet close to appalling. cinema as a tool for self-discovery and per- pecially when you have time your bum and press your sonal growth. Evidence exists that incarcera- on your hands. By focussing hips up. Hold for three What made the experience exceptional for me tion that focuses primarily on punishment on stretching the body, slow- breaths, lower slowly, and was the fact that I was viewing it in prison. For does not make societies safer. Punishment ing down the breath, prac- repeat a couple more times the duration of the film, and ensuing discus- alone fails as a deterrent to commit a crime and tising relaxation and if you like. sion, I had the feeling that we were transported does not reduce recidivism. Incarceration pro- settling into meditation, you far beyond the walls and wire fences of reclu- grams that contribute to rehabilitation through can bring about a feeling of sion. All of a sudden we were in a different education, skills development, are more likely peace, calm and steadiness. place, I would call it a place of compassion, to have a lasting effect on society. A good film where we shared the outrage for the injustice can help us reclaim our capacity to distinguish Vertical Stretch 1 Vertical Stretch 2 and violence perpetrated against this victim, between good and evil, and act upon this Breathe out. Breathe in. indistinctively of our personal backgrounds distinction. and moral records. Cinema, perhaps like no other storytelling technique, allows an imme- Flow between these diate change in perspective. On Her Shoulders poses with the Ximena Escobar de Nogales is a volunteer lan- provided us this change of viewpoint, an breath 5 times. Bridge 3 guage teacher in a Swiss prison When you’re done, rock like this to relax your back.

Standing Twist 1 Standing Twist 2 Breathe in. Breathe out. Wrongly convicted of a crime?

Flow between these poses with the breath 5 times. Sitting Lost your appeal? Sit upright, either on a pillow or on a chair or the edge of your bed. Focus on the smoothness and feel of your natural breath, and Tree Warrior count each breath. Count Hold for 5 breaths each side. Hold for 5 breaths each side. ten breaths, on the out- What next? The foot can be on the calf breath, and then start or ankle instead if you like. again. Don’t worry if you lose count. Just start again at one. Do this for five minutes, gently bringing your attention back to your The CCRC can look again breath if it wanders off, If you think your conviction or sentence is wrong apply to the CCRC which is normal. Over time you may wish to build up to • It won’t cost anything 25 minutes. • Your sentence can’t be increased if you apply • You don't need a lawyer to apply, but a good one Cat Cow can help Breathe out. Breathe in. You can get some more information and a copy of the CCRC's Easy Read application form by writing to us at 5 St Philip’s Place, Birmingham, B3 2PW. or calling 0121 233 1473

Prisoners in Scotland should contact; The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, 5th Floor, Flow between these poses with the breath 5 times. Portland House, 17 Renfi eld Street, Glasgow, G2 5AH. Phone: 0141 270 7030 Email: [email protected] 50 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Blacky licked his lips. ‘Kofi held it up, scrolling photos of Jason stood, jabbing at the Looking Up Nyamekye Abara.’ Blacky, naked except for a phone. ‘Male prostitution is a ‘You’re a long way from home, kind of head-dress, posing at sordid business, Kofi. Undig- The ups, downs, challenges and triumphs of a prison leaver’s journey Kofi.’ a large party with a gaggle of nified. And acting out dirty Blacky strained at the cuffs; drunken old women pawing grannies’ weird racial fanta- the same type the Libyan at his body. Blacky paused, sies is downright demeaning.’ smugglers used in their make- obviously angry and embar- Jason spoke deliberately, test- shift prisons. They could be rassed. ‘It’s just a job, man. ing Blacky’s temper, grinning broken, but not easily. You know, women’s parties… when the man reacted in ‘You left your phone women to be married… I just anger. unlocked.’ dance for them…’ ‘I’m no prostitute man - you’ve ‘It doesn’t work properly.’ ‘Who took these pictures?’ no right to judge me! Let me ‘One of the bar staff, I think. go from here!’ Jason held up the screen. ‘Tell They have a private club web- ‘I’ve just texted your pal to me why you photographed site. They pay to watch me come over, and he replied this house.’ Jason spoke with the other women.’ straight away. Must have been calmly, showing pictures of ‘Which club?’ waiting for a message, eh? his own front door and alley ‘It’s called The Playroom.’ Looks like we’ll all have a lit- gate. Shouts and threats were tle chat. That’ll be nice, won’t for egotists and amateurs, Jason clicked on a few short it?’ and frightened people would videos showing Blacky excit- ‘Please, don’t, man! He’ll kill say anything. Blacky shook edly grinding up against a me! He’s got friends, man, big his head. ‘Somebody asked cackling pensioner, cheered friends!’ me to do it… they gave me the on by her friends. Jason shook

© MW address and some money… Jason crept to the window, his head. ‘Who’s exploiting please, I can’t feel my hands.’ peering out at the night sky, a who, eh?’ Frank Cotton shadows, slamming him back Temple throbbing, still woozy ‘Yes you can. Who paid you?’ cluster of stars crowning a Blacky pulled up his legs. ‘I into the house before Blacky from the rapid punches, chimney pot opposite. He need the toilet, please…’ had even opened the front Blacky began to twist at the Blacky’s blood ran cold. He hadn’t really wanted to go Rolling in the ‘Stay where you are. What’s door. plastic cuffs. ‘Please, sir… I could take a beating from a this far, but his followers al- Mo’s number?’ Deep have only a little money…’ It gang, but this man was alone, ready had his address, so his ‘Please… I’ve got nothing…’ had all taken mere seconds, which meant he didn’t want choices were limited - wait for Blacky began to panic, caught ‘Je kee’n lo!’ He felt his pockets rifled, Blacky breathing raggedly witnesses to what he might them to attack at their leisure, between Mo and a dangerous ‘Speak English.’ frisked from ankle to collar, with the shock of the assault, do. Blacky’s head cleared in- or smash them beyond repair lunatic who he could see ‘Duro’n be!’ out came his phone, keys, staring from his assailant to stantly, knowing his life may before they organised them- would kill him without hesi- ‘English, I said. I know you fake passport, Blacky’s stom- the locked door with mount- be in the balance. ‘He… he’s selves. Alone, he might have can, I’ve heard you.’ ach lurching as he heard a ing terror. His attacker held called Mo. I owe him money.’ tation if necessary. ‘Please, waited for their attack, but he familiar zzzzzip as plastic up the fake passport. ‘For this passport?’ man, let me go… this is none couldn’t risk Mad-Dog Blacky stopped struggling, handcuffs fixed his wrists ‘Yes.’ of my business… I don’t know Dearden’s baby thrown into realising who had ambushed tight together. ‘Samson Yaw. That your real ‘What’s his full name?’ anything, I was just earning the mix. He took a deep him. ‘OK… OK… English…’ Shit… shit… name?’ ‘I don’t know… honestly, some money… please, breath, smiling as the old en- The cracked lino was rank, ‘Stand up. If you shout, I’ll ‘Yes sir.’ everyone just calls him Mo.’ brother, I will disappear… I ergy began to flow, excite- his face screwed hard against hurt you.’ ‘Don’t fucking ‘sir’ me. And ‘What does he look like?’ promise…’ ment rising in his blood, it, a sour taste on his tongue, don’t lie neither.’ ‘He’s… small. Asian. Flashy.’ ‘Does Mo run this club? All relishing the battle to come. right arm twisted behind him He was forced back down the Jason stared hard, only his these contact numbers are the almost to his neck. His at- hall and into his own bedsit, eyes visible through the Army Jason flipped through the same.’ tacker had been fast; head to pushed to the floor while his balaclava. ‘Tell me your real phone’s memory. ‘What the ‘Maybe… I don’t know… he’s Frank Cotton is a former resi- toe in black, leaping from the attacker locked the door. name.’ hell’s all this, Kofi?’ Jason always there with his friends.’ dent of HMPPS

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Bad man what! 24 bars that can’t imprison The five star General - HMP Parc D Wells - HMP Edinburgh

All you little boys get back in your cots Steer towards the guidance and love will do the rest I’m the destroyer of lives, and I’ve got manz who witnessed the lot You need to know advice is to nudge you through the stress Knocked out teeth, cut off fingers, chopped off hands and fired bare shots It feels as though your sliding and trudging through the mess My soldiers and I were tight, as strong as an ox But your life is such a blessing and this is not a test We had it all, money, guns, drugs and p*ssy! We shared the lot The type of folk to judge you, you’ll never hear confess Rap Star of the Month 15 years behind bars now what have I got? They think that they’re above you, like you’re the bottom bed My soldiers? Me they’ve forgot Congratulations to this months winner who The reason that they do it is they see it like their med A sister who’s a single mum and her ex beat her lots receives our £25 prize To make themselves feel better and conceal inside their head A dead little brother who followed in my footsteps If changing was a set of sleeves, I see them as a vest After I’d told him to not If anybody else achieves, they see it as a threat A mum now sat at home losing the plot Life’s a box of chocolates and the reason that it’s said Is it worth it? I’ve got years left to serve, I’m powerless to make it stop was Forrest never knew what kind of sweet he’s gonna get So you keep gang banging rude boy D.A - HMP Northumberland Don’t gamble on the weather if you really wanna bet Enjoy the fruits of your crop before Fedz catch up with you! Life is what you never thought would be until it’s met Is it right living life in a cell every night? Or maybe next man delivers the fatal shots Be singing when your winning or conceding to the best Paranoid wreck, heads f*cked off the Spice I wouldn’t wish this sh*t on no one Separate the things you want from needing meeting ends Sharping up metals just to make me a spike Now you still wanna call me a bad man? Some people go at different speeds but each is on a quest Fighting for my rights man, fighting for my life I think NOT. Keep your head above the water till your heaved upon a crest Spikes real sharp got enemies in my sights Walking on a path that’s always full of forks and bends If things don’t go right tonight I might end my life Often it is dark and tries to pull you off an edge Things have got to change cos its mine or your life I’m nearly out Be guided by your gut and intuition where to step Someones losing their life and Spice is never serving life Gary Drummond - HMP Northumberland Trust your premonition if its feeling like a threat Could I serve life inside? Naaa cuz im not that type It’s gonna be too late to turn your life around in death Don’t be mean but do be nice and cherish what is left. Life is precious although it goes on it doesn’t last long Always looking at the pad door So I apologise for all the times I’ve done wrong I’ve only got a lil while more Drugs had me f*cked, I f*cked up, my heads gone Everything, even the little things got me stressing The screws send the Chaplin an’ I get a blessing So long to the hate But I made big changes from the dark place I came from Temptation got me, started piping Mark E P - HMP Durham Drugs were my priority ever since I was a young pup When I got no Spice, I start hyping From the ages of 13 I’ve spent every day drugged up The officers shouting at me through the flap So this is the answer to a unquestionable rage, Drugs are the reason that my whole life f*cked up He doesn’t think I’m a very nice chap They throw you in prison an lock you up in a cage. I didn’t realise til I was grown up and locked up Got bills they can’t pay, now they’re in a pit Under brutal scrutiny they watch my every step, Surrounded by thugs got my mind contaminated with thoughts Give me the money and I’ll make the hit Including the people I choose to connect. Now I got to hide me tele under me bed Spice had me suicidal I was so close to making a rope Wasn’t worth the money on that man’s head How do you expect me to conform to your system Ending it all right then and leaving a note Don’t want to ring home cause ino she’ll moan When half these mother f*ckers don’t ever seem to listen. Then I saw the light like the Lord gave me hope Keep picking up the pipe an not the phone Its like a constant battle in a wat you car’nt win, Mental health’s a disease I know you know what I mean All this time is getting hard With endless application and forms we fill in. Voices and visions making me wana scream It helps when I do laps around the yard Everything reminded of the bad things that I’ve seen My times nearly here, I’m nearly out Hands stirring syrup, feet stuck on repeat, Spice took me back to the worst places that I’ve been I’m staying out and that’s without a doubt. Routine regime in the face of defeat Walking so far but I’m getting nowhere, So this is a note to them boys on the Spice No longer do I worry about a life with no care Theres more to life than a razor blade pipe Another day in HMP Every pipe, every night your risking your life Criminal psychology! I’m not sure, Danielle McCallum - HMP Downview Completing your course is a miraculous cure So forget about that sh*t move on with your life Just tell this student what she wants to hear, It’s never too late to make things right Just another day in HMP Tick all the right boxes get yourself in the clear. Spice kills time but soon it stops working Getting paid peanuts from her majesty Spice takes lives so tell me, is it worth it? Studying maths, English and ICT Personality clash, disagreements appear, Sitting the the cell watching TV Brutality slash resulting in fear. Same routine everyday Ego reputation takes a knock with a broose Get down on my knees at night and pray With everything to gain we’ve got nothing to loose. A number in H.M.P Dear Lord, I’m sorry it turned out this way Divisions emerge drawing lines in the sand, Damien McCann - HMP Edinburgh But I’ve learnt my lesson I mean it ok Tick, tock! Tick tock! Racist religions I don’t understand. The keys jingle the doors lock Converted contradictions they join their flock of sheep, Just be like me, I’m not a G I picture myself in that dock Strengthened by numbers individually they’re weak. I’m just a numbered prisoner in the H.M.P When that judge sent me down Don’t get it twisted I think on my own, I don’t take drugs, I can handle my time I was in shock Ready player one is a game alone. A friend or two I’ll talk with that will do me fine I’m still here counting down time Breaking all the rules we’re bad to the bone Never in this life will I commit another crime The house always wins its time to go home I just play some pool, I won’t pretend to be cool Seeing people come and watching people go I can’t get into trouble or I’ll be on a rule Is not always easy because I want to go home Now am quitting the act and im turning the mask, Education, recreation and P.T Being away from my loved ones Keeping it real no need for the gas. Brushing up my skills for the day that I’m free All the tears in the world, it can’t be undone Whole new beginning please open the gate, Some days I just feel to run Hello to the love, so long to the hate. Sitting in my cell, my mind can start to run crazy But we all know there’s no way out So its best to keep occupied and don’t be lazy No matter how loud you scream and shout u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our I know my day will come very soon ‘Rap Star of the Month’. Send entries to: Inside Time, Rap, Reading books, writing stories, anything will do Feeling like butterfly leaving its cocoon Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Try to Instead of sitting feeling trapped like animals in a zoo Can’t wait till I’m finally free keep rhymes under 300 words. When submitting your work So let’s just say I’m smart, I’m talking straight from the heart Can’t wait to see those who mean a lot to me please include the following permission: ‘This is my own Caus I know that being in here’s tore my family apart Prisons made me appreciate work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate Prisons made me never want to hate sites and other publications as appropriate.’ By submitting So maybe don’t be me, I’m sure you could be a G Prisons made me a better person your rhymes to Inside Time you are agreeing to our terms, to read Just don’t end up a number in the H.M.P There’s only one life so make it worth it! them in full see the Inside Poetry pages in this issue. 52 Jailbreak // Inside Poetry www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Star Poem of the Month Exercise anti-clockwise My Journey Congratulations to this months winner Tony Lopez - HMP Berwyn who receives our £25 prize Mirjan Kastrati - HMP Addiewell Another big cage, to walk around I started this journey Nostalgia Nothing ever new, to talk about Without knowing the risk, Towels down, laid out in the sun Now I’m surrounded by people JLPJ - HMP Dartmoor In the winter, all huddled together as 1 Lost in the mist. Calls to the windows, for any hot gossip Nostalgia is a prison that thickens the blood Everything was supposed to be good Look who’s fighting again, he’s proper lost it I tried something different, and makes one rave. Like a loon. Out on the yard, because there’s nowt else to do Now I’m stuck in a mood Hindsight is bitter and cruel, Can’t wait for canteen, to get some good food My life changes, just in one moment. packaged with wisdom Kicking an empty can, as we walk and talk it tastes like vomit. Wish that was a beer, or a bottle uncorked I said to myself don’t worry Everything’s going to go well, I would give it all up, Inside is inside, even when you’re outside give it all up. But that strongest wind Smell the rain coming, from afar and wide Was for Addiewell. I would give up everything Exercise isn’t exercise, when you’re walking to go back and relive my life anti-clockwise!!! Life here is so difficult from childhood’s sunny days. Nothing to do, same everyday I’d navigate much better its many highs It’s only my fault, why? its lows. I am not my I choose this kind of holiday. and oh! To see my parents young again, © Deposit Photos Every night in my dream and understand their struggles The i Generation “Don’t move, hands up, police” and be a better friend. crime Every day I wake up early To get better grades, James Brogan - HMP Wymott J Harris - HMP IOW Because of the f*cking officer’s keys. avoid all the hurts. A magic spell has descended. People sick, people crying To once again have a child’s view I am not my crime Hypnotised and besotted Even sounds like people dying, of my own mortality: I know that’s all you see To an iPhone. In my head every day Never me. No, never me. It doesn’t matter what I do Feels like thunderstorms leading the way. Death will never come for me. A criminal’s all I’ll be The I generation are lonely. I’m young. Invincible. Forever. Siri is their only companion: I see this journey Until that moment when there is more, I am not my crime A synthetic friend, indeed. Boring and so hard. I have to pay without family more behind you than ahead. But I do deserve my cell. “Siri, tell me my horoscope. Every minute of my confinement All alone with my mind. then the truth hits home. Tell me what to believe As I’ve put people through hell. Show me how to cope!!” Hope is swapped for nostalgia. Sometimes I feel good In some moments I feel sick, Give me the harsh rules of youth; I am not my crime No more innocence I really don’t want to open my door I’d rather not wear the crown of future infirmity, And you’ll never see good Nothing is organic Five zombies asking for milk. the gown of dotage. The times I gave a helping hand Just a machine in your inheritance But I cannot change time. I can only When there’s nobody else that would. Brother? Any coffee, biscuits, any sugar? “Siri, can you love me? look back. Is the most used question. Can you read my lads a story? Only look back. I am not my crime I can’t wait to see myself Siri, are you human?” And I live with all my shame Outside at the train station. When my walk to freedom comes The spell must be broken Once up a line My life is not the same. Thank god not a long time left If the I generation To be who I really am, Royston Williams - HMP Bure Are ever to be awoken. I am not my crime And to have a chance And please believe this true To stop eating butter and jam. Once upon a line, it was only drinks I’ll leave this place a better man Cigarettes marijuana and wine The Lifers Prayer When I’m home and back free No risk to them or you. Then I sold my body soul and mind Martyn Turley - HMP Birmingham Where I’m meant to be. To forget this bad name (prisoner) The price to the devil That’s what they call me. All night parties, girls, fun and cocaine Forgive me if you can! May your hours pass like minutes, May your years pass like days, Under a drugged-up influence My time is done May all you’ve loved and left behind, Satan promised me again and again Matt - HMP Barlinnie I have paid the price, Fade softly, in the haze. You can become my own special friend Walking free from this place I’m sorry Mum (and Dad) My mind starts to race. My son he ‘said’ search up and down May your future bring you purpose For needles, silver foil and crackpipes Forgive me if you can May your future bring you peace, I miss my family To suck on I’m sorry to my sisters May your heart stay strong, my brother, With them I want to be Forgive me if you can Only come out after dark For the day of your release. To not stay anymore alone I’m sorry, deeply sorry, to my ex-wife When lots of drug dealers are around Ahmen Fresh air, and one biggest scream…”free!” No light or brightness from the sun Forgive me if you can Like you there’s only other Junkies to be found I’m sorry to my sons, no words to express how much u Forgive me if you can We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Star Poem of the Month’. To qualify Look into my eyes Satan cried for a prize, poems should not have won a prize in any other competition or been published previously. I’m sorry to you, the victims of my horrible As the devil kept on calling out Send entries to: Inside Time, Poetry, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Be quick come come come crimes, It is very important that you ensure the following details are on all paperwork sent to Inside It became a full-time job Amends need to be done where possible, Please forgive me if you can Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON NUMBER & PRISON. Failure to do so will prevent us responding to Called a habit you and your submission being withheld from publication. We will be using the new ‘Money I’m sorry to all I have caused hurt to throughout Likened to the beat of trombones and drums Transfer Service’ for prize money so include your DOB on your entries. Desperate was I for money my life By submitting your poems to Inside Time you are agreeing that they can be published in any of our I just kept on doing all sorts of wrongs Forgive me if you can I’m sorry to society, the norms of which I have broken ‘not for profit links’, these include the newspaper, website and any forthcoming books. You are also Police finally caught up with me - ‘SLAM’ giving permission for Inside Time to use their discretion in allowing other organisations to reproduce Forgive me if you can For all of the crimes that I’d done this work if considered appropriate, unless you have clearly stated that you do not want this to Silence in the court I’m sorry to the God in whom I believe happen. Any work reproduced in other publications will be on a ‘not for profit’ basis. Please note I heard the judge bring down the gavel Forgive & accept my repentance if you can. poems for publication may be edited. When submitting your work please include the following As the dust settled, my freedom ended To everyone, I am sorry! permission: ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate Taken away, at long last, gone. Forgive me if you can! sites and other publications as appropriate.’ Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Inside Poetry 53 About Autumn Leaves Robbie Ellis - HMP Littlehey Alex Lewis - HMP Send We may not understand about why, How did you get to be here? There seem more questions than answers about. © Deposit Photos Why you? It’s about patience and belief in yourself - Of all the leaves on the tree, yet it was your turn About your judgement, do not doubt. Was there a queue or did they choose you? I pick you up, curious I miss my cats We may feel great sorrow about the loss of someone so close, I turn you over and put you down Or hurting about being far from home or friends, I drop you, watching you fall weightless, free and effortlessly Paul Buller - HMP Strangeways Just listen to your heart - it’s not about feeling down or sad, I look up at the tree, wondering where you once resided It’s about the future, hold tight to see what heaven sends. Seconds ago you were there, unnoticed I miss all my six cats, I really miss them all Now I defy anyone walking past not to notice you I know they’re not kids but I’ve had them since they were small We often hear about the bad happenings on our planet, You are sunset red against the luscious green grass, Vicky is the oldest and they all came from her And think deeply about the sadness in our own lives, A sharp point with serrated edges, But we can all do something about it, Prominent veins which once fed you I can’t wait to get out so I can hear them all purr It’s about moving forward to remove the strife. You look so powerful She is so human-like but with blue soft silky fur To think you existed and were part of something so much bigger She was taken once; I thought I would never see her again Inevitably we experience people around and about us, than me She was missing for weeks but found her way back with her brain Who are all about the negative - a trend that needs to buck. Yet here you are, lying defensively, alone Vicky found her way home despite cold wind and rain Of these you can do little about, so, make little fuss. I see you almost shrivel in front of my eyes, Edges curling, your redness browning I hope the person who stole her feels some shame About your life, simply remain positive - think always with a half-full cup! You look weak, incapable Then there’s Reverend, her daughter, who is scared of herself The next day you are gone She’s ever so jumpy - it can’t be good for her health The only thing to remember is this letter Then there’s her sister Scarface who’s proud and tough You deserve at least that. She thinks she’s a dog - no food is ever enough Back in July, my prison and I I even give her a bone and she will growl if anyone goes near She’s a big softy really there’s nothing to fear Charlie Elliott - HMP Peterborough The other sister is Tiger and she’s loving and pretty Back in July, I met a girl who made me feel I could fly! Her daughter’s her double, called Arura - everyone’s favourite kitty I said ‘let’s get something to eat’, she giggled and said ‘I’ve eaten, I’m beat’ But Scarface gave birth to my youngest called Patch I met her friend, I met her dog, she was my princess, I was her frog. She runs up to me when she sees me she is not hard to catch With a heart so pure, she’s one of a kind, I know I’m sure! She has a black triangle on her face the rest of her is white Then my world started to fall apart, ‘my dear’ I said: ‘I must depart’ And at the end of the day really late at night Prison was to be my home, oh my, I feel so alone. Patch looks at us all like what more can be said For two weeks, no one knew where I was, I told the guards this feels She wanders in my room and falls asleep on my bed like Oz I didn’t want my cats to be out there all on their own Then a call came out of the blue, my Mum she knew! But at least they aren’t locked up they are free to roam ‘I’ve spoken to your girl Mel, she’s ace! Not like the others, they’re a I have missed my cats every single day disgrace!’ So from prison I think I will stay away. As time went by, I started to lose hope, I dunno why, I felt I couldn’t cope. I met some pals inside, they said ‘you can run but you cannot hide’ Keep your head down and do your time, you’ll soon be home drinking wine! Vicious Circle Court loomed upon me, oh no, could it be? © Deposit Photos Twenty-three months the judge gave me, oh no! Oh really? Abubakar Munye - HMP Leeds The Swallows have all gone Get comfy, get cosy, you’re here for Christmas you see! Mel didn’t lose sight, we have hope, we’ll be alright! Keith MacCallum - HMP Addiewell The streets have a lot of malicious venues We make plans, we speak frequently - when I’m out we’ll be a family Venerable prey getting targeted as if they’re next on the menu I can’t wait to hold her, arm in arm, she’s my girl - she’ll cause me no harm. The Swallows have all gone; the sky seems dull & bare Wild goons running around like a group of baboons Back in July, I met a girl who made me feel I could fly! I love to watch them swooping low but now they are not there Long summer days just a memory, the cold nights drawing in Rolling with knives cutting one another as if they work in saloons She believes we have a future, and so do I! Lives getting wasted parallel to bursting balloons The sun he hides behind dark clouds, Jack Frost comes out to win. Leaving permanent scars like a ruined tattoo The Swallows have all gone, they’ve flown to warmer lands Not thinking before they discharge the ammunition Windrush 1948 The hedgerows glisten with the frost, the cold air nips my hands It’s that split-second decision Mick R Moughan - HMP Leeds I wish they didn’t have to go as I love to watch them fly That will leave you dead or either in prison Swooping low to catch the flies, they fill the summer sky. The reason WHY was because you wanted to earn a little reputation Before you start reminiscing & scratching your head wishing you’d Sparkling lights, seen through the dark tide. The Swallows have all gone, and now I feel so sad listened Travelling on Windrush, expectations and pride. I’ve watched them darting to & fro since I was just a lad Excitement so real, not here for the ride, Move forward, be positive and restart your ignition But now my life is fading fast, my body racked with pain Labour replacement for those who have died. The streets are dark there’s an invisible switch in your head that will I know I will never see them fill my eyes again. bring some sparks Hope for a life change, money to make, The Swallows have all gone, my heart is filled with fear Don’t gamble with your life like a game of darts For all of the family make no mistake. I wish to see them one more summer, as I wipe away a tear Otherwise your life will be a puzzle with missing parts Rebuilding for London that’s in such a state, But I know my time is running out as the cancer takes its toll The streets will leave you with nothing but a broken heart Here for the long haul for our futures sake. I fought the fight but it’s not to be, as the reaper claims my soul Devils is a destruction so battle like its martial arts Youngsters flying around in illegal motors like its Mario carts To live in the country of royalty and Queens. The Swallows have all gone, but they will return next year I will not sit in my favourite spot, the mill beside the weir Speeding round like they’re on a mischievous mission All so very happy, realising our dreams. But in the village churchyard as I lay there in my grave Not concerned in the world if they get into a collision Our hopes and our fears, is this what it seems? I’ll watch the Swallows fly overhead, those tiny birds so brave Racing as if they’re in a drag race competition Living together in colourful teams. Sirens screaming at a distance I have one wish to ask of you, when you stand at my grave don’t cry Street life is comparable to a slippery bowl of noodles which you can Singing calypso, a genre is born. For every summer my soul will rejoice, as I watch the Swallows fly lose in an instant The music, the costumes we make and adorn. And as my body turns to dust, as Swallows come & go Everyone acts like they have love for each other We dance on the decks, the yard and the lawn, Please stay & watch them at my favourite spot, by the mill where However you’ll see them on the front cover for killing one another. The hills and the fields from dusk till its dawn. quiet waters flow. 54 Jailbreak // Prize Winning Competitions www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

The online support Caption Competition Read all about it! community for family & friends who have a loved one in prision Last Months £25 Winner A £25 prize is on offer for the best caption to 1. How many colours are in the rainbow? Lee Tipper HMP Hewell this month’s picture. 2. What day is St George’s day this year? Proud sponsors of Inside Time’s 3. What animal is normally associated with PRIZE quiz ‘Read all about it!’ Easter? We have over 3000 4. What is the name of the pub in Hollyoaks? members using Prison Chat UK 5. What is Emmerdale’s Paddy and Chas’s (PCUK) who offer support and advice to those outside prison. daughter’s name? 6. Which bathroom essential have the public To find out more... been panic stock buying? see our advert on the back page

7. Tinnie Temper has recently returned to Women fight over toilet paper at Australia Last Months Winners ‘Stormzy and Dave meet supermarket amid coronavirus fears. Toilet music, what has he edited his name to? Chris Beechill HMP Moorland (£25) Jimmy Krankie backstage!’ paper has emerged as the unlikely No.1 Kieran Bradley HMP Swinfen Hall (£5) 8. Neighbours are celebrating which anniver- stockpiling target for people worried that the Darren Townsend HMP Thorncross (£5) spread of the coronavirus epidemic will lead sary this year? See box to the right for details of how to enter Closing date for all competitions is 24/04/20 to supply shortages. 9. The 1st of April is also known as? Answers to last months News Quiz: 1. Sunday 22nd Correction: In the March issue Inside Knowledge Quiz, question 1 was inadvertently left in when 10. Which soap star is currently using their role of March, 2. Paige and Finn, 3. N/A, 4. The River it was replaced by a significant Newsround item coming in at the last minute. We offer sincere Thames, 5. Patrick, 6. Caroline Flack, 7. Ant and Dec, apologies to those readers who obviously scanned the paper looking for a question and couldn’t to highlight deafness? 8. Tyson Fury, 9. Dennis Rickman Jnr, 10. Spring find its whereabouts.

Inside Knowledge // All the answers are within this issue of Inside Time - all you have to do is find them! How to enter: Send your entry on a separate sheet The first three names to be drawn with all-correct answers (or nearest) will by scientist Tim Berners-Lee? receive a £25 cash prize. There will also be two £5 runner up prizes. 11. Crumbling prisons will receive an extra how much this year for urgently of paper. Make sure your needed maintenance work? NAME, NUMBER & 1. Prisoners can apply for a Child Assessment Order through the what? 12. Who is particularly interested in the work of the CCRC, as she was on the PRISON is on all sheets. 2. Young men from which prison help rehabilitate abandoned dogs? body that recommended its creation? 3. Who, for more than 3 years, has been running Food Behind Bars, a national 13. Who admitted there are some staff whose behaviour and attitudes are letting Failure to do so will campaign to improve prison food? down the Prison Service? invalidate your entry. 4. Who expresses guilt that his reactions move from shock at the sight of 14. Which was the first prison in the UK to open a Progression Regime? self-harmers to almost acceptance as it’s so common? 15. Who says he realised that before he went to prison, his life had hit rock We will be using the new 5. Andrea Albutt, president of the Prison Governors Association, said that in the bottom? ‘Money Transfer Service’ worst case how many prisoners would be affected with Coronavirus? 6. Who left his 61 million dollar personal fortune almost entirely to charity? for prize money so include Answers to Last Month’s Inside Knowledge Prize Quiz 1. Chris Atkins N/A (see 7. Who says ‘we need to absolutely decide what the purpose of prison is and fund correction above), 2. Scott Maloney, 3. £2.5 billion, 4. Terry Waite, 5. Hwa Young Jung, your DOB on your entries. it accordingly’? 6. Tina Bell, 7. Nikki, 8. M D Loxley, 9. USA, 10. 3 months, 11. 42 days Post to: ‘Jailbreak’. Inside 8. After a period of poor reports, which prison was placed in special measures and its population halved? The three £25 Prize winners are: The £5 runner up prizes go to: Time, Botley Mills, Botley, 9. Who says ‘so why all the trouble over bog-roll? Are they using it to wipe their Paul Chigbu HMP Wandsworth, Jay Graham HMP Edinburgh Southampton, Hampshire noses’? Francesca Robinson HMP Eastwood Park Ronnie Sinclair HMP Low Newton SO30 2GB. 10. On what date was the World Wide Web first launched in the public domain Jonathan Ashton HMP Stoke Heath Answers to last months quizzes HONEYCOMB QUICK CROSSWORD “Recent Cases dealt with by MKS LAW “ Across: 1 Stockholm. 6 Arc. 8 Benign. 9 Proof. 10 Resent. CROWN COURT 11 Intense. 13 Avarice. R v S and Others – Charged with Murder. All defen- 16 Scarab. 18 In-off. 19 Lesser. dants found Not Guilty. 21 Nun. 22 Time-share. R v W and Others – Charged with supply of drugs. Hung Jury. Discharged. Down: 1 Sue. 2 Olive. 3 Kinetic. 4 Output. 5 Maroon. 7 Coffee R v B - Charged with Attempted Murder. Reduced to bar. 8 Barbarian. 12 Nestles. GBH following negotiation with CPS. 14 Amount. 15 Infirm. 17 At sea. 20 Eye. PAROLE HEARINGS LICENCE RECALL JM, BH, AL, AM, DC Clients all released following Parole hearings. GEFBADCHI 3 9 APPEALS AGAINST CONVICTION/ SENTENCE 2 7 1st stage appeals undertaken on private client basis only. 6 8 3 4 CATCHPHRASE WORD MORPH 7 9 2 5 3 CCRC REFERRALS 6 4 1. Upset Stomach GREEN 2nd appeal attempts undertaken privately and some 2. Sit Back and Relax GREED 2 8 5 7 4 Legal Aid. A charity providing expert 3. Turn Back the Hands FREED 1 8 2 6 of Time FRIED 9 7 and legal advice to prisoners 4. Two Feet ADJUDICATIONS

DRIED 3 8 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. FA - Client found Not Guilty following positive MTD. 5. Man Overboard Daily Sudoku: Mon 3-Feb-2020 who claim they are innocent. 6. Parting Comments ANAGRAM SQUARE SUDOKU Murder, Drugs, Fraud? Facing serious criminal charges? TECTONIC Face them with the Legal Team that is right for you. If that’s you, please write to us at: 1 S OUND 3 4 7 2 5 9 8 1 6 8 1 2 4 3 6 5 7 9 MKS LAW - Suite 19, Unit 9 Liberty One Business Village, West Dock Street, 2 P OUND 5 6 9 7 8 1 3 2 4 Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire HU3 4HH 3 A NGLE Centre, Wembley, HA0 1TX 4 7 1 8 9 2 6 5 3 or email: [email protected] 4 I GLOO 9 5 3 6 1 4 2 8 7 Tel: 020 8123 3404 Fax: 020 8181 6512 5 N EWTS 2 8 6 5 7 3 9 4 1 www.insidejustice.co.uk 1 3 8 9 2 7 4 6 5 MKS LAW Solicitors 6 9 5 1 4 8 7 3 2 Criminal Defence Lawyers

7 2 4 3 6 5 1 9 8 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. Legal Aid & Private Client Daily Sudoku: Mon 3-Feb-2020 hard 020 8123 3404 - [email protected] - mslaw.co.uk http://www.dailysudoku.com/ Formerly Attwood Solicitors THE COMPENSATION SPECIALISTS

You may be entitled to claim compensation “NO WIN - NO FEE” PERSONAL INJURY

Recent changes in the law now mean that the Prison has more responsibility than ever to ensure your safety whilst under their care. We are happy to consider all injury claims that Injuries suffered due to negligence occurred within the last three years.

• Accidents at work • Injured by someone else’s mistake, at work or elsewhere • Falls from bunks • Assaults following threats that have been ignored • Slip & Trips • Faulty equipment, furniture or fittings Medical Negligence (Delayed / Wrong Treatment)

If you have suffered and you are not sure whether you should claim, then contact us by phone or freepost and we will advise you on the best way forward - all “no win, no fee”.

CONTACT US TODAY, you may be entitled to compensation! Dental Negligence 0800 145 5105 This month's challenge 5 Flags to a Side Request a Claim Form Send your: Name, Prison Number and Claim Type to A building is being prepared FREEPOST RSSU-GCXH-SJLG for opening. People are decorating the building with Brayford Solicitors, 5-7 Hartshill Road, 12 flags. At first they arrange Stoke on Trent, ST4 1QH the flags 4 to a side, as www.brayfordsolicitors.co.uk shown, but then they see that the flags can be arranged 5 [email protected] Last Months Answer: to a side using only 12 flags. 27 triangles. Brayford Solicitors is a Trading Name of Brayford Solicitors Limited, Company Number 08270337 registered How? in England and Wales. The registered office is 5-7 Harsthill Road, Stoke, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST4 1QH. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Registration Number 654627. 56 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020

Honeycomb Do you know? Anagram Square

Write the six-letter answers to these clues around their clue Rearrange the letters in each row to form a word. Write your numbers in the grid, reading clockwise or anti-clockwise, answers into the blank grid. starting from the hexagon above the clue number. You’ll need to The first letter from each word, decide which direction they travel. reading down, will spell the mystery keyword. Uranus smells like farts Poor Uranus: After years of 1 STEAM We should be ashamed-icus being the butt of many © Deposit Photos Meet Eurythenes plasticus, a schoolyard jokes, the planet’s 2 PEOLE Secret behind dogs’ cold newly identified amphipod odor lives up to the unfortu- noses revealed by scientists found in one of the deepest nate name. According to a 3 DRE AD Researchers believe they have places on Earth named after new study by researchers at 4 DIARY solved the mystery surround- the plastic found to contami- the University of Oxford and ing dogs’ noses and why they nate its gut. Though the other institutions, published 5 SELYL are so cold. A study revealed coin-sized scavenger is new to in the journal Nature the phenomenon is down to science and lives in the Astronomy, the upper layer of their sniffers serving as remote ocean, its plastic Uranus’s atmosphere consists 1 ultra-sensitive heat detectors contamination shows that it is largely of hydrogen sulfide— - and not anything to do with not exempt from the impacts the same compound that 2 body temperature regulation. of human pollution on our gives farts their putrid stench. Scientists in Sweden and planet. “The newly discovered Certain gases absorb infrared 3 Hungary found that when the species Eurythenes plasticus light from the Sun. By ambient temperature was shows us how far-reaching analyzing the infrared light 4 1. Beer container 8. Respiratory 14. Assistant 30C, a dog’s rhinarium - or the consequences of our patterns in the images they 2. Formal promise condition 15. Secure 5 the bare end point of the inadequate handling of plastic captured using the Gemini 3. Injure 9. Illuminations 16. Make possible nose - was 5C cooler. waste truly is. There are North telescope in Hawaii, 4. Group of cottages 10. Picture puzzle 17. Huddle together And when the outside species living in the deepest, Thanks to Thomas Leedham 5. Type of printer 11. Protective screen 18. African fly astronomers were able to get HMP Stafford. If you fancy temperature was 0C, a dog’s 6. Motive 12. Japanese religion 19. Locations most remote places on Earth a clearer picture of Uranus’s compiling an Anagram Square 7. Small plum 13. Warmer 20. Whiten nose would be about 8C. The which have already ingested atmospheric composition. On for us please just send it in 5 x 5 two factors equal out at 15C. plastic before they are even squares, complete with answers top of making farts smelly, shown on a grid. If we use it we Such differences suggest the known about by humankind. hydrogen sulfide is also will send you £5 as a thank you! tip of the nose serves as a Plastics are in the air that we responsible for giving sewers Remember to include your name, Tectonic sensory function, according to breathe, in the water that we number, prison. We will be using and rotten eggs their the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ the study published in the Each square must contain a digit. A one-square block contains drink and now also in animals signature stink. But the gas’s for prize money so include your Scientific Reports journal. It only a 1, a two-square block contains 1 and 2, a three-square that live far away from human presence on Uranus has value DOB on your entries. block contains 1, 2 and 3, and so on. The same digit cannot showed a dog’s nose can civilization.” said Heike Vesper, beyond making scientists appear in neighbouring squares - not even diagonally. detect very faint heat sources Director of the Marine giggle: It could unlock secrets Fun facts... - such as small animals - from Programme at WWF about the formation of the 1.5m (5ft) away. Sky News Germany. IFL Science solar system. Menal Floss • The current US flag (with 51 stars) was designed by a sev- Good news / Inspiring, Positive Stories enteen-year-old for a class project in 1958. He got a B- for the design. • In English, “to be blue” is to be sad, while in German, “to be blue” is to be drunk and in Russian, “to be light blue” is to be homosexual. • A third of American tourists visiting Scotland in 2003

© Deposit Photos thought that haggis was an animal. Generous beyond the grave Plastic fantastic When actor Kirk Douglas passed away on Each year, humanity churns out some 300 • The average American foot- February 5th he was a stunning 103 years old million tons of plastic and ships it around the ball game contains just 18 and a Hollywood icon. Now, it’s been revealed world before dropping it into landfills. And the minutes of actual gameplay. that he was also extremely generous in his will. problem doesn’t stop there. In the half-century • Pablo Escobar imported 4 Douglas, best known for films like Spartacus, since plastic exploded into our lives, tiny bits of hippos to Colombia in the left his $61 million personal fortune almost it have spread through our oceans, our 1980s, and their approxi- Words of the month entirely to charity. As for specifically how the ecosystems and even our bodies. So far, mately 80 descendants are now wreaking havoc on the money will be used, the Independent reports humanity has struggled to get rid of it. But • PANNAPICTAGRAPHIST - a local eco system. literally ‘vein of my heart’. that $50 million will be distributed through the there may be new hope for a solution. comic book collector. Douglas Foundation, which was started by Scientists say they’ve found a caterpillar that • Welsh-speakers were used • RHINOTILLEXOMANIA - VERNALAGNIA - spring to send secret messages in • compulsive nose-picking. Douglas and his wife Anne to help those in loves to eat this non-biodegradable waste. The fever, the increase in one’s World War II as there were so One 53-year-old rhinotillex- need. According to its website the foundation insects won’t save us from our plastic pollution, spirit when spring finally few speakers in Europe out- omaniac is reported to have exists “to help those who cannot otherwise but figuring out how they digest the garbage arrives after a long winter. side of the UK. dug a hole through her septum. help themselves.” Douglas’s son, the actor could help offer up a solution. “Nature is Michael Douglas, will not receive any of the providing us with a great starting point to • Most of our knowledge of • NASCHEN (German) - to GRUEFLING (Scots) - to lie • money, but with an estimated net worth of model how to effectively biodegrade plastic,” the now extinct Dalmatian snack or to eat sweets when close wrapped up, and in a language comes from an $300 million himself that seems a non-issue. By says biologist Christophe LeMoine. “But we still no one else is looking. comfortable-looking manner; Italian man called Tuone used in ridicule. leaving his fortune to institutions that help the have a few more puzzles to solve before using Udaina. He was deaf with no • CUSHLAMACHREE - neediest members of society Douglas has this technology, so it’s probably best to keep teeth, was not a native sweetheart, adapted from • XERTZ - to eat or drink ensured that his legacy will endure beyond his reducing plastic waste while this gets figured Dalmatian speaker, and hadn’t Gaelic ‘cuisle mo chroidhe’, greedily. films. Tank’s good news out.” Discover Magazine spoken the language in 20 years. Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 57

April Births The path to success The Queen 3 April 1961 1. Heirs apparent don’t just Eddie Murphy - Actor (59 5 8 5 8 3 show up to primary school y/o) like normal kids. Instead, 7 April 1964 3 9 7 5 7 Elizabeth was tutored at home Russell Crowe - Actor during sessions by different (56y/o) 7 4 8 9 3 teachers like Henry Marten, vice-provost of Eton College 15 April 1990 (which is still for boys only), 8 5 2 Emma Watson - Actress 9 8 and was also given private (30y/o) religion lessons by the 19 April 1987 9 4 7 8 5 Archbishop of Canterbury. Maria Sharapova - Tennis palyer (33y/o) Start at the bottom left square 2. When World War II broke and move up, down, left or right out in 1939, Elizabeth-then 25 April 1940 until you reach the finish. Add the just a teenager-begged her Al Pacino - Actor (80y/o) numbers as you go. Can you father to join the effort make exactly 52? somehow. She started out by making radio broadcasts GEF BAD CHI geared toward raising the morale of British children. Using the letters G,E,F,B,A,D,C,H & I fill in the During one of the broadcasts, blank squares. Each letter A-I must appear the 14-year-old princess only once in each line column and 3x3 grid. reassured listeners, “I can truthfully say to you all that we children at home are full of cheerfulness and courage. We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailors, soldiers, and airmen and we are trying Neil Speed is a too to bear our own share of the former prisoner danger and sadness of war.” who came up with the concept 3. Despite the risks, Elizabeth of GEF BAD CHI eventually joined the women’s whilst in prison. Auxiliary Territorial Service and GEF BAD CHI by trained as a truck driver and Neil Speed is mechanic in 1945, when she published by was 18 years old. Queen Xlibris. £12.35 Elizabeth remains the only female royal family member to Catchphrase have entered the armed forces, and is currently the only living The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, head of state who officially place, or thing that each square is meant to represent. served in World War II.

4. She married her cousin.

© MW Released life sentenced prisoner Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth are third cousins; both share the same great-great-grandparents: ASN LAW See our Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. SOLICITORS page in the Anthony Stokoe ‘Jailbreak’ section 5. She technically owns all the Rasheed Nujeerallee dolphins in the uk. In addition Independent Prison Law to owning all of the country’s Expert since 1994 THE PRISON dolphins, she owns all the ‘People Before Profit’ sturgeon and whales, too. A PHOENIX TRUST still-valid statute from the Continuing the Fight and Challenge reign of King Edward II in Despite Legal Aid Cuts Head doing you in? 1324 states, “Also the King Straight advice/representation shall have ... whales and Just for laughs for Male and Female Prisoners Stressed out? sturgeons taken in the sea or Can’t sleep? elsewhere within the realm,” • My girlfriend asked me if I wanted to get married. So I said Adjudications Lifer/IPP Specialist meaning most aquatic creatures are technically “Sure” She asked “When?” “When I meet the right person”. Recall Parole Judicial Reviews Simple yoga and Mental Health Law Expert labelled “fishes royal,” and are • I bet the guy who invented hand sanitizer is rubbing his meditation practice, claimed on behalf of the hands together now. Human Rights - European & International working with silence and the Crown. As the song goes, Cat A Reviews “Rule, Britannia! Britannia breath, might just transform • I thought my vasectomy would keep my wife from getting Pre-tariff Sift/Hearings rules the waves!” pregnant ...but apparently it just changes the colour of the baby. your life in more ways than Suite 8, Vine House, you think ... Interested? 6. The Queen drinks gin • I cant believe that bacteria would just intrude into my body mixed with Dubonnet (a without my permission. That makes me sick. 143 London Road, Write to The Prison Phoenix Trust fortified wine) and a slice of Kingston KT2 6NH P.O. Box 328, Oxford, OX2 7HF. lemon on the rocks every day • A toilet was stolen from the police station. The cops have before lunch. She also nothing to go on. reportedly drinks wine at We’d love to hear from you anytime and have lunch and has a glass of 020 8549 4282 several free books and CDs, which could • Why are people buying so much toilet paper for the Coronavirus? champagne every evening. NATIONWIDE SERVICE help you build and maintain a daily practice. Because when 1 person sneezes, 100 people sh*t themselves. Cheers! T E A M S E L O P E D A R E D 58 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org D A I R Y Insidetime April 2020 Y E L L S Number Search In this month... Did I say that? Number Search – David Elliott HMP Northumberland

1 April 2004 9 8 7 7 6 6 0 1 2 3 Google introduces Gmail: the launch is met 2 5 4 1 2 2 9 4 4 9 with skepticism on account of the launch date. 7 4 3 7 5 8 6 3 0 6 3 April 1882 American outlaw Jesse James is killed by Robert 9 7 7 3 6 2 0 1 3 1 Ford at home in St Joseph. 3 1 8 5 8 6 8 6 8 8 6 April 1722 2 0 4 9 9 7 8 5 3 7 Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, ends tax on men “The heroes will be the men “Buying more than you 5 6 1 8 5 1 2 9 4 0 with beards. and women who continue need means others may be “We have damaged our working tirelessly in our left without. We all have a world and it’s no surprise 1 4 8 7 4 0 1 0 9 3 7 April 1739 role to play in ensuring we hospitals and medical that it is reacting to the 2 5 1 9 8 3 6 4 1 7 Dick Turpin executed in England for horse stealing. centres to look after our all come through this friends and families. They together.” human race. A virus has 7 1 0 5 1 4 1 9 1 5 7 April 2016 won’t receive the individual Environment Secretary been created that is going Longest-ever captured python found on George Eustace MP urging 1982, 2015, 412294, 5868688, 105141915, acclaim but we all know to slow us down, and 1982, 2015, 412294, 5868688, 105141915, 7932512, 681490, Penang in Malaysia (26ft/8m). their importance is beyond the public to calm down 7932512, 681490, 321, 70375, 987, 84766 ultimately make us think 321, 70375, 987, 84766 anything we do on the following manic scenes of Thanks to David Elliott HMP Northumberland for 10 April 1912 pitch.” panic buying. differently about our world compiling this Number Search. If you fancy RMS Titanic sets sail from Southampton for her Gareth Southgate in an open and ourselves. As any compiling one please send in max 10 x 10 grid maiden (and final) voyage. letter to England fans. complete with answers shown on a grid. If we use it organism would do, (the we will send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to 10 April 1996 world) is trying to get rid of include your name, number and prison. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize Fastest wind speed ever recorded (not a an infection, and maybe money so include your DOB on your entries. tornado) 253 mph during tropical cyclone this is it for the world.’ Olivia on Barrow Island, Australia. Idris Elba spoke while in Sudoku // Very Hard 12 April 1937 quarantine after contracting “We’re taking away the Sir Frank Whittle ground-tests the first jet coronavirus. engine designed to power an aircraft at Rugby, ancient inalienable right of 4 6 England. freeborn people of the “Basically, I have not been United Kingdom to go to “I think it is like collective 8 9 4 13 April 1970 able to sleep for literally a the pub.” suicide.” 1 6 5 3 Apollo 13 announces “Okay, Houston, we’ve week since all of this has PM Boris Johnson announc- Professor Giacomo Grasselli had a problem here”, as Beech-built oxygen been going on.” ing closures of pubs, when asked what might 7 3 tank explodes en route to Moon. Rita Ora launching her new restaurants and bars in order happen if people in the UK fashion Tee on Instagram to help fight the Coronavirus don’t take Coronavirus 9 8 2 5 1 7 14 April 2003 Live. epidemic. seriously. The Human Genome Project is completed with 5 8 99% of the human genome sequenced to an It is White to play and take advantage of the fact 7 9 4 3 accuracy of 99.99%. Inside Chess that Black does not have his knight on f6 which by Carl Portman is the standard square to protect the King. How 6 1 3 15 April 1955 will you proceed? Win the battle, pack up and go home victorious.

Ray Kroc opens first McDonald’s Inc. fast food 4 2 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. Chess is a game of exceptions - this much is to restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. Daily Sudoku: Sun 1-Mar-2020 be distinctly understood. There are many general Word Morph 16 April 1943 guidelines, as there are for any military battle; 8 Swiss scientist Dr. Albert Hofmann discovers and chess is after all essentially a war game. We Can you morph one word into another by just the psychedelic effects of LSD. know that we should not cross a very busy road, 7 that’s a general rule, but there are times when it changing one letter at a time? It isn’t quite as easy as you think! 17 April 1875 will be quiet too - and that would be a good time 6 4 2 9 3 7 1 6 5 8 Modern Snooker invented by Sir Neville to cross. The only limit to chess is that which we 7 3 5 8EASTER9 6 2 4 1 Chamberlain, a bored British officer in give ourselves. Let’s take the issue of castling. In 5 Jabalpur, India. general terms it is a very smart idea to castle 8 1 6 2 4 5 3 7 9 early. Why? Well, we want to tuck our most im- 4 20 April 1611 portant piece (the King) into a corner where it 6 4 1 7 5 9 8 2 3 3 First known performance of Shakespeare’s can be protected by pieces and pawns and where it is out of the way of the middle of the battlefield. 9 8 2 6 3 4 5 1 7 tragedy Macbeth at the Globe Theatre, 2 London, recorded by Simon Forman. I mean in what famous battle would a King expose himself to a hail of arrows or gunfire? 5 7 3 1 2 8 9 6 4 1 MASKED 20 April 1979 1 5 7 9 8 2 4 3 6 President Jimmy Carter is attacked by a swamp The position for you to solve will show that the rabbit which swam up to his fishing boat in exception to early castling has applied. White’s A B C D E F G H 2 6 8 4 1 3 7 9 5 Plains, Georgia. King is in the centre of the board where it is open to enemy fire. Black’s King is sensibly tucked Write to me with your answer care of: The English 3 9 4 5 6 7 1 8 2 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. 25 April 1507 away. Yet both positions are what I would call Chess Federation at The Watch Oak, Chain Lane, Daily Sudoku: Sun 1-Mar-2020 very hard German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller ‘loose’. That is to say the pieces are not in their Battle, East Sussex TN33 OYD. Please note that first to use the name America on his world map traditional places. Note that Black’s Queen is far you should always write to me at the ECF not via “Universalis Cosmographia”. far away from her precious husband. She is mess- Inside Time. Also, please include your prison ing about doing who knows what? White wants number and if you can, the date and what month’s Father’s Day // 21sthttp://www.dailysudoku.com/ June 30 April 1989 to win the fight quickly, rally his troops and go puzzle you are entering. Send your messages (20 words max) to World Wide Web (WWW) is first launched in home having secured victory. The King said: Inside Time and we will publish them in a the public domain by CERN scientist Tim “Leave me here in the centre and get on with it”. The answer to February’s puzzle was 1.Bd3xe4 special Father ‘figures’ Day section in the Berners-Lee. Look how his army is pointing towards the Black winning a piece. If 1…Bb7xe4 then 2.Qd1xd4 win- King. This is what you are looking for in chess - ning the bishop or checkmating on g7. If 1…d4xc3 June issue. All messages received will appear in the paper and on the website. 30 April 1888 active play even at the cost of a pawn, for example. then White just plays 2.Be4xb7 c3xb2 3.Rc1-b1 Entries must be sent to Inside Time ‘Father’s 1888 Moradabad hailstorm: hail stones Let us not forget also that when you castle, you and then the rook on a8 is snaffled! Day’ Botley Mills, Botley, Hampshire SO30 allegedly as big as oranges kill 246 people and effectively give your opponent the King’s address; 2GB. Closing date 22nd May and don’t for- some 1600 sheep and cattle in Moradabad, so castle short or long or not at all - that’s your The winner was Andrew from HMP Grendon. get to include your full details too! Uttar Pradesh. choice. The March winner to be announced. Insidetime April 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 59 Jailbreak April 2020 The joke’s on you! Wordsearch // Spring Would you believe it? Spring - Anon HMP Durham • Peggy Johnson was suing her neighbour, W G Y U B S S A R G T U C H S E R F J G Dave, for harassment after he kept calling her H T D A F F O D I L Q U I B N A M Q L I ‘pig.’ The two were fighting over their back gar- O J A F K I L I D W S F Z L C R D E A O den borders, and so Dave took to calling her a L T O R D S F A C B E N G O C U P Y M U ‘pig.’ Peggy took him to court and sued him for I Q E C S A P L J F S E A S T E R A B X harassment. The judge wanted to settle this D L H R G B Y X O C B V M S G I E N E A immediately and issued an order for Dave to A J O H J L C L F W A H F O K H T F L R stop calling Peggy a ‘pig.’ “Dave, I’m giving you Y A U G N U P U I C E K A M G H B Y U I a chance to walk away scot-free. However, you B F J G Q E E I T G L R C H J I U O R Q can no longer call Ms. Johnson a ‘pig.’ U E X E S B A K S N H H T E R S A U G C Understood?” “Well... that doesn’t seem fai...” F S E P N E G H W C O T A D W E A S D H “...we can let this go to trial, you can spend I T A X B L Z I C C R L S Y O D S F L I Summer sweat box thousands on lawyers, but if Ms. Johnson’s

© Deposit Photos L I W S F L I T O T P O D A T S I R H C When you think of a summer house, you attorneys can prove calling her a ‘pig’ leads to Cheers! probably don’t picture an old prison van. But emotional damage, you’ll end up owing a lot.” D V O U L S K L H U N S P N V K J F U K A woman has been diagnosed one man has completely transformed that very Dave paused. “OK, fine. Can I call a pig ‘Ms. U A W U F Q A B L G P F B S S I Z W U I with a never-before-seen vehicle into a unique space for he and his wife Johnson’?” The judge looked over his notes. C L E U A T I D E Y U A F N D Y N A F U condition after doctors to relax in. 74 year old Graham from “Yes... you may call a pig ‘Ms. Johnson’ without I S S W E K W N S U R S B E U N E G O Y discovered she was urinating Worcestershire bought the police van for £250. fear of legal recourse.” Dave turned to Peggy L K N B A C O N P E N I H S N U S G T N alcohol - without drinking a He then transformed the inside and furnished and said “Good afternoon, Ms. Johnson.” A K Q T P E J E O S H D B O K Q Y P L O single drop. The unnamed it, with the total cost for the project setting him J M O T H E R S D A Y W D O P U P N Q U patient, 61, has become the back £750. This is a massive saving, compared • A woman asked a General in the army the last first person in the world to be with the £42,000 he was quoted for a conserv- time he made love to a woman... The general BLOSSOM,BLOSSOM, BIRDSONG, BIRDSONG, BLUEBELLS, CHICK, BLUEBELLS, CHOCOLATE, CHICK, CHRIST, CROPS, CHOCOLATE, DAFFODIL, DAYLIGHT diagnosed with ‘urinary stood tall and said “1956 ma’am.” The woman, SAVING, EASTER, EGG, FESTIVAL, FLOWER, FRESH CUT GRASS, HOLIDAY, LILLY, LAMB, MOTHERS atory or the £12,000 it would have set him DAY,CHRIST, SUNSHINE CROPS, DAFFODIL, DAYLIGHT SAVING, EASTER, EGG, auto-brewery syndrome’ taken back by this answer said “1956?! That long?! FESTIVAL, FLOWER, FRESH CUT GRASS, HOLIDAY, LILLY, LAMB, back for a new outbuilding. Anagram – Thomas Leedham HMP Stafford caused by yeast in her bladder Let me make your night better...” and the two MOTHERS DAY, SUNSHINE that ferments sugar in her S T E A M Before starting his DIY project the van had five sauntered away to a private room. The woman Thanks to Anon - HMP Durham for compiling this Wordsearch. If you cells inside and a latrine running down the urine to produce alcohol. The began to strip and the two made passionate fancyP E compilingO L Eone for us please send in max 20 x 20 grid complete middle. Graham stripped the whole thing bare process is almost exactly the love for an hour. The woman cuddled up to the withD Ranswers E A shown D on a grid. If we use it we will send you £5 as a same as one used by beer thank you! Remember to include your name, number, prison. We will over five months, keeping a few of the original Army General afterward and said “well, you D I A R Y features - including heavy duty prison doors makers - but it was happening sure haven’t forgotten anything since 1956...”. be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include yourS EDOB L onY your L entries. and a hatch that the prison guard driver would in her own body. The woman The general looked at her confused and said HIDDEN WORD: TEDDY have used to speak to prisoners. - who has diabetes and liver “well I sure hope not. It’s only 2130 now!” cirrhosis - was recommended Quick Crossword The father-of-four is very happy with the new for a liver transplant but taken • A birch tree and a beech tree were standing summer house, admitting that it offers better off a donor waiting list and together in the forest when they noticed a views than from their house. He said: “The referred for alcohol abuse small seedling growing nearby. The birch tree position is superb. Those views are more open treatment instead, despite says; “ah, that’s one of my children, a fine than the views we get from the windows in the denying ever drinking alcohol. young birch!” The beech tree says; “no, that’s house. I go out there now and with half an Specialists at the university clearly a beech, One of my many progeny.” hour’s sun in the winter, the place is warm and found high levels of Candida They ask a passing woodpecker to fly down I’ve fallen asleep in there three times.” glabrata, a yeast naturally and check for them. He flies down, pecks at it produced by the body, were a few times to investigate, and comes back and Upon seeing his handiwork, Graham’s wife accumulating in her bladder replies; “that is neither a son of a birch, or a Sandra, joked: “I hope he doesn’t lock me up when she ingested sugar and son of a beech, but the finest piece of ash I’ve and throw away the key.” Mirror turning to alcohol. Metro ever stuck my pecker in.”

Across Down My Brexit Under the new ‘Brexit’ rules, Boris Mmm says anyone with an ‘F’ in their bust out 1. Sewing aid (7) 1. Calm (8) surname ... for foreigner gets a pardon pardon! ... That’s you SMIFFY! application 5. Malleable (4) 2. Not fit to be eaten (8) Sir! 7. Mimic (3) 3. Brags (6) Oh Yeah! 8. Complete (8) 4. By far (6) 9. Warm bed covering (5) 5. Sovereign of a Moslem 10. Burden (4) country (6) 13. Meshes (4) 6. Destiny (4) 14. Lazy (4) 11. Dainty (8) 18. Gaelic (4) 12. In addition to (2,4,2) 19. Tolerate (5) 15. Wears away (6) 21. Fundamentally important (8) 16. Doghouse (6) April Fool 22. Everything (3) 17. Pill (6) Smiffy! No getting outside... Smith Only more English 23. Untidy state (4) 20. Rescue (4) is spelt S.M.I.T.H. lessons inside! 24. Missives (7) not S.M.I.F.F! No pardon The last word... for you ... More spelling lessons instead! “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” T. S. Eliot 60 Jailbreak // National Prison Radio www.insidetime.org Insidetime April 2020 National Prison Radio is available in prisons across April 2020 England and Wales, and HMP Grampian in Scotland. What’s on National Prison Radio // April 2020 We broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, into your National Prison Radio is currently available in prisons across England and Wales. We broadcast 24-hours a day, seven days a week,cell. into If your your prison cell. has National Prison Radio, you can listen through your TV by using the tuning buttons on If your prison has National PrisonWhat’s Radio, you can listen on through National your TV by using the tuningPrison buttons on yourRadio? remote control. your remote control.

Day Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Eve Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

07:00 Supported by: Love Bug 17:00 . Deja Vu Mother Inside Love Bug Free Freedom Write to the (or local Classic tracks Land Music Write to the Flow Inside Porridge ones you love shows) and oldies Music Artist ones you love Find your Yoga and Afrobeat profiles beat. meditation The world’s first national breakfast show for people in prison. bangers. from HMP Write your With daily services for Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Pagan and Buddhist people. Peterborough bars. 08:00 Bob Decibel NPR The Freedom 18:00 NPR Talk Helping you make the most of your time. and The finest Urban Rock Inside Beyond dance The best in Show Yoga and NPR NPR Talk NPR Talk Prisoner To NPR Ear Brixton Special Helping you Helping you The Streets Hustle Calling Reggae music from urban music. Turn it up meditation Friday and around the Two hours Hip-hop, Real talk. make the make the Robyn Sophie and News and loud. Join Don’t just do most of your most of your Travis tells requests dancehall world, direct of new grime, R&B, the Rock Emma help to your ears. British music bashment your time, use George’stime behind time behind his amazing you start the from HMP 09:00 classics. Show your time. bars. bars. life story. Brixton. from Jamz and afrobeat. Family. Yard weekend. Supernova 19:00 The Bob and 10:00 Sunday The Request Show Rock Beyond Service To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at: Show Reggae and Prayers National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF Join the dancehall Get your loved-ones to request tracks for Thursday’s show at: Rock for all 20:00 Show classics. Christians www.nationalprisonradio.com family. 11:00 NPR 21:00 Takeover Free NPR NPR Decibel Mother Porridge Flow Fresh Urban The finest Land Another chance to hear this morning’s show. Find your Two hours The best in dance Music beat of the urban music from Two hours 12:00 NPR George’sNPR Talk NPR Talk Prisoner To NPR NPR Talk freshest music. around the of new (or local Special YardSee 18:00 See 18:00 The Streets Friday 22:00 Inside Deja Vu new music. Hip-hop, world, British Love Bug shows) Repeat Music Classic tracks If it’s fresh, R&B and direct to music Write to the and oldies we’ve got it. more. your ears. from Jamz ones you From HMP love. 13:00 Friday Prisoner Peterborough Supernova Reflection to the The Request Show The Request Show Streets 23:00 This month’s book: To hear your song on NPR, write to us at: Write Books Unlocked Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha NPR 14:00 National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF to us at: Write to National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF for a free copy. Your loved-ones can send shouts at nationalprisonradio.com National Friday Prison 23:30 Music and advice to help you sleep Freedom Radio, Books 15:00 NPR HMP safe and sound through the night. Inside Unlocked Dream Time Fresh NPR Fresh Brixton, A repeat of Two hours The freshest new music. London If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. the week’s National Prison Radio is your place for information of the SW2 book 16:00 freshest George’s 5XF readings throughout the coronavirus outbreak. Hourly news, music Yard and updates from prisons across the country.

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