Humanising Talking Technology “Don’t let it be you” the headlines When is IT in prisons going to Living and coping with the National Newspaper for Prisoners & Detainees Prison film-maker tells what be taken seriously? Time depression. Don’t keep it to it was like filming in Durham. HMPPS entered 21st century. yourself, speak to someone. a voice for prisoners since Comment // page 24 Comment // page 27 Information // page 37 February 2019 / Issue No. 236 / www.insidetime.org / A ‘not for profit’ publication/ ISSN 1743-7342 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Inside Scotland, your Valentine’s messages and Koestler entry form! An average of 60,000 copies distributed monthly Independently verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations HIGH HOPES! Prisons Minister Rory Stewart (below) has reiterated his promise to resign if there are no significant improvements in lowering levels of violence and drugs in ten of the worst performing prisons in England and Wales by August
PRISONS CRISIS l 2017-2018 almost 50,000 incidents of self-harm l 87 self-inflicted deaths l Record drug finds 23 l 30,000 assaults Credit: Greener Growth l 10,000 assaults on Greener prison grass staff
© Paul Sullivan Founder of Community Interest Company (CIC) ‘Greener Growth’, Joannah Metcalf (above in HMP Highpoint), writes about the therapeutic effect of Inside Time report should be scrapped, except in virtually the pointlessness creating green and colourful spaces in neglected areas as she celebrates the crimes of sex or violence - al- and ineffectiveness of short beginning of her fifth year at HMP Wayland. though a Ministry of Justice prison sentences. “That Rory Stewart MP, the current spokesperson later clarified: wrong kind of short sentence Minister for Prisons says he is “As we have said previously, is long enough to damage the ‘You are the determined to make prison short sentences are too often person and not long enough life safer and more construc- ineffective, provide little op- to change their life. When you tive by introducing ‘airport portunity to rehabilitate of- look at somewhere like HMP leading newspaper type’ security measures and fenders and lead to Durham, where the average publishing a ‘standards hand- unacceptably high rates of stay is ten days - realistically for prisoners!’ book’ for staff. It’s time for reoffending. That’s why we what is a prison supposed to HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter are exploring potential alter- do with someone in ten days?” “high expectations on pris- Clarke OBE (left), speaks exclusively ons, high expectations on natives - but this work is on- He tells Inside Time editor to Inside Time about his three years in prison officers,” he says. He going and we have reached no Erwin James inside. was in the news recently for conclusions at this time.” post. At the start of his new 12-month contract he tells us what he thinks of suggesting that prison sen- Erwin James interview with tences of three months or less The Minister is a believer in Rory Stewart MP page 18 the Justice Secretary and the Prisons Minister. How independent is he? NEWS FLASH! Government pledges cash to help vulnerable women! 10 20 Which is the worst prison he’s © Paul Sullivan inspected? Which is the best?
CRIMINAL LAW APPEALS PRISON LAW Mark Carter Jeremy Moore Jo Davidson Legal services Head of Criminal Law Head of Appeals Head of Prison Law Leading defence solicitors in: We have dealt with some Fixed fees: Legal Aid: Conspiracies Robbery of the most high pro le Re-cat Apps Parole Sentence you can trust. leading cases in the Court & Appeals Pre-tari Calculation Murder Gang o ences of Appeal & CCRC HDC Apps review Cat A Review & Appeals Manslaughter Fraud including R v Barry George Recall Lifer/IPP removal Drug o ences POCA (Jill Dando case). Transfers Independent Adjudications from open Guittard conditions Applications
PRISONER FREEPHONE Experts in serious and complex cases HOTLINE 0161 833 9253 0800 1444111 www.cmsolicitors.co.uk Write to • 13 St.John Street MANCHESTER M3 4DQ • 15 Old Bailey LONDON EC4M 7EF 2 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2019 insidetime Healthcare deficiencies Suicide or Mailbites a voice for prisoners since 1990 WF - HMP New Hall state murder? You vogued my day! the national newspaper for prisoners published by I want to let everyone know that it is important for those who J Kingscott - Cherie Cooper - HMP Send Inside Time Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of HMP Dartmoor The New Bridge Foundation, founded in 1956 to have issues with healthcare to put in a complaint. Together In reply to the Star Letter - ‘Vogueing for freedom’ create links between the offender and the we are stronger and the more people and the louder we shout by name withheld, I can understand why you Another old man went to the community. the more we get heard. (I don’t mean to actually shout). Cur- didn’t want your name attached. Was this serious, chapel today, made his A not for profit publication. rently the healthcare system here in New Hall isn’t working. or just a joke? I can’t really tell. As a woman you peace, returned to his cell When our prescriptions run out it is up to healthcare to re- wouldn’t catch me or anyone else vogueing on Inside Time is wholly responsible for its editorial place them. We are not getting our medication on time due to and hung himself. content. Comments or complaints should be the wing, they would get the piss ripped right staff not carrying out their duties correctly and not commu- out of them! But the thought of all you men directed to the publisher and not to New Bridge. Executions have been out- nicating with each other. Doctors are putting us on new meds doing it has given us girls hours of laughs! So, lawed in England for many but not putting it on the system, so we aren’t getting it. whether you were joking or not, thank you Mr. Board of Directors years, but the Prison Service name withheld, you have made my day! Trevor Grove Former Editor Sunday Telegraph, My medication keeps me alive and I am going 4 days some- have not yet outlawed men- Journalist, Writer and former Magistrate. times without potential lifesaving medication. During my tal torture! They can’t starve Dr Peter Bennett Trustee, New Bridge last attack it was a 4 day wait for correct meds to be given. us anymore so mental tor- The danger of vaping Foundation and former Governor of HMP Grendon This can result in 5-10 staff members having to get involved ture is used to force prison- Will Parker - HMP Swansea Geoff Hughes Former Governor of HMP Belmarsh in a situation that could easily be resolved by people doing ers into committing suicide. John D Roberts Former Company Chairman and I’ve noticed that when vaping comes to an the job properly. I know this is a big issue here and I can only So, the blame goes on the Managing Director employing former prisoners prisoners and not the state. end, I cannot taste that the cartridge is empty Louise Shorter Former producer, BBC Rough Justice speak for myself. This is a clear breach of human rights. Continual lock-ups, bullying when I am smoking menthol flavour. This is Alistair H E Smith BSc FCA Chartered Accountant, dangerous because unless you physically take Trustee and Treasurer, New Bridge Foundation There are some staff that do care but there are others that by staff wears down the vul- nerable and feeble-minded. the cartridge out to look, you could be don’t and it’s not acceptable. Just because we are in prison inhaling burning metal or rope. So be careful The Editorial Team doesn’t mean we aren’t entitled to the same treatment any- when your cartridge is almost empty you are one else would get on the out. This is a cowardly strategy adopted by prison governors not vaping oil, you are vaping metal coil. What a way to kill the prison population off. Sometimes we have to wait 3 months for an appointment. who, in reality, do not give a I am aware that people on the out have to wait but there are toss about the incarcerated other options open to them such as drop in centres, chemists, or the mentally challenged, Don’t tell me it’s raining! A+E. 999, 111 and online support. In prison we have an app it’s just another way of writ- Name supplied - HMP Swansea and a long wait. I have run out of anti-psychotics, been of- ing off the unwanted long- I am sick to death of being lied to by staff. Like Erwin James John Roberts Rachel fered paracetamol and saline instead of atravene. I have suf- term prisoners clogging the many prisoners, I enjoy exercise in the yard Editor in Chief Publisher and Billington OBE fered for 4 days unable to breathe properly, had meds system. Surely, this is and the need to stretch my legs. But most days Director Associate Editor prescribed for 3 times a day but only dispensed twice if no murder? here at Swansea prison our exercise gets day staff are available. Meds can be given as early as 3pm, cancelled due to ‘rain’. Now, I fully understand Commercial meds that help you to sleep. This means you can be asleep as To add insult to injury, the that staff hate having to stand on the yard and Manager early as 5pm then awake all night. Also, residents have con- old man who died today was David Roberts supervise exercise, but when I can actually cealed meds, so they can take them later. This has to change left hanging in his cell for look out of my window and see there is no rain Head of and immediately before there is an incident. Our lives are hours for others to gawk at. I don’t expect to be treated like a fool! Administration important. Disgrace. Justine Best Noel Smith Paul Sullivan Layout & Design Thirsty for change Commissioning Editorial Colin Matthews Editor Assistant Liam Cook - HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall Website Design and Advertising I was recently on a visit with my nana who has Gary Bultitude type 2 diabetes and when she went to get a Correspondence drink she was told that there was no sugar free drinks available. So, she tried to buy a bottle of General: Inside Time Botley Mills, Botley, water, but they had no water either. She then Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Accounts & Admin: Inside Time, PO Box 251, asked if she could just have some tap water Hedge End, Hampshire SO30 4XJ. and was told that they could not give her tap Telephone: 01489 795945 water because they wouldn’t know how much Email: [email protected] to charge her for it! I feel this needs highlight- Web: www.insidetime.org ing, the way prison is veering very quickly Facebook: InsideTime towards not what they can do to help, but how Twitter: @InsideTimeUK much profit they can leech from any given situation. Subscribe Inside Time is distributed free of charge throughout the UK prison estate. It is available to other readers via a postal subscription service. The emailaprisoner service ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES allows family, friends, legal £35 for 12 single copies to UK addresses plus professionals and organisations £10 p/a for each additional copy to the same a quick, efficient, secure way to address. Charities and Volunteers (UK only) £25 send a message to a recipient in p/a for a single copy. prison from any device and any location. 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If you wish to reproduce or publish any of the 03333 70 65 50 content in Inside Time, you should first contact us for further details or visit: for written permission. Full terms & conditions can be found on the website. www.emailaprisoner.com ›› Registered with EMAP ‹‹ Insidetime February 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 3 No loophole Absconding consequences Mailbag 2-9 Name supplied - HMP Bure “These punish- Name supplied - HMP Littlehey ments do not In reply to the writer of the tackle the Having gained my category D rubber-stamp, I joined the ev- letter titled Sarah’s Law (De- problem, but they er-increasing list for an available placement. This letter is ad- Page 6 cember issue), I feel it neces- aggravate it.” dressed to those lucky enough to already be at an sary to point out that the Newsround 10-15 establishment which accepts those from Littlehey, but also change of name by deed poll those who do not. The consequences are the same for us all. “ In-cell telephones was introduced many years allow prisoners to ago and was in no way intro- Think back to your time in closed conditions, awaiting a con- build and maintain duced as a ‘loophole’ for sex clusion from your oral Parole Board hearing or recategorisa- family relation- offenders. Page 10 ships. “You make us all happier” tion board, and how good it felt to be informed that you will ” - at some point - be progressing to open prison, with all your It is possible that the writer Comment 16-31 hard work paying off. Pets As Therapy has been ill-informed, or is it “The results were just that the current process raw, beautiful and Belinda - prison commentator of jailing sex-offenders is not “Now, remember your anger and irritation to find honest.” sufficient punishment for out, usually via the media, that someone at the I read earlier about a prison initiating a Pets As Therapy (PAT) him? I am sorry to have to Page 19 dog visit, PAT dogs bring a lot of comfort to many patients inform him that capital pun- open prison of your choice has chosen to waste Information 32-38 both physically and mentally unwell. Animals have been ishment was abandoned their chance by absconding, or worse still, known for a long time to enhance the well-being of the elderly. many years ago in favour of reoffending.” “Later in 2019 very substantial prison sen- video-technology will be added My father, who was profoundly deaf in his latter years, would tences for sex-offenders. To realise that this selfish individual will not only slow the miss messages on his phone, or the postman at the door. We allowing video process of all other ROTL applications but also your own visits to be booked.” applied for a hearing dog, but the wait was going to be a long If the writer bothered to do chances of getting a move. Page 32 one- so with the help of an animal trainer we selected a res- his research properly, he Legal 39-43 cue terrier. Bilbo Baggins was his name (among others) over would have discovered that If I sound patronising, I apologise. I have zero first-hand ex- the following few months, we trained him to attract the at- in the case of sex-offenders perience of open conditions, yet, being 10-years into a mini- CCRC: “Simply tention of my dad when his phone message tone sounded. He the punishment does match mum 2 year 8 months IPP, I simply wish to get on with my rehashing what didn’t take much to tell dad when the postie was at the door. the crime, unlike the sen- time and prove to those important in my life that I am no has already been Dad was reluctant at first but soon he was a changed man. tences dished out for far longer the person which my sentence represents. said is a waste of Holidays had to cater for his Bill! Sadly, dad died, and Baggy more serious crimes not Page 42 time and effort.” pants came to stay with us. linked to sex issues. Why is The actions of these selfish individuals affects us all. I urge Jailbreak 44-56 it that everybody thinks they any resident in open-conditions to consider the conse- I came across the US Cell Dogs TV programmes and thought know better than the judges quences of any potential behaviour to which they are think- “I won’t be having that it was a fantastic idea to help both rescue dogs find new and lawyers what should ing of partaking in, should this contravene the terms of being those tins again homes or be trained as assistance dogs. Prisoners would be happen to us? where you are. If struggling, try not to let pride come before and I won’t look assigned a dog and a programme of training undertaken. The the inevitable fall. The vast majority of us are where we find at cats the same benefits to both dog and prisoner was plain to see. Even the To make public all released ourselves because we refused to ask for help. Thank you. Page 55 either.” most dangerous prisoners reacted positively to the presence offenders’ personal details of a dog. would result in parolees not being able to settle down an- Contributing to Mailbag With the will and determination of a training organisation ywhere, adding to the home- If you would like to contribute to Mailbag, please send your letters to the could it be possible in the UK? Thousands of people could less numbers on the streets benefit from the assistance of a trained dog currently in such and, in extreme cases, severe address on the left. It is very important that you ensure the following details are short supply. Dogs who are wasting away in rescues could damage, pain and death. on all paperwork sent to Inside Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON NUMBER & PRISON. also be retrained and found new homes. Failure to do so will prevent us responding to you and your submission being I add that a great number of withheld from publication. Please note letters for publication may be edited. ‘Mailbag’, Many of the prisoners in the US on these programmes are in offenders are very old peo- Inside Time, We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include prison for committing violent crimes. They found the Cell ple, 75 to 100 years old and Botley Mills, your DOB on your entries. Dog programme reduced levels of violence and aggression. the crimes they committed Botley, The skills learned could lead to employment on release if tied were a great number of years Southampton, To avoid any possible misunderstanding, if you have a query and for whatever to accredited training programmes. Using their skills, they ago and in very different cir- Hampshire reason do not wish your letter to be published in Inside Time or appear on the could become trainer leaders - releasing the organisations’ cumstances to today. Whilst SO30 2GB. website, or yourself to be identified, please make this clear. trainers to go elsewhere. agreeing that this does not excuse the offence in any We advise that wherever possible, when sending original documents such as legal Moving on from a PAT dogs scheme in a different way, per- way it does explain why so papers, you send photocopies as we are unable to accept liability if they are lost. haps a pilot could be given a chance. Providing a service to many of the old folk plead positively benefit not only prisoners but so many who have guilty as their current health We may need to forward your letter and/or documents to Prison Service HQ or such long waits. doesn’t allow them to com- another appropriate body for comment or advice, therefore only send informa- Interview with Rory Stewart MP page 18 prehend what has happened. tion you are willing to have forwarded on your behalf.
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Carrington Advert 75x265 09.2018.indd 1 22/10/2018 17:31 4 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2019 On the Education Wire Barlinnie Recovery Café going strong Gary - former prisoner
Educate yourself, it’s great I wrote an article for Inside Time about the Recovery Café at Barlinnie Prison Former prisoner whilst I was there. I was released before it was published in the paper and When I was in prison, I was on a long remand and facing what have just found it on the Inside Time website. I am really pleased to see it has looked like being a considerable sentence and I was at an been published and a lot has changed for me and the cafe since then, all good incredible low point. I decided to go into education just as I must say. I am on the outside now and reaping the benefits of engaging with something to do, but as time went on, I started to believe in the cafe in prison and I’ve taken on board all the outside has to offer. I now myself more. I had just been accepted onto an OU course when volunteer and have been back in to meet guys still in prison to show that if the judge decided to suspend my sentence. I had the confi- they put in the work and link in with the services the cafe offers life certainly dence to go straight back into education even while homeless, does get better. I am extremely grateful to be part of the team now and it’s and it’s helped me have the faith in myself to keep on going now run without the backing of Phoenix Futures who couldn’t fund it, so we even when I should have been helpless. Education really needs are all volunteers still keeping the cafe going and changing lives and desper- to be put forward more within the prison system, as the ate for funding to maintain it and continue the growth. The cafe has gone difference it can make in your life is immeasurable, even for from strength to strength with the hard work and willingness from all who those starting at the very bottom with basic English and maths. have been involved.
More money for education Thoughts of Mack - HMP Wandsworth The long arm grief and hope I have to ask, if education is so important and such a large part The Secret Barrister knows Ian Scott - HMP Rye Hill of the rehabilitation of prisoners, how come it comes a poor Revd Andrew de Berry - (former prison Gareth Morgan - financial second to working at meaningless jobs for private chaplain and now retired vicar) Here at Rye Hill, like a lot of other prisons, HMP Manchester companies in prison workshops? The average pay for full-time we have a great number of people in resi- education is £8 or £9 per week, yet you can earn triple that by Can I draw your attention to what we all dence due to ‘historical’ sexual allegations. I recently found out that one doing what really amounts to slave labour for private compa- know are the current horrors of the judicial A fair number of these men were teachers, of my old padmates had nies who are too greedy to pay a full wage to people outside to system? This is borne out in ‘The Secret Bar- and some are in their twilight years, 70s and killed himself 5 months after do the jobs. If prisoners were offered the same financial rister’ a book understandably written anony- 80s. Are they all guilty? Probably not. being released from prison. incentive to educate themselves in prison as they are to slave mously by a serving criminal barrister, and My thoughts (though it may for private companies, then maybe there would be more copies of which have been donated to all 650 But some of them, who were arrested and put sound selfish) are am I going genuine rehabilitation going on. of our sitting MPs. In referencing this book, before the courts, happily admitted to to feel the same way when I anyone seeking justice let alone of winning everything they were accused of. Now a lot leave prison? The write stuff an appeal, Francis Fitzgibbon of the Guard- of them are complaining that, due to their Name withheld - HMP Lewes ian recently outlined the near impossibility age and the passage of time since their of- Since training to be a Lis- of gaining redress of any kind, let alone of fences they should not be in prison. They tener I’ve taken small steps In my time in prison I learnt and felt that nothing can be more to making myself a better winning an appeal. seem to think that they should be at home in beneficial for prisoners than attending education or events held person. I have always tried relative comfort with an electronic tag as in prison libraries. This can have many positive effects and, as a to help others, even when I The tragedy is that our judicial system has, their punishment. In my view - absolutely result, may reduce reoffending. Recently we started a debate know it is going to backfire club in HMP Lewes library which is similar to the ‘Wright Stuff truth to tell, all but broken down. Further- not! more, it needs to be stressed for anyone on me. I’ve always thought Show’ on Channel 5. I think this is helpful and useful and every of myself as a strong man seeking an appeal that both solicitors who They had all those years to come forward HMP library should hold such educational events. I believe that mentally, could I be wrong? having a good library and education department play a big role offer their services in this publication along about their crimes, but they chose not to. in improving prisoners and allows them to choose books over with other ‘well-wishers’ will, without being Had they forgotten about the young children pestered to the nth degree, fail to deliver. If putting your head in a drugs. I would encourage everyone to go to education and they abused, who had been left to grow from Sentiments of sympathy are plentiful noose to help someone you attend the library events. It will have a very positive effect. childhood to adulthood damaged because of enough, but few ever walk the walk. care about is wrong, then I’ll their actions? Whilst these men were only never learn. Even after years satisfying their own sexual gratification, Higher, higher! To avoid inmates who know that they are in- inside and losing everything T Crowley - HMP Highdown nocent pinning their hopes in clawing their plus bringing the whole teaching profession I care about, I still have into disrepute, the damage to their child vic- I have a fairly good education, up to a certain level, but I would way towards winning true justice, the statis- hope for me. Without hope tics tell you that your chances are extremely tims can only be described as incalculable. and faith in yourself, what love to use my time in prison to further educate myself so as to The perpetrators chose not to come forward have a fair choice in the employment market when I am finally slim. However strong your case, and how- else do you have? simply because they thought they could get released. I have heard other prisoners say that in the ‘old days’ ever fervently and bravely you ‘remain in de- away with it. What were these people the prison education departments would fund prisoners to do nial’ (to use that horribly overworked phrase) To my old cell-mate, Joe, rest thinking? decent education courses. Nowadays they send you begging, if you know yourself to be innocent be in peace old friend. A huge cap in hand, to a list of overworked and overused charities to warned: Getting true justice is like pulling sorry to Sharon. Last beg them to fund your education. Since when was it down to teeth! Thus, a copy, if not several copies of And to anyone reading this, in or out of thoughts? Love before you charities to fund large parts of prisoners’ rehabilitation? Let’s get ‘The Secret Barrister’, should be in the hands prison, who may have a ‘questionable back- die, think before you speak, a bit of common-sense back into this game and let the govern- of every prison governor as well as in every ground’Kenyon - do the McAteer right thing, Solicitors, the long Graemearm of House,look before you leap, and prison library. the law may be closer than you think. apologise for your mistakes. ment put money into prison budgets for some real education. 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Instructions Taken From All Prisons LEGAL AID AVAILABLE In England & Wales Insidetime February 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 5
Not safe Letter from America Transgender Mailbites wings? Name supplied - Jacob Barrett - Oregon State Correctional Institution HMP Holme House Jess K - HMP Wakefield Expensive televisions I write in response to the submission ‘Stop your moaning’ (November issue) Rob Lewis - HMP Channings Wood I always thought it was the in which Mr. Y, calls for fellow prisoners to accept their poor conditions of The painful truth is that I refer to the Mailbag in the November issue Prison Service’s job to help confinement and realise they are in prison and not a ‘5-star hotel’. transgender people in gen- titled ‘Going through the channels’. I have prisoners lead law-abiding eral are still being treated as written numerous letters to HMPPS requesting lives both in and out of cus- objects of amusement by details of (a) why we have to pay so much for a tody? I also thought that “As a prisoner who has spent 25 consecutive years, 21 years TV each week and (b) why are we limited to they were working with small-minded bigots and of which was in solitary confinement, in some of the most just a few channels? But I never receive any other bodies in partnership this becomes magnified to help build better and safer restrictive and violent prisons in the US I can agree with one when in a closed environ- reply. It appears that HMP Exeter were looking places for our futures? thing that Mr. Y pointed out: UK prisoners are in one of the best ment such as prison. into allowing prisoners to buy Freeview boxes prison systems in the world.” enabling all TV channels for Enhanced I was assaulted metres away In this prison there are sev- prisoners, so why can’t other prisons do the same? £1 for a TV is a lot of money to pay from an officer and in full- However, Mr. Y’s opinion fails to recognise important facts. Whether you are eral transgender women when you get less than £10 wages per week. view of CCTV. I received fa- in the best or the worst prison system in the world, the conditions of confine- who are constantly the butt cial injuries. I saw the prison ment directly correlate to effective rehabilitation. He suggests that if people of other inmate’s jokes and nurse that same night and don’t like the conditions of confinement they should just stop coming to even some officers laugh Vibrating bass driving me mad also the next morning. I was prison. That ignores all the factors that contribute to recidivism and what and joke about them. This is Paul Donlin - HMP Stoke Heath not asked to provide a state- brings people to prison in the first place, including economics, access to work the problem that needs to be ment and photos of my inju- I read the mailbag ‘Stop the effing noise’ in and educational opportunities, mental health, addiction, and a plethora of addressed, rather than seg- ries were not taken until 5 November’s issue, and I feel the writer’s pain other factors that are a part of not only the criminal justice system itself but regating transgender prison- days after the incident, and as here at Stoke Heath all you hear is high bass also how our western society has been structured for generations. ers based purely on the fact only at my insistent request. that they are ‘different’. Pris- music that vibrates into my bones and fills me The Prison Service have not oners are not segregated on with constant anger and rage and drives me to kept me up to date with the I have been housed in more than 18 US jails and prisons. I have seen the the basis of race, colour, reli- the point of insanity. My earplugs only seem investigation. So, I ask, how worst and the best that US prisons have to offer. Mr. Y is right in saying we, as gion, sexual orientation, or to block out a fraction of the noise, and staff is doing all this promoting prisoners, contribute to the poor conditions in prison we complain about. But disability, so why should we just simply ignore it or don’t care. The inmates ‘safer custody’? that is often because the system has allowed certain types of mentalities to prevail (discrimination, violence, gangs, unsanitary conditions, turning be segregated because we of today seem to have zero respect or care for their neighbours or anyone else on the wing. This is just showing that it is blind eyes, lack of programmes, etc.) that create a cycle of insanity that we are transgender? Anyone who can sit in a tiny cell with music okay to assault prisoners as begin to subconsciously accept as part of prison life when, in reality, it isn’t the authorities will not lift a and shouldn’t be. Should we have transgender blasting louder than a billion decibels must finger to have the offender wings in prison? No, we sim- have serious mental issues and need help. I prosecuted or dealt with. I The punishment for our crimes is being in prison separate from our free world ply need more protection thank god that I will be released in a few do not wish violence upon brethren. Once there, it is the duty of the justice system to turn people back from staff, more education weeks before the constant torture and stress anyone, but I do expect the into society better than when they went in. That can’t be done in the way pris- around the subject to reduce of noise, noise, noise drives me to insanity and Prison Service to deal with it ons are currently run. Then again, if Mr. Y doesn’t like hearing fellow prison- ignorance, and punishment murder. If antisocial behaviour in prison, or properly when it occurs, in- ers complaining about their conditions of confinement maybe he’s the one for bigots as hate crimes are anywhere, goes unchallenged then it will only stead of trying to cover it up. who needs to stop coming to jail? illegal. get worse.
JAMES’ STORY...
Inmate James’ top bunk didn’t have a safety rail; he rolled and fell 5 feet onto an unforgiving concrete floor fracturing his pelvis.
Unfortunately, the subsequent operation failed because a collapsed screw underpinning the fracture went undetected.
Through no fault of his own James had to endure considerable pain for several months. We sued the prison and the NHS on his behalf for personal injury and negligence. In the end, James was awarded £30,000.
James is just one of many prisoners Jefferies Solicitors have successfully represented over the years.
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2596_InsideTimeHalfPageAdSuite.indd 1 19/06/2018 09:36 6 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2019
Star Letter of the Month Low-skilled Cell-sharing Congratulations to this months winner who receives our £25 prize employees needed and mental B Walker - HMP Littlehey health Several newspaper articles have identified a Geoff Wadley - HMP Hull Internment shortage of low to medium skilled workers Stephen Faulkner - HMP Featherstone available to take up positions left vacant by For a number of years I’ve the thousands of migrants choosing to leave been having mental health the UK, before Brexit, for example The Daily Some British MPs are opposing Theresa problems. I’ve got paranoia, Mail stated that there are 100,000 vacancies, May’s Brexit plans and have felt the need to anxiety, depression and run to the European Courts of Justice to veto in warehousing and storage as well as hearing voices, which can her for contempt of Parliament. transport. bring on panic attacks. The Now is the time for inmates to take advan- prison does give some help “I wonder if these same MPs would tage of these vacancies. Employers will em- but in time, not when you have the urge to run to the ECJ on ploy ex-offenders when they need extra staff. first come to prison, or when behalf of all the IPP prisoners and For our part we need to have the relevant you move to a new prison skills, maths, English to a level that employ- you have to tell them about veto the British government for ers will find attractive and will give us the your problems which would contempt of court.” opportunity. Now is the time to look at what It’s all a drag be fine, but they look at you your respective education departments can © Deposit Photos in a way to say ‘yeah, I bet’. The European Court of Human Rights ruled offer you. Talk to careers teachers and tell the IPP sentence to be unlawful in 2012. Yet, them what you wish to achieve. They are Addiction should not be punished Because some people can’t paid very well to help us and it’s up to us to 6-years after their ruling forced the British Harry Hamlyn - HMP Dartmoor cope with being in a two- government to abolish the sentence there are ask for their help. This is a great opportunity man cell, the prison say just to turn ourselves and our lives around and still roughly 2,500 prisoners being incarcer- The way HMPPS treats its inmates with substance misuse go in there for the night and the opportunities are there, we need to ask. ated not for what they have done, but for problems is completely unacceptable and does nothing to ad- we will sort it tomorrow, but A very high percentage of ex-offenders who what they may do in the future. This is dress the current drug epidemic in Britain’s jails. when tomorrow comes internment. find work on release never come back to around and you tell staff prison. At the end of the day that must be A huge number of prisoners are serving time for crimes com- they all say we will look into what we all strive for. The Appeal Court Judges all know and are mitted under the influence of, or to fund drug and alcohol it. Some officers do look into saying that the sentence is wrong but saying addictions. Because of this, one would expect the prison ser- it but mostly they say ‘your Former offenders with good quality qualifi- it’s not up to them to fix it, it is up to the poli- vice to put in place more measures to help those with addic- file says you are fine to cations tell employers that they are ready to ticians. That statement alone has turned tion issues receive suitable treatment and rehabilitation, so put in the work to change their lives. I often share’. Which if you have every IPP prisoner into a political prisoner they can progress in life with the sole reason for their offend- hear the phrase “I only want a chance”. This mental health problems, and and a hostage of the British state and we are ing having been addressed. may very well be the chance we have been can’t cope sharing, can bring being detained on an unlawful sentence. waiting for. Let’s grab it now and demon- on a panic attack which can So, come on MPs, do the right thing, or do strate that we are worth a chance. Good luck “Addiction is an illness and like other illnesses, make officers nervous be- you only run to Europe when it suits you, and I hope that you get what you strive for. those who have addiction issues should not be cause they think you might and run from Europe when it doesn’t? attack them. With this of- punished for succumbing to the temptation which ficers could place you on re- comes with the monotonous regime of prison life.” port or write you up and if you keep doing it you could C r o w n Prisoners who have addiction issues are subjected to 23 end up on basic or in the seg. hours lock up and a basic regime with no television and even No TV and when you say you D E F E N C E S O L I C I T O R S extra days are given to those who are repeatedly found under can’t cope, they put you on the influence. These punishments do not tackle the problem, an ACCT because you might they aggravate it. Take into account the most prominent drug end up self-harming. used in jail today: Spice, subjecting users to a more boring re- gime only makes them want to use the substance more to Why do all prisons still take overcome the monotony. As to extra days, subjecting a spice the TV off people who are on user to extra time in a place where spice is more prominent is a recipe for disaster. basic due to mental health Contact problems? Some people need 0121 392 8000 HMPPS needs to rethink its approach to substance abuse and the TV to cope. Also, why prisoners with addiction issues in order to rehabilitate and does it take so long for any Email reduce reoffending. Drug rehabilitation wings with drug edu- prison to listen to a prisoner [email protected] cation and relapse prevention should be put in place to sup- who can’t share a cell and port inmates in changing their behaviour and therefore, their ends up self-harming or Freepost future. fighting with his cell mate? Crown Solicitors
POCA - Case Study
NATIONWIDE PRISON COVERAGE Our head o ce is based in the North West of England but we provide nationwide coverage and due to the location of our sta we o er regular and consistent coverage to the North West, Midlands, London, South West and North East England. • Parole paper reviews and oral hearings • Recall reviews and oral hearings • Removal from open conditions • Pre-Tariff reviews • Category A reviews • Adjudications www.crowndefence.com 0121 392 8000 72-74 Wellington Road, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 3SU 0161 872 9999 - [email protected] - howardssolicitors.co.uk Insidetime February 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 7 ‘Not’ Independent Monitoring Concept of Fellow Pagans! rehabilitation Board (NIMB) Heathen Warrior - gone completely HMP Berwyn D Harding - HMP Garth Name supplied - After having no chaplain for After exhausting the internal complaints procedure at Garth, HMP Rye Hill several months and doing I took my problem to a member of the IMB (Independent our own weekly service we Monitoring Board). Now I thought the job of the IMB was to It is no wonder that there is then had a new chaplain ar- look out for injustice, amongst other things, which this lady not a single jot of evidence or rive several weeks ago. He is did. She wrote and submitted a letter to the Parole Board on research anywhere that Wiccan and has a very set my behalf explaining that there was some inaccurate infor- proves there is any tangible mindset on how he is going mation in the forensic psychologist’s report about me. effect from these Offender to run our group meetings Behaviour Programmes, let and rituals. He has only at- About three days later an officer opened my door and said alone rehabilitation. And all tended five out of the ten that two members of the IMB would like to speak to me. the so-called prison facilita- weeks since his arrival and These two proceeded to tell me that the letter their colleague tors who are trained to de- is single-handedly trying to Respect wheels liver programmes across the © Andy Aitchison had written for me has been pulled from my parole dossier as break up our group. prison estate, are not trained this nice old lady had gone beyond her remit as an IMB mem- psychologists they are trainees. ber and should not have written anything highlighting the One man has been banned Consistently Inconsistent discrepancies and mistakes in the forensic psychologists re- from the chapel, incredibly, Neville Hord - HMP Full Sutton All OBPs also state that they port. To my surprise I found out that this dear lady isn’t al- for two months simply for aim to reduce risk. In reality, lowed back in the prison and the powers that be have swearing. He then doesn’t Following on from my letter published in the December issue the only risk they reduce is complained about this lady and there was some big investi- allow the man back unless titled “More nonsensical rules”, in particular wheelchair ac- ‘dynamic risk’. Well, theo- gation going on in London about what this lady did which he apologizes. Everyone has cess in the visitor’s centre, HMP Full Sutton have proved at retically these courses are was in fact her job, and to an excellent standard. a right to practice their faith. least they can be consistent at being inconsistent. I’m sure aimed at reducing reoffend- The chaplain did a poor ritual other establishments are equally inconsistent too though? ing and that should be re- for the New year - Samhain I would like to defend this lady as she never did anything flected in reduced scores celebration. He then didn’t wrong. All she did was go away, do the research and found in My visitor in a wheelchair, after several months of com- OVP and OGP in OASys. turn up for us to prepare the my favour. She then tried to rectify the misinformation in the plaints, was allowed to bring his own wheelchair in on two Yule ritual celebration. I forensic psychologists report, bearing in mind I tried to sort occasions. On the third occasion he was prevented from The Prison Service, Probation then prepared the ritual only this problem out using comp 1, comp 1a then comp 2 all to no doing so and was informed he would have to use a prison Service and MoJ continue to for him to turn up and tell us avail, that’s why this lady decided to assist in my plight, be- chair. He was once again issued a chair which doesn’t even profit from OBPs that have it was being done his way. I cause yet again people who don’t know me are writing spurious, fit through the door and was subsequently provided with a no benefit, purely a tick-box voiced my opinions on his dubious reports which are being accepted by the Parole Board, chair that can only be described as rickety. process, a money-making attitude and he has now yet when an IMB member does their job to an excellent enterprise. tried to ban me. Other men standard but didn’t find in favour of the prison, she has been The Supervising Officer was reluctant to authorize using his are staying away because of own so passed the buck to the duty Governor who declined thrown under the bus by the organization she represented. There is no obligation on any this chaplain, several of us This is unjustifiable. This lady’s actions should be commended. the request without even bothering to come and witness the prisoner to undertake any are Norse followers and he situation. I can only hope now that the Ombudsman can help OBP be it on sentence plan seems unable to accept any- me sort out this disgraceful situation. I can’t imagine it hap- “She should not be reprimanded for pointing or voluntary as all OBPs are one who isn’t Wiccan. pening anywhere else in the outside world. out the injustice that is going on concerning ‘voluntary’. Dr Jo Baily, the lead psychologist for the op- inaccurate reports submitted to the Parole Board erations directorate of NOMS by psychologists.” emphasises that participation in OBP is neither necessary nor Other members of the IMB could learn from this woman, but sufficient to achieve release. yet again the whistleblower is the one in trouble! Until the powers that be stop persecuting whistleblowers highlighting The Parole Board does not use FINANCE DIRECT LIMITED injustice that goes on when psychologists submit reports, me this context, Dr Baily explains the Prison Service uses the and other IPP and life sentence prisoners will continue to TIMELESS languish in prison years over tariff because these so-called seven pathways to reduce re- We are specialists in raising finance quickly to PROCESS professional psychologists are casting aspersions, about the offending as a basis for sen- pay outstanding confiscation and other types tence planning targets. so-called ‘risk to the public’. I received a one year two-month of enforcement orders. tariff back in December 2005, I am now 12 years over tariff Ticking boxes on programmes and still have no release date in sight. that don’t rehabilitate of- fenders, the re-offending DO YOU NEED MONEY TO rate talks for itself. I am not claiming to be an angel, far from it, but does that £ mean I don’t deserve justice? Psychologists reports have left PAY YOUR CONFISCATION? me a condemned man. Biggest Our efficient and helpful team can explore the No Upfront IMB responds miscarriage possibility of releasing money from property and Fee The IMB Secretariat have been dealing with the concerns other assets in the UK held or jointly held by you to Brian Ince - HMP Durham raised regarding the actions of the member of the Board at settle your order and preserve your property. Garth. This process is ongoing and it would be unfair on the member concerned and inappropriate to comment at this time. The biggest miscarriages of As independent monitors, part of the IMB role is for members justice that I have seen since Our team works with experts who have extensive being in prison are folk who to assist prisoners with the correct guidance and support to knowedge of such orders and who can provide are in prison on license resolve their complaints, particularly when a prisoner has been realistic solutions to you whilst liaising directly with recall, and yet the charges unable to get resolution under the Prison’s complaint process. they were recalled for were your case lawyer and family members to achieve However, to maintain their independence, there are clear rules FCA dropped or they get found this, or alternatively you can contact us directly. AUTHORISED governing activities that IMB members can be directly involved not guilty. The trouble is in. The IMB Secretariat are working with both the Board they can then spend months concerned and the establishment to resolve the matter. NO UPFRONT FEE REQUIRED and sometimes years festering in prison for Corrections and Clarifications something they haven’t 01992 676605 If you notice an error please feel free to write to us at the usual done. Why are these people address providing the date and page number from the newspaper, being kept in prison at great @ [email protected] alternatively have a friend or family member call or email us. cost when they are innocent of the recall charges? Why Bridge Finance Direct, Prince of Wales House, FIVE Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire no immediate release when 3 Bluecoats Avenue, Hertford SG14 1PB STAR REVIEWS SO30 2GB. Tel: 01489 795945 Email: [email protected] the details have been sorted? 8 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2019 Be bold and care ‘Doing harm’ at Durham The blame game Name withheld - HMP Risley A - HMP Risley Andy Ross - former prisoner To those who are openly gay in prison, first of all, don’t let these people get you down my I’ve read many letters in friends. I am bisexual and have only just come out to my close family and friends. I don’t I’m writing to you to highlight some of the neglect and abuse Mailbag over the past 12 think I am brave enough to be open about it in prison! So, I personally admire your boldness. that goes on in HMP Durham. I was remanded to Durham for months and also during my Whilst I agree that homophobia is extremely high, considering we are now in 2019! Bullying my own protection, as according to the court, my mental time while on other jail as a whole is alarmingly high - since when did we start to allow such behaviour to go unchal- health illness made me a risk to myself. terms reference many people lenged? I myself hate bullies, I think you are all cowards and one day karma will catch up. All who are innocent or don’t too often I witness bullies getting cheered along whilst some poor sod, who has done nothing I’m a large guy and when I arrived at Durham, they had no deserve to be in jail. I can wrong gets given a hard time. Please people, do not cheer this behaviour, you know deep clothes that fitted me. Despite regular requests for clothing, I honestly say that in 20 years down it is wrong, so be one of the few, one of the brave and intervene. Others will stand by had to go eight weeks without a change of clothes. This has spent in prisons across the you and if they don’t then do you really want to be amongst cowardly people? When did we to be a breach of human rights. I’m also registered disabled north, I’ve never met a single stop caring for one and other, when did we stop being human? person who doesn’t deserve so was allocated a pad on the ones, but I was not allowed my to be in jail for the crime medication in possession due to overdose risk, so I was told I they “say” they committed. had to go to see the nurse at allotted times to be given my Different rules What’s the point I’ve read letters from sex of- medication. fenders who don’t think that Laura Mace - HMP Peterborough of the IMB? they even broke the law the Tom Freeman - When I went for my meds, I questioned what I was being time they slept with a I don’t understand why prisons have different rules. When I given as there were tablets missing and tablets I had not seen 14-year-old girl, cos they get transferred I’d expect to go by the same rules, especially HMP Altcourse before. The response to me questioning this was “its what’s were pissed, “take him when it comes to property. Today, as always, the IMB on your list,” not “oh we better check this.” I could have been down”. given meds that had the potential to cause harm if incor- Here at Peterborough it is very backward, we’re allowed to woman turned up at the I’ve read letters from men wear hoodies (yes that’s a good thing) but I’m moving to hotplate. She was presented rectly prescribed. I’m on medication for both pain relief, due who accidentally killed a HMP Downview soon where they aren’t allowed. Also, at Pe- the best bit of food so that to osteoporosis in my spine, and meds for my mental health. terborough we’re not allowed to have electrical items sent in she could pass it fit for random stranger cos they punched them once, or yet in every other jail I’ve been we’re allowed CD players, human consumption, as she When I questioned again that my meds were wrong I was told knocked them over while DVD players, hair clippers, CD’s, DVD’s, hair straighteners always does because they by my mental health worker that and I quote: texting, “take him down”. etc. They have a huge x-ray machine in reception so why know she’s coming every don’t they use it? Instead we’re subjected to Gema Records day. While she was there, I “The prison has a major issue with pain meds and prices. PlayStation 2 for £90 takes months for them to take I don’t know what jails all asked her about a healthcare mental health meds being used as currency be- these innocents are in, but the money out of our accounts then another 3-4 weeks to re- query, to which she replied ceive our items. tween prisoners, so the regime is to either cut I’ve never met one. Here in - ‘I can’t do nothing about Risley (a “Cat C”) scumbags that, put a complaint in’. What I find fascinating is that I can go to another prison, get them completely or reduce them to such a low walk the landings on a daily Why do we always get the everything sent in and then come back to Peterborough and dose they are doing no good, and this is making basis. Young kids who will same fob-off from the IMB? stick a Biro in your eye for a I’ll be allowed all the items. I really don’t understand what our job so much harder to do.” goes on in the brain of whoever runs this jail. I could run this What exactly are they for? £5 piece of Spice, or some jail better than them, no wonder the whole prison system is Tasting the food seems to be perceived slight to his rep. in crisis, if they can’t get this right there’s no hope at all. the only answer. This medication regime is tantamount to medical negligence The rest of the clientele con- and assault. This regime is being enforced by healthcare re- sists of robbers, burglars, gardless of the harm it is doing. The Hippocratic oath states woman beaters and drug “do no harm.” I would argue that simply cutting medication dealers. I see men everyday without proper withdrawal process being used is potentially giving drugs for free till an- putting people’s lives at risk and breaching the Hippocratic other man is dependent and oath. then starting to charge him Child Abuse for his fix? Grooming! Helping victims achieve justice I was not alone in this issue and lost count of the number of other prisoners I saw at the meds hatch saying either these In respect to Sean BW Parker. Respect? This is jail meds are wrong or I’m missing medication. You have to ask mate, disrespect is what’s re- the question if this kind of negligence, which seems endemic The law allows people to make claims for compensation spected in these gaffs. Get in Durham, accounts for the high number of suicides in this even if the abuse they suffered took place many years ago. your jail face on and deal, prison? I for one was almost driven to the point of suicide it’s not like the real world. In from the agony I was left in and the deterioration in my men- the jails I’ve been in every Our specialist abuse solicitors deal with cases tal health, because of medical negligence. single man has more than deserved to be there, me in- against children’s homes, other institutions and I believe these issues have to be highlighted as how many cluded. I know innocents get social services for lack of care. more people need to suffer or die as a result of a medical re- sent down, but they’re few gime that is endangering prisoners’ lives. and far between. We have a proven track record in handling child abuse claims and can help you if you have been the victim of sexual, physical or psychological abuse in childhood. Important Parole Case Coming Up? Speak to one of our specialist male or female solcitors Get Someone in complete confidence. Who Gives a $@*#! “I can’t believe how fortunate we were in choosing 99% of Clients happy with the Emmersons. You were amazing, I would recommend outcome of their case Emmersons to anyone looking for an approachable and Prison Visits Legal Aid Available Complete Confidentiality reliable firm of Solicitors.” 52 John Street, 137A Back High Street, Gosforth, Nearly all clients achieved release or Sunderland SR1 1QN Newcastle NE3 4ET 0800 260 5002 [email protected] open conditions 0191 567 6667 0191 284 6989 Prison Visits Legal Aid Available Complete Confidentiality www.simpsonmillar.co.uk www.abuselaw.co.uk We are experts in category A reviews Freephone and independent adjudications 0800 193 0146 © Simpson Millar LLP, 100 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0PG. Simpson Millar LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales: No OC313936. Registered office emmersons-solicitors.co.uk 21-27 St Paul’s Street, Leeds, LS1 2JG. A list of members in available from our registered office. We use the term ‘partner’ to refer to an employee of equivalent standing to that of a partner in a partnership. Members of the Law Parole Hearings • Adjudications • Recalls • Category A Reviews Society’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Panels. A list of our offices can be found at www.simpsonmillar.co.uk. EMAP Registered with Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Registration No. 424940. Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers Insidetime February 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 9 The land of milk What am I chewing? A face full and honey In November we received a query from a prisoner at HMP of PAVA Name withheld - Belmarsh asking exactly how much of the meat used in prison HMP Standford Hill was certified as halal. Below is the response from HMPPS. Evan Prevett - HMP Lewes
If I were to advocate finan- Staff Officer to the Executive Director, Long Term and High Se- Having been on the receiv- cially motivated crime I curity Estate ing end of half a dozen or so might be accused of irre- Prison Service Instruction (PSI) 2011-32 Ensuring Equality, restraint incidents in my sponsible thinking and hav- sets out the framework for the management of equalities in three years inside, I have to ing a pro criminal attitude, prison establishments and contains mandatory actions to en- say that after a while I some- yet if I chose to expose such sure that Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service times hope for one. The in- a view it would not, in my (HMPPS) meets it legal compliance and moral duty to provide activity of prison life means view, be so different from a fair service to all. The purpose of this PSI is to ensure that that during the 15-minutes the other extreme whereby people in the care of HMPPS who share one of the nine pro- of struggle, I lose half a people in place to “reduce tected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, are not stone in weight and get more re-offending” instead dis- discriminated against, either directly or indirectly. These exercise than I usually do in rupt the will and motivation groups are often underrepresented or at risk of poorer out- a month. of ex-offenders trying to comes and for this reason, their needs are carefully consid- turn their lives around. ered in order to place them on an equal footing with everyone Every time I have been ‘re- A tangled web else, particularly when policies and practices are developed. strained’ it has been for per- © Deposit Photos I have to surmise that crime ceived non-compliance with is not the financial burden Prison Service Instruction 2010-44 Catering - Meals for Pris- the regime, usually after Probation using polygraph we are led to believe, other- oners supports the catering specification and sets out the 20-seconds of me being wise the prison system, minimum practices that must take place in order to provide asked to do something un- Name supplied - HMP Frankland particularly the open estate, safe, acceptable meals for prisoners and Her Majesty’s Prison reasonable and me asking would not actively abuse and Probation Service is committed to providing reasonable why? When it is all over, I After reading many articles concerning the Probation Service prisoners of legitimate op- meals for a diverse prisoner population. It has a responsibil- usually shake hands with using polygraph tests to check if convicted sex offenders portunities to change for the ity to meet cultural, nutritional, medical and dietary needs the officers the next time I would reoffend, surely this must mean our Probation Service better. There is presently and also has a responsibility to educate and give prisoners see them. But now the believes in this method of reaching the ‘truth’? If this is the nothing that indicates re- the opportunity to eat healthily. Menus contain cultural Prison Officers Association case, then what about those maintaining their innocence? form is truly possible. For- choices and other than Kosher meals, are a free choice to all. have managed to get their give my 2019 pessimism, but own way from this weak “If the polygraph is accurate enough to send I’m beginning to believe the The use of halal meat is not prescribed by a percentage of government, those days are people back to prison, then everyone who main- 2nd coming is much more meat purchased or by a percentage of expected population over. likely than prison reform, who would require a halal meat option. There are always op- tains innocence should be allowed a polygraph.” and like Morgan Freemans tions for halal and non-halal meat choices in all menus, A first response to a raised Shawshank Redemption along with vegan and vegetarian choices. The halal choice is voice will no longer be an This opens so many cans of worms. Using this method would character I’m starting to feel not just for Muslim prisoners and it is open to all prisoners to IEP warning, but a face full reduce the amount of people maintaining innocence. This is like the rehabilitation con- choose this as their meal. For example, curry is always a pop- of PAVA spray. The POA are a way forward for everyone; not only those who are innocent, cept is a nonsense given that ular choice (although not always halal) and if on the day that making prisons much more but for those who will not accept their guilt. no one I meet seems to have is the halal choice then it may be chosen by non-Muslims dangerous places and these been to this land of milk and also. Menus are pre-selected by each prisoner around a week changes to use-of-force rules Each person convicted by a jury is entitled to a copy of the honey. Perhaps when the in advance and Catering Managers will order from data pro- for staff will result in retri- Judge’s summing up. So why not allow those who maintain pain of remaining the same vided from the prisoners’ choices. This is the same with the butions being carried out by their innocence to do a polygraph based on the Judge’s sum- becomes greater than the vegetarian choice, which is also open to all prisoners to angry prisoners who don’t ming up? If a person is proven to be fabricating, then he/she pain of change, the latter is choose. Catering Managers plan menus to be fair. The per- easily forget. Serious as- would have to cooperate with the full regime, sentence plans, inevitable or at least I live in centage of halal meat that is used in prisons would therefore saults will increase. I’m sure everything and maybe have extra time or punishments hope that it is. differ in each establishment and an average percentage I cannot be the only one who added? It’s an idea. would not be appropriate to quantify. can see this trajectory?
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Email us on: [email protected] Write to us: 102-108 Borough Road, Call us on: 07469 859 854 available 24/7 Middlesbrough, Teesside TS1 2HJ 69 Ringley Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 7LH 10 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
‘No more bars Newsbites on windows’ Money for vulnerable women services The Ministry of Justice has Justice Secretary David Gauke has announced that community announced that all new services supporting vulnerable women have been awarded £1.6 prisons will be fitted with million funding, as part of the Government’s commitment to reduce the number of women entering the criminal justice toughened glass windows system. The money will benefit 17 different services and 83 and air vents instead of bars. female rape support centres. The new money will also allow for A Prison Service spokesman specialist one-to-one domestic abuse support in the East said: “These windows are Midlands, including therapy programmes and counselling difficult to break, making services aimed at improving self-esteem. them more effective in stopping prisoners from New announcement for ‘the innocent’ accessing contraband.” Following complaints regarding police announcements that people investigated for crimes were not being charged because “As long as there has of ‘insufficient evidence’ could lead to doubts of their inno- been prisons there have cence by both the media and the public the Home Office have “Honey I’m not home!” told police and the Crown Prosecution Service that they must © Andy Aitchison - Doctored library image been bars, but prison not use the phrase any longer. Police will now have to choose reformers say the between two options: In-cell phone roll-out continues windows would provide l The evidence did not meet the evidential stage of the full a ‘more normal’ code test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors; or Initiative will ‘help prisoners maintain family ties’ l Further action is not in the public interest. environment.” The first option should be used in all cases except where there Inside Time report But Scotland says ‘NO!’ is some evidence, but it is not in the public interest to proceed. However the Scottish Prison Service has de- Many people may think that using the term ‘evidence not clined to fit in-cell phones in their establish- As the £10million roll-out of in-cell tele- meeting’ may still imply that the person is not completely ments; despite calls from a number of phones gains pace this year, which will see innocent. experts to fit them. They say: “The SPS rec- thirty prisons fitted out by the end of March, ognise the importance of maintaining links the Ministry of Justice has been justifying with a family member during their time in Company secures prison education their installation to critics. They say the our care and continue to look at ways in A recruitment and training company, Staffline, says it has phones will help prisoners maintain bonds which we can support and enhance this.” secured 25% of the prison education market with a new with their families which, they say, is a vital £104million four-year contract. The company will now operate part of rehabilitation and says the scheme Graeme Pearson, former head of the Scottish in 22 UK prisons. will ultimately help to cut the number of fu- Crime and Drugs Enforcement Agency, be- ture victims of crime, reduce both tension on
lieves the move will stop the flood of illegal © Andy Aitchison PAVA spray explosion the wings and demand for the illicit mobiles, mobiles into prisons by reducing demand. The use of the controversial pepper spray (PAVA) against which fuels violence. In-cell phones allow The scheme could also be used to encourage prisoners increased by 40% last year after it was issued to all prisoners to make calls in private at a time Peter Dawson, director of the good behaviour: “Access to a legitimate tele- prison officers, following a request from the Prison Officers which fits with their families’ schedules. As Prison Reform Trust said: “A phone could be a privilege earned by prison- Association (POA), despite only being available in a limited well as helping prisoners contact their fami- normal environment in ers and a facility maintained subject to the number of prisons, and for weeks rather than months. Prior to lies, the phones also give them easier access which people take responsi- individual’s good behaviour. Abuse of the its general roll-out it was only available to the specially trained to support services such as the Samaritans bility for as much of their use of a telephone would be subject of a dis- tactical response officers (often called Tornado Squads). As the and MIND - reducing their risk of self-harm. own lives as possible is cipline code. Regular phone contact could £2million roll-out, announced in October 2018, continues to all preparation for successful enable a prisoner to shoulder their responsi- adult prisons in England and Wales, ministers are debating Justice Minister David Gauke said: “At this release. Bars in windows is bilities for families on the outside by main- time of year more than any other we’re re- whether to allow staff in the Juvenile estate to have it. taining the personal links necessary to yesterday’s technology.” minded of the importance of family, and ensure a positive road to rehabilitation.” Revolving door there can be few groups that this applies to Professor Yvonne Jewkes from more than prisoners. In-cell telephones pro- A man who was released from prison homeless and with no Scottish Conservative shadow justice secre- the University of Bath said vide a crucial means of allowing prisoners to money raided a shop two days after his release. He had served tary Liam Kerr MSP opposed in-cell phones, the changes were ‘relatively build and maintain family relationships, half of a 36-week prison term and had a long list of previous saying: “Prison sentences serve as a means simple’ but could have an something we know is fundamental to their offences. His solicitor asked the court what chance he stood of punishment, deterrence and to protect important effect when it rehabilitation. Introducing them to more after such a release. She said a state benefit claim was not in public safety, so anything that could jeop- prisons is a recognition of the contribution I comes to making prisoners place and accommodation had not been arranged. He could ardise that must be carefully considered.” believe in-cell telephones make to turning feel that they are treated not stay with family and had to live on the streets. She told the prisons into places of decency where offend- with respect and dignity. court: “He has been in this constant cycle throughout the Acknowledgement: Scottish Daily Record ers have a real chance to transform their Interview with Rory whole of his adult life - offending, back to prison, offending, lives.” Interview with Rory Stewart MP page 18 Stewart MP page 18 back to prison.”
S 3-5 Ripple Road, W O Wilson O & Barking, Co Solicitors London, URCELL PARKE IG11 7NP Jason Elliott Associates P R PRISON, APPEAL & REVIEWS Solicitors Our Criminal Defence Lawyers will support you in the Specialists in Prison Law, Parole and Criminal Appeals BIRMINGHAM’S TOP folllowing areas: PRISON LAWYERS Appeal against wrongful conviction & Expert in release from custody sentence Licence Recalls Prisoner Adjudications Parole Board Representation (oral & paper Legal Aid available in suitable cases hearings) IPP & Lifer Parole Adjudication Representation - Please contact - HDC Life sentences; Joint enterprise; Judicial Sentence Calculations Review (JR) Jason Elliott Associates Limited Re - Categorisation Recalls; Sentence calculation; Re-categorisation; Female inmates; MDTs Call now to speak with: 18 Albion House North Shields Tyne & Wear NE29 0DW Tiernan Davis, Sadie Rice or Jan Arkwright Extended sentences & all criminal court proceedings, appeals and reviews 0191 447 4389 Purcell Parker Solicitors 204 - 206 Corporation Street Birmingham B4 6QB For a free initial assessment please call us on: [email protected] 02036095595 or 07817733240 0121 236 9781 Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Newsround 11
Looking Concern over Newsbites Back... short sentences Prison Service gongs Welsh MP David Hanson, a through the Inside Richard Heaton, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of former North Wales chief Time archives probation officer, has raised Justice who oversaw the sacking of Prisons and Probation February 2013 concerns about the number Service chief Michael Spurr has received a knighthood in the of women being sent to New Year’s honours. Among others receiving awards were: prison in North Wales on Wandsworth governor Kenny Brown, who got an OBE, as did short sentences. He says the Heather Munro, CEO of the London Probation Trust. Maghaberry governor Patrick Maguire has been given a CBE. Edwina Tyler, Peek a boo number of women sentenced to short sentences has more Business and Community Engagement Manager at HMP The than doubled in four years. Mount; Mohammed Uddin, Imam at HMP Wormwood Scrubs; Body scanners and ‘gang Mark Harling, Physical Education Officer at HMP Humber; and He said: “The annual cost for Wendy Sherlock, Curriculum Co-ordinator for Further and affiliated’ staff a woman at Styal is over Higher Learning, HMP The Mount were given MBEs. £40,000 and the reoffending rate for short-term women installed at ten prisons - Drug smuggler spared jail Inside Time report prisoners is 73%. If this sort Open letter to Parole Hull, Humber, Isis, Leeds, A mother has been spared prison after she told a court that she Chair Lindholme, Moorland, Not- of money was diverted into tried to smuggle a package containing cannabis, buprenorphine supporting women’s centres “As a serving IPP prisoner five Police claim that gang mem- tingham, Ranby, Wealstun (also known as Subutex), cigarette wrappers and tobacco into here, the custody rate would years over my 18 month tariff, bers are joining the Prison and Wormwood Scrubs. The HMP Forest Bank, hidden in her bra because she was told her I welcome the opportunity of Service specifically to smug- scanners work like hospital significantly fall and the partner would be stabbed if she didn’t do it. She pulled the constructive dialogue you gle drugs in to prisoners. X-rays and show internal chances of reoffending would package out during a visit and put it on the table in front of her have asked for in the January Government ministers and external body parts and be vastly reduced. The key to partner but was spotted by CCTV cameras. The judge told her: issue of Inside Time. Firstly… would not confirm the claim show up foreign objects protecting people in North “People must understand if they try to take items such as these …a right to have a fair hearing but said it “can happen”. A within bodies. Prisoners Wales is to ensure that people into prison, the starting point is going to be consideration of an must include the lawful right Freedom of Information Re- could be subject to the X-rays don’t reoffend. There’s no immediate custodial sentence. The circulation of drugs of this to challenge imprisonment quest in September by the up to 50 times a year; but purpose in imprisoning type in prison undermines the system within prison.” Because well past tariffs and when Observer disclosed that in there are no plans to X-ray women for under six months. the woman is the sole carer for her two children, the judge sentence plans have been met We should be looking at the previous six years, 341 prison staff. The Govern- imposed a suspended sentence. in full. Secondly implement prison staff had been ‘dis- ment maintain there is no what causes the offending. the immediate release with missed, excluded, convicted health risk from the X-rays. It’s important that non-cus- the assistance of the MOJ, todial sentences are tough Another provider in trouble or cautioned by police’. In the Following the Carillion collapse, last January, another govern- NOMS, prison service of all previous year there had been Drugs have been fuelling as- and effective, but we should ment provider is in trouble and seeking a taxpayers’ bail out. IPP prisoners whose tariff was 71 cases of staff smuggling. saults and Prisons Minister be looking at community Interserve, which is the largest provider of privatised probation under two years and have It is not just prison officers; Rory Stewart has said that orders and curfews, because services, as well as large contracts with the NHS, currently has completed their sentence health workers, teachers and he is concerned that prisons the cost to society of debts of about £500million. The government say they are plan in full. These prisoners other support staff were may transfer out ‘dangerous imprisoning women is have now served the equiva- among those caught. offenders’ to improve perfor- greater in the long term.” supporting the company’s long-term recovery. The company, lent of a 12,13,14,15 year mance. Some years ago it Credit: www.dailypost.co.uk itself, says it will ‘increase profits’ this year. sentence. This is in itself Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s was proved that some pris- scandalous.” Mailbag Today programme, Mark ons transferred out ‘nui- Fairhurst, of the Prison Of- sance prisoners’ before Below the breadline ficers Association, said there prison inspections - that “After spending 6 years in was evidence both prison of- resulted in the majority of prison on one of Tony Blair’s ficers and civilian staff were inspections becoming unan- IPP sentences, I was given the employed by criminal gangs nounced. Commenting on privilege of being transferred around the UK, but that the possible transfers Mr to one of these Probation run those people accounted for Stewart said: “That’s defi- “cat E” approved premises. “less than 1%” of prison nitely a risk. I’m very, very Out of my £71 per week Job staff. He said having more clear, though, we need to Seekers Allowance, I have to searches would make it play this fair. The idea is Prison Law Experts / Legal 500 Recommendation pay the hostel £28 ‘rent top more difficult for prisoners that I can look other gover- up.’ Once being thrown below to put pressure on prison of- nors in the face and say: ‘We Nationwide Coverage - in-house video link facilities available the breadline, newly-released ficers to smuggle illicit items. turned around these ten prisoners can’t even afford the prisons without cheating.” bus fare to go for a job As part of the Government’s Specialist advice on interview. Can’t walk because fight against smuggling, Interview with Rory the hostel is located just X-ray scanners are being Stewart MP page 18 outside Timbuktu. Who is parole reviews police interviews benefiting from this stolen recalls criminal appeals £28 then?” Mailbag Wales jails more extradition adjudications Food for thought A new report by Dr Robert Jones at Cardiff University shows “I am disgusted by the that Wales has the highest rate of imprisonment in the UK, criminal defence con scation & continuous austerity measures and higher than any other country in Western Europe, despite being made against prisoners, having a lower crime rate. This is the first time statistics for proceeds of crime and by the money then Wales have been analysed separately and show that whilst wasted by prisons that could the total number of prison sentences in England fell by 16% Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers be better spent. In recent between 2010 and 2017 the number in Wales actually rose by months food portions have 0.3%, although the average sentence in Wales was lower at been cut by 50% and Contact our Prison Law Department 13.4 months compared to England’s 17.2 months (2017). prisoners who can afford it are being forced to buy their The UK has the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe own food from the canteen. (Rates are per 100,000 population, Average 1999-2018) 01904 431421 The sandwiches supplied in [email protected] place of real meals have no Wales -154 France - 92 butter on them and hardly England - 141 Germany - 89 Howard and Byrne any filling, the soup we get 3 Scotland - 135 Northern Ireland - 78 Chestnut Court, 148 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3EB days a week is nothing more Spain - 134 than gruel.” Mailbag 12 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 Tory MP regrets voting to cut legal aid after End of short sentences? spending life savings defending himself in court The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said that it The Guardian reports: “More than half of the is considering banning prison sentences of 86,275 offenders sentenced to immediate Tory MP Nigel Evans spent landlords, patients fighting less than six months because they say they custody in England and Wales in 2017 were his life savings defending hospitals and so on. Laspo is are not effective in stopping reoffending and handed sentences of six months or less, himself in court, after voting clearly not working. It needs community sentences are better. Prisons according to a parliamentary response from to reduce legal aid spending to be overhauled. Laspo fi- Minister Rory Stewart said that short prison Rory Stewart to shadow justice secretary by 40 per cent, and is now nancially punishes innocent sentences were: “long enough to damage you Richard Burgon last month.” calling for a reversal of the people for the crime of being and not long enough to heal you”. It is decision. wrongly accused. You have no estimated that around 60% of people given Scotland has had a successful ban of sentenc- choice, when you’re accused short sentences reoffend within a year. es of less than three months and has plans in He said he would now vote Nigel Evans: “Laspo of a crime and risk going to place to extend this to sentences of less than against the cuts brought in financially punishes prison and losing everything, A spokesperson for the MoJ said: “As we have twelve months. Peter Dawson, the Prison by the Conservative/Lib innocent people for the than to pay whatever you said previously, short sentences are too often Reform Trust’s director, speaking to The Dem coalition, after false ac- crime of being wrongly can to defend yourself. If ineffective, provide little opportunity to Telegraph, said: “Ministers should be cusations of rape and sexual accused.” you don’t have life savings rehabilitate offenders and lead to unaccept- congratulated for having the political courage assault over a 10-year period that you can drain, it makes ably high rates of reoffending. That’s why we to start the debate.” forced him to spend £130,000 have expert legal rep- a mockery of the whole idea are exploring potential alternatives, but this in legal fees. The former resentation, and now I’ve of justice. Thanks to Laspo, work is on-going and we have reached no Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard deputy speaker was fighting gone through it I can see you can be taken to court conclusions at this time.” League for Penal Reform, told the BBC: “We charges he raped a univer- that clearly. We’re definitely through no fault of your own should not be using prison for these people. We sity student and sexually as- talking about justice being and even when you walk Up to 30,000 people could avoid prison should be turning their lives around and giving saulted six men. Evans denied as a result of Laspo. away without a stain on your sentences under the plans and thousands of them support - dealing with their drug addiction, called for spending to return My experience of being character, your bank ac- prison spaces could be freed up, potentially their homelessness - and getting them to make to pre-2012 levels. falsely accused, and losing count is completely drained. saving many thousands of pounds. Sentences amends for the wrong they have done. That’s my life savings to defend They call it the ‘innocent for violent or sexual crimes would be exempt, really good for victims, it’s good for the The Legal Aid, Sentencing myself proving that, was a tax’ but what it is is innocent say the MoJ; although it would be very rare taxpayer and it will ease pressure on prisons.” and Punishment of Offenders road to Damascus moment people subsidising the judi- for a perpetrator of such a crime to receive Act (Laspo) was passed by for me. I’m a changed person ciary … We should go back to such a short sentence. Interview with Rory Stewart MP page 18 parliament in 2012 and sup- now, in terms of Laspo and the pre-Laspo rules. ported by Evans at the time. sympathy for all those who End of short sentences in Scotland Since, Evans said that was a now have to go through the “People don’t see people like mistake and the justice sys- legal system without expert me as victims, and there’s a Scottish Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf has announced that short term prison sentences of tem is in need of funding. help, support and advice. sense that it could not hap- less than 12 months will be brought to an end in Scotland this year. Critics of the short sentenc- pen to them. That’s what I es say: “We know that 60 per cent of people given ineffective and disruptive short-term He told the Guardian: “If I “I’m not just talking about thought too, but it’s com- sentences re-offend within a year of release, whereas robust community-based sentences are had my time again I would those accused in the criminal pletely wrong. I was lucky, far more successful and reduce the chance of more people becoming victims of crime. This way stand up and argue against courts like me, but everyone in that I had life savings to there’s a benefit to individuals, families and, very importantly, communities. These are not soft the implementation of Laspo. affected by Laspo. Parents lose, but for those who don’t, options, but they do help preserve family links and limit the damage on dependent children.” It’s wrong, completely wrong, going through the family Laspo can bring them to the Credit: Scottish Legal News to remove people’s right to courts, tenants fighting point of suicide.” Fighting for the Rights of Vulnerable Immigration Detainees in Prison Vulnerable immigration detainees in prison are not given the same rights as those held in immigration removal centres. Duncan Lewis Solicitors are leading a challenge to address the Home Office’s failure to provide safeguards for potentially vulnerable immigration detainees held in the prison estate, which could find them unsuitable for detention. Solicitors Our Challenge Vulnerable detainees held in immigration removal centres can be identified Our specialist team of prison immigration solicitors are as unsuitable for detention under a Rule 35 assessment. This includes: currently bringing a judicial review on behalf of a claimant who was held under immigration powers in prison. Whilst in prison he disclosed that he was a victim of torture, but since there is no • Victims of torture obligation on medical staff to report torture or health concerns • Modern slavery victims to the Home Office, he remained in detention. • Victims of trafficking • Those with mental health problems We have submitted to the High Court that this is unlawful discrimination, as it breaches Article 14 of the European If you believe you fall under any of these categories, we want to hear from Convention on Human Rights and the Equality Act. you, as you may be eligible to join our challenge.
Contact our team to find out about our challenge and how we can represent you: 020 3114 1333* @ [email protected] Immigration Prisoners Team, Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, HA1 3BN *No matter where you are calling from England and Wales, we can assist you.
Interpreters Offices Available 8 all across England & Wales Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Newsround 13
Happy New World prison review
Year from the US tampon argument rumbles on The on-going argument on the provision of feminine hygiene tabloids products in US prisons rolls on as it becomes apparent that the new legislation requiring prisons to provide pads or tampons In the period aft er Christmas to women free of charge applies only to federal prisons and news is in short supply; this does not apply to state prisons, where 9% of prisoners are is the period of shock stories female. One state prison has now agreed to supply both Text divorce notifications about prisoners having products free of charge but only ten per month; if the women It is good news for women in ‘luxury’ Christmas dinners need more they have to buy them. The female sheriff who runs Saudi Arabia. The Saudi and such like. the prison said: “Periods are a basic fact of life and people in justice ministry has an- prison have a right to necessary hygiene products as each nounced that women will This year the Sun reports individual’s period demands, not as determined by an arbitrary now get a text telling them if that, under new rules, policy. When people cannot adequately manage their periods their husband has divorced to prevent bleeding onto clothing or other items, it can be prisoners who get drunk on them. Previously women humiliating. Having to buy something as essential as tampons hooch will not be punished often weren’t informed if can seem like an added punishment”. as long as they are just their husband divorced them.
Self helping self © Deposit Photos There is a new website, also, ‘exuberant,’ and hooch is to South Africa abolishes where women can check be renamed ‘fermenting sentences of less than their marital status. The new liquid’. Prisoners who fail to Allergies and EpiPens two years step is said to be part of return from release on A new rule handed down in economic and social reforms temporary licence (RoTL) Following a number of tragic incidents around food allergies, Inside Time asked the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), on your behalf: South Africa will see all pushed by Crown Prince will not be punished if they people sentenced to less than Mohammed bin Salman, say that they forgot they had two years in prison serve their such as allowing women to l What precautions regarding allergies are taken in prison Mind blowing US prison to return to prison. Finally, attend football matches and kitchens and what information/advice is available to prisoners? sentences doing Community population the Sun says, if prisoners are work in jobs traditionally Service. They say a sentence Total US Prison Population is ‘in a relationship’ they will l Should a prisoner have a specific allergy, could you please reserved for men. of less than 24 months 2,131,000 (2016); over twice be able to have sex with each tell us what actions are put in place to ensure their safety? amounted to judicial the population of Birmingham. other in cells. The Sun says There are many things that l Finally, are EpiPens available for prisoners to have in warehousing of the accused, The prison populations of the the new rules will under- Saudi women are unable to possession, are they available on wings or in prison “who are generally poor and top five states are each greater mine discipline and do without permission from a healthcare departments, and are staff trained in their use? casualties of socio-economic than the total prison popula- demoralise hard-pressed male guardian, usually a conditions. These are our tion in England and Wales. prison offi cers. husband, father, brother or Initially the response from the MoJ was that it would cost too children, not animals. Any • Texas - 218,500 son. These things include, but much to give us the answers, but, outside the Freedom of form of punishment should • California - 202,700 The Express complains that are not limited to: Information Act they told us: “I can confirm that prison have the intent to rebuild and • Florida - 149,800 • Applying for passports telephone call costs for catering managers, by law, have to identify all 14 main educate rather than com- • Georgia - 91,400 • Travelling abroad prisoners are to be reduced allergies on the menu cycle and advise prisoners of these. pletely destroy the suspect.” • Pennsylvania - 82,400 • Getting married saying: “Convicts are This is done in a number of ways locally, for example writing • Opening a bank account expected to pay as little as on the menu alongside the choices, which ingredients No pot in the slammer • Starting certain businesses 8p per minute to call a contain known allergic reactions. Staff also advise prisoners A prisoner at a state prison in Charleston, South Carolina, is • Getting elective surgery landline and 18p to ring a with known allergies to inform the catering department for suing authorities because he says his Rastafarian religion • Leaving prison mobile under the scheme. advice. Notices are also placed on wings for the complete entitles him to smoke Pot in prison. He says the Corrections That compares with the menu helping to ensure that prisoners are able to make an Agency is violating his religious freedom by not allowing him to The guardianship system has 50p-per-minute cost informed choice. Once a prisoner is identified with a known smoke marijuana. He also says the agency unlawfully required helped create one of the relatives must pay to call allergy which can be harmful, the kitchen will prepare the him to shave his dreadlocks. He says he should be allowed to most gender unequal someone staying in NHS meal individually to ensure no cross contamination with the grow his hair to “unlimited length” as part of his religion. countries in the Middle East. relevant ingredient or ingredients. Most kitchens have a hospitals.” Offi cials plan to designated special diet section to complete this process.” install in-cell telephones in 30 prisons over the next 14 With regard to EpiPens, the response was that they are ASN LAW DAVIES & JONES months in a bid to reduce prescribed items which are therefore a matter for the NHS. SOLICITORS tension on prison landings Prison Service Instruction (PSI) 29/2015 sets out requirements SOLICITORS and improve re-off ending around training and provision of first aid. Because healthcare Anthony Stokoe Joel Binns Rasheed Nujeerallee Specialising in rates. But critics last night is delivered by many different providers we have not been warned the phone scheme able to establish any general rules for the holding in posses- Independent Prison Law Criminal Defence and was rewarding bad behav- sion or use of these items. It is likely that each prison will Expert since 1994 Prison Law iour amid fears violence and have its own local policy. Whilst the PSI states that a qualified ‘People Before Profit’ drug use in Britain’s jails is first aider must be present in the prison at all times it does not O f f e r i n g Continuing the Fight and Challange spiralling out of control. mention allergies or EpiPens. Despite Legal Aid Cuts N a t i o n w i d e S e r v i c e Straight advice/representation • All Criminal Court Proceedings c . for Male and Female Prisoners M . IVOR FARRELL • Parole Applications Northern Irish Solicitors Adjudications Lifer/IPP Specialist • Licence Recall • Criminal Appeals (Sentence or Conviction) WE’RE HERE TO HELP Recall Parole Judicial Reviews Mental Health Law Expert • Appeals • Parole Hearings Please call us on Human Rights - European & International • Adjudications • Proceeds of Crime/Confiscation Hearings 028 9023 7053 or 028 9032 4565 • Police Interviews under PACE throughout or write to us at Cat A Reviews Contact NI and in Prisons 129 Springfield Road Pre-tariff Sift/Hearings David Rees or Simon Palmer • All Criminal Defence Cases Belfast BT12 7AE • Judicial Review & Human Rights Cases Davies & Jones IT’S THAT SIMPLE!! Suite 8, Vine House, • Family Law 143 London Road, 32 The Parade, Roath, • Injury Claims within the Prison Kingston KT2 6NH Cardiff, CF24 3AD • Welfare Issues • Prison Visits Arranged within 24hrs Tel: 029 2046 5296 020 8549 4282 or 24 Hour Emergency Number: [email protected] www.mcivorfarrell.co.uk NATIONWIDE SERVICE 079 7096 9357 14 Newsround // Local Prison News www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
Good Prison News Newsbites
Dig me Scottish family Brave prison officers - awards Two prison officers who defused an attack at HMP Wayland in project success Norfolk when a prisoner attempted to behead another inmate have been presented with bravery honours at an awards A project to support families ceremony in London. At the ceremony, in December, both No beards here with a relative in prison, run officers were praised for their action by the Royal Humane jointly by Families Outside Society Secretary, Andrew Chapman, who said they had shown and Streetsport, which has Doing time with goats “enormous bravery” in standing up to the knifeman in the way been running at HMP they did. One of the officers, Derek Walker, was presented with Grampian for eighteen Prisoners at Swaleside are being taught the the Royal Humane Society’s bronze medal, one of its highest months, has been such a importance of valuing others - by a pair of honours, by City of London Police Commissioner, Ian Dyson. success that it could be goats named Karen and Faye in an NHS- Mr Walker lost consciousness after receiving a knife slash to the available in many other funded scheme. The move has not been back of the head. The other officer, Ross Sanford, received a establishments across the without critics, who have decried it a waste of Testimonial on Vellum. UK. The group goes in to taxpayers’ cash, but prison bosses have Grampian twice a week to defended the cost of £300 and psychological liven up visiting times with Brave prisoners - no awards benefits of the new ‘residents’ at the Kent various activities and games Prisoners at HMP Berwyn have been praised for going to the aid for youngsters to get involved category B prison. of two officers who were being attacked by a violent prisoner. in to make the experience One of the officers said that the intervention by the other Boy’s Toys less formal and intimidating. Prison governor Mark Icke said the initiative prisoners made the difference between life and death for them. It also has regular sessions helped to combat apathy and depression At many prisons the residents get to drive and trips held for families among inmates serving long sentences, and Wellingborough rebuilding forklift trucks but at HMP Standford Hill on the outside in a “safe and helps them to develop a working routine A pioneering project is being planned for HMP they get a real ‘boy’s toys’ to drive as part of non-judgmental” environment which they can take with them on release. He Wellingborough, which is currently being rebuilt. The project their construction course. Standford Hill has to help them cope, make said: “It provides a pathway of psychological- would see a Construction Skills Centre built in the new prison extensive workshops including plastering & friends and engage with ly-informed services for a highly complex and which could train 800 people, so they are qualified to work in decorating and plumbing. And, as part of society. Lindsay Jessiman, challenging offender group which is likely to the construction industry after release. Funding has been their vision of providing full and varied con- family support manager at have severe personality disorders and who provided through the Construction Skills Fund - and would cost struction training, the prisoners are able to Families Outside, said: “I pose a high risk of harm to others or a high get qualifications in many areas such as op- around £1million. think Families Outside are risk of reoffending in a harmful way”. erating large plant equipment. There is a absolutely delighted that major shortage of workers in the construc- Festive searching nets nothing this is a model that’s tried Karen and Faye are also joined by two ducks, tion industry and with house building likely A joint operation by HMP La Moye (Jersey) prison staff, a dog and tested and works. We to expand in the next few years, the prison a beehive, and nine chickens - the newer team, police and customs & immigration staff to search all really think it’s a model we sees this training as vital to assist released ones being hatched and raised on prison visitors to the prison, and stop smuggling into the prison, over can take elsewhere. We’re prisoners in obtaining ‘real’ employment grounds in its farm and garden area. One of Christmas and New Year found nothing. Prison governor Nick hugely pleased we’re and help cut reoffending as employment is the prisoners said of the project: “It makes me Cameron said that even though no items were discovered on managing to get so many one of the major factors in keeping men out feel good. I didn’t used to like myself but now the search, it was a good example of deterring visitors from families together.” of prison. I’ve got the whole world ahead of me.” smuggling prohibited items into La Moye. Credit: Aberdeen Journals Durham Prison drama Tv programme may not have told the whole story
Bafta winning director had been getting locked up how to create a pulley sys- National Prison Law Solicitors Paddy Wivell spent seven since the age of 17 is filmed tem to transfer phones be- months filming in HMP Dur- arguing with other prisoners www.instalaw.co.uk tween two next-door ham for his prison documen- and involved in a fight with prisoners, using strips of Instalaw Solicitors have over 40 years combined experience tary aired for Channel 4. It prison officers, which leaves sheets and wads of toilet was described as “an inti- him with a black eye and paper flushed down each representing prisoners rights and we can represent you no matter where you mate portrait of prison life, bleeding forehead. Another toilet, which then get tan- are in the country! whilst offering the viewer a prisoner discloses that he gled and can be tied to- unique insight into the eco- has been transferred to 27 Specialists in Parole Board paper reviews, oral hearings & independent adjudications gether to rig a pulley systems that underpin it.” prisons for attacking other through the sewage system. Our Prison Law Experts can help you with: The three films feature real prisoners and staff. prisoners talking about their What is not covered in the • Parole Board oral hearings • Mandatory Lifer Reviews life experiences and their Speaking about his film, Mr film is the effect having the take on being in Durham. Wivell said he felt im- cameras in the prison might • Paper Parole Reviews • IPP Paper & Oral Parole Reviews mensely privileged to have have on prisoners; some of • Recalls • Independent Adjudications The first two episodes, met the prisoners and staff whom might want to ‘act up’ shown in July last year, cov- saying: “I feel like we have • Discretionary Lifer Reviews • Private cases (Transfer/HDC) and cause trouble in front of ered drugs and mental presented something people the camera. As with all films health. Because of a court haven’t really seen. Seeing and photography in prisons, Call us today for free advice on: 01782 560 155 case involving a prisoner the faces behind the head- it is likely that the Prison featured in the last episode, lines. I really wanted to give Service would have had to Instalaw, 4th Floor Parliament House, the final part had to be de- the public an understanding agree to the final cut and 42 - 46 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AG layed until last month. This of what the officers and staff readers may think that it episode focused on violence are having to contend with.” could be in their interest to and what it takes to break focus on the problems of vio- Instalaw, 2nd Floor Copthall House, King Street, the ‘vicious cycle of violence Any prison documentary lence and drugs. Like most between prisoners and has many hours of film ed- prisons, Durham has some against staff’. It featured ited down to fit the desig- very good activities but a some of the prison's most vi- nated slot and provide high ‘churn’ with prisoners olent men, with viewers see- ‘entertainment’ for the staying an average of just 5 Stephen Luke - Partner (Nottingham) ing staff being attacked and watchers. To those in the weeks (Info IMB). bloodied prisoners who had know, some of it can sound Reise Wright - Prison Law Advocate BA HONS (Nottingham) been fighting. unlikely but, in the first epi- Plus Nationwide Consultant Prison Law Advisors sode about drugs, the film Humanising the headlines One prisoner, who said he shows a prisoner explain page 24 Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Newsround // Local Prison News 15
Scottish Newsbites prisoners ‘sardines’
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have been complaining about over- Flying low Flying high crowding in Scottish prisons. The level of overcrowding the same machine, he flew was revealed following a 3½ miles. Looking good… ish
Grounded in history, Scottish Parliamentary © Deposit Photos question by the LibDems. During the winter of 1909-10 Photo-Me Their justice spokesman, In March 2018, privately managed prison, HMP Lowdham soaring into the future it was decided that the Liam McArthur said that Grange installed a photo booth to allow visiting children to original ‘flying ground’ was Standford Hill prison is the unlikely home to prisoners were being ‘packed have photographs taken with their fathers. Now, nine months too low-lying for all-year- in like sardines’. later, figures show that it has been used 2,200 times! Such has Eastchurch Aviation Museum celebrating the round use and a large tract been its success that Serco, who run Lowdham Grange, now aeronautical history of the Isle of Sheppey of ground on the south side HMP Barlinnie was operating plans to roll-out the booths to their other prisons. Serco says of Standford Hill was at 139% capacity in that the photo booth initiative was trialled after ministers Isle of Sheppey which purchased. Soon afterwards Inside Time report December and HMP highlighted the importance of enabling prisoners to keep up started in January 1909 when the Short Brothers moved Inverness at 137%. Other relationships with loved ones whilst in prison. Albert Eustace Short visited their factory to the new site. overcrowded prisons If someone asked you which From around 1911 Eastchurch Wilbur and Orville Wright at included; Addiewell, prison houses an aeronauti- was the centre for navy Scabies scare at Polmont their flying ground at Pau in Dumfries, Edinburgh, cal museum you would flying and it is believed the HMYOI Polmont in Scotland had a deep clean of all its cells last France. The Wright brothers Glenochil, Kilmarnock, Perth probably be stumped; and it first bomb dropping month after a scabies outbreak. After it was first noticed, are accepted as the first and Shotts. would be a surprise to many people to manage a pro- experiments, and machine nothing was done and the disease, which is caused by small visiting HMP Standford Hill, longed powered flight. After gun firing from aircraft, were parasites which burrow under the skin, spread. It is spread by Mr McArthur said: “Those part of the Sheppey Cluster, receiving instructions on carried out here. The first skin to skin contact or by sharing clothes or bedding. All prison working in prisons have to find just that. The how to construct flying wireless communication laundry was boil washed. A source told the Scottish Daily warned that the population Eastchurch Aviation machines, Short returned and experiments were also Record: “It’s feared it got into Monro Hall after a prisoner surge is putting services at Museum is set in wooden settled in nearby Leysdown. carried out at Eastchurch arrived from court. When the first few cases appeared, nothing huts and is part of Old Mill during the First World War: risk and jeopardising was announced but it became clear that there is a danger of it progress. Prison capacities Village, an interesting “The road on which Eastchurch became a general getting out of control.” collection of buildings active service and training are set for a reason. Staff which, amongst other Standford Hill stands, station for the Royal Naval need to work in a safe Cold New Year at Manchester things, houses a welcoming at Eastchurch, is named Air Service. In 1916 the environment. Overcrowding The Prison Service has confirmed that the heating at HMP makes it harder for them to café, a shop selling honey after Mr Moore- Gunnery School came into Manchester had been playing up over New Year and had failed. and beeswax items, made being. During the Second work with individuals and They said that engineers were trying to fix it and prisoners had from the product of the Brabazon who bought World War, Eastchurch help rehabilitate them.” been given extra blankets. many hives attended by an early flying machine functioned as the main prison residents; and a large from France and started Armament Training Centre retail outlet called The for the Royal Air Force. Emporium selling mainly flying on the Island.” recycled wood items, made After the War the site was by men in the woodworks In a second bi-plane not required and was turned workshop. Walking around designed and built by into a prison, taking its first the ‘village’ it is impossible Albert’s brother, Horace prisoners in 1950. After to distinguish between Short, and fitted with a much redevelopment, the Wrongly convicted visitors and residents. The 40-60HP Green engine he prison now operates as a ‘village’ like the main accomplished at an average Category D open prison and of a crime? training workshops, deep height of 20 feet and flew the constant development of the within the prison, acts as a first circular mile ever flown site spreads out over a large rehabilitative bridge for men by a British made aeroplane. area. The museum is an nearing the end of, often, The time taken was 2 mins 36 integral part of the prison long sentences. and 1/5 seconds; and for this and the ‘village’ has free Lost your appeal? feat he was awarded a prize access to members of the The museum celebrates the, of £1000 by the Daily Mail public daily. A new exten- generally unknown, - equal to about £115,000 sion to the museum was aeronautical history of the today. On November 4th, in started in February 2018. What next?
FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE SOUTH EAST WE ARE A RESPECTED ‘LEGAL 500’ FIRM FRANCHISED BY THE LEGAL AID AGENCY AND OUR The CCRC can look again DEDICATED AND EXPERIENCED TEAM IS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU IN ANY AREA OF LITIGATION If you think your conviction or sentence is wrong 01732 360999 apply to the CCRC • It won’t cost anything • Your sentence can’t be increased if you apply • You don't need a lawyer to apply, but a good one All aspects of criminal law, including Legal aid is available for housing All Aspects of matrimonial & children can help Appeals/CCRC/Confiscation Orders. issues if a person is at risk of losing disputes, including proceedings their home or is homeless providing involving the Local Authority All aspects of prison law, including their case is within the provisions of adjudications, parole, DLP, recall, LASPO 2014 and they are financially Divorce, domestic violence, You can get some more information and a copy of the categorisation, and judicial Review eligible. cohabitation and civil partnerships CCRC's Easy Read application form by writing to us at Advice can be given on what can be Police interviews in custody All aspects of financial disputes 5 St Philip’s Place, Birmingham, B3 2PW. or calling 0121 233 1473 done to protect your home whilst ( London & South East ) you are in prison and how to apply for social housing on release. Prisoners in Scotland should contact; The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, 5th Floor, 2-4 Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1DU Portland House, 17 Renfi eld Street, Glasgow, G2 5AH. Phone: 0141 270 7030 Email: [email protected] 16 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
prisoner-led initiatives do the change that we seek’, is though I am sitting with a work and there is nobody bet- written and directed by Kam. friend in a chapel, literally on ter than us, the prisoners who Its subject is Spice and the the altar, as it happens. Josh have been there and done it choice every man can make to is brilliantly menacing as the and come out better people.’ be part of the Spice world, drug-dealing Menis and his whether as user or dealer, or gang of brothers act a con- After the presentation, I was both, or to walk away. Braver vincing sense of desperation. given a tour of the prison still, he can choose to become Where should they turn? which ended up with a meet- part of those who actively ing with Director Peter Small, work against the spread of The play is booked for eight (Rye Hill is a G4S prison) who Spice. showings and the chapel is emphasized the need to run filled with men off one of the the prison by ‘mutual con- Some people wings. At the end of the pro- sent’. He added ‘We’d never duction I asked a few of them transfer people out for bad are so set in their what they thought of the behaviour’. When I asked him ways that they’ll evening and got in reply ‘Fan- directly about ASSIST and tastic!’ ‘Brilliant!’ Others PEN, he answered, ‘I feel never change, but filled in a form describing the proud of the fact we’ve intro- the majority can impact of the play, ’It is so di- duced peer intervention rect and to the point’, ‘It held which has been embraced by take away a strong up a metaphorical mirror on staff and prisoners. And I be- message. the community of Guys Marsh,’ Here to help lieve they’ve made a signifi- ‘It’s a hit home for me…’
Credit: ASSIST Josh cant difference to the culture here at Rye Hill.’ I also asked Josh what effect Kam was inspired to write his he hoped for when he signed It seems that Sean’s idea of play by a chat with a friend up to play the villain. He an- Assisting in choices about to leave prison. When creating a group of prisoners swered, ‘Some people are so who can fill the gaps where asked about his plans for the set in their ways that they’ll Prisoner self-help initiatives in Rye Hill and powerful, staff have not the time nor, future, the friend answered, never change, but the major- poignant, prisoner written drama in Guys Marsh however hard they might try, ‘Go back to selling drugs.’ ity can take away a strong the ability to help, has al- Kam was shocked because message.’ ready made its mark scarcely this was a man ‘with a big Month by Month a year after he set it up. Now personality, funny and really he is hoping that the same confident.’ It seemed such a kind of prisoner-led project waste. So he set about creat- helping those suffering from There is some- will be taken up by other ing a story around two men, mental health problems or prisons. both about to get out from Rachel Billington just everyday depression thing quite special prison: one is determined to where someone to talk to can about men who go back to dealing drugs, the change perceptions. The pro- other listens to an older con- In my New Year’s round-up gramme is expanding, with have very often Choices fidante, approaches the edu- last month I promised to ex- anxiety courses, gym ses- cation department and moves plain more about HMP Rye sions, walking clubs, origami been in the same ‘We are the change towards another future. Hill’s two prisoner-led pro- classes and more. ‘Clients’ are position themselves grammes - P.E.N. (Positive divided into two main groups, that we seek’ This is not an easy subject to Engagement Network) and ‘Harmless’ for the mentally trying to help out stage but Kam and his cast Theatrical performances in- A.S.S.I.S.T. (Active Support distressed and ‘OAP’ or ‘Old produced a powerful, alarm- their fellows. side prison are not unusual. System Intervention Service and Proud’ for the older gen- ingly real and moving story. In early January I went to an- Team) so here I go. Sean, their eration. The coordinator for key to progression with the Set on a wing, it shows the other prison in the bleak mid- founder, Team Leader and all this activity is Gavin. As he IEP scheme. Team workers effects of Spice on a small The message from Kam, as winter countryside. On this also a serving prisoner, had speaks, I reflect how, al- Ismail, Matthew, John, Jack group of men and includes a narrator, is not only that occasion I was attracted by written to me earlier in 2018, though I respect many profes- and others explained how they suicide as one of the users drugs are dangerous, leading the information from pro- inviting me to visit the prison sionals working inside can step in to help where a fails to pay his debts. Lines to violence and despair, but and meet some of the men prisons, there is something man in trouble might not feel also it is a problem that can- who run the projects and the quite special about men who able to approach an officer. not be solved by the prison prison officers who support have very often been in the management without the co- them. One of the latter was same position themselves try- In their first year, 260 clients operation of the men. As nar- kind enough to pick me up ing to help out their fellows. came to them. Some of these rator, he starts with a prayer. from Rugby station and drive This is not a job to them in the talked about their difficulties, On the final page of the pro- me out into the wintry ordinary way, even if they which often had led to with- gramme he quotes some lines countryside. have been given training and drawal or anger. Mark admit- from Barack Obama …‘Change given up their prison jobs to ted to ‘trust issues’, which will not come if we wait for It was just before Christmas, concentrate their efforts on meant that he expected lies some other person or some so perhaps I shouldn’t have these projects. from authority; after being other time. We are the ones been surprised to be wel- helped onto courses by AS- we’ve been waiting for. We are comed by other officers in PEN coordinator Chris writes SIST his confidence improved. the change that we seek.’ pixie hats. The presentation in the project’s newsletter, ‘I Nathan told us he was bi-po- Sean had arranged for me was believe that if people have the lar which had led him to self- Time to decide Driving away from the prison taking place at a Family Visits right support and information harm until ASSIST had come Credit: The Growth Project through the dark countryside, lunch which made me part of available to them, they can along and now he had been my friend and I discussed our ducer Sarah Lewis of ‘The an extended audience. As I make positive changes to ‘clear’ for six months. Nick such as, ‘Tempting brother to reactions to the evening. We Growth Project’, that the play walked into the hall, the Rye their lives.’ Elsewhere he talked about his drug addic- make money out of drugs’ are both admitted that it had not being performed inside HMP Hill choir (twenty-five strong writes, ‘If you judge some- tion which had led to him basic to the whole story so been an easy watch, often dis- Guys Marsh was written by a and all ages) struck up with one’s abilities based on what ‘kicking off’ and ending in what can be put in the place turbing. I had noticed that the prisoner and entirely per- ‘Consider yourself one of the they can’t do they will always segregation until ASSIST of so much temptation? audience was as shocked as formed by residents. Like Rye family …’ as tutored by the feel like a failure.’ workers listened to him and us by some of the incipient Hill, here was an example of charity ‘Beating Time.’ represented his case with the Kam acts both as narrator, violence and particularly the men behind bars showing After less than a year in oper- staff. behind a screen, and mentor suicide. While people inside they had the imagination, en- So the serious part of the ation, both programmes are to Misfit, (convincingly and outside prisons wring ergy and skill to create some- event began in a very relaxed, established as part of the re- As Gavin writes proudly in played by Daniel) the man he their hands about the effects thing new and important. friendly atmosphere. Sean gime at Rye Hill, and there- the project’s newsletter, ‘We is trying to help towards a of Spice this play, written by a was first up. He explained fore can be part of their have proved to the Director Spice-free future. The sense prisoner, offers a new way of ‘Choices’, subtitled ‘We are that ASSIST concentrates on clients’ sentence plans and and Senior Management that of danger is very strong, even defeating the scourge of Spice. Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 17
friends came to the exhibition and got to see the effort that I had put in, and finally, it re- stored some of the faith they had in me - which Looking past the mistakes is priceless. Koestler Trust Exhibition host explains how role changed his life The Koestler Trust’s two main aims are; for the artists to see themselves as something more about the art was one of the Trustees, who than just an offender through artwork, and for allowed me to talk about the pieces I was most the public to view the offender as a person, not comfortable discussing and wished me well just someone who has committed crimes. It for the exhibition. It immediately boosted my aims to humanise offenders. Despite having confidence that I could be good at this. no artwork in the exhibition, I feel the Trust also achieved those two aims for me as well. I As the exhibition went on my confidence grew see myself differently and the public also and I developed skills which I had both lost viewed me differently. and never had. I was able to speak to the public about the artwork, drawing on my life experi- For so long, it felt like my life would not change, ences and those of the artists on show to really that I would never make my family or friends make a connection with the public. It was truly proud of me again, or that wider society would moving to be able to make the public have an ever give me a second chance. Through work- emotional connection with the artists and ing at the Koestler Trust this has all changed. their artwork, something two months before I I was able to show my family and friends the would never have imagined I could possibly skills and confidence given to me by working have done. for Koestler, as well as the public enjoying my Credit: Koestler Trust tours and giving me positive feedback and George Davis provided us with a detailed plan on how the Then it dawned on me, I warm wishes for success in the future. training would be delivered and assured us that we would be ready for when the exhibition hadn’t worked in two years, I Most of all, it has given me a second chance. As a result of working for Koestler I was able When I was asked to describe what it has started. This gave my fellow hosts and me the had no experience in this field, meant to have been a host for the 2018 Koestler belief that we might be able to do the role. They to get a job and have hope for the future. I will Exhibition, hosted at Southbank Centre, I took us to art galleries to see how professional and I was going to have to speak forever be grateful for the opportunity that it thought about where I was at the start of the hosts worked, and delivered the training at a has given me, as finally my life is going in the summer before I was hired for the role. pace which was manageable and understand- to the public about artwork in right direction and everyone from the Koestler ing of the fact that this role was new to all of an art gallery of which I was Trust is responsible for that; so, thank you, as You see, my last job ended in August 2016, us. it has meant everything to me! where I committed my offence. Since the com- meant to be an ‘expert’. pletion of my trial in April 2017 up to August Then they gave us a ‘bible’ of all the artworks Enter this year’s Koestler Awards. See the 2018 I’d applied for around 1,400 jobs, with no on show. It was an epic piece of work done by When I look back and think what being a host four page info sheet and application form success. I couldn’t even get a job washing pots the dedicated members of staff at the Koestler has meant to me, I think about how much it in this issue. and pans in a restaurant. To say that I was low Trust, and a true testament to all the hard work has boosted my confidence and given me some on confidence and disheartened by this would they had put in before they had hired any of pride back in myself. I was also fortunate George Davis is a pseudonym be an understatement. I thought things would the hosts. Knowing they had put in all this enough that many members of my family and never change. hard work made all the hosts want to work harder and keep up the standards that they Then one day, whilst doing my daily search for had set. jobs online, I stumbled across a job to work for SPECIALISTS IN PRISON LAW, PAROLE DELAYS, the Koestler Trust as an arts exhibition host. Kesar & Co EQUALITY CLAIMS, PERSONAL INJURY, I’d never heard of the Koestler Trust before and CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE, IMMIGRATION, didn’t have any experience in the arts; it was S O L I C I T O R S CRIMINAL APPEALS AND DEFENCE. something I had never considered. The job application specified that they only wanted to We are the prison law specialist with combined hire ex-offenders for the position and I’d tried experience totalling more than 40 years. applying for everything else so thought I might Parole hearings Recall to prison as well give it a go. IPP Category A reviews I went along to the interview and although I Excessive use of force Disability discrimination didn’t think I was going to get the role I was Police interviews Criminal appeals grateful to actually have an interview and was Sentence calculations Unlawful detention taken aback by how kindly I was treated. For the first time in a long time, a potential em- APPEALS PAROLE COMPENSATION ployer looked beyond my past mistakes. I didn’t think I’d be hired, but left feeling happy If you feel that your defence We are the Parole Hearing CLAIMS Art saves team did not do enough specialists with experience We can assist with claims that I’d been given an interview and had an Credit: Koestler Trust equal chance to get the job. or that your sentence is totalling more than 40 years! for parole delay, personal unduly harsh, maybe our We will get you an oral hearing injury, clinical and dental Without the ‘bible’ I never would have been As promised, a few days later they got back in team can review your case? and work with you to ensure negligence as well as able to do the role, and I am particularly grate- that you can either progress claims based on age, touch and by some miracle I was selected to be ful for all the hard work that went into this, as We have an experienced or get released. disability, religion, race, a host. Finally someone was giving me a job, I know all the other hosts are. It made the job and dedicated team who sexual orientation etc. it felt amazing! so much easier and the lack of knowledge I had have successfully appealed In special cases we take active No win-no fee and about artwork no longer seemed to matter an- a number of cases at the steps to have you released legal aid available. Then it dawned on me, I hadn’t worked in two ymore, as I could now learn about the pieces Court of Appeal. into rehab as an alternative years, I had no experience in this field, and I of work which spoke to me the most, and in to open conditions. was going to have to speak to the public about turn I could share this with the public. The artwork in an art gallery of which I was meant whole delivery and content of the training was We specialise in di cult cases to be an ‘expert’. To say I was nervous on the different, in that so often, having been through for lifers and IPP prisoners first day of training would be an understate- the criminal justice system, you feel employers and, when possible, we do not ment, but my initial trepidation soon subsided hesitate to challenge refusals and society are setting you up for failure. The Registered with by applications for judicial review. due to the warmth shown by everyone at the Koestler Trust was unique in that it set you up emailaprisoner Koestler Trust. I was immediately put at ease. for success! But I still had one major problem; I didn’t know Contact us in writing at: Kesar & Co Solicitors, anything about art! The opening of the exhibition quickly arrived and I was understandably nervous for my first 2nd Floor, 20-25 Market Square, Bromley, BR1 1NA Fortunately for me and my peers, excellent shift, but great care was once again shown by Or by telephone on: 020 8181 3100 training was provided. The Koestler Trust the Koestler team as the first person I spoke to 18 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
dramatically than that, it l Gold Standard them on-side? Recent reports Rory Stewart - “Society means that a member of staff “I’m a great fan of them. of in-cell telephones and pris- and culture is changing” who is under pressure from a I love the Unlocked oners rearing goats and train- criminal, sometimes it’s not Graduates programme.” ing dogs upset some sections that they themselves are of the popular press. “I’m a criminals, but they’re being Prison officer training per- big supporter of in-cell tele- blackmailed, or their family haps needs an overhaul. ‘Un- phones; a big supporter of is being threatened - but they locked Graduates’, the scheme goats and dogs,” he says. “I can then say, ‘I’m sorry, I which takes graduates into like all this stuff. I visited Rik- can’t do it because they are prisons as officers similar to ers Island in the United States searching me every single the Teach First programme and one of the best pro- day.’ I also want to make sure seems to be achieving high grammes there is dog train- that they cannot take their standards. Is that something ing. Rescue dogs are taken in possessions in. Staff lockers the Prison Service can expand with a handler, and some en- need to be outside the prison on? “Yes,” he says, “I’m a great hanced prisoners can keep gates. A single transparent fan of them. I love the Un- the dog in their cells bag, going through an X-Ray locked Graduates programme. overnight.” scanner is all they should be I’ve spent a lot of time with able to take in. We should them. I’ve just sent the head The biggest challenge though have a clear expectation that of our training for the regular is getting the public to respect they put on their uniforms prison officers to see their the dignity of the humanity of before going in - all of that programme. We’re learning prisoners. Is that too much to needs to happen.” from them, we’re modelling hope for? “I think we’re get- it. We’re trying to take the les- ting there,” he says. “I think l Weaponisation sons and some of their train- society and culture is chang- “Because PAVA spray is ers across to our system. It’s ing. But to prevent prisoners going out and committing © Graeme Robertson newer than a baton, the Gold Standard.” people somehow believe more crimes we have to un- that it’s worse than a derstand them as humans; we need to understand their baton. The reality is it’s pasts; their mental state; we Expecting more much safer. You can kill need to think about what someone with a baton.” therapy they could receive. By Prisons Minister Rory Stewart is determined to helping people who’ve hurt The recent introduction of us you stop them hurting make sure our prisons finally get to grips with the PAVA spray has got the backs other people in the future.” of prison reformers up. Was it problem of drugs and violence really necessary to further l Listening to prisoners weaponise prison officers? “The best governors are rehabilitation when so many a fine tooth-comb and prison “It’s not about weapons, it’s listening to prisoners.” prisoners can’t access courses officers have gone through about relationships,” he says, and facilities they need to with a fine tooth-comb - to say “however, there is a problem © Deposit Photos Erwin James The Prison Reform Trust re- demonstrate they’ve these are our expected stand- with violence, and whatever cently launched the Prisoner changed? “There are two sep- ards, this is how you will do a we’re doing on relationships, l Treating prisoners well Policy Network, asking pris- One way to make improve- arate challenges,” he says. “At cell inspection, this is how the reality is that the number “The advantage of not oners how best improvements ments in our overcrowded the centre of thinking about you will deal with a prisoner of assaults against prison of- having bars is that you could be made to the prison prison system would be to what a prison is for has to be - and then, the key thing, it’s ficers last year was ten thou- can have more natural experience. Are there any reduce prison numbers, par- the aim of changing lives. having the team, the stand- sand; twenty thousand light, which makes a plans for his department to ticularly among those serving That’s from the point of view ards team which will come in prisoner on prisoner assaults. consult prisoners on policy? short sentences; who make up of the Government, the point and work, often with young If a prisoner is kicking the huge difference.” “The fact is prisoners are by the highest number of re-of- of view of humanity and the inexperienced officers to ex- head of another prisoner you definition criminals, but they fenders. When I meet with point of view of the public. plain how you do it - how you need to do something. At the Is it true that new prisons will are also often extremely Rory Stewart at the House of But it’s not about one big sil- set standards and expecta- moment there are only two not have bars on the win- smart well informed people Commons the first thing I ask ver bullet.” tions: high expectations on choices available to a prison dows? “If we can design win- who know more about being him is if, as recent reports prisons, high expectations on officer; they can wade in with dows that you can’t get out of, in prison than anyone else on suggest, sentences of three prison officers.” their body, or they can pull a that’s all that matters,” he earth,” he says, “and they months and under are to be baton. My view is that the says. “The advantage of not often have a very clear idea abolished? “I’ve no doubt In 2017/2018 almost a fifth of spray is safer - safer for the having bars is that you can about what works. They are that the wrong kind of short a metric ton of drugs, 189kgs, prisoner, safer for the prison have more natural light, the core of our business. The sentence can damage the in- were seized in our prisons, officer. Because PAVA spray is which makes a huge differ- best governors are listening dividual and ultimately dam- 50kgs in the first three months newer than a baton, people ence. Very very sadly we have to prisoners.” age the public because it can of 2018. There is no way that somehow believe that it’s far too much suicide and self- lead to more reoffending,” he amount of drugs could get worse than a baton. The real- harm in prison, we need to says. “That wrong kind of into prisons in girlfriends’ ity is it’s much safer. You can create more pleasant environ- All clear short sentence is long enough bras, or babies nappies - or kill someone with a baton. ments for people. I think it’s to damage the person and not drones for that matter. “Let’s The laws of governance on an opportunity to show the world what a really intelli- long enough to change their l Back to basics run through this. By and large these two things are identi- our prison officers are fantas- gent, smart, modern building life. When you look at some- “By and large our prison cal. We’re not expecting peo- where like HMP Durham, tic, the vast majority are doing ple to use PAVA spray in a way can look like. That is good for officers are fantastic, the where the average stay is ten a terrific job, but we do have that they wouldn’t have pre- prison officers, good for pris- oners, good for families and days - realistically what is a vast majority are doing a some corrupt prison officers. viously used a baton.” A re- Not yet prison supposed to do with terrific job, but we do We have to move to airport port on the pilot use of PAVA good for the public. Treating someone in ten days? The have some corrupt prison style security and that’s what though indicates that officers prisoners well, turning their Will he go? fundamental point we have to officers.” I’m pushing for in every one often drew the spray in order lives around, protects the keep returning to is that al- of the ten prisons I’m focusing to enforce prison rules rather public and saves the public As we end our conversation, I though somebody might He’s often talked about “get- on, where every single prison than as a last resort. “Cer- from the misery of crime.” ask Stewart quickly how sig- think that giving someone a ting the basics right” - what officer, every member of staff, tainly it shouldn’t be used to nificant the reduction in short prison sentence is good does that mean in practical every day goes through an ask a prisoner to get behind l Goats prison violence has to be to because it protects the public, terms? Are these basics going airport-style security check; the door. But when there is a “I’m a big supporter of in- save him from resigning. He it doesn’t.” to be set down in writing? anyone in fact who enters a threat of serious danger, hav- cell telephones; a big sup- “One of the core elements of prison, including me. Why? ing the PAVA spray in certain porter of goats and dogs.” smiles, and answers quickly, “I’ve got to begin bringing it Changing lives is an admira- that is a prison officers’ hand- For two reasons; number one, situations can save lives. So down. If it’s still going up in ble aim for the prison system, book, which we’ve written, of course we will occasionally I’m not apologetic about But how do you get that mes- August - I’m gone.” but how feasible is which I’ve been through with pick up contraband, but more that.” sage out to the public and get Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 19 Inside Voices keep us close.” Making It Up The author-dads were also pleased with their efforts. “It was good…something so they Dad’s project at Wormwood Scrubs could understand why I’m here. Pushed to something I David Kendall remember that each dad had don’t like doing. Turned out a great audience in their fam- better than I imagined.” Families are so important to ilies. Their children really those in prison, especially wanted to hear and see what “Shows I need to sit down and those with young children. their dad had created espe- read more to my kids.” Visits can be a tough and bor- cially for them. ing environment for children. “Absolutely brilliant. Got the Family Days, with their play The stories were fairytale kids involved, gives them equipment and relaxed at- mashups, adventure and ac- ideas. Using imagination, mosphere, are much better, tion stories, and some true ours and theirs.” and now HMP Wormwood stories of family life. The men Scrubs have teamed up with looked at what made up a the charity ‘Give A Book’ to story; how to break it down to add Making It Up (MIU) to the fit the pages. What needed to mix, combining a family visit be communicated to the with a touch of creativity and reader on each page. Drawing a boost to literacy and reading skills were secondary to fig- for pleasure. uring out what needed to be said. Stick figures were fine. You figure out how to use what you can do rather than Something for the weekend? worrying over what you can’t. The results were raw, beauti-
The Norwegian prison system has an ethos ful and honest. Credit: Give A Book Conjugal visits which is to treat its prisoners as humanely as possible and to make a prisoner’s life as ‘nor- It’s humbling to present “Much better, more relaxed. Carl Gordon - HMP Coldingley mal’ or close to life on the outside as is possi- something you have made to For one day you’ve taken prison ble. The question a lot of us should be asking a child for their approval; it’s away from my family.” ourselves is; who would we like to live usually the other way around. amongst? A person who has been punished, The children were delighted. “It was a wonderful and in- I am currently undertaking my MSc in Devel- tormented, deprived and treated as harshly as “He really loves his dad’s sightful event which brought opment Management and am now in the final possible for years, possibly decades… or some- book,” said one mum. laughter and smiles to both stage, which is the Development Management one who has been treated humanely and with Credit: Give A Book the children and the men.” project (a 10,000 word dissertation). The sub- kindness? The Family Days had an extra Claudia Miron, Family Devel- ject is ‘an investigation of the institutional Dads at Wormwood Scrubs, element - as well as their opment Visits. problems and constraints on the use of conju- There is of course a reason Norway has a much with primary school aged books being presented to the gal visits as a contributor to maintaining fam- lower reoffending rate and far fewer acts of children, can take part in a families, Give A Book brought No photos of the Family Day ily ties and promoting rehabilitation via the violence in custody than here in the UK; and series of workshops - the first a guest illustrator. Former obviously: no pics of the dads IEP scheme and how these might be negotiated it’s perhaps due to how their prisoners are showing the importance of children’s laureate Chris Rid- smiling and laughing with and brokered’. In short, should prisoners in treated. Norway’s reoffending rate is 20% - books and reading in a child’s dell at the first Family Day their kids. None of them car- the UK have conjugal visits? while the UK’s is over 55% within the first year. development, and the second and comics artist ‘drawing rying their kids around show- In fact, statistics suggest that 76% of all pris- the creation of a unique sto- monkey’ Ilya for the second; ing them the drawings, Private family visits (PFVs) are usually be- oners released in the UK are re-arrested within rybook to be presented to this enabled the children to reading to them, none of them tween 3 hours and 3 days, dependent on which 5 years. their children on the special see illustrators at work, and riding around on the chil- country you are looking at and represent a Family Day. also get some tips drawing so dren’s bikes with their kids. chance for family members or close friends to Two other aims and objectives of the UK prison they could produce a story- You will just have to take my spend time together unsupervised. At present system are to rehabilitate and to encourage Creating a storybook isn’t book for their dads, using the word for it! a small proportion of UK prisons do have some prisoners to maintain family ties. These high easy. Even using the MIU same Making It Up booklet form of conjugal rights/visits. This includes rates of reoffending, and the fact UK prisoners blank storybooks, which have format. Making It Up at HMP Worm- those in D-cat prisons, those eligible for ROTL are only entitled to two 30-minute visits every different shaped cut-outs to wood Scrubs will run quar- and those who engage in homosexual activity 28 days suggest they are seriously failing to stimulate ideas/provide The mums attending cer- terly throughout 2019. within the prison system. This brings equality reach these targets. Private family visits may structure for the story. tainly enjoyed the events too. into question, as some groups of prisoners are be a way of working towards achieving these therefore being treated differently to others. goals. “This is harder than my six- “He [son] will remember the The prison system has a list of aims, goals and week trial,” said one dad. The book his dad made. These sto- David Kendall is a workshop objectives, one of which is obviously I would be interested in hearing people’s views important thing was to ries make a difference and facilitator, Making It Up punishment. on this subject, for and against PFV’s, some of which may contribute to my research and pos- However, what is often misconstrued is that Janine Doolan sibly in the long-term improving society as a prisoners are sent to prison as punishment, Chase me, chase me! GRAHAM & CO whole. The main issues I would hope to ad- Dedicated not to be punished, something that those in CRIMINAL SOLICITORS dress are around the effectiveness of the cur- Prison Law government, the media and unfortunately a rent IEP system to encourage positive custodial PRISON LAW Solicitor lot of prison officers are sometimes mistaken Adjudications behaviour: Home Detention Curfew about. This is evident in current government Oral Hearings North West policy, i.e. not giving prisoners the right to 1. The issues that may lead prisoners to behave CRIMINAL DEFENCE Recall Based vote, and the thought of them having the right Confiscation poorly; (will represent to vote making former prime minister David Crown Court Representation 2. How well the prison system promotes posi- Fraud Cameron (quote) ‘physically sick’. The outrage Nationwide) tive custodial behaviour, rehabilitation and Assault/ Drug Cases conveyed in the media about prisoner’s ‘holi- APPEALS Legal Aid: Write to: helps maintain family ties; INCLUDING SOPO VARIATIONS AND DISCHARGES day’ type living conditions, which is obviously 3. The positives and negatives of introducing CCRC Applications - PAROLE Janine Doolan, far from the reality, and their views on how POCA Appeals and enforcement. PFVs in the UK and how negatives could be FUNDING - RECALL 54 St James prisoners or ‘lags’ should be treated. The fact Legal Aid Available on permitted services Street, overcome; - ADJUDICATIONS is that some but not all prison officers think Fixed Fees Available Liverpool 4. The ways in which PFVs could incentivize - CAT A REVIEWS their job is to taunt, abuse and make prisoners’ L1 0AB good custodial behaviour, promote rehabilita- PRE TARIFF time as hard as possible. The great Winston CONTACTUS - tion and contribute to maintaining family ties; EXPIRY REVIEWS Churchill once said, ‘You can judge a society 01227 918436 5. Who should be entitled to PFVs if introduced [email protected] - PAROLE / RECALL 0151 3622421 on how it treats its prisoners’. in the UK? 34 MORTIMER STREET, HERNE BAY, KENT CT6 5PH SPECIALIST 07842 996400 20 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
All I do say is those that
Erwin James are held should be held safely, securely and decently - to give
It’s pleasing to discover from the prisons in- them the chance to rehabili- spector when we meet at his new offices in tate. Fewer people reoffending Canary Wharf that he gets lots of feedback regarding his inspections from prisoners who means fewer victims. read about them in Inside Time. “I think Inside Time is wonderful,” he says. Every prison I go What does he think about the public percep- to, prisoners come up to me and say, “I’ve been tion of prisons? “Inevitably, the public don’t reading your reports in Inside Time.” He says have a clear idea of what goes on in prisons. he’s impressed by the deep and wide penetra- Those of us involved in prison might wish that tion of the paper. “The number of prisoners they did. I see the role of the Inspectorate very who come up to me and say ‘thank you’ be- clearly and one of our roles is to actually ena- cause they’ve read what we’re saying in Inside ble the public to have a better understanding Time. It’s usually the only conduit they’ve got. of what goes on in prisons. Prisons have clear You are the leading newspaper in prisons.” purposes. It’s very clear that the main one is to fulfil the sentence of the court; but to hold people safely, decently and securely. But also A consistent theme for me a very key public interest in trying to make over the last three years is that sure that when people emerge from prison they’re less likely to reoffend, that they’re less good practice, and there’s lots full of drugs than when they went in. Sadly, of good practice, is not as we find that about 13 per cent of prisoners come out the other end with a drug habit they clearly identified and shared didn’t have when they went in. What we can help contribute to is a clearer public under- as effectively as perhaps it © Paul Sullivan standing of that public interest in reducing might be. reoffending. It’s nothing about being ‘soft’ in jail. All I do say is those that are held should be held safely, securely and decently - to give Clarke was a policeman for over thirty years them the chance to rehabilitate. Fewer people who worked his way up through the ranks to Raising hopes reoffending means fewer victims.” Commander before retiring as Assistant Com- missioner Specialist Operations. I wondered One of the worst prisons he inspected was what it was that attracted him to taking on the Marking his three years in post, Her Majesty’s Liverpool, which led to a special evidence ses- inspector’s job in the first place? “I retired from the police ten years ago and did a variety of Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke speaks sion by the Justice Select Committee. He’s very things after that in the private sector,” he says, much in praise of the new governor Pia Sinha “but when the opportunity came along to exclusively to Inside Time about his disap- and the progress she has made. “Since that apply for this, I thought it would be incredibly inspection I’ve been back to pay an informal interesting, a very important role and one pointments and hopes for the prison system visit and the energy that’s going on to improv- which actually I thought my background ide- ing things is terrific,” he says. It was the Justice ally suited. Because what had I done for the Select Committee’s session on Liverpool that Many of his inspections hit the headlines for all work being done in various places to support best part of the last 40 years? I’ve looked into led to the Government funding the inspector- the wrong reasons. His last inspection on HMP older prisoners, but the level of knowledge is things to establish facts, come to judgements ate to carry out progress reviews following Bedford was all over the news after he issued patchy, to say the least. A consistent theme for and presented them. Whatever the context, the inspections. The Committee accused the an Urgent Notification Protocol, meaning the me over the last three years is that good practice, basic discipline is the same.” Prison Service of ‘marking its own homework’. conditions are so bad, he notifies the Justice and there’s lots of good practice, is not as clearly “We’ve piloted and we’re bringing in a pro- Minister who is required to develop and formally identified and shared as effectively as perhaps How would he describe his job? “Going all the gramme - what we’ve called IRPs, Independent produce an action plan of resolution. He must it might be. We try to put it in our reports, but way back to David (Lord) Ramsbotham who Reviews of Progress. And I hope that will be a see some good practice however, that stands out that’s only one way of doing it”. How does he said very clearly in his book (Prisongate) ‘My major contribution to giving ministers an en- among the chaos? “The thing that did strike get on with the Prisons Minister and Justice job is to report what I see.’ There can’t be a tirely objective and independent review of me over the last three years, there’s some really Secretary? “Well they’re ministers that I enjoy more clear description of the Chief Inspector progress against our recommendations.” How good work being done in a place like Parc with working with. They have both devoted clearly of Prisons’ job than that.” As a policeman I independent of government is he? “No-one, in families etc. - then you go to another prison a lot of energy to this.Rory Stewart is a very guess he’d have had a pretty good idea of what the time I’ve been doing this job has ever tried and see more good family work being done. But energetic minister and he’s clearly very fo- our prisons are like before he started the job. to tell me what to write,” he says. “I’ve never when you ask if they know what other estab- cused on understanding what it is that makes What were his first impressions? “The first had any pressure whatsoever from the four lishments are doing, very often they’re not prisons tick. And what’s needed to try to drive prison I went to was Full Sutton, then HMP Secretaries of State and the three Prisons Min- connected. I found exactly the same with work improvement in a very real way - and not just Parc. Two very different prisons - Full Sutton, isters that I’ve worked with. We assert inde- with older prisoners. There is some terrific relying on a sort of strategic aspiration.” high security, plenty of staff, ordered, quite pendence,” he says. “Every year in the annual calm. Parc very different. I remember my first report I’ve reported on how many of our rec- impression in Parc was on the big wings, just ommendations have been implemented, and the sheer volume of noise. That’s the thing Pickup & Scott cover the majority of to be frank its disappointingly low. It’s a that’s stuck with me in many prisons, particu- prisons in the South East including shame. Some of the most difficult jails we look larly where you’ve got big wings, when men but not limited to: HMP Bullingdon, at we find incredibly low achievement rates. are out, there’s a lot of noise, a lot of move- HMYOI Aylesbury, HMP Woodhill, At Bedford, only nineteen out of 68 recommen- ment. There is a wall of sound. It led me to HMP The Mount, HMP Bedford, dations were achieved. It’s only now with the wonder how people find space and time just, Urgent Notification Protocol that these things if they want, to find room for quiet contempla- HMP Grendon & Springhill are being taken seriously.” tion. I know people by and large have far too much time available to them to think about We are able to assist with all What does he say to those people who don’t things.” As a policeman he must have put lots aspects of prison law, including: Please contact particularly care if prisoners have to live in of people away. Was he still able to see prison- The Prison Law Dept at: hopeless and dire conditions? “Prisons should ers as people first, rather than cons, or crims? • Parole Board Reviews Pickup & Scott Solicitors and must be places of hope. If you extinguish “Of course,” he says. “Of course they’re people. • Recall to Prison 6 Bourbon Street hope you’re not going to have people emerging I spent my entire police career dealing, Aylesbury from prison less likely to create more victims. whether with witnesses, victims or people who • Independent Adjudications Bucks HP20 2RR They have to have that hope that things can have committed offences - they’re all people. • Sentence Calculation get better, that their lives can turn around. And They’ve just come into the criminal justice 01296 397 794 Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers those who want to turn their lives around system in different roles.” should be given the opportunity to do so.” Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 21
face legal action for using the copy- write their COMP1 and 2 forms be- mean, you don’t have to be Einstein Preparing for the inside righted Prison Service logo for the cause without the means of com- to know that if these people are des- front of the book. plaining, nothing will ever change. perate for information and you can That was before I realised that the supply it then that must be a good Inside Time managed to speak with complaint system in prison is not thing. I didn’t charge anyone; they Carl in order to get his take on prison worth the paper it’s written on. I also could download it for free. You in general and the controversial pissed off the system by trying to would think the system would be book. Carl is 31 and has spent most of help others, they don’t like it. grateful for the help. That’s why In- his life in London. He has served time side Time and National Prison Radio in HMPs Wandsworth, Wormwood So, how did the idea to write the book are so important - they get informa- Scrubs, Pentonville and come about? tion to prisoners and their families, Wellingborough. unlike the system itself. Before I ever went to prison, but How was your first time in prison? knowing I was going, I prepared for What are you working on now? my time inside by seeking out some- Well, what you come to expect from one with the ‘info’ on prison. I Actually, Penguin Books have com- prison before you actually go there is learned what I needed to know. missioned me to write an extended really defined by the media. You ex- There is no official information about version of the Survival Guide, and to pect gangs of like, Bloods and Crips life in prison for those who haven’t include a lot more information. I’ve to be hanging around in orange been inside but may be on their way. got a female section included as jumpsuits, but a more British version It’s like prison and what it’s about is well, written by Julia. In male pris- of that, if you know what I mean. But a big secret. So, that gave me the idea ons, men are good at pretending the reality was a bit different. I made to write the book, not only to help everything is ok and then taking out Good advice some good friends on my landing - others who might need this informa- their frustrations in more macho who I still miss now and again - but tion but also to get my own back a bit ways, such as violence and aggres- Prison survival guide writer gets a book in a lot of people you can see the on what I saw as a corrupt system. To sion. From what I can gather, female black despair in their eyes, the emo- me, the whole criminal justice sys- prisoners are more emotional, more deal with mainstream publisher tional disconnect, a disconnect to tem might as well be trigonometry, caring to each other, which makes it themselves and their surroundings. because I could never understand a different experience. anyone who wanted to download it, Prison is just crap. that either! HM Prison Service: A Survival What advice would you give to those Guide, apparently ‘outraged’ law Noel Smith Did you do any courses or education? What was the official reaction to your still in prison? chiefs who accused him of ‘showing book? crooks how to live the high life be- Not really - more self-education than I would say that a stereo is a must. Former prisoner Carl Cattermole hind bars.’ According to the Sunday anything else. I was pretty good at The prison system banned it and And prisoners should try to maintain (above) is no stranger to controversy. People, a Tory MP called for the book school, I could have had a good edu- threatened to sue me for using their contact with the outside world in any In 2011, after his release from a to be banned. Priti Patel MP said: cation and my IQ test was quite high, logo, which is pretty incredible when way they can. Prison puts you out of prison sentence of two-and-a-half “It’s irresponsible, it makes a mock- but I always wanted to move at my you consider that I was doing an ob- synch with the outside world, so years for criminal damage, he de- ery of our criminal justice system own speed, I’ve never been one for vious service to prisoner’s families, holding onto any contact you can is cided that what prospective prison- and proves the Government must conforming. So in prison, because I letting them know about stuff like a help. I know that prison life has ers and their families needed was a reform our prisons and make them already had a head start on most by APVs (Assisted Prison Visits) and gotten worse in the last 5 years, that guide to what the British prison sys- tough and unpleasant places.” The being able to write and spell, I de- other things about which the system there is little basic respect left, but tem is really like. His book, free to MoJ also said that Cattermole could cided to help less literate prisoners to does not readily inform families. I hold on as best you can.
LIAM’S STORY...
Liam fell from his top bunk whilst having a nightmare… and that’s when his next one began.
Despite asking repeatedly, the missing safety rail on his bunk had not been replaced. As Liam fell, he hit his head on a pipe and suffered deep lacerations and whiplash to his neck and lower back. The blood from the cut triggered his Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), which he suffered following his 10 years in the army.
After Liam contacted Michael Jefferies, we claimed for both his physical and psychological injuries and he received £6,000 compensation.
You may not have your freedom but you still have your rights. YOU could be entitled to make a claim for personal injury caused by trips, burns, gym or workplace accidents or dental and clinical negligence.
N ON I JUR IS Y R L P A W E Y TALK TO THE COUNTRY’S LEADING PRISON INJURY LAWYERS TODAY. CALL: 0161 925 4155 H E
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Michael Jefferies Injury Lawyers is a trading name of Jefferies Solicitors Limited, authorised and regulated by the SRA CODE: IT8_H
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mother and aunt could no strawberries and cream. Yet I 2019, it has been 18 months Inside Voices longer afford the brands they read my MP was able to smoke and I still reach for a tobacco had smoked for 30 years so in their bar in the Houses of pouch that isn’t there, I miss they had to budget to the Parliament. Crown and gov- it. The ban has had a very det- cheaper generic brands. Same ernment buildings are exempt rimental effect on my mental with most foods they enjoyed. from this particular law. The health. I wake each morning The smoking gun In this decade my uncle passed government went to war on missing a roll-up with my cof- away to cancer. He didn’t ‘binge’ drinkers, smokers and fee. It makes me angry and I’ve smoke or drink. Go figure. I any and all kinds of discrimi- been angry for a year and a Recollections of a 40 year former smoker lost my aunt (my mum’s best nation, and drugs. More in- half. Obviously as I’m capable and longest friend) to a brain creased taxes on booze and of extreme violence, a roll-up buses, trains, planes and you tumour. She smoked but didn’t tobacco. Our NHS must surely calmed me down. Now though, were hard pressed to find a drink. Go figure. I lost my mum be loaded by now? Must be I think it’s a recipe for disaster. non-smoking area in many not long later. I believe lone- thousands of new hospitals It is hard being bothered to go restaurants. I remember the liness and a broken heart done going up? We just won’t quit to work and even if I do work tragedy of the Kings Cross sta- for her. She smoked but didn’t smoking or drinking. all day, I’m still locked in my tion elevator fire and its cause. drink. Go figure. Government laws to force cell by 6.45pm until 8.30 am As a smoker, I still agreed with packaging to show obscene, or so. On weekends for longer the smoking ban in trains, sta- A roll-up and a vivid pictures of cancer and and due to staff shortages and tions, buses and planes. Well beer were as bond- death. TV ads shocking view- wing lockdowns during the planes not so much, as I trav- ers on second- hand smoke. week even as long as 20 hours elled a fair bit in those days. ing as strawberries More taxes… 20 cigarettes £10 a day, without a roll-up. Sure, and cream. plus, beer priced by the unit, I’ve got a TV and 9 channels of I remember the government’s no longer able to view cigarette endless repeats. I don’t watch stand / war against fatty meat, Still taxes increased on tobac- products for sale, no more TV TV often. I read and think… too © Deposit Photos too much salt, e-numbers, ad- co and booze disproportion- advertisements and even more much time to think. Go figure. Name supplied - HMP Gartree followed by coffee and sugar. ditives, MSG, booze, smoking ately, but hey I worked, I en- taxes. Go figure. Still losing I was enhanced for years, not To say the smoking ban was a and of course drugs. I recall joyed both and could afford it, the war on drugs though. so now. What’s the point? No At 56, with 20 years left to kick in the teeth is an the government justifying the so my choice, right? They were outside money coming in. Who serve, I am most definitely a understatement. tax increase on cigarettes and losing the war on drugs In 2009 I died… metaphorical- needs an overpriced 20 year- ‘Dead Man Walking’. Being booze to bolster the cost of though. Along came the ly of course. Rumours abound old PlayStation, not me. Not indigent and estranged from My mother (bless) smoked. treating smoking and booze noughties, a new millennium, that the MoJ are considering a my generation thing. The gov- family members, I was more She smoked before, during related illnesses, that the extra age of enlightenment, of tol- smoking ban. It is being fought ernment is at war against sugar than keen to work and earn a pregnancy and after. I recall money generated would be erance; no to racism ... no to over in our courts of law. I’m and maybe red meat next. wage (no matter how low) to coming home from school to given to the NHS. sexual discrimination… no a lifer now; hoping common Increased taxes on tobacco, pay for weekly groceries. My a sitting room full of cigarette more smoking in public build- sense will prevail. The MoJ booze and sugar, but hey, they love of a roll-up and a coffee smoke, not even an open win- This was the 1980’s and they ings, including businesses and lose the case. The Supreme lost the war on drugs. Go figure. is what kept me sane and calm dow would seem to dissipate were losing the war on drugs, pubs. I agreed, clean air and Court rules against imple- in an insane and often chaotic it. I grew up in a society (of but they were persistent. all that. Not so much my local menting a smoking ban in 20 years until I get to buy a environment. Tobacco was the ignorance I suppose) that al- Along came the 90’s and the pub though. A roll-up and a HMPs. The MoJ decide to ig- packet of tobacco. Let’s hope first order on my canteen, lowed smoking everywhere, taxes still kept increasing. My beer were as bonding as nore it. Go figure. it is still legal to do so. Specialists in Prison Law
• Cat A Reviews • Pre-tariff Reviews • Adjudications • Recall • Sentence Calculation • Re-categorisation • HDC • Parole
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elements that are already on site. We years we have worked with around s***?’ This work provides therapy notice staff morale improves as well 58 men each year, and many more ‘through the back door’, a gentle, less as that of the residents, and aim to people overall if you include the par- prescriptive way of communicating begin capturing the evidence for ticipating staff. All of us who have and learning to be yourself, or even these positive changes during 2019. worked together have combined dif- just to ‘be’. ferent skill sets and levels of experi- Our prison work is usually delivered ence ‘in the field’. I can say with Nurturing nature from without does by partnering a PIPE Unit (Psycho- complete confidence that we have all the same within. It helps create pos- logically Informed Planned Environ- enjoyed working together - generat- itive change ‘from the inside out’. ment) or TCs (Therapeutic ing new skill sets and resources. Just like planting a seed in the Communities) and is supported by This development relates to all of us ground, each one of us can grow, and the NHS budget as a therapeutic ser- - both our team, the staff and the it is our pleasure and privilege to be vice. We get to know the staff and residents themselves. part of this process. residents that participate (following 3 months on the unit as a positive Some of the learning curves have If any other prison staff would like to reward for consistency of behaviour been predictable and ones we have know more, please contact Founder/ Green is good and engagement). aimed for, like discovering vegeta- Director Joannah Metcalfe:
Credit: Greener Growth bles you like to eat; if you grow them www.greenergrowth.co.uk Having identified the space that we yourself you are more likely to try are to work on, and with security hav- them! Like getting fitter, stronger • Part 2 will be in the March issue of ing cleared the proposals, we begin and healthier when you spend more Inside Time. Growing a way working on the plans with both resi- time outside growing food and en- dents and staff who are involved from gaging in creative activities. Like day one. A good amount of initial finding you have a flair for wood- development time is required to cre- work, or working with willow. New Flower of the Month to rehabilitation ate a process of safe and effective skills learnt bring new confidence delivery that everyone is happy with. and self-esteem. There are things Greener Growth - year five at HMP Wayland Then we set up a diary of events you can look forward to teaching which staff and residents get to dis- your children when you leave; or Joannah Metcalfe communities include groups that play on the notice-boards. things that could lead to a new ca- are struggling in one way or reer path; we often hear the phrase another. The reality is that over these past 4 ‘Can you make a living doing this 2019 sees the start of the fifth year that we have been working with the Our work centres round identifying guys on the PIPE Unit at HMP Way- unused or under-utilised green Winter Aconite land near Thetford in Norfolk. spaces that can be transformed into (Eranthis Hyemalis) food producing gardens with con- Greener Growth are a Community servation rich design practises. We This native member of the butter- Interest Company (CIC) established work with permaculture principles, cup family, once grew wild in many in East Anglia in 2013 to bring Hor- which incorporate the ethos of shar- of woods and hedgerows and was ticultural Therapy, Food Nutrition ing resources, generating nature an important food source for our & Budgeting Courses, Conservation havens, protecting the land and the pollinators, especially queen bum- Projects & Rural Enterprise Initia- people working on it. blebees that hatch out in February. tives into schools, prisons and com- Seen from the end of January munities experiencing challenges All of our projects focus on recy- through to early March, this deli- - whether it be mental health issues, cling, re-using and sustainability - cate flower of golden yellow does special educational needs, social such as capturing rain-water and well when planted under shrubs or isolation, financial and general dep- establishing compost bays. Wher- deciduous trees. rivation or employment issues. The ever we can, the resources estab- “Pass the hope trowel” www.greenergrowth.co.uk reality is that most of our lished are made from recycled Credit: Greener Growth
[email protected] Criminal Law & Prison Law Specialist The Johnson Partnership vhs 0115 959 9550 Solicitors fletchers Harjit Chana Criminal Defence experts in all areas of SOLICITORS PRISON LAW criminal law Dedicated Prison Law Department with over 35+ Covering: All types of cases ranging from road traffic years experience. We offer specialist prison law HMP The Mount matters to Murder and everything in between advice & representation – nationwide. HMP Rye Hill Offences alleged to have been committed in LEGAL AID prison or on licence • PAROLE BOARD REPRESENTATON (PAPER HMP Onley Specialist Business Crime and Fraud Department dealing with high value and complex frauds and & ORAL HEARINGS) IPP/LIFERS/EDS/DCR HMP Woodhill prosecutions by BEIS, Trading Standards, Health • RECALL HMP Bullingdon and Safety, HMRC & others • ADJUDICATIONS POCA cases big and small dealt with by our • CATEGORY A REVIEWS HMP Littlehey Confiscation Department covering • CSC HMP Grendon Initial applications under Proceeds of Crime Act; • PRE-TARIFF SIFTS HMP Aylesbur y Applications to vary orders by the defendant or • SENTENCE CALCULATION the prosecution; Enforcement proceedings in the HMP Springhill Magistrates’ Court In addition Experienced prison law solicitors • POCA Legal Aid work & private work at reasonable rates • JUDICIAL REVIEW Covering: FIXED FEES Police Investigations/interviews in prison Criminal Law Specialists We also offer FIXED FEES to provide advice and representation in other prison law and Magistrates & Crown Court Call: 0115 941 9141 release related matters Parole & Recall Appeals against sentence 24 hrs a day / 7 days a week VHS FLETCHERS also undertake criminal J proceedings & appeals Nottingham Office , Cannon Courtyeard P Write to: Harjit Chana, 5 Holywell Hill, Off Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE Write to us: Irene Tolley/ Clare Roberts [email protected] 111 Carrington Street, Nottingham NG1 7FE St Albans, Herts AL1 1EU Email: [email protected] Call: 0115 9599550 Telephone: 01727 8 4 0 9 0 0 OFFICES NATIONWIDE 24 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
So we also had total creative control over the documen- tary; the Ministry of Justice or HMPPS weren’t involved with any of the filming or editing, so we could get an accurate picture of prison life.
What was the biggest thing that surprised you whilst film- ing Prison?
The issue of mental health. I “I’m busy”
knew it was a problem, but it Credit: Channel 4 was only by being inside you classes and be so affected. really got a sense of how acute quite an impossible task, the problem is, and how it af- given the limited powers that It just proves to you what is officers have in retrieving fects so many inmates. possible, and there’s some- them - it’s difficult to be able thing incredibly hopeful in to spot it all. For example, there’s that mo- that moment, seeing that, ment in Episode 2 where we with the right care, question- I think this harks back to the were walking around with a ing and reflection, change is public imagination that dates mental health nurse and possible. back to the times of the TV found out from her that there series Porridge. I think that are around 960 prisoners and But it’s a very complicated when prison officers go home at least 600 have mental situation of course, because to their friends and family health issues. That surprised us quite a lot, and the level of Paddy telly power self-harm is quite shocking.
Additionally, I think in the public imagination of prison officers the role of the prison officer hadn’t been updated Humanising the that much since the Strange- ways era, you know? The role has changed so significantly. Prison officers are being Confrontation
asked to do so many different Credit: Channel 4 headlines tasks and have to be so skilled in dealing with some very you can see the security move they don’t quite appreciate Paddy Wivell (above), award-winning director of the challenging people. It’s an had a huge impact on him but the task they have to do. incredibly challenging job by the end of the film he was They’re a misunderstood pub- documentary ‘Prison’, shares his insights, observations and anxious about leaving be- and I didn’t appreciate that lic servant. cause he knew implicitly what he thinks are the biggest myths about life in prison before I went in. about the sort of challenges All 3 episodes are now out - he’d face in the community what would you say is the over- Ministry of Justice focused on going around all and the world he was return- arching narrative of Prison? the different wings, speaking ing to. So you can reinvent to all the various officers and yourself in a prison setting; It’s essentially taking those speaking to prisoners about but it’s much harder to make Episode three of ‘Prison’, headlines about the supposed our intentions for the series. that work on the outside. which focused around ‘vio- ‘crisis of prisons’, looking at the themes of each episode lence’, has now aired on We built trust with them and So when you’re thinking (Drugs, Mental Health and Channel 4, so Paddy reflects reiterated the shared agenda about rehabilitation, you Violence) in a more nuanced back on what it was like film- we had, where we felt like the need to be realistic about it way, and not just statistics ing for seven months at HMP work of prison officers is and address the difficulties thrown at us to demonstrate Durham, where he and his misunderstood. people face in society too. how the service is allegedly team of 3 people captured the failing. everyday life of prisoners and We deliberately didn’t want to Now that you’ve had experi- prison staff. bring a camera into the prison Take him down ence filming in a prison for 6-7 I really wanted to give view- too early, and only introduced Credit: Channel 4 months, what do you think is ers the sense of what it actu- How did you start the process it once we felt there was a the biggest misconception ally feels like to be in prison, of filming the documentary? level of trust. There hadn’t been a docu- How did it feel witnessing the about prisons? to get an impression of what mentary team in an English moment prisoner Troi wants to it’s like to be a prisoner on That they’re holiday camps! HMP Durham is a big space, What was your motivation for prison for about 5 years, and turn his life around in Episode those landings; that you don’t And that because they have a so initially we had a period of filming a documentary inside in that time there were all three? readily get elsewhere. I felt TV and a phone, somehow 3-4 weeks where we first a prison? quite often films of the past sorts of headlines which were thinking prisoners live the It’s an amazing moment! I only really show things from quite negative about what life of luxury. goes on inside our prisons, have to say, that completely a prison officer’s point of view floored us. I did not anticipate and it doesn’t give the public When you see the deprivation and I wanted to be immersed that happening. in the world of the inmate too. much sense of what prison of freedom you have when officers do either. you get there, you see how To be honest, when we saw limiting their lives are be- We wanted to humanise those him coming in we knew he cause their freedom’s been headlines and really under- We wanted to get a flavour of was a troubled prisoner; we taken away, you realise they stand what they mean in what life was actually like, expected violence and car- aren’t holiday camps. order to gain a more informed gain a nuanced sense of what nage, and we were interested understanding of the chal- kind of work is being done in following that to see how I also think people miscon- lenges prisons face. within our prisons and what the prison would respond. ceive the idea that it’s quite the experience of being in What I didn’t expect was for straightforward to stop drugs This interview is reproduced Good food? prison is like. him to go to a couple of from getting in. It’s actually Credit: Channel 4 from the MoJ website Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 25 From over the wall Tales of Wisdom
both of the above categories. Let me say that Sid Arter swimming in the clear waters. it is nothing to be ashamed of. You may have The man asked him if he ever Terry Waite CBE had difficult experiences in the past, skipped fell out with people or got into school, who knows what, but you do not need The arguments. He thought this to be bound by the past. an odd question, but said that fisherman of course he did because peo- The joy of writing Given the state of our prisons at the moment, ple often talked nonsense in the situation regarding further education is his opinion and when they A man sat one day on a river- patchy but there are still opportunities for those did, he saw to it that they were My primary school days are a long way in the bank casting his rod and line who want to learn. It can be a real help to ex- put right. He even agreed that past - 75 years to be exact. Between 1939 and into the sparkling waters of press yourself through writing. The other day other people would ignore the 1945, able-bodied men had been called up to the river hoping to catch him- I received a very long hand-written story from nonsense spouted by others fight in World War Two and this meant of course self fish for supper for his a prisoner. The handwriting wasn’t brilliant but he could not resist a scrap. that there were very few male teachers. Not family. He carefully threw and the spelling was odd in places but that did that there were ever many male teachers in ground bait out into the water primary schools. In my rural school there were not matter to me at all. What was important The man asked him if he saw and cast his line so the baited Casting off just two female teachers; one to take charge of was that this prisoner had been able to capture, the connection with fishing hook drifted under the bank © Deposit Photos in words, the ideas that were buzzing around and he quickly answered no, the very young and the other to see the older at the far side of the stream in her head and this was satisfying to her. Of “the two are very different,” children through to the dreaded 11+ examina- where the water ran slow and undeterred, returned the fol- course, like anyone else, she would be cautious he retorted. “Not at all,” said tion. Both teachers, if they had any serious deep. This, he thought, would lowing day and used different as to whom she showed this writing, as she the man. In life we get thrown training at all, were educated in the early part be the best place to catch bait and tried the same places understandably feared rejection and ridicule. a great deal of bait - people of the century when Victorian methods were something. and times of the day. Still he For complex reasons she had been rejected in pick a fight, try and wind us still around. I have vivid memories of the day caught nothing. one way or another most of her life and so to up and even talk nonsense - when one constantly unruly member of my class But nothing, and after 30 min- expose her innermost feelings to anyone was but it’s up to us whether we was ordered to come to the front of the class utes he decided the shallow On the third day he returned understandably too much of a risk. take the bait. You have done where he was placed over the teacher’s knee, part of the river would be bet- once more, again with differ- nothing wrong in your fishing his trousers and underwear pulled down and ter where the water bubbled ent bait, determined to try in You know as well as I do that even if you make - indeed you have been wise he was given a sound thrashing! We sat in shocked and was full of oxygen - so he the same places and at all the good friends inside it’s not easy to trust others. to offer the fish as much vari- silence as this punishment was inflicted. cast his line there. And still same times. After a few min- There may be things you need to talk about but ety as you could - but they just not even a bite boosted his utes a man came by and asked you may be unwilling to discuss them inside aren’t biting. I was an ink monitor, which meant I had to go hopes. So he packed up and him how he was getting on. and you may not have anyone with whom you from desk to desk carrying a can with a long decided to return in the He told him it was a useless might write to on the outside. On the other Learn this in life; if you find spout and fill the ceramic inkwells which were evening when maybe the fish place to fish as he had caught hand, you may just welcome a few lines on a you are forever getting into placed in a small hole in each desk. Often, some would want something to eat. nothing in three days and was postcard from time to time. disputes / fights (whether ver- bored pupil had stuffed them with blotting If necessary, he decided, he’d getting very hungry. bal or even physical) perhaps paper which delayed the filling process stay into the night - thinking This is where an organization called Prisoners’ it’s because you take the bait. considerably. that maybe in the daylight the The man sat next to him and Penfriends might be useful. They will put you fish could see him and were said it was strange that he had The situation changed in touch with someone on the outside to whom put off by his presence. That caught nothing as they could Sid Arter is a teacher you can write and who will keep in touch with dramatically when I was day he caught nothing and both see plenty of big fish and entertainer you. If you have a family or friends then this about twelve when my father may be sufficient but if, like many others, you have no one who writes to you then a penfriend passed on to me his little can be a real help. If you want to follow this up Olivetti typewriter. This was a then you can find out more from the chaplain’s department who ought to have details. Here is godsend. Now at long last I the address: Prisoners’ Penfriends, PO Box could begin to express myself 33460, London SW18 5YB.
in writing and a whole new When you are inside it’s easy to lose touch with world opened up. the world beyond the gate. A penfriend might just help in some small way. Penfriend or not, We were obliged to write with wooden handled if you have problems with writing take the pens into which we slotted a steel nib. At the opportunity, whilst you are inside, to do some- best of times these pens were not easy to write thing about it. If there are no classes available, with but they were especially difficult to those write and tell ‘Inside Time’. If you want to catch such as myself who were left-handed. The up on what you missed years ago you ought to teacher believed that all letters should slope have an opportunity to do so whilst you are forwards. Now, if you have even tried writing doing time. left-handed in the way the teacher demanded, with real ink that smudged easily, you will Until next month … Terry Waite appreciate this was an agony. I could not man- age to produce a neatly written page and con- sequently grew to hate writing. As a child I CANTERS CRIME loved reading and words fascinated me, but We are a friendly rm, with solicitors and legally writing was out of the question. The situation quali ed sta who are experts in their particular changed dramatically when I was about twelve areas of law when my father passed on to me his little Olivetti typewriter. This was a godsend. Now at long AREAS OF WORK last I could begin to express myself in writing LICENSE RECALL PAROLE REVIEWS and a whole new world opened up. IPP REVIEWS ADJUDICATIONS Other Prison Law issues considered Because of that childhood experience I have but payment may be on a private fee basis always had sympathy for those who have dif- All areas of Criminal work including Police ficulty with writing, or indeed those who have Interviews/ Court Appearances never learned to read or write. In later life many people who have this experience are reluctant CONTACT US to admit it, and thus struggle through life with 0151 239 1020 what is a very real handicap. [email protected] There will be some of you who are reading this 24 DALE STREET , LIVERPOOL L2 5RL (or having it read to you) who fall into one or 26 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 A journey through the therapy looking glass Conversations with Clare
Although if we take the definition of a journey I was inspired to be ‘to go from one place to another’, then I do wonder if the idea of marking a resident’s to help these peo- time here as a ‘journey’ is done so in the hope ple due to my own that they will indeed go from one place to an- other. Now not to get into semantics, or philos- personal experi- ophy for that matter, but please humour me; ences. I couldn’t do those who come to prison fundamentally refuse to address their offending behaviour and bear anyone else get released to ‘go from one place to another’? Or do they return to the same place? But in order going through to return, they would have had to have left … what I had. when arguably, prison or not, psychologically they haven’t moved at all. If this were true, then worked selling property in in the light of all this there would be ample exotic locations. It then gets justification in referring to a resident’s time © Fotolia.com really gripping when he here as a ‘journey’, since even the most arduous describes his time in Fox Hill Reece Johnson induction to therapy here can highlight the folly prison in Nassau. I guarantee behind the idea of aimlessly ‘sitting down’ and that you will be well and truly ‘getting out’. Journey to the future hooked by such a fascinating Whispering hope… and interesting life that aims If you’ve been incarcerated and attended a One thing that is guaran- to put the headlines straight prison gym then I’m guessing that at some point teed whilst you’re here is on the truth behind the facts. during your stay you will have had to wait in a Inspirational author wants to help David said, “All my experi- queue before being let off your wing. To be frank, movement, as you go right prisoner parents with access issues ences have made me a strong- in prison the ‘queue’ for the gym can often feel er person and a better judge into the past, make a circle of character. I was deter- like a scene from a Western where it’s ‘every working as a Mackenzie mined not to let prison break man for himself’ rather than an orderly line, around the challenges of the Friend show the lengths to me - and to tell my story to because all too often, once the door opens, what which some people will go to present and up towards the Clare Barstow help inspire others.” David is feels like a horseback pursuit quickly ensues. prevent their partners from currently working on a new And like any other prison, this is a familiar sight potential of the future. gaining rightful access. A project to help benefi t prison- here on the therapy wings, as is the sight of Mackenzie Friend is where a ers upon release which will be prisoners trying to look as though they are not Choosing to not want to get a better understand- When I arranged to meet the lay person with some legal launched later this year. sprinting down the corridor by attempting to ing of why you have done the things that have author David Bright (above) at knowledge represents their adopt the rhythm of Olympic speed-walkers. put you in prison or why you want to continue a Jewish deli in Enfi eld, I was client in court. I couldn’t help to do them when you get out shows no desire surprised at how charismatic being deeply moved by each The other day, as I saddled up along the corridor to move. Say what you like about therapy, but and focused he was. The set- case. David said, “I was I was greeted by a resident from another com- one thing that is guaranteed whilst you’re here ting proved a perfect relaxed inspired to help these people munity who told me that he was going home is movement, as you go right into the past, make background to a chat about due to my own personal expe- the next day. The news took me by surprise; a circle around the challenges of the present his work and life since being riences. I couldn’t bear any- nostalgically, I flashed back to the time when and up towards the potential of the future. Here, released from prison last one else going through what we were both going through the selection pro- therapeutic targets are designed to help lay year. He is a true example of I had.” not letting your past defeat cess on the induction wing. To be honest, in down a path to create the road on which you you and has shown that my experience it is quite rare for men to go will make this journey. Furthermore, you have Some of you may have expe- opportunities are available if straight home from Grendon as opposed to a real say in what they are and so you can create rienced a lack of access to you are motivated to succeed. getting a move to a D-cat or hostel etc., so this your own path. your children due to current was great news. Significantly, his time holds circumstances, but this book Having read his book, true to one of the many clichés here at Grendon Indeed, every person’s target is different; there- off ers hope that it is possible ‘Whispers of Hope’, penned to fi ght for access, as nothing … ‘everyone’s journey is different’ and whilst I fore understandably, as the cliché goes, ‘every- under the name Charlie is cut and dried. I think any do feel there is a lot of truth in this, I have often one’s journey is different’ - therefore ultimately Albert, I was so moved by his divorced parent could benefi t thought about why a resident’s time here in it is up to each person to make their own way. ‘Whispers of Hope’ is availa- Nonetheless, to anyone reading this currently fresh and emotional style of from reading this heartfelt Grendon is referred to as a ‘journey’. I mean, I ble to order on Amazon or by serving time in prison, wherever you are, I would writing as he tackles a diffi - book. don’t really have any recollections of prisoners emailing francesca60@gmx. most sincerely like you to ask yourself one thing cult subject with compassion outside of the therapeutic realms referring to com for £5.99 including post- - are you on a journey? and thoroughness. The I have also been reading his age and packing. their time in prison as a ‘journey’. In my expe- impact of divorce on children autobiography entitled ‘Fox rience, generally inmates in the system often can be devastating and these Hill’ which is a really incred- Clare Barstow is a writer and view their time in prison to be a matter of ‘in’ Reece Johnson, a nom de plume, is a resident 6 true stories of genuine cases ible story of his life starting former resident of HMPPS and then ‘out’. of HMP Grendon David encountered whilst from before prison, when he
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Miscarriage of Justice? Contact ASHLEY SMITH & CO Our experienced and dedicated team are specialists in Appeals & CCRC Undertaking work for privately funded clients only. Parole Board Representation For both legally aided and privately funded clients All Prison Law matters including Independent Adjudications On behalf of privately funded clients. In all privately funded matters we will quote you a reasonable fixed fee - staged where appropriate. Professional and approachable we offer a Nationwide Service and accept agency work for Parole Board Representation. For a prompt response please write or call 0208 463 0099 Ashley Smith & Co Criminal Defence Specialists 4-6 Lee High Road London SE13 5LQ Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 27
Keith Rose Additionally, there is a significant proportion of prisoners ‘studying’ English as a Second Language (ESOL) yet the same absence of tech- “We are Anonymous. We are Legion. We do not nology is all too apparent, with whiteboard forgive. We do not forget. Expect us” and textbooks the only teaching aids. Prison- ers do not embrace education as understand- The above passage was the calling card of the ably they consider teaching methods (above) hacker group Anonymous, and their lesser ‘boring’ - hardly surprising as most are from known successor group LulzSec. Although the a technology rich environment real life. rise of Anonymous was one of the more sensa- tional media stories of the noughties what is Imagine the use of speech to text software to not widely known is the core of the organisa- permit the illiterate to see how the word they tion centred on six individuals. say appears in text form, in English classes. Imagine the use of video lectures for Geography Society would consider the six individuals as or History. Imagine the use of YouTube or having learning difficulties and/or as social Wikipedia entries in diverse subjects. Imagine misfits, as none fit comfortably into conven- that for Maths classes the Internet’s interactive tional society. Two had autistic traits, two were sites that children use for homework and revi- ex-soldiers, one of whom was a transgender, sion. Virtual reality is now being touted as an another was an ardent self-publicist and the education aid, yet it will be decades, perhaps sixth was a 16 year-old political activist from We know you but you don’t know us centuries, before the Prison Service discovers London who hacked the Tunisian Prime Min- © Deposit Photos it. ister’s computer and took down his website prior to the Arab Spring rising. What are the obstructions to introducing tech- nology into Britain’s prisons? One problem is The Anonymous example is an indication of Talking Technology the exam driven focus on privatised education how a group of socially impaired individuals, providers; exam results are how they get paid some with learning disabilities, were able to so the emphasis is only on teaching to pass come together and interact via a computer net- Time for IT in prisons to be taken seriously exams. Another example is perhaps surprising work to achieve worldwide notoriety, whilst as it is IT managers, that is to say those that making governments and international organ- & LulzSec. (LulzSec is a development of ‘laugh USB ports blocked, disk drives disabled, and manage the networks rather than IT tutors. isations look powerless. Self-taught, they in- out loud’ (lol) with Sec, shorthand for Security). computer content supplied from a central server terfaced with computers in a way they were only equipped with limited pre-approved soft- This latter group of IT managers’ activities are challenged to do when dealing with life. Within Britain’s prisons E-inclusion, the wide- ware and programmes. In many cases, mun- often laughable. Inclusion of any modern tech- Within the prison population there are many spread use of technology, is virtually non-ex- dane programmes like spell-checkers are not nology is refused using excuse, security. Yet hundreds, perhaps thousands, who find it istent. The only modernisation to be found in present and operating systems are server sup- more often than not, these IT managers have easier to interact with a computer than people. education classrooms is the use of whiteboards plied. The most common operating system and marker pens rather than blackboards and used is the 20 year-old Windows XP, with even no educational experience, no teaching qual- ifications - they simply manage a network There are many hundreds of ‘me too’ claimants chalk. outdated Windows 7 a rarity. rather than IT tutors. of Anonymous membership after their ‘pri- mary hack’, an attack on the Church of Scientol- Where computers do exist, usually only where A significant proportion of prisoners lack Level ogy, yet the core group given above are those ‘Information Technology (IT)’ is taught, almost 1 in English and Maths; many are unable to Keith Rose is currently resident in prosecuted as active members of Anonymous without exception the computers used have read or write at primary school level. HMP Swaleside
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‘Yeah. Fraud and stuff. Says Alf laughed nastily. ‘You al- The car slowed, Jason looked she was fitted up.’ ways were a drama queen up, surprised to see Sue wav- Looking Up Jason. “I’ll do whatever it ing at the kerb. Alf shook his head sadly. ‘Let takes. Fookin ‘ell lad, you’re me guess, she knows some not in a Bond film.’ ‘I said I’d give her a lift Jason, The ups, downs, challenges and triumphs of a Indian pal who’ll set this trust OK?’ Sue bustled into the car, fund up for you, eh?’ Jason stood up, jaw clenched clouded with Gucci Guilty. prison leaver’s journey tight. ‘I’m not going to argue ‘Thanks Kaz. Hiya Jay, how’s at his workshop, squeaking ‘Not still racist are you Alf?’ with you Alf. I respect what your uncle?’ with age as he stepped onto snapped Jason. you done for Frank, and I’m ‘Alf’s not my uncle.’ the path, withered flowers grateful for you looking after ‘Oh…’ and a fist of grass breaking ‘Don’t cheek me, lad. You his house this past four years. the stone. The front door never could see past a smile I know I fucked up. I just… just She and Kaz exchanged a cracked open, Jason winced and a pair of tits, whatever want to make things right… is funny look, sparking Jason’s as Alf appeared, pipe in hand, colour they were.’ that so hard to understand?’ suspicions. Up to something, looking exactly as he’d done the pair of them… but what? for the past thousand years. Jason slammed his mug on Alf shrugged, lighting his Nearer town Jason got out, the table. ‘Listen ‘ere Alf, you pipe slowly, nodding in si- waving them away as he ‘Allo lad, come through then. might’ve been my uncle’s best lence, almost sad. The silence looked for a post-box, slip- Who’s the bird?’ mate, but this is my house grew awkward, Uncle Frank’s ping in a crumpled birthday now …’ ghost listening at the card to Sally and a letter to Jason stepped into the hall, bannisters. Alison, to be forwarded by the house’s breath thin and ‘Not for much longer if you start Probation’s Family Liaison Centre. A young fella clutch- stale, faded family photos on playing clever buggers with ‘I’ll see myself out Alf. Thanks them courts! Trust Funds my ing a bunch of Valentine’s the wall, Nanna Louise’s hid- for the tea.’ eous clown painting glower- Aunt Fanny! I promised your Day flowers rushed by, Jason uncle on his death bed up- shook his head in disbelief. ing at the top of the stairs. The Kaz was restless on the drive stairs to keep this place straight It’d been years since he’d kitchen was dusty, a boiling back to the hostel, one hand for you till you came home, bought a woman flowers. Ali- brown teapot smouldering on on her iPhone, scrolling and here you are planning to son hated them. Sue was the the oak table Grandad Sam through a property website sign it over to some bloody type though, she’d appreciate had made during the war. Alf showing local house values. poured brews, sniffing. foreign skirt you met in jail!’ the attention, and with his name off the card, it would ‘Well Jason? Shall I get those ‘How long are they gonna Jason blushed. ‘She’s not in keep her guessing for once. trust fund papers ready?’ keep you at that hostel then?’ jail! And I never said I’d hand He got up, heading for the it to anyone! It’s not easy you ‘Er… not at the moment, market, sunlight playing thanks.’ Jason curled his fingers round know, getting all this shit sorted through the bare trees, smil- ‘Uncle Alf doesn’t approve, his mug. ‘Dunno. There’s one out on my own! Court papers, ing as he went. eh?’ fella bin there two years. Can’t summons, appeals … Christ ‘He’s a bit old fashioned Kaz.’ even get a room, with his knows what else… but I’ll do ‘You mean he doesn’t like record.’ whatever it takes to keep this Frank Cotton is a former place for me and Sally.’ foreigners.’ resident of HMPPS ‘Kiddy fiddler, you mean?’ Image credit: MW credit: Image ‘No, he’s actually ...’ Frank Cotton early grave through the worry ‘Any word from Alison and of losing his home. Sally?’ Green Green ‘Thanks for the lift Kaz, buses Jason blinked - his ex-partner WILSONS AUCTIONS are terrible round here.’ and daughter, living new Grass of Home lives down South. ‘Just don’t tell anyone I’ve got WE CAN SELL YOUR ASSETS Jason’s heart pounded as they a car, I’m supposed to be ‘No. I’d hoped probation might pulled up in front of Uncle bankrupt.’ help arrange contact if I had · Do you have an outstanding confiscation order? Frank’s old house, the family my own home back, like.’ · Would you like a free valuation and a no obligation home for decades, now threat- Jason nodded as he got out. ‘Aye. How’s it going, this pro- quote to sell your assets for the highest price? ened with confiscation by the Kaz and her husband had got ceeds of crime business?’ courts because of Jason’s crim- five years for massive prop- ‘Hard to say. Kaz says if I sign inal convictions. It looked sad erty fraud - millions sent the house to a trust fund, the WILSONS AUCTIONS CAN HELP and frightened, part-pulled abroad and hidden by family courts can’t touch it.’ As the sole agent for over 40 law enforcement agencies, Wilsons Auctions specialises curtains limp at the rain- in Asia. Bankrupt my arse! ‘She the bird outside?’ in selling assets that are subject to confiscation proceedings, often in sensitive streaked windows, Uncle ‘She’s a solicitor. Was, any- circumstances. We are the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland Frank’s restless ghost lurking Jason crept to the garden way. Really brainy.’ and with 80 years of experience, we can sell assets worldwide. just out of sight, driven to an gate, hand-wrought by Frank ‘Was she locked up an’ all?’ Deton Solicitors TurningPages DEFENDING YOUR CAUSE!!! Experienced Representation in Prison Law, Jewellery Cars Property All Assets Criminal Defence and Appeal & Reviews Prisoners who can read
• Independent Adjudications teach prisoners who can’t • Appeals against conviction and sentence For more information • Challenges to sentence calculations If you would like more information on • Re-categorisation & knock backs appeals (Private) how to become involved, as either a FREEPHONE 0300 124 0438 • ROTL applications and appeals (Private) • Judicial Review Mentor or a Learner, contact the Reading Simply provide us with the following Name Solicitor (if any) • Parole review IPP & lifers details and we can do the rest! Prison / Prison Number Your Asset Details • Parole reviews for recall Plan Lead in your prison (ask a Shannon • Crown/Magistrate Court Representation Trust Mentor who this is) or write to: • Confiscation of Assets and Forfeiture Cases Shannon Trust, Freepost RTKY-RUXG-KGYH Trench Lock 2, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5YL We also handle Personal Injury Compensation Claims The Foundry, 17-19 Oval Way, LONDON SE11 5RR. For Prompt representation call William or Mo on 0208 617 0120 or 0757 240 1468 www.wilsonsauctions.com Alternatively please write to: ShannonTrust Northern Ireland | England | Republic of Ireland | Scotland | Wales 28 Portland Road, South Norwood, London SE25 4PF Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 29 Inside Voices Inside Voices
picture on the TV and you start to think that this could be okay! Smile against the machine On the way out After that comes your first chat with your new pad-mate Name withheld - HMP Ford roll-call, meet me by the door ‘Which jail are you from? How Unrealistic prison preparations for people convicted and I’ll take you over to the long are you doing? Where you of sex crimes dining hall for dinner, no more from on road? What work are The slip comes under the eating in your room, you can you thinking of doing? Try and Grant Stanley - HMP Whatton in preparation for release - acting. Whilst some door, you’re a D-cat and the sit around a table like human avoid the gardens; kitchens may be quite adept at this skill, it is a new but adventure begins! For most of beings’. The food is always are alright or the workshops, essential endeavour that most must undertake. us who get D-cat, you’ll have good when you get to a new DHL pays the best though. Do Prisons are a great place, but not for the reasons We have all heard the expression ‘smiling as- been in closed conditions for jail but give it two weeks and you smoke or do drugs as I can one may believe. They warehouse miscreants, sassin’, this accurately describes those assess- a while, have a single cell, it gets repetitive very quickly. hook you up! Cheers, but I’m temporarily reduce crime statistics, appease ing your suitability and risks prior to release. decent job, decent wages and But, hey, I’m in a D-cat; I’ll good thanks’. the general public and victims, but what they Unless they hear what they want to hear, with besides ticking off the days, have a kitchen to cook in, or achieve in marketing positives, they singularly the right amount of remorse, regret and ac- life is as good as it can get so I think, but no, there’s just That night fail in rehabilitation. Rehabilitation, as de- countability, your risks and conditions will be under the circumstances. a microwave that’s not been fined by the OED, is to help someone who has However, transferring to open cleaned in months. though I do get a high and many. They should include prisons been in prison to return to normal life but there conditions can be daunting taste of freedom as in the national soap awards! as we all fear the unknown, That night though I do get a is nothing ‘normal’ about the synthetic envi- and for the majority it’s a mas- taste of freedom as I walk I walk around until ronment that is prison. Therefore rehabilita- As sex offenders there is no additional support sive step backwards, at least around until 8pm and it’s nice tion is a misnomer created by the politicians prior to release. Sex offenders’ prisons are a for a while! to have real fresh air and feel 8pm and it’s nice and psychologists. petri dish for future offenders and you have to the rain on my face. People are to have real fresh cut through the miasma to identify those that Getting off the sweatbox and jogging; the library is open Institutional programmatic behavioural mod- are victims of maliciousness or lies. Nobody standing in reception, the until 7.30pm; there is a chapel; air and feel the ifications would be a more accurate, albeit wants to employ a sex offender; nobody wants ‘newbie’, all your belongings there are starting to be a few rain on my face. convoluted, description of the attempts by NOMS to associate with a sex offender; so what ex- in three plastic bags and plus points to these D-cats! By to reintegrate sex offenders back into the com- actly can prisons do to prepare a sex offender you’re asking the question; the time I’ve made my bed in Thursday finally comes, and munity. However, what the general public are for release? Nothing! ‘have I done the right thing’? my bare room with no cur- it is the one induction talk that blissfully ignorant about is the fact that sex The reception screw calls your tains, a fuzzy picture on the you have been waiting for offenders are schooled in sexual offending (if Oh, but that doesn’t stop them trying out use- name, ‘bring your bags over TV because the aerial won’t -ROTL! Then you’re told that they allow themselves to be), physically and less initiatives and attempting to convince us here’, as he rummages stay in the socket; my head’s you, like everyone else, will psychologically traumatized by offending be- that it’s all about ‘mindset’ and ‘positivity’, at through your pants he pulls lying on a thin pillow and then have to do the 12 week lay- haviour programmes and reoffending rates the same time as putting obstacle after obsta- out a black t-shirt … ‘Oh, you everything hits me all at once down, even if you’re past your have remained unchanged in the last ten cle in our way. Psychology are always under- can’t have black t-shirts here’. - what the f**k have I done? FLED date. There are several years. In preparation for release, prisons do taking studies about how sex offenders ‘think’, Next bag, an Xbox, ‘Oh, you types of ROTL you can apply very little. Prisons do help offenders prepare why they offend, and what they do, but never can’t have that here’ … then Second day, sitting in induc- for whilst you are here, RDR for their release, but help comes from the most produce any effective measures to prevent fu- out comes the DVD player with tion listening to everything (Resettlement Day Release), unexpected quarter … other prisoners! ture victims. Freeview … ‘Oh, you can’t you already know about pris- and ROR (Resettlement have that here’. Gov. isn’t this on. All I want to hear is when Overnight Release) are the Prior to release, your offender manager (pro- HMPPS could be honest with prisoners and per- a D-cat? How come I am al- can I apply for my ROTLs? So, ones everyone wants. Once bation officer) will impose license conditions. haps give them skills that fit within their strin- lowed this in my C-cat but I you ask around and get lots of you are 4 weeks in and past These conditions are reactionary rules that are gent license conditions. For example, here at can’t have it here? ‘It’s just the different answers, but that your FLED you can put in your only enforced if you fail to adhere to them. It Whatton they teach painting and decorating way it is here, if you don’t like part of induction isn’t until RDR application. Be warned, is not about rehabilitation or reintegration it is and bricklaying, but no sex offender (whilst it you can leave’. Thursday and its only Tuesday. it can take up to 8 weeks, as about box-ticking; statistics; and not getting on license) can work in a domestic property for the prison has to hear back bad PR for the probation service. Offender fear of there being anyone under 18 present Next up, the induction officer After getting a tour of the pris- from outside agencies. calls me in, ‘You happy to be on, and just when you want to managers create obstacles to success and gen- (whether your offence is against a child or not). erally cover their own behinds and would here son?’ Well yes, sort of, give up, a slip arrives under Monday morning you start So, what’s the point of these courses? Great, sex rather recall you than make any efforts to sup- not sure why I can’t have my the door; you’re moving work on the gardens and that offenders can build their own extensions and Xbox or Freeview box here rooms. That nervousness thought appears in your head port you. paint their houses, because no one else wants to! when I could have it in my last kicks in and you put the key again, have I done the right jail? ‘Well, that’s just the way in the new door and open it, thing? Luckily the answer is At any one time, approximately 10-15% of pris- Why not teach courses on customer services it is here!’ I’m starting to sense it’s the same size room. Two ‘yes’. Keep your head down oners will be in prison (or back in prison) for or warehousing so that there might be an op- a theme. After a few questions beds, but now your mattress and in eight weeks you’ll be a breach of license conditions. Now this says portunity to get a job in a call centre or a ware- the induction orderly says … is at least one inch thick, there on a day out with your family absolutely nothing for prisoners’ rehabilitation house? That makes sense, and if there’s one ‘Mate, you’re going in with are curtains, two wardrobes, and that’s why you came to efforts, but it does provide a wealth of infor- thing I’ve learnt whilst being at Whatton is that Jones over there’. Thankfully, two lockers and a perfect D-cat! mation for other prisoners. It is all well and if it makes sense, they won’t do it - if it doesn’t Mr Jones doesn’t appear to good the offender managers and psychologists make sense, they are all over it like flies on pooh! want to kill me in my sleep. stating … ‘stick to your license conditions and We lug our bags over to our Our team of specialists can o er you’ll be okay’ but anyone with a modicum of So, the simple answer is that prison hinders cell, oh, I forgot, in D-cats they free advice and assistance in common sense or experience knows this to be sex offenders in preparation for release. You are called ‘rooms’ and we have relation to Legally Aided issues, codswallop! can never un-see or un-hear the things you are our own keys. We open the including: exposed to in a sex offenders’ prison. The pro- door and all those feelings of Without wanting to scare the bejesus out of grammes have been proven to make prisoners trepidation come flooding Lifer/IPP Parole Board Reviews (Pre/Post Tari ) anyone preparing for release, we hear the sto- worse and any effort to use your time construc- back when I see this small Recalls ries about prisoners being recalled for being tively is thwarted by an idiotic public protec- room designed for one person Independent Adjudications Category A Reviews minutes late for an appointment, swearing at tion unit and security. Offender managers but containing two beds with probation staff, wearing black when black was don’t give a toss and you’re mighty unlucky if wafer-thin mattresses and We can also o er competitive xed fees for matters soooo last season (I may have made the last you have mental health issues as it is likely scabby pillows - this is bad! which are not currently covered by Legal Aid such as: one up!) These stories serve a purpose though The orderly says … ‘Don’t un- you will be ignored. Sentence planning/calculations (whether they are true or not), for they high- pack - you won’t be here long, Challenging Licence Conditions light the necessity to create a positive relation- This description is not exclusive to sex offend- couple of days max’. That’s Re-categorisation ship with your offender manager, whether you ers though, as it can easily apply to the whole the best news I’ve heard all Accessing O ending Behaviour Programmes day, but is all the accommo- like them or not. prison estate. My advice: stay out of trouble, dation like this? Contact us today: Address: don’t trust anyone and keep a smile plastered T: 01752 600833 Genesis O ce 6, 235 Union Street The latter point segways nicely into another to your face as though everything is fine (when The orderly seems okay. ‘After @: o [email protected] Plymouth, Devon PL1 3HN skill that prisoners (and not prisons) teach us in reality it is far from fine). 30 Comment // Scottish Focus www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 Cigarette smoke stubbed out in Scottish prisons Inside Prisoners’ views of the smoking ban Scotland! The SPS have once again put prisoners within its walls to the bottom of the pile without due care, or even an iota of consider- A selection of news and ation, as it heralds a new era, never mind a new year. The intro- duction and implementation of a complete blanket ban on features relating to pris- smoking in its institutions began in earnest on 30th November ons and justice for our 2018. This new policy has been thrust upon us without as much as an Informative Rule change explanation or impact statement friends and colleagues on what we can expect from it, or even an amnesty for existing north of the border. smoking paraphernalia. Not even a fact sheet on what we can do to alleviate stress levels and cravings was forthcoming until a whole month after the ban was started. Yes, smoking cessation classes are available for all, but no extra resources have been made or introduced in those areas, so needless to say that staff shortages, spaces available and of course waiting lists render these utterly ineffective.
Though in truth, apart from some minor incidents that have oc- curred sporadically over the last month, it has to be conceded that the transition to smoke-free has been successfully achieved. This has been more down to prisoners adopting an attitude of indifference towards it all and not due to any SPS tactics or sus- tained prep work. Prisoners had to be fully committed or serving 6 months or more to even quality for a vaping kit, which is blatant discrimination. Smoking is an individual’s choice and should be regulated instead of a complete ban being implemented. All this succeeds in doing is driving tobacco underground, thus creating Drawing to a close a sub-economy in black market smoking products. Do you have any questions © Deposit Photos Nicotine lover - HMP Barlinnie for the Chief Inspector of The Scottish Prison Service has now wellbeing, and assist in the reduction The general consensus among prisoners is that the smoking Prisons for Scotland? introduced a smoking ban in a bid to of health inequalities for all those in ban transition, overall, has been smooth and outright negative improve health and quality of life for our care.” views have been few. I feel the prison staff have made a genuine In the August 2018 Scottish Focus, we prisoners and staff. The ban has im- effort to ameliorate the negative attitudes and this has, to an reported the appointment of Wendy pacted around 72% of prisoners in While public health minister Joe Fitz- extent, worked well. The patience and willingness shown by some Scotland, who smoke regularly, but Patrick said: “Providing a smoke-free staff should be commended. Sinclair-Gieben (above) as the first female vaping continues to be permitted and environment in prisons will help cre- Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland. the SPS is offering e-cigarette kits to ate a Scotland where we reduce the The fact that most prisoners have ‘come around’ in their feelings We approached her to see if she would prisoners who request them in a bid use of and harm from tobacco and is down, in my view, to forward planning and precautions taken answer questions from Scottish Focus to help prisoners make the transition help achieve our aim of a tobacco-free during the build-up to the ban. Some weeks before the cut-off readers, and she has agreed. If you have to a smoke-free environment. generation.” date, vaporisers and capsules were issued to prisoners. This was any questions for her, please write to good foreplaning, giving people time to learn how to use them. Inside Time (Scottish CIP), Botley Mills, The decision to ban smoking came But not everyone welcomed the news. My own use of the vaporiser has not been overly difficult, and I Botley, Southampton, SO30 2GB. We’ll after a major report found levels of Simon Clark, director of the smokers’ slowly cut down on cigarettes over two weeks. Not everybody make a selection and give her responses second-hand smoke in some cells group Forest, said: “No-one has the took this approach, and so some had to effectively make the were similar to levels found in bars right to smoke in jail but smoking is change overnight. in the next Scottish Focus (May 2019). before Scotland’s 2006 smoking ban. one of the few pleasures many prison- ers have.” There have been some negative aspects. There were assurances 01324 Why not offer that there would be no hard and fast date after which tobacco Taylor Responding to plans to give vaping would become ‘contraband’. Unfortunately, this is exactly what & 614015 e-cigarettes to those kits to inmates who smoke, he said: did happen! People’s cells were forcibly and thoroughly searched. Kelly who want to quit, and “Vaping may satisfy some prisoners To cell occupants these actions were more than a little reminiscent but for many people vaping is still no of a drug bust. Cell searches were carried out under what many substitute for smoking. 15 years’ experience in assisting prisoners throughout allow them to vape in felt were deceitful circumstances (e.g. by offering prisoners a Scotland with prison law and parole matters. shower and then going in). This engendered a sense of humiliation their cells, but permit “Why not offer e-cigarettes to those Recognised by Chambers as one of the best and resentment. A majority of the men are in here on drugs of- human rights firms in Scotland. who want to quit, and allow them to designated smoking fences and have experienced their homes being invaded and vape in their cells, but permit desig- turned upside down, and carted away from families. These cell We can assist you with: areas for those who nated smoking areas for those who searches felt like re-enactments of the day their lives were All Parole Board proceedings (Tribunals/paper reviews) prefer to smoke?” prefer to smoke? destroyed. Challenges to recall A ban is already in place in England Prison disciplinary/orderly room issues Having spoken to prisoners, staff and NHS personnel, one of the Reaction to the ban was broadly pos- and Wales and on 30th April 2018 the Downgrade challenges biggest fears was that the ban was being transitioned over the itive, with SPS chief executive Colin final two prisons in England imple- Progression festive season - most feel this was merely bad luck as much as McConnell stating: “Having a smoke- mented their smoke-free policies, Internal prison disputes free prisons estate in Scotland will bringing the total number to 102 - the bad practice by the regime. Overall, switching from tobacco has Falkirk Business Hub, 45 Vicar Street, bring significant improvements to largest smoke-free prison estate in been a success, all things considered. Falkirk, FK1-1LL health, quality of life and sense of Western Europe. Anonymous - HMP Barlinnie Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment // Scottish Focus 31 How should we manage prisoners whose offences and behaviour we abhor?
Kirsty Deacon Prof. Hardwick spoke about these questions from a rights perspective. In the Worboys Nick Hardwick is a Professor case, he raised questions of in Criminal Justice at the what information should be School of Law, Royal Hollo- considered by the Parole way University, London. He Board when assessing risk on was Head of the Parole Board someone’s release, how this in England and Wales from fits with someone’s right to a Will this time be different? 2016 to 2018 and prior to that fair trial, and the rights of vic- was Her Majesty’s Chief In- tims to be made aware of in- spectorate of Prisons in Eng- formation, something which Review following deaths at Polmont land and Wales. He gave the can be obscured through a Howard League of Scotland’s Nick Hardwick: “Where lack of transparency in the A person, with signs of vulnerability, is sent and the Social Work Inspectorate inquiry into Drummond Hunter Memorial we talk about violence Board’s decision-making to prison and ends up dead soon after. Dis- eight suicides at Cornton Vale in the late 1990s. Lecture within the University in prisons we talk process. traught families, media headlines, Govern- of Edinburgh on 6th Decem- These reviews produced recommendations to about the need to ment inquiries, promises of better support close Cornton Vale and divert women from ber 2018. It was titled “Hard The introduction of PAVA follow. And yet, the song remains the same. custody. There are now plans to do this, with Cases: How should we man- support the victims of spray is argued for on the Every year, 25 to 30 people die in Scottish pris- most of the women’s population relocated to age prisoners whose offences prison violence, but basis of safety, for prisoners ons, with at least 5-10 of these being suicides. Polmont. With the recent death of Ms Allan, it and behaviour we abhor?” what do we do about and staff, something every- Katie Allan and William Brown, whose self-in- appears that the problems of Cornton Vale the bullies, those one has the right to. But what flicted deaths have prompted the latest review, have also been relocated. Prof. Hardwick based his lec- targeting staff or happens if prisoners get hold join a long roll-call of those who have died in ture on two examples: the of the spray and use it against Scottish custody. Dame Angiolini also completed, in 2017, a re- John Worboys parole deci- vulnerable prisoners? ” staff or other prisoners, or view of deaths in police custody in England sion, and the introduction of staff move from seeing its use Announced by the Government in November, and Wales. In this and the prior reviews, rec- PAVA spray in prisons in Eng- as a last to a first resort? this latest review will focus on support for ommendations emphasised providing safe- land and Wales. These repre- he asked, how do we justify young people with mental health needs at guards for the vulnerable. Vulnerability sent cases that those who this argument when there Prof. Hardwick did not pro- HMYOI Polmont. A short-life working group generally has translated as those with known argue for penal reform often could be tens or hundreds of vide a direct answer to the assisted by a child and adolescent mental mental health needs, women and the young. avoid speaking about. They victims? Similarly, he said, question posed in the lecture health professional will be conducting the don’t tend to talk about those where we talk about violence title, instead he finished by review. It will include representations from Some are sceptical that the current review will who are in prison for commit- in prisons we talk about the reminding us of the dangers Social Work, the Scottish Children’s Reporter change anything. Scottish prison population ting the most serious and ab- need to support the victims of of making human rights con- Administration, SPS, HM Inspector of Prisons numbers remain stubbornly high, and the in- horrent offences, as it is much prison violence, but what do ditional, be that for prisoners for Scotland, Barnardo’s and the Scottish As- vestigation will not reach the vast majority of easier to argue for the rights we do about the bullies, those or any group, as by doing so sociation for Mental Health. those who experience custody. ‘Prison is not a of someone who has commit- targeting staff or vulnerable we then make them condi- damaging place just for those already seen as ted more minor offences. But, prisoners? tional for everyone. Thus it will exclude review of the prisons that vulnerable. It is inherently damaging, and have already seen deaths in 2019: on 14 Janu- everyone who enters it becomes vulnerable - ‘pulling sickies’, as most absences are long- ary, the SPS reported the deaths of a 26 year- regardless of age, gender or sentence’ accord- term (10.8 AWDL), with colds and other short- old in HMP Kilmarnock and a 52 year-old in ing to Dr Sarah Armstrong, Director of the Prison staff term conditions only leading to 4.0 AWDL. HMP Barlinnie. It will exclude review of HMPs Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research. However, over 35% of long-term conditions are Perth, Addiewell, Shotts, Castle Huntly and mental health related. Glenochil, which have all seen prisoner deaths ‘By focusing on the needs of the individual the sick of the job? since the loss of Ms Allan and Mr Brown. It will nature of an institution that produces distress, The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has reported Staff sickness levels vary among establish- exclude review of support for prisoners not despair and institutionalisation are ignored,’ a sharp upturn in staff sickness levels, from ments, with Glenochil (17.8), Barlinnie and officially classed as ‘vulnerable’. And it will she continued. ‘This is how the recommenda- 8.6 average working days lost (AWDL) in 2014 Cornton Vale (both 16.5) reporting the highest exclude review of adults no longer in their 20s. tion of the Angiolini Commission to close pris- to 11.8 in 2017. The figures for 2018 are set to be sickness rates over the year until February 28, ons could lead the SPS to designing an even worse, with more than 13.5 AWDL for February 2018, and the Open Estate (9.5) and Dumfries Previous inquiries have been the 2012 Com- bigger prison for women’ (the now abandoned 2018. This is against the context of a slow de- (9.6) the lowest. These differences suggest that mission on Women Offenders’ Report, over- plans for HMP Inverclyde). The Expert Group cline over the previous decade from 12 days local culture is likely to play a part. The most seen by the Rt Hon Dame Elish Angiolini QC, will report its findings by the end of April 2019. lost in 2004. What has happened that sickness likely to clock up at least one absence were levels have returned to more than their 2004 40-44 year-olds, with only 20% of prison staff levels in just four years? It is clear that the SPS in this age group not taking any time off sick PAROLE HEARING COMING UP? does not know, as these figures come from an in September 2017, with those 16-44 consist- SPS document inviting research into the issue. ently more likely to be off sick than those 45 A producer making a lm for Channel 4 would like Among the possibilities mentioned are long- and over. to hear from long term prisoners in Scottish Jails term austerity, consistently high prisoner num- awaiting parole. bers, negative perceptions of prison and prison Most seriously, the SPS compares negatively staff and changing shift patterns. However, both to other criminal justice organisations special attention is paid to the Prison Officer and more generally. Its own benchmarks are We’ll lm your journey, your tribunal and hear from Professionalisation Programme. This pro- the Scottish Government, with sickness rates you directly about the parole process and your gramme was intended to increase the skills of 9.3 AWDL, the Ministry of Justice (9.3) and, hopes for getting out. Everything you say is o the and knowledge of prison staff through further most tellingly, HMPPS in England and Wales, record, until you decide for sure to take part. training. However, the suggested changes with a rate of 10.4. We hear much about how were rejected by the POA union in October. SPS the English prison system is in disarray, but management is clearly worried that the ‘nature apparently the officers who work there are in and speed’ of the transformational change a better place. However, it should be noted that agenda are affecting staff morale and leading HMPPS includes probation officers, with sep- to more sick leave being taken. arate figures for the 72.9% of its employees E: [email protected] / T: 07917 316 640 who work in public sector prisons A: Red Sky Productions, Four Winds Pavilion,Paci c Quay, Glasgow G51 1DZ The figures do not suggest that prison staff are unavailable. 32 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
least I could do was send some feed- competitive and cheaper than pris- back; HMP Notts shall no doubt be oner phone calls and that will help happy when my mail stops too bring the price down. It’s not fair Change is a coming ha!ha!ha!” that prisoners today pay so much for phone calls, but that’s another story. But this is just the start. We can do Tech firm boss Francis Toye explains how his company is more, much more, as long as Unilink There are still many technical prob- is permitted by prison authorities lems to overcome: prisons with their helping to bring the prison system into the 21st century and provided also that systems are reinforced concrete construction secure so that proper controls can be and massively thick walls are not the maintained. Already in HMP Kilmar- easiest buildings in which to run nock and HMP Addiewell in Scot- wireless networks, but the technol- John Roberts land messages and replies are sent ogy is available today and step by to kiosks instead of being printed step the situation is improving. As out. It is great that the Scottish technology outside of prison be- “Maintaining family ties signifi- Prison Service has allowed this and comes more pervasive, Unilink will cantly boost prisoners’ chances of as a result there is much quicker be doing what we can to bring the rehabilitation”, so said Justice Secre- communication between friends and benefits of that technology inside. tary David Gauke in a Press Release family and prisoners. Imagine if you on 28th December talking about the are visiting on Wednesday being installation of in-cell telephones in able to have quick, written commu- About Unilink ten more prisons. It is refreshing to nication the day before to see if an- l The Unilink Group now consists see there is recognition at the highest ything’s needed? We are hoping to of four companies operating in the level that communication with pris- extend this gradually to all prisons Criminal Justice Sector and em- oners is important. I met up recently in England and Wales. with Francis Toye of Unilink and ploys approximately 120 staff and have a sales turnover of £12-13m. asked him if there is more to come? Taking it a step further, perhaps mes- All good at home sages could be received on in-cell l Unilink Software, providing bi- There is much more to come. While © Andy Aitchison - Doctored library image prisoners’ tablets that could also be ometrically enabled Custodial it feels like prisons are the one place used to deliver education courses? Management Software and pris- that time forgot as regards technol- home in 8 days (and counting) al- godsend I’ve found it to be. To just be oner self-service. ogy, change is coming, but slowly. though such a short time compared able to instantly send a few lines or Yes, perhaps then prisoners could Sometimes it is hard to imagine that to many others, it’s the longest we’ve even just 3 words when they have to store pictures of friends and family l Beaumont Colson, recently ac- there was life before the iPhone, in- been apart in 7 years. I’ve personally be said and heard (although Mr don’t on their desktop on a tablet? Unilink quired by the Unilink Group, pro- troduced in June 2007, but it has been OK until my first visit only last do technology) I’ve personally found has this technology available today vides Offender Case Management changed the world except in prison week and the first time I’ve visited a hugely helpful and it’s been the main and prisoners could even book a visit software applications to probation where such devices are not allowed. prison in my life. Whilst the numpty factor the last few days in dragging through their tablet now; and later and community corrections. seems extremely well, the day after me back up and getting some kind of in 2019, video-technology will be What exactly are the changes? I broke completely and have not composure of myself - and Mr’s spir- added - allowing video-visits to be l Unilink Technology Services, been right since. Letters have come its are lifted too. I don’t know how booked for those that find it difficult providing Communication Services All prisons in the UK now have the and gone via snail mail and only on folk cope over long-term sentences, to travel. Provided video-visits do that connect the “outside world” out one-way “email a prisoner” ser- Sunday did he manage to get but one thing I do know is how im- not become a complete substitute for with incarcerated offenders. More vice. To this Unilink has added reply through on the phone in all these portant and beneficial this service is. visits (some American prisons do not commonly known as E Mail A capability, now in sixty-three estab- weeks. I really don’t know how to say ‘thank allow face to face visits at all but do Prisoner. lishments, and fifty have photo ca- you’ but to all who make it happen, all visits electronically) then this l Acante, specialised in design and pability - both of which have proved “Letters have been massively impor- well done and keep up the fantastic additional means of communication manufacturing of self-service de- popular. We get many quotes from tant, but as I said, slow. It was only work, because it is a massive will help hard-pressed friends and vices for use in corrections. Subsid- grateful customers for this service. at the weekend I found out about the support. family to keep in regular contact iaries in Australia, The Netherlands This is one of many on the email a email a prisoner service. I can’t with prisoners. Unilink can also and North America. prisoner website: “My partner is due begin to tell you how much of a “Sorry to bang on, but I thought the make the pricing of video-visits
When you Your Rights Our Responsibility “Recent Cases dealt with by MKS LAW “ feel no one’s CROWN COURT R v S and Others – Charged with Murder. All defen- helping YOU ... dants found Not Guilty. R v W and Others – Charged with supply of drugs. We specialise in Prison Law, we also offer expertise in Parole Board Hearings Hung Jury. Discharged. Criminal Appeals and Immigration R v B - Charged with Attempted Murder. Reduced to We pride ourselves on delivering a client centric service, GBH following negotiation with CPS. IPP and Lifer Paroles Straight talking legal experts who put your needs first PAROLE HEARINGS LICENCE RECALL Paper Parole Reviews We provide legal aid services in : We offer competitive JM, BH, AL, AM, DC Fixed Fees: • Parole Hearings Clients all released following Parole hearings. Recall • Adjudications • Re-categorisation matters • Sentence calculations APPEALS AGAINST CONVICTION/ SENTENCE • Sentence planning • Licence recalls 1st stage appeals undertaken on private client basis only. Independent Adjudications • Governor • Pre-Tariff & Tariff Reviews adjudications Police Interviews • Challenges to Parole Board CCRC REFERRALS ...We will • Independent risk 2nd appeal attempts undertaken privately and some decisions assessments Legal Aid. • Cat A Review Boards • HDC /ROTLS • Challenges to Close Supervision • Segregation Contact: LUCY DOWNES Centre and Separation Centres ADJUDICATIONS • Transfers FA - Client found Not Guilty following positive MTD. Hamer Childs Solicitors We offer fixed fees in, Bail Applications, Deportation and Asylum. Murder, Drugs, Fraud? Facing serious criminal charges? 58 The Tything Face them with the Legal Team that is right for you. Worcester WR1 1JT We offer fixed fees in all Immigration matters. We have Legal Representatives who speak Lithuanian and e: [email protected] Bengali and can assist you. MKS LAW - Suite 19, Unit 9 Liberty t: 01905 724 565 www.hamerchilds.co.uk For more information, please contact Centre, Wembley, HA0 1TX Kathryn Reece-Thomas or Sara Watson Tel: 020 8123 3404 Fax: 020 8181 6512 “YOUR LOCAL T: 0203 841 8580 MKS LAW Solicitors LAWYER HERE ReeceThomasWatson, 758 H olloway Road, Islington, London N19 3JF Criminal Defence Lawyers TO HELP YOU” Legal Aid & Private Client 020 8123 3404 - [email protected] - mslaw.co.uk Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Information // Education 33 Learning from Learners
What do you think of Prison- - to gain perspectives that are of PET, and getting ideas for ers’ Education Trust? Is what honest, personal and rooted improvements. we do working? How could we in reality. be more effective? Involve Running two of the work- more learners? Make a bigger What we did shops was CJ Burge, a law difference? Last year we held workshops graduate and St Giles’ Trust in three prisons, involving staff member who was once As a charity trying to create people who had taken, or funded by PET herself. The the biggest impact with limited might want to take, PET involvement of someone with funds, these are questions we courses. We visited HMPs CJ’s energy and integrity, as ask ourselves all the time. As Coldingley, Send and Spring we approach our 30th birth- Hill nine times to meet with well as her ‘lived experience’ day, we want to learn from the groups of learners, finding of prison, added a lot to the men and women who we fund out about their perspectives workshops.
Learners said Suggested solutions
‘PET is not widely enough l Create eye-catching posters and leaflets, with ‘aspirational’ known.’ messages focused on hope and progress; l Train peer mentors to promote opportunities; l Mention PET in inductions.
‘It’s hard to understand l Share clearer information with learners and staff on our Paint-a-Postcard Competition how funding decisions website, leaflets and posters; are made.’ l Speed up the application process. PET turns 30 this year and we you’re the next Picasso, we want to hear from you. The competition is open to everyone in ‘Learners sometimes lack l Produce a digital curriculum that prison staff can search and need your help to celebrate! prison and there will be voucher prizes for the information about print for learners; winning entries, which we will announce later courses.’ l Provide more information about how certain courses can this year. The closing date is 22nd March. Please Back in December 1989, we had helped 12 peo- lead to work, with success stories; send your entries to: The Communications ple in prison embark on distance learning l Ask learners to review courses, with possible rating system. Team, FREEPOST, Prisoners’ Education Trust. courses. Last month, we were thrilled to have helped our 40,000th prison learner access ‘Learners sometimes lack l Train peer mentors to support others; Postcard competition - terms and conditions support.’ l Create a ‘PET handbook’ for staff, including tips on how to education. As part of our celebrations, we want facilitate distance learning; to create a special 30th anniversary postcard Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) would like to use l Encourage prisons to create dedicated spaces/groups for - and we want your artwork to adorn it. These your postcard art to inform people about PET’s distance learning. postcards will be sent to prisons across Eng- work. By submitting your entry, you agree that PET land and Wales, and filled with personal mes- can use your artwork in printed marketing mate- sages about the impact of education. They will rials, on the PET website or social media sites, in What’s next? courses and support learners help in improving what we do. selected media (e.g. The Guardian or Inside Time), Since 1989, we’ve funded more in the future. be displayed and shared with staff, supporters and decision makers. in reports or applications (e.g. in research reports than 40,000 courses for peo- Do you have a view? Share or applications and reports to funders), and for ple in prison. In the next 30 In the short-term, we plan on with us what’s good and bad We want the pictures to be inspired by PET display purposes at stakeholder events and in the years, we want to fund more producing new materials, a about the way we work, and PET office. learners and make a bigger new website, and introducing what you think of our plans courses, so grab a curriculum from your Edu- difference to those we do help. a clearer way to apply. In the for the future. Write to Katy cation Department and get drawing! Last year By submitting your entry you agree that PET can long-term, we hope to also Oglethorpe, FREEPOST, Pris- alone saw people in prison start a huge array use your first name publicly. If you would prefer us Views from these workshops involve peer mentors and dig- oners’ Education Trust. of courses, including our first awards for Latin NOT to use your first name, please write this on are going alongside the opin- ital courses - watch this space! for Beginners and Zoo Keeping - so there’s the back of your artwork. PET will send entrants a ions of PET staff and prison This project was possible plenty of food for thought. privacy notice stating how we will use your name staff, trustees and alumni to Thank you to all the work- through funding from Eras- and any other personal information sent with your help improve the way we fund shop participants for their mus +. Whether you’ve just picked up a paintbrush or entry.
Run by the Distance Learning Cen- Having worked in business develop- tre, the Mental Health Awareness ment and struggled with his own QCF Level 2 certificate introduces mental health before his sentence, various mental health conditions - Terry saw this course as an opportu- including anxiety, depression, nity to retrain and refocus: “I have schizophrenia and eating disorders my head/heart firmly set on retrain- - teaching how they affect people, ing to work within the mental how they may be managed and what health/substance misuse arena Course Notes support is available. The course upon my release,” he wrote to PET. PET fund over 300 types of leads to a fully recognised QCF Level 2 qualification and requires no prior “I see this additional study as con- distance-learning courses. To tributing towards my mental health/ apply, you will need to: knowledge or experience. wellbeing and sense of purpose/ l Have at least six months left to worth as well as giving me some- serve in custody; Another option to consider is the l Be serving your sentence in a Understanding Mental Health Care thing to look forward to upon prison in England or Wales; QCF Level 3 certificate from NCC release.” l Have Level 2 Numeracy and Home Learning. This course is Literacy, but we can be flexible aimed at people who support others Before considering these courses, depending on the applicant and with mental health problems, but it’s important to note that many ca- who do not necessarily plan to work the chosen course. On Thursday 7 February it’s Time to and over two-fifths of men serving reers in health and social care are in the mental health profession. As Talk Day when everyone is encour- not open to people with certain To look at a full curriculum, or time reported that they had mental well as covering mental health inter- aged to talk about mental health. types of convictions, as they involve for more information about how health issues. If you want to learn ventions, the course includes units Mental health problems affect one work with either children or vulner- to apply, please speak to your more about mental health and how on understanding mental wellbeing in four of us, yet it can still be a prison’s Education Department. best to support people with mental and mental health promotion and able adults. Please write to us or taboo topic. The problem can be You can also write to FREEPOST, health problems, PET has two courses the legal, policy and service frame- speak to prison staff if you need any even more acute in prisons: in recent Prisoners’ Education Trust. work in mental health. further guidance about this. years, nearly two-thirds of women you might want to consider. 34 Information // Through the gate www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 The Careers Lady The first step through the door to your future Aiming high © Bounceback
experience in a careers office down. Do you have the skills massive skills shortage, organisations are in- Helping was also paramount, as it needed for any of those ideas? creasingly seeing the business case for em- would help me see if this was Think about what job you did Bouncing ploying people determined to change their what I really wanted to do. I before you went into prison - lives. It is the unwavering support of the em- yourself can say it was the best deci- is it possible you could pursue ployers we work with that means we can pro- Plan … plan … plan sion I have ever made and I that? Will your criminal con- vide them with much needed talent. They want to say a big ‘thank you’ viction prove a problem for Back increasingly prove that social responsibility is to that Careers Adviser. that job? Include any ambi- no longer just ‘lip service’ as they exhibit a I have spent most of my work- tions you have; we all have New futures via training genuine culture of care for both our partici- ing life in education - first as It is difficult for me to give you them; and why not think seri- pants (their employees) and what we are trying a teacher and then as a Ca- and work advice through my monthly ously about using any educa- to achieve.” reers Adviser. I loved being tion or training currently on column regarding how to Bounce Back is a training charity and an em- involved in education and offer to see if you can attend There are currently around 418,000 people come to decisions on your fu- ployer that supports people throughout their seeing how it could change any relevant classes or train- employed in construction in London. In Feb- ture following release, but journey from custody and through the gate people’s lives. ing in your current prison, or ruary 2018 it was announced that 185,000 ad- there are three main tips I can into employment. It trains people inside and ditional construction workers would be offer you on a self-help basis. that you can continue build- outside prison, giving them the skills to get I wanted to carry on working ing on at college after release. needed to meet demand over the next 5 years. in education but not as a employment on release, so they can either be- Firstly - what can you offer come professional decorators for Bounce teacher and felt a bit lost as to an employer? Finally - what do you have Back’s own decorating business or skilled con- Bounce Back is part of a new strategy whereby what else I could use my skills to do in order to achieve struction workers for large construction com- ministers are starting to understand the link and knowledge for. I booked between employment, and cutting reoffend- Write down all the skills you your ‘dream job’ or career panies. It has 7 training centres in and out of an appointment with my local ambition? ing. Because of various obstructions to gaining have achieved in your life. It prison and their Painting and Decorating So- Careers Adviser and after employment from lack of accommodation, lack may be some you gained be- cial Enterprise has up to 30 decorators paint- speaking with him for almost Research any of your ideas - of training to the dreaded ‘convictions’ box on fore prison and you may even ing on large and small contracts within the an hour, he put my skills and using your prison library. Is application forms only 17% of released prison- have succeeded in getting M25 and beyond. qualities into a much needed there a Careers Adviser who ers gain employment within the year after professional qualifications in career plan which made me regularly attends your prison? Fran Findlater, founder and CEO of Bounce release. The government are stepping up their that job. Skills gained in think about my future. How- Book an appointment to dis- Back, says: “We strive to change perception input with their New Futures Network which prison may include keyboard ever, as I got up to leave he cuss your ideas and situation. and the last year has seen a welcome shift. aims to improve the post-release employment skills, painting and decorat- just shook my hand and said There are lots of people that Driven largely by need and in response to the rate. ing or other vocational skills ‘why don’t you train to do my can help - family, friends, such as cooking, writing or job’? Well, it had not even en- your personal officer or the maths/English etc. All are po- tered my head to think about training and education pro- tentially helpful - so take the that. Obviously I wanted to fessionals in your prison. In time to think about them. keep in education in order to the meantime, draft out your DOES THE Also jot down what qualities work and support people to own career plan using the you have such as honesty, move forward and help them headings I have given above. good timekeeping, confi- to consider different options It makes sense to use your TAXMAN OWE dence and tolerance. These or even change direction like time to plan as effectively as are all qualities that you can I had. possible so that when you are use in your CV or job applica- released you have ideas to go YOU MONEY? tion form. Don’t forget to in- My next step was to look at to the Job Centre with, as they clude any academic or will look at opportunities to Free Four Year Tax Review what qualifications I needed vocational qualifications. match them and help you and where could I get them? achieve your ambition. It was a tough decision to Secondly - what job ideas TAX REFUND DUE? make as I needed to take time do you have? Take your time doing this - for away from earning in order to career and job ideas can come TAX RETURN DUE? secure a place at University to You may have one idea or pos- out of nowhere … just like gain my qualifications. Work WORKED IN CONSTRUCTION (CIS) – TAX DEDUCTED? sibly several; write them mine.
Unit 19B, Imperial House, Forensic Accountants 64 Willoughby Lane, FREE completion and filing of Tax Returns (including mutiple years) with over London N17 0SP and FREE appeals against Tax Penalties. FREE Tax Support after release. Call us: 0208 8017422 20 Years Experience Email: [email protected] www.legalguys.co.uk • Proceeds of Crime & Confiscation • Money Laundering DON’T DELAY AND WRITE TO THE TAX ACADEMY™ • Tax Investigations The Legal Guys • Fees with Legal Aid Funding Do you need an immigration lawyer? THE TAX ACADEMY™ Include as much information as possible: • Ex-Serious Fraud Office Forensic Accountant “The case settled very favourably thanks in large We can help with: Unit 4, Ffordd yr Onnen • Prison/Prison number measure to your report. It is not often that one Lon Parcwr Business Park • Your full name including middle name finds an expert who is so thorough” Represantations to the Home Office Ruthin • Your date of birth Client Benefit Amount Riley Moss Benefit Appeals against deportation Mr M £783,000 £6,000 Denbighshire LL15 1NJ • National insurance number Mr D £1,176,000 £18,000 Bail applications Mr A £2,040,000 £77,000 • Employment history • Contact address/number on the outside Contact Waseem Yasin or John Rafferty for Leave to remain applications 01824 704535 FREE no obligation advice Partner applications [email protected] Please advise if you change Prisons after responding. 0161 832 1438 [email protected] www.rileymoss.co.uk The Tax Academy CIC is a service exclusively for Prisoners and Ex- Offenders and was conceived by Paul Retout (a tax specialist and tax author) whilst running tax seminars in HMP Wandsworth and HMP Brixton. 184 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 8LQ Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Information // Through the gate 35
Advertorial Investment with a social mission First social investment fund in the UK specifically focused on supporting businesses run by people with convictions
a further £500,000 to fund business support. We aim to support up to 40 businesses over the Mike Trace next three years, and have already received 70 expressions of interest, and concluded deals for initial support with twelve businesses. Al- We often talk about the entrepreneurial spirit ready these entrepreneurs are busy working and skills of ex-offenders, and organisations on their expansion plans and starting to coa- such as The Prince’s Trust and the School for lesce into a network for personal and business Social Entrepreneurs have championed and support. demonstrated that potential. There are thou- sands of ex-offenders out there who have suc- One such example is HMPasties, a not-for- ceeded in pursuing a ‘career change’ - through profit social enterprise aiming to reduce re-of- setting up their own businesses, earning fending by employing people with criminal
© Deposit Photos money, and employing others in the legitimate convictions to produce baked goods who have economy. These businesses range from sole recently won the Heart of Salford Award for trader operations to significant trading entities their mobile catering van that brings welcome - my favourites are a major horticultural oper- food to local construction sites and other The Marketing Plan ation that supplies thousands of Christmas locations. trees and a catering enterprise that (amongst A marketing plan is integral to your Business Plan. Without other things) sells burgers at Arsenal home Pink Umbrella Studios is another business matches and caters for posh Hampstead started by an ex-offender that creates websites it people will not know about your business and not be able parties. for UK registered charities and social enter- to buy your services or products. It is also important that the prises at absolute minimum costs while train- Forward Trust run a couple of our own - a café ing and employing prisoners. After receiving marketing plan continues to evolve as new opportunities in Hoxton and a grounds maintenance busi- business support from the Forward Enterprise arise or business threats appear ness in West London - and have plans to open Fund, the start-up is about to take on a few more ‘recovery enterprises’ in the next investment. business - for example the couple of years. These are smallish businesses, quality of work you do/ led and staffed by ex-offenders or people in We are constantly on the lookout for new ap- pricing? recovery from drug/alcohol addiction. plications from ex-offenders who need help with access to finance, or who just need the Think about the internal But we have much bigger ambitions to stimu- right business advice delivered at the right strengths of your business and late the development of a greater number of time by people who understand the challenges how you can use this to exploit these enterprises around the country by pro- they face. Please get in touch - Mathilde.du- external opportunities. viding loan finance, business support and [email protected] - if you know of an A marketing plan is a tool that Start listing all your business access to crowdfunding for ex-offenders or individual business that may benefit from the needs to be impacting daily to strengths. How would you plan to man- people in recovery with their own ideas. That’s fund or if you would like to organise a ‘road- generate new clients and to age external threats? Brexit at why we have established the first social invest- show’ event with us - at which those involved achieve your profit goals. Internal Weaknesses the moment is clearly a very ment fund in the UK that is specifically fo- in the fund come to present its benefits to po- What do you think your busi- important one for exporters/ cused on supporting businesses run by tential partners and beneficiaries. Benefits ness will not do so well at? For importers. ex-offenders. It’s called the ‘Forward Enter- Provides clarity as to what instance, financial require- prise Fund’ and was launched in 2018 with Mike Trace is Chief Executive of The Forward market you are targeting. ments/after sales. How will you execute your access to £2 million of investment funds and Trust - www.forwardtrust.org.uk marketing plan? Which mar- Helps you plan the messages Start listing all your business keting tools will you use, such that you want the market to weaknesses. as social media? receive and the way that you See our will do this. External Opportunities What are your business goals page in the for the time period of the mar- Most importantly, it provides What is happening outside keting plan and include these ‘Jailbreak’ section focus and direction. With a your business that will impact within the Business Plan plethora of marketing tools upon you? For instance what financials. available such as email, direct is the size of your market and THE PRISON mail and PR etc. it is important is this demand increasing/ What are the marketing tactics that you choose the best and different or a more efficient that you will use to reach your PHOENIX TRUST most cost-effective marketing way of working? target market? For instance tools. Start listing the opportunities you might like to write an ar- Head doing you in? A typical market plan covers for your business. ticle for a local newspaper or numerous elements such as a set up a Facebook page etc. Stressed out? description of competitors, External Threats Can’t sleep? demand for the product or ser- What is happening outside Start thinking about the costs vice you are offering. your business that may impact of delivering your marketing Simple yoga and you in a negative way? For plan and include these within A useful tool to formulate a instance increase in competi- the Business Plan financial meditation practice, marketing plan is to use a tion/new entrants to the section. working with silence and the SWOT analysis of your busi- marketplace. breath, might just transform ness. It will help you under- Get your tax affairs in order stand the internal strengths Start listing the possible pre-release your life in more ways than and weaknesses of your busi- threats to your business. Remember to contact The Tax you think ... Interested? ness as well as the external Academy CIC to review your opportunities and threats. CellStudy for February 2019 tax affairs to ensure they are Write to The Prison Phoenix Trust Think about what differenti- up-to-date. There is nothing P.O. Box 328, Oxford, OX2 7HF. Internal Strengths ates your planned business worse than being released from prison, then finding out What do you think your busi- from your competitors. We’d love to hear from you anytime and have ness will do well at? For in- that you have tax penalties and several free books and CDs, which could stance, unique product/ser- How can you promote the in- tax debt that need to be re- help you build and maintain a daily practice. vice/pricing. ternal strengths of your solved with HMRC. 36 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
trained as well as prisoners. Once prisoners have been told DDN News Round-up Inside Drink & Drugs News how to use the kits, nursing staff need to label them and Heads down Drink and Drugs News (DDN) is the monthly magazine for those working with drug add them to prisoners’ The closure of ‘head shops’ since the implementation of the and alcohol clients, including in prisons. In a regular bi-monthly column, editor valuable property for them to Psychoactive Substances Act has seen a ‘large-scale shift away from Claire Brown looks at what’s been happening lately in the substance misuse field collect on release, with prison retailers’, says a government review, with street dealers now the officers fully briefed on what main source of NPS - particularly synthetic cannabinoids. ‘This has been slow to take root. ‘It this medication is. A vital part blanket ban was supposed to cure the UK’s “legal high” problem, is crucial that every prison of the prisoners’ training is to including Spice,’ said Martin Powell of the thinktank Transform. strategy includes take-home learn to carry the kits at all ‘But as experts warned before the new law was implemented, naloxone programmes,’ Zoe times when they are released, beyond the cosmetic success of ending legal sales in head shops, Carre from the charity Release so that if they are found with little positive has been achieved.’ told us. ‘While some prisons signs of overdose a friend or are leading the way, sadly family member can use it on Deadly drinking Drink myths others are still not making this them. They are also trained to There were 7,697 alcohol-spe- An alcohol-free childhood up life-saving medication use it on other people if cific deaths in the UK in 2017, to 18 is ‘the healthiest and best available.’ necessary. according to the latest ONS option’ and if children are going figures, with death rates highest to drink it should never be In Scotland, where naloxone Some of the larger providers among 55 to 59-year-old before the age of 15, says policy is part of public health of prison healthcare are now women and 60 to 64-year-old Balance’s What’s the harm policy, it has been made a part incorporating naloxone men. While Scotland continues campaign. It is a ‘myth’ that refused to take a national of prison culture. Naloxone training in their pre-release to have the highest rate of alco- allowing children to drink at a view. Instead, it has been left kits are given to people at risk plans, realising the vital role hol-specific deaths, it has also younger age makes them less Claire Brown up to local commissioners to of overdose, or likely to they can play in preventing been the only UK country to curious about alcohol, the DDN Editor take an interest and individual witness overdose, on release overdose. As a medical experience a ‘statistically signif- charity states. ‘People mention prisons to show leadership. from all 15 prisons in the director commented, ‘prison icant’ reduction since 2001. the French way of giving country, and according to healthcare is in a unique Scottish men, however, are still children alcohol,’ said Balance What do you know about One of the major drug Kirsten Horsburgh of the position to teach and reinforce twice as likely to die from alco- director Colin Shevills. ‘But naloxone? Are you aware that treatment providers, Scottish Drugs Forum, ‘the messages on preventing hol-related causes as those in France actually has twice the an easily administered Blenheim, says that many percentage of opioid-related overdose deaths at a time England. rate of alcohol dependence injection of this substance can prisons are ignoring govern- deaths within the first four when prisoners are more than the UK.’ reverse the effect of an ment recommendations to weeks of prison release is sub- stable than at other points in overdose? have appropriate naloxone stantially lower now than it their journey.’ Captured cannabis provision in place and are was pre-implementation of Seizures of herbal cannabis rose by more than 140 per cent in This fact becomes particularly failing to provide it at the point the programme.’ The Your comments are welcome 2017-18 compared to the previous year, according to ONS statistics, important when considering of release, thus putting lives programme depends on a for DDN letters page. Please while cannabis resin seizures increased by more than a third. The that the first week following at risk. ‘Blenheim workers clear strategy in place to be write to Claire Brown, editor, volume of crack seized was also up by 64 per cent, to 64kg. Overall release from prison carries the have found that it’s rare for effective, she stresses, and DDN, Romney House, School drug seizures were down by 2 per cent on the previous year, highest risk of mortality, with any of our service users to be that includes everyone being Road, Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT. however, the sixth consecutive annual fall. drug-related death being the released from prison having fully engaged in it. ‘The main cause. It seems reason- been provided with naloxone; majority of the obstacles faced Smaller stakes able then to expect that a medication that is literally in a prison setting are opera- Is DDN in your library? More 11 to 16-year-olds had spent their own money on gambling strategy around naloxone life-saving in the case of tional and should be addressed Your prison can receive in the past week than had drunk alcohol, taken illegal drugs or would be introduced to every overdose,’ says chief executive with clear communication, monthly printed issues of smoked cigarettes, according to a Gambling Commission report. prison in the country; but this John Jolly. training and guidance,’ says DDN magazine free of Stronger partnerships between regulators and businesses are hasn’t happened. The NHS, Horsburgh. charge by emailing subs@ needed to protect children, says ‘Young people and gambling responsible for provision of We have been trying to cjwellings.com. DDN is also 2018’. Just under 2 per cent of 11 to 16-year-olds are classed as treatment services in prison, highlight this situation in DDN For a naloxone programme to online at www.drinkand- ‘problem gamblers’, with 2.2 per cent considered ‘at risk’. including naloxone, has and find out why a strategy work properly, staff need to be drugsnews.com
The Johnson Partnership Confiscation Specialists - Section 17 responses; Our dedicatedSolicitors prison law team have years of experience representing prisoners and fighting for their rights. - Section 23 (variation) applications; Our team ensure all prisoners nationwide can have the best representation available. - Time to pay applications; Providing access to justice for all sections of Society UPDATE: Dr Laura Janes and Rikki Garg have joined We have specialist and expert knowledge in the areas of - Third-party interest applications; our prison law team as consultants parole board proceedings, adjudications and other areas such as HDC and re-categorisation. - Enforcement; Adjudications Actions against the Police Crime On a legal aid basis we can represent clients for: - Appeals. Parole Hearings Actions against the Prison Appeals Adjudication Before The Judge Licence Recalls Lifer/IPP Reviews Judicial Reviews Cat A Reviews “...a reputation for excellence...” Legal 500 Lifer Tari s Actions against Public Bodies Family Pre Tarriff Reviews Oral Hearings We are also able to represent prison law clients on a Contact James O’Hara on 0207 404 3004 Categorisation Community Care Housing number of other prisons law matters for which or legal aid is not available which include: Recall Mental Health & Public Law Challenging License Conditions Freephone 0800 254 5001 Court of Protection Adjudications Before The Governor Ashford Birmingham Crawley Contact Us For A Quote Croydon Dartford Leeds London Manchester Peterborough Prison Law Department Contact us now: Call 0115 9419141 0800 999 3399 or 020 8299 6000 24 Hours a day [email protected] 7 days a week 13-16 Elm St, London WC1X 0BL Central admin team, 2A Melbourne Grove, London SE22 8PL Nottingham Office J Cannon Courtyeard P www.ikandp.co.uk Off Long Row Nottingham, NG1 6JE [email protected] [email protected] OFFICES NATIONWIDE Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Information 37
Keeping Safe Plans to keep people safe
dations have not been implemented, emergen- cy procedures are not being followed, health- care is inadequate, regimes are poor and there Juliet Lyon CBE is little or nothing for people to do. Some pris- ons are awash with drugs and the violence, People are sent to prison to lose their liberty, intimidation and debt that go with them. not to lose their identity and sense of self and never to lose their lives. And yet we still face IPPs a shocking toll of self-harm and a tragic num- On a prison visit before Christmas, the IAP ber of self-inflicted deaths in prisons in heard from men still serving an IPP sentence England and Wales. Far more needs to be done who told us: “Outside, time fl ies past. In here to keep people safe. it’s just stagnant.” “You do everything then they change it. You The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in do a course then they change its name and then Custody (IAP), Inside Time, Prison Radio and you have to do the same course all over again.” © Deposit Photos the Samaritans are working in partnership to “They’ve got you jumping through an endless off er more support to staff and prisoners who amount of hoops.” are working hard to turn the tide. Together we “You lose your mind. You lose your family. I can want to drive change and make sure that pris- see why some of the lads do desperate things.” ‘Don’t let it be you’ ons are the safe, decent environments they should be - not places of hopelessness, despair We commend the staff and prisoners in this or fear. unit who are working together to off er support Living and coping with depression and some degree of hope in such difficult We are making plans now to bring people times. This month the IAP is reporting to the felt ashamed and that I had I spent most of together to make certain that safety is a top Justice Secretary, Prisons and Public Health let my family down. Before priority for every prison, to recognise the work Ministers on the impact this lingering sentence the medication started kick- my time on my own that is being done day in and day out by is having on prisoners’ mental and physical Jill Bull ing in, some of my friends in my bedroom Samaritan Listeners, safer custody staff , pris- health. We are grateful for the letters we have began to notice there was a on offi cers, chaplains and healthcare teams received and will make sure your views are with thoughts that and to share good practice. represented. We know that everyone needs I have been living with problem, as I was quiet and hope, fair treatment and to see a future for depression and anxiety most not my chatty self, but I I would be better off The Keeping Safe recommendations you made themselves. of my life. It all started when couldn’t tell anyone, I just if I was not around over a year ago still stand. Good professional I was working in a care home. kept it quiet. relationships between staff and prisoners are Event I loved doing it as it was one anymore and no I started taking medication - it vital to keeping people safe. Mental health Throughout 2019 and beyond we will work of the best jobs I’d had. One with you to prevent deaths in state custody. took a few weeks to get into one would miss me needs must be met, not ignored. Family contact day I was working and I felt Any one single death is one too many. A major my body and there was a if I did go. matters. Almost everything you told us through like when I walked into a the pages of Inside Time and your recorded partnership event will show how much it mat- change in my mood, I was room everyone would go quiet messages on Prison Radio has led to some ters to keep people safe, how to learn from the feeling a bit more myself. I got and it was like that for a few times as it’s not something change. Now we need to take things further. best safer custody work and how to learn hard my first appointment to see weeks. Then I was getting to that goes away. It is hard cop- lessons from deaths in prison. Above all, it will the counsellor and we talked the point where I was para- ing with a mental illness but Readers will know that some prisons are much be an opportunity to listen to the views of about diff erent things regard- noid that everyone was talk- I have learnt to live with it. I safer than others and that some good staff and bereaved families and to consider carefully the ing how I was feeling and ing about me. I couldn’t sleep have been to some very dark mental health teams are responding promptly sensible solutions off ered by people in prison. what was making me feel so or eat right; I was in a low places and did not think I to people in distress. And in some places there low. “I thought people were mood all the time and I would would come back from them. are well-organised visits, family days and talking about me and I did not Juliet Lyon is Chair of the Independent be sat watching TV and just I have thought about taking in-cell phones where the importance of contact fi t in”, I explained, which was Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAP) start crying for no apparent my life; I have self-harmed, with family and friends is recognised and val- hard for me as I did not have reason. but now I have stopped. I do ued. many friends. So I spent most have some friends I talk to Please write in to ‘FREEPOST IAP’. IAP I went to see the doctor to talk of my time on my own in my when I feel low and scared But too oft en reports by the Chief Inspector of must be in capital letters, no stamp and about how I was feeling. The bedroom with thoughts that I that something bad is going Prisons, Independent Monitoring Boards, the you can mark the envelope ‘confi dential doctor said quietly to me, “Are would be better off if I was not to happen to me or my family, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and access’ . We are very grateful to people you depressed?” I said I didn’t around anymore and no one but when I have these feelings Coroners reveal that safer custody recommen- who have written in already. know. “Shall we do an anxie- would miss me if I did go. I write them down; it’s not ty and depression test?” said good keeping things to your- the doctor. I had to answer The counsellor said that peo- self. Why go it alone? questions and mark them ple actually would miss me from 1 to 5. When I had done and that I would break my So I say to anyone that feels “Locked in here all day; you don’t turn criminals the test, the doctor added mum’s heart, but the way I the way I did, and feels like into citizens by treating them this way” - with kind permission from Billy Bragg them up and my score was was feeling I did not feel or they cannot find a way We take pride in providing a see that. The counsellor told high. The doctor seemed con- through things, please, talk We can attend prisons in Northern England full range of cerned and said, “I could try me to keep a diary on what I to someone or keep a diary. I but also offer a nationwide service. did every day and talk to my Criminal and Prison Law some medication, citalopram, just want to show you that • Parole / Recall an antidepressant which friends and family so they you are not on your own. • Independent Adjudications Services. should lift your mood.” The could help me to recover - but • Cat A Reviews it’s easier said than done. I • Appeals / CCRC doctor also arranged for me to There are too many stories on • Judicial Review FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT see a counsellor. would have my good and bad the news or on Facebook and • Oral Hearings days, I still do even now - but the internet where someone Hannah Rumgay - Prison Law Solicitor my family and friends helped I had to wait for an appoint- has gone missing or taken Tates, 2 Park Square East, ment to become available. I me get better and better and I their own life. It is so sad and was ok for a few years. Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2NE didn’t tell anyone about going makes me think of the fami- T. 01274 561666 to the doctors and fi nding out lies. So please, don’t let it be www.chiverssolicitors.co.uk 0113 242 2290 that I had a mental illness. I I did have a relapse a few you. 38 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
The Inspector Calls skilled for work than on entry.”
l Many cells were cramped and overcrowded. Among vulnerable prisoners, one amputee said he had only been able to shower five times in In depth: HMP Bedford 2018. ‘Prison Service support failed to halt inexorable Mr Clarke said: “This inspection found that the prison has continued on a seemingly inexorable and dangerous decline’ decline that is evident through the results of the four inspections carried out since 2009. It used to have a reputation as a good local prison, and the collapse in standards is as sad as it is inexcusable.” Bedford was now assessed as Backlog Paul Sullivan ‘poor’ in the areas of safety, respect and pur- © HMCIP poseful activity and ‘not sufficiently good’ in rehabilitation and release planning. Protocol will lead to the concerns of HM Unannounced Inspection: 28 August-6 Inspectorate of Prisons being taken seriously Summing up, Mr Clarke said: “The use of the September 2018. Urgent Notification at all levels of HMPPS.” UN Protocol is not something that I take lightly. Protocol invoked: 12 September 2018. I am required to have ‘significant concerns with Responding, HMPPS chief executive, Michael Report published: 22 January 2019 regard to the treatment and conditions of those Spurr said: “Bedford has faced significant chal- detained’. Sadly, in the case of HMP Bedford, Filth lenges since the 2016 riot and we knew that its Bedford is one of the oldest local prisons in © HMCIP that threshold was easily exceeded…I should performance was not acceptable … We have Britain and was found, by inspectors, to have also point out the abject failure over many years on staff, a daily occurrence. Violent prisoners not ignored previous recommendations, but suffered an “inexorable decline” in treatment to respond to recommendations for improve- faced few effective sanctions. pressures on the prison meant that progress and conditions despite two years of internal ment made by this Inspectorate… For the sake had been difficult … We have also appointed a prison service efforts to improve it. Peter Clarke, of both prisoners and staff at HMP Bedford, I l Use of force by staff, including baton use, had new, more experienced Governor to spearhead HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said he found hope that on this occasion the use of the UN risen significantly and was “exceptionally this work and accelerate improvements.” no credible plans by the prison or HM Prison high.” and Probation Service (HMPSS) to address its “dangerous shortcomings.” Commenting on the report, Frances Crook, Chief l Many prisoners felt unsafe, including 49% Executive of The Howard League, said: “More on their first night. than 200 years have passed, but the photo- graphs in this scathing inspection report show l Pest control work had failed to eradicate sig- that Bedford is beleaguered by many of the nificant rat infestation. One notice on a door issues that plague our prison system today. At said: “PLEASE ENSURE DOORS REMAIN SHUT least six men have lost their lives through sui- TO PREVENT RATS ENTERING THE WING!!!” cide in the last three years. There was a riot. Special measures have been in place for two l Conditions in the segregation unit were ap- years. And still this overburdened, under-re- palling. One segregated prisoner caught and sourced, rat-infested jail is being forced to look killed a number of rats in his cell during the Broken
© HMCIP after more men than it is designed to hold.” inspection.
l A committed but “extremely inexperienced” © HMCIP staff group were trying to control a population with many young men and “the lack of order and HMPPS had made the prison subject to a control on some wings was a major concern”. Performance Improvement Plan in September 2016, but by May 2018 it was judged that there l Self-harm had increased substantially and had been insufficient progress and the prison there had been five self-inflicted deaths since was placed in what HMPPS calls ‘special meas- the previous inspection in 2016. ures.’ However, Mr Clarke said: “The lack of progress to date and the poor quality of the l Drugs fuelled debt and violence. Almost half action plans led me to the inevitable conclusion of prisoners surveyed said it was easy to get that I could not be confident in the prison’s illicit drugs, and a fifth said that they had de- capacity for change and improvement, even veloped a drug problem while in Bedford. One when under special measures.” officer said: “If it’s just cannabis, it’s a good day.”
Mr Clarke was so troubled by what he found he l Nearly 40% of men were locked up during invoked the Urgent Notification Protocol which the working day and many milled around aim- requires the Secretary of State to make a rapid lessly when they were let out of cells. “Too many public response to the problems and publish prisoners left the prison no more qualified or an action plan to resolve the issues found.
Mr Clarke describes “violence, squalor and lack of control” and published his finding in a full MASZ PROBLEM Z report which has now been published. He says: l Only one comparable local prison, PICIEM? Birmingham, had higher overall rates of vio- lence. Bedford had the highest rate of assaults ANONIMOWI ALKOHOLICY MOGA CI POMOC Goscimski & Associates Zadzwon lub napisz: CZY JESTEŚ NIEZADOWOLONY Z TWOJEGO ADWOKATA? 020 3916 00 97 CZY CHCIAŁBYŚ SIE ODWOŁAĆ OD WYROKU? Poniedzialek - Piatek 19.00 - 21.00 CZY GROZI CI DEPORTACJA? MY CI MOŻEMY POMÓC ! Sobota i Niedziela 17.00 - 21.00 100% POLSKA KANCELARIA [email protected] ALEXANDER GOŚCIMSKI www.aa-pik-wielkabrytania.org.pl E: [email protected] T: 0203 290 1115 ALCOHOLICS ANNONYMOUS POLISH SPEAKING HELPLINE A: GOSCIMSKI & ASSOCIATES, 77-79 STATION ROAD, LONDON, E4 7QE Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Legal 39
Advertorial The Parole process - how does it work?
Darryl Foster & Shalin Sood can make a recommendation prior to the hearing taking some determinate sentence for that prisoner to progress to place. The directions will also prisoners can be released ear- open conditions, but they will set out what witnesses are to lier in their sentence at their The prospect of Parole not be able to direct release. attend the hearing. Parole Eligibility Date (PED). can be a confusing and Prisoners should be made The Parole process involves a A timetable will set out and aware of their Parole stressful time for prison- number of initial steps before will detail the specific time Eligibility Date upon arriving ers. Understanding what a review takes place. A dossi- and date of the hearing and in custody after sentence. the Parole process entails er will be compiled by the who will be in attendance. is important if you are prison and disclosed to both The hearing will then take The process for prisoners the prisoner and his legal rep- place on the date specified, serving such sentences is the facing a review. Only resentative. The prisoner will before one to three Parole same as that referred to above prisoners subject to cer- then be permitted to submit Board members. Live evi- for indeterminate sentence tain sentences will have written representations in dence will be heard from the prisoners. Should a determi- relation to the dossier and “Next please” witnesses in attendance. The nate sentence prisoner be
their release considered © Deposit Photos by the Parole Board. This request any application they prisoner will also be invited refused Parole, they will be wish to make. These rep- to give evidence, although reviewed by the Parole Board article will explore those resentations should usually 2. Your matter is concluded on an oral hearing if it is felt that this is not compulsory. annually, save for where there sentences subject to the be submitted within 28 days the papers i.e. you are there are issues to be explored are grounds for an early Parole process and what from the date the dossier was released or a recommenda- by the panel with the witness- At the beginning of the hear- review. it entails. disclosed. There are instances tion for open conditions is es in the case. This can be ing the Parole Board will set where an extension can be made. It is important to note where there is a difference of out the order of witnesses, For those that are released that not all indeterminate opinion over the assessment Indeterminate Sentences granted. after which your legal repre- into the community but are sentence prisoners can be of risk the prisoner is said to Prisoners who are serving a sentative will inform the subject to recall on licence, progressed at the paper stage pose, where professionals do life sentence or a sentence of Representations are consid- Parole Board of what the the Parole process commenc- of a review. Some can only be not support a progressive Imprisonment for Public ered by the Parole Board. This application is, i.e. a direction es with the issuing of a report progressed once the Board move or where there are fac- Protection (IPP) may only be is a paper review conducted for release or a recommenda- from the Probation Service, hear oral evidence. tual issues which need to be released after they have by a panel member of the tion to be transferred to open requesting the revocation of addressed. served the tariff imposed by Parole Board. They will focus conditions. Should you elect the licence. A further report is 3. A request for further infor- the Court. Some indetermi- on the dossier and the rep- to have legal representation then provided which gives the mation is made and the case What if my matter is con- nate sentence prisoners will resentations submitted. At at this hearing, your repre- Board an update on the views is deferred or adjourned. cluded on the papers and I be subject to the Parole pro- this review one of the follow- sentative will have the oppor- of the Offender Manager. am given a negative decision? cess before this date, and this ing decisions can be made: tunity to question the wit- When will a case be If your matter is not listed for is known as a pre-tariff nesses present, and challenge These reports, together with referred to an Oral Hearing? an Oral Hearing, a final review. If a pre-tariff review 1. Your matter is listed for an any areas which are in dis- information about the prison- A case will only be referred to detailed decision will be takes place, the Parole Board Oral Hearing. pute. Your representative will er, are sent to the Parole Board served on you and your repre- then make closing submis- along with representations sentatives as to why this was sions. The Parole Board will should they be available. the case. The prisoner has 28 issue their decision in writing days to confirm whether they within 14 days. Is this covered by Legal Aid? agree with the decision or that Yes, if you are eligible you can they wish to submit further What if I am recommended receive Legal Aid for advice legal representations request- for a progressive move to regarding Parole matters. ing that the case proceed to be open conditions? further considered at an Oral Unlike a direction for release, The Parole process can often Hearing. when recommending open be complicated. It is advisable conditions, there is no that those subject to the Should all avenues be extin- requirement that the Parole process seek assis- guished, the Secretary of Secretary of State follows the tance from a qualified and State will set a further review recommendation of the experienced Prison Law firm date. This is normally done on Board. Once the Board make who can guide you through the basis of advice from the their recommendation, a rep- the process itself and tell you professionals in the case and resentative from the Secretary what you can expect. Expert the period will depend on of State will review that rec- legal advice could lead to what progress needs to be ommendation and confirm if your release on the papers or made for the prisoner to be in it is to be followed. This is to the progression of the case a better position to seek normally done within a peri- to a hearing so that issues can Our open, friendly solicitors working Parole on the next occasion. od of around 28 days. be addressed. in Criminal Defence will help you with all aspects of Prison Law including: My matter has been listed for If the Secretary of State fol- Should you require any assis- an Oral Hearing - what now? lows the recommendation, tance please contact our Prison Licence recall • Adjudications If your matter is listed for an you will then be progressed Law department at Hine Oral Hearing, a number of Parole hearings • IPP queries to open conditions. If they do Solicitors on: 01865 518 971 or directions will be set down not follow the Parole Board’s Freepost RTHU - LEKE - HAZR Judicial review • Sentence planning issues which must be met prior to the recommendation, an expla- Hine Solicitors, Seymour hearing taking place. The nation will be given in writ- House, 285 Banbury Road, most common directions ing and targets set for what Oxford OX2 7JF for our Oxford Call us on 01865 518971 involve the Offender Manager needs to be achieved as part office or FREEPOST RTZU- and Offender Supervisor pro- of the next review. GXKA-KSXG Hine Solicitors, or visit www.hinesolicitors.com viding addendum reports 558 Walsall Road, Great Barr, (which provide the Parole Determinate sentence Birmingham B42 1LR for our Board with an update on a prisoners Birmingham office. prisoner’s progress since their For the majority of determi- last report) and whether their nate sentence prisoners, the Oxford Freepost address recommendation has Parole process will not apply FREEPOST RTHU - LEKE - HAZR Darryl Foster is a solicitor Hine Solicitors | Seymour House changed. It will usually be as they will automatically be 285 Banbury Road | Oxford | OX2 7JF directed that these reports are released at the halfway stage and Shalin Sood a trainee provided no less than 4 weeks of their sentence. However, solicitor at Hine Solicitors 40 Legal www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 Amendments to Adjudication Procedures wellsburcombeSOLICITORS PRISON Ryan Harman Earned Privileges, it says that longer includes the 6-week REFORM Advice and Info ‘adjudicators should consider guideline. TRUST Service Manager requesting a review of any IEP action where a prisoner is Annex B now contains guid- From the start of February found not guilty at an adjudi- ance about different charges, 2019, an updated instruction cation in relation to the same including the wording which comes into effect which covers incident’. should be used to lay the adjudications - PSI 05/2018 charge and proof to be consid- Prisoner Discipline Procedures l There are some added equal- ered. The following guidance (Adjudications). This replaces ity considerations, such as has been added: PSI 47/2011 which previously accounting for mobility diffi- dealt with the subject. It has culties or other disabilities in l Guidance that foreign na- also been combined with pol- relation to hearing room layout tional prisoners and detainees icy on recovering money for and considering literacy and can have charges laid against POLICE INVESTIGATIONS COURT PROCEEDINGS damages to prisons and prison language difficulties to make them for not complying with property, previously in PSI sure someone understands Home Office Requirements - l l 31/2013 which is also cancelled what is happening. for example, refusing to attend Are you about to be interviewed Have you received a postal as a result. a pre-arranged interview with by the Police? requisition? Helpfully, there the Home Office. l Facing the prospect of fresh l Have you been charged with The summary explains that the is a table of new document is the first stage l Advice to staff about charg- charges? new offences? amendments in a process of reviewing ad- ing people who have assisted l Want to avoid an additional l Do you have a hearing coming judications in prison, which included in Annex in drone related activity or will eventually result in a been non-compliant with sentence? up and need representation? Policy Framework on the sub- G of the PSI which smoke-free policy. l Waiting for the Police to make l Are your current lawyers doing ject - the new form of guidance means that you a decision on potential fresh enough to help? documents which we have l Advice to staff that prisoners charges? mentioned in recent articles. can check where who permit photographs to be l Do you face POCA proceedings? Prison Reform Trust expect to the changes have taken of them in prison and/ l Concerned over Police delays in be consulted on the develop- or allow a photograph to be ment of adjudications policy been made. uploaded onto social network- making a decision? in the meantime so, as always, ing sites can be charged with l Had no update from your Solicitor? would welcome any views or Annex A still contains details failing to comply with rules, experiences you are willing to of adjudication procedures. but only if a local document l Been recalled and worried about share on the subject. Some notable changes exists making it clear that this being charged with new offences? include: is a rule. This stage of the review has not radically changed overall l There is additional emphasis l Charges have been updated discipline procedures, so it on the point that ‘threat of to reflect an amendment to should remain familiar to an- punishment must not form Prison and YOI Rules which yone who previously under- part of the prison strategy for means someone can be stood it. Some of the changes dealing with self-harm or at- charged if a substance is found reflect bulletins to governors tempted self-harm’. in their urine that demon- APPEALS since the last update and so strates that a controlled drug should have already been put l There are added prompts for or specified drug has been l Do you feel your sentence is too into practice. Helpfully, there adjudicators to check fitness administered. A list of sub- long? is a table of amendments in- for hearing as a standard part stances relating to ‘specified cluded in Annex G of the PSI of adjudication procedures. drugs’ can be found in the l Do you disagree with your Lawyers which means that you can Prison and YOI Rules. about not lodging an appeal? check where the changes have l When considering punish- PRISON LAW l been made. The following are ment, it clarifies adjudicators’ If you would like a copy of the Wrongly convicted? l some of the most significant responsibility to consider risk new PSI, please feel free to Due for parole? l Concerned about disclosure amendments: factors in open ACCTs or ACCTs contact us and we would be closed within the last 3 months. happy to send it to you. If you l Been recalled? failures? l The PSI includes detail about are not familiar with the adju- l Due for a category A review l Let down at trial by your legal l It clarifies that discipline dications process, we can also the use of CCTV or Body Worn team? Video Camera (BWVC) footage procedures should continue provide you with general in- l Suffered parole delays that as evidence for adjudications. when someone transfers pris- formation to help you gain a you feel you should be l Do you feel you have grounds on before a hearing, and that better understanding about The prison should allow evi- compensated for? to appeal? dence of this type to be viewed adjudication paperwork what should happen. by yourself and any legal ad- should be sent to the receiving viser at the prison, with failure prison for this to happen. LEGAL AID / PRIVATE REPRESENTATION / NATIONWIDE SERVICE to allow this likely to lead to You can contact the Prison l any guilty finding being There are clear references to Reform Trust’s advice team at Herts, Beds, Bucks, Essex London & Thames Valley, Appointment only quashed. If there is a reason staff responsibilities to hand FREEPOST ND6125 London Kent, Surrey for not allowing you to view particular forms to prisoners, EC1B 1PN. Our free informa- such as the DIS 7 which gives the footage, perhaps for secu- tion line is open 3.30pm- 5 Holywell Hill, St Albans, 4 Britannia Court, The Green 13 Halstead Road, rity or data protection reasons, details of punishments given. 5.30pm on Monday and Hertfordshire AL1 1EU. West Drayton, Middlesex Wanstead, then the footage cannot be Thursday, and 10.30am- Tel: 01727 840900 UB7 7PN. Tel: 01895 449288 London E11 2AY. used as evidence to support l It includes further detail 12.30pm on Wednesday. The any adjudication. about the principles of natural number is 0808 802 0060 and justice in relation to length of does not need to be put on your www.wellsburcombe.co.uk l In relation to Incentives and time for adjournments, but no pin. Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Legal 41
Advertorial truly a proportionate response to a perceived risk, the weekly sum that will be free from the Restraint given the damage such Orders can inflict on busi- Order. What is required is a careful analysis of Restraint & Receivers nesses and lifestyles. expenses, together with as much proof as possible - these steps need to be considered at the very ear- Property held jointly liest opportunity. Third parties holding an interest in property can be Your money or theirs? affected by a Restraint Order or Management Application for variation or discharge Receivership Order. The most obvious example is If there is to be a challenge to the imposition of a stage, to properly fulfil their duty of full and frank the spouse of someone who is facing criminal charg- Restraint Order then the first step must be for the disclosure. Lord Hughes LJ (as he was then) said in es, for example the wife of someone facing serious applicant to sit down with his or her legal advisors SFO v A [2007] EWCA Crim 1927, para 6: ‘Because the fraud charges where the wife has a joint bank and figure out what the possible challenges are, how Jonathan Lennon initial application is commonly made without notice, and Aziz Rahman account and holds the matrimonial home in joint much money is needed for reasonable living expens- the court will not at that stage hear argument on both names. In law where any person has been, or may es, what is said about the charges/ proposed charg- sides. For this reason…..the court insists on full and be, affected by the actions of a Management es, how much of the defence case it is tactically wise complete disclosure by the Applicant of everything Receiver, an application can be made to the Court to give away at that early stage and whether the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 which might affect the decision…….There is a high under s62(3) for directions as to the exercise of the prosecution can demonstrate it acted properly at the The purpose of a Restraint Order is to freeze prop- obligation upon such an Applicant to put everything Receiver’s powers. The Receiver potentially has the ex parte stage. erty that may subsequently be confiscated. relevant before the Judge, whether it may help or power to sell property to satisfy his bill, even before Confiscation is the power the Crown Court has to hinder his cause’. the matter has come to trial - though such a serious The future make orders depriving convicted offenders of their step should not be taken without seeking a direction Anyone affected by a Restraint or a Management assets if the offender has benefited from his criminal Even if this duty has been breached it does not nec- from the Court; Re P [2000] 1 WLR, 473. The case of Receivership Order needs to get to grips with their conduct. A Restraint Order made under POCA tells essarily mean the Court will quash the Order. It Gibson v RCPO [2008] Times Law Reports, 14/7/08 own finances as soon as possible, consider the case the target that he/she cannot ‘deal’ with the prop- might, it all depends on the facts of the case and is instructive. In that case a Confiscation Order was against them, the terms of the Order and develop a erty cited in the Order. If the Order mentions your how bad the breach has been. made against a convicted drug trafficker. The assets strategy with their lawyers as soon as possible. car for example, it will mean that you cannot sell identified had been the 50% equity in the matrimo- the car or transfer it or dispose of it, or in any way Joint benefit nial home and joint bank account, held by the ‘realise’ it, i.e. turn it into cash. The case of R v Ahmad and Ors [2014] UKSC 36 can offender’s wife. The Crown Court took the view that Jonathan Lennon is a Barrister specialising in serious have a critical bearing on the extent of a Restraint the wife must have realised that the mortgage was When and how can a Restraint Order be made? and complex criminal defence cases at Carmelite Order. In that case, the Supreme Court considered being paid by the husband’s ill-gotten gains and Section 40 of POCA sets out a number of circum- Chambers, London. He has extensive experience in all two confiscation appeals. In both cases, multiple was thus an asset which could be sold to satisfy the stances in which the Crown Court may issue a aspects of financial and serious crime and the defendants had jointly acquired money through Confiscation Order. But the Court of Appeal found Restraint Order. Such Orders usually come early in Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He is ranked by the criminal activities. The issue for the Court was that there was no legal principle under which a a case and often before an arrest - as long as an Legal 500 and Chambers & Ptnrs specialist POCA and whether each defendant could be held liable for the spouse could be deprived of the benefit of illegally ‘investigation’ has started, s40(2)(a). The applica- Financial Crime sections as a ‘leading barrister’; “he is total sum and, if so, whether the full amount could obtained property on the grounds of public policy; tion is made ex parte - i.e. without notice to the capable of grasping issues at short notice despite be recovered multiple times. The upshot is that the that was not how POCA worked. The wife kept her suspect, so the only lawyer at Court is for the pros- voluminous and complex obstacles.” “His easy-going answer is ‘yes’; or at least sometimes. One of the half of the house and bank account. Applying that ecution, presenting the Crown’s case for the Order. manner makes him popular with clients and juries. defence arguments was that although the defend- principle to the start of proceedings, i.e. the Up until 2015 it was fairly easy for a prosecutor to This is backed up with real determination.” (2019). ants obtained their benefit jointly, for the purposes Restraint Order stage, there is solid argument for secure the Order; all that had to be shown was there of confiscation the liability should be apportioned limiting the scope of any such Order where there are was reasonable cause to believe that the alleged Aziz Rahman is a Solicitor- Advocate and Partner at between them. The split should be determined after assets which are held in joint names with a spouse. offender has benefited from his criminal conduct. an assessment of their individual roles, but if this the leading Criminal Defence firm Rahman Ravelli However, since 1st June 2015 the test is now even Solicitors, specialising in Human Rights, Financial was impossible to determine, the presumption Living and legal expenses easier as s40 was amended by the Serious Crime Act Crime and Large Scale Conspiracies/Serious crime. should be of an equal split. This is another area which often rankles with those 2015, so that now all the prosecution has to show is Rahman Ravelli are members of the Specialist Fraud on the wrong end of a Restraint Order - the amount that there are reasonable grounds to suspect. Panel and have recently been ranked by Legal 500 as The Supreme Court accepted that ‘double recovery’ allowed by the Order for ordinary living expenses. an ‘excellent’ firm with Aziz Rahman being described was wrong in principle - the State could not recover Variation applications can be made to challenge the All the Crown has to do is persuade the Judge, to the as ‘first class and very experienced’. more than was actually made from the crime by amount allowed to be spent on living expenses; i.e. civil standard, i.e. on the balance of probabilities, pursuing confiscation against multiple defendants. that there is reasonable cause to suspect that the But that was a matter of enforcement. The State alleged offender has benefited from ‘criminal con- could pursue in enforcement proceedings against duct’; this ‘criminal conduct’ is widely defined as one defendant with assets over another with no any conduct which would constitute an offence (s76). assets for the same benefit amount. There is an obvi- A leading firm It must be remembered - the Judge is not trying to ous risk of injustice but the Supreme Court was see if the allegations are true or not, just that there unsympathetic. offering the is some evidence of reasonable grounds for suspi- cion. The risk is that in Restraint proceedings, a Court strongest legal might be persuaded to freeze everything that a sus- The first a suspect will know about an Order being pect has, even though he or she, realistically, was representation made is when he or she is served with the Order, or only responsible for a small part of the fraud or even finds that his or her cash-card for some reason whatever the offence was. The suspect could be to those being no longer works at the bank’s ATM. pursued in Restraint just because he can pay - not because he should. investigated Windsor & Hare v CPS [2011] EWCA 143 is an impor- tant case in this area. HMRC were investigating an Receivers or prosecuted alleged duty diversion fraud involving suspects If a suspect’s finances are complex the Court may linked to the Eastenders group of companies dealing appoint a Management Receiver (s48) to receive and in serious and in alcohol imports. In December 2010 they obtained manage the property. This too was an area where two orders on an ex parte basis; a Restraint Order the Court of Appeal set down guidance in the complex crime cases. and a Management Receivership Order. The Court Eastenders case as to how such applications should of Appeal quashed the orders - though allowed time be made. The Management Receiver will often be a for the Crown to re-apply to the Crown Court for new sizeable accountancy firm who could have the legal orders. That later application was unsuccessful. The authority to take possession and control of any or Appeal Court took advantage of the case to effec- all of the suspect’s property and sell any assets. This tively teach HMRC a lesson (and a lesson to Judges) is a major step which has significant implications that such orders should not be granted ex parte for those on the receiving end. unless the prosecution can demonstrate that they • Specialists in defending cases • Expertise in arguing admissibility of have done their job properly. Management Receivers do not come cheap. They are involving large-scale police operations. evidence, abuse of process, disclosure officially appointed by the Court but they charge for and public interest immunity. The Court noted that the Restraint Order regime is their services and the first port of call for their fees • Experienced defenders in Regulation harsh and, as such, Judges must take extra care with is the restrained or confiscated assets, see s49 (2) of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) applications where the defence are not present. The • Our reputation ensures the very best (d). One area that is of concern is the Receiver’s costs cases involving informants, undercover Court must focus on the proper statutory test, i.e. - which are rarely insignificant. This can lead to a experts represent our clients. whether there are reasonable grounds for suspicion. police, surveillance and interception of gross injustice where the restrained assets have • We have helped shape the law. The Court of Appeal was particularly critical of the been used to pay the Management Receiver’s large communications. way the application was made; in a hurried, rushed bills, only for the suspect to then go on to trial and fashion - giving the Judge hardly any time to get on be acquitted - in that scenario the innocent suspect Roma House, 59 Pellon 36 Whitefriars 3 Brindley Place, top of the papers and thereby not fully understand- may have to bear the cost; see House of Lords ruling ing the case. Papers must be lodged well in advance in Capewell v Commissioners of Custom & anor Lane, Halifax, West Street, London, Birmingham, West and there should always be an oral hearing in com- [2005] 1 ALL ER 900. Yorkshire HX1 5BE EC4Y 8BQ Midlands, B1 2JB plex cases. Tel: 01422 346666 Tel: 0203 947 1539 Tel: 0121 206 2287 That possibility of unfairness should be taken into The higher courts have been troubled time and account at the time the Order is made - or chal- www.rahmanravelli.co.uk / [email protected] Nationwide Service again in recent years in respect of a procedural lenged. Defenders can ask for the Court to satisfy issue; namely failure by the Crown, at the ex parte itself that the expense of appointing a Receiver is 42 Legal // Q&A ‘Legal’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2019
failings to Parliament and to we have seen. the Director of Public Setting the record straight Prosecutions, the Attorney Finally, it was suggested that General and others. the CCRC was responsible for CCRC responds to prisoner’s critical letter interfering with the broadcast We were also accused of giving of, and possibly censoring, the In last month’s issue Tony possibility that an appeal give us something new, and some sort of ‘preferential BBC Panorama programme Yallop wrote angrily, and in would succeed. That is the test point us in the direction where treatment’ to sex offenders. that last year featured two our view incorrectly, about the Parliament set for us. Wouldn’t we might look for potentially The proportion of CCRC cases CCRC cases. For the record, Criminal Cases Review it be more than a bit bizarre if crucial new evidence. that are sexual offences mir- neither the CCRC nor any of its Commission (CCRC). The edi- you needed evidence to con- rors pretty closely the propor- staff had anything to do with tor at Inside Time asked us to: vict someone, but then didn’t We know it’s not easy. In the tion of sexual offences in the the postponement of “clarify the points raised” in need some new evidence to Questions and Answers we justice system in general. Only Panorama. The delay and any Appeals that opinion piece. In this overturn that conviction? send out with every applica- six of the last 50 CCRC referrals changes to the final pro- month’s CCRC column we re- tion form we say: “…to be able related to sexual offences, gramme were the result of spond to set the record We were also accused of ex- to send a case for a fresh ap- The Criminal Cases Review while nine were for murder legal action taken by an indi- straight. pecting CCRC applicants to peal, we need something new Commission (CCRC) is the and five for drug related cases. vidual involved in one of the come to us only when they have and important like some publicly funded body cases featured in the pro- The first accusation against some new evidence. That is strong new evidence or argu- responsible for investigat- The CCRC is not unwilling to gramme. The CCRC’s response the CCRC was that we are, “a not the case. We don’t expect ment that makes the case look ing alleged miscarriages use our special legal powers to the allegations in the pro- political extension working applications to arrive as fully different now. This can be very of justice in England and to obtain material looking for gramme (and with which we within the judiciary”. Can that formed cases with the new hard to find, and many cases Wales. They are the only wrongful convictions. We do strongly disagreed) was to be true of an organisation that evidence included. It is the job cannot be referred for appeal.” body with the power to not use them willy-nilly. But publish on our website all the has so far sent 657 cases back of our investigators to go look- send a case back to the we do use them to get hold of answers and supporting evi- to the appeal courts, about ing for the new evidence or Mr Yallop expressed strong courts for a second appeal. whatever we think necessary dence that we gave to one every two weeks for the legal argument needed to send views on disclosure failures for a review; and this means Panorama in response to their In this regular column last 21 years, and effectively a case back for appeal. and seemed to think that the that we use our powers thou- questions. they answer questions saying each time: “Here is an- CCRC had done nothing to sands of times a year and usu- about what they do and other one we think you got We repeat the need to identify tackle the situation. As we ally several times in every case So we did not agree with most more widely about wrong, you’ll have to have something new in our corre- have said several times in this we review. of what Mr Yallop had to say miscarriages of justice. another look?” In two thirds spondents with applicants to column, non-disclosure has last month about the CCRC. of those cases, the courts have try to make sure that people been the biggest single cause We can and routinely do get He is of course entitled to his The CCRC apologises had to agree and quash a con- don’t make the classic mistake of CCRC referrals for appeal. our hands on sensitive mate- opinion, but we felt it was im- but is unable to answer viction or reduce a sentence. of many a CCRC application Around one in five of all 657 rial such as information pro- portant for Inside Time read- questions relating to by simply repeating the things CCRC referrals have been vided by informants. Over the ers to be aware of the relevant individual cases. We were also criticised for said at trial or on appeal. We made because we found a fail- years, lots of CCRC cases have facts so that they can make up saying that we: “need evi- do it to emphasise the message ure to disclose something been referred for appeal be- their own minds; particularly Send your Appeal dence to re-open” a case. Well, that simply rehashing what which could have helped the cause of sensitive material if they are considering an ap- Queries to: ‘CCRC Q&A’ yes, that is just how it is. The has already been said is a defence or undermined the exactly like this. We get it plication to the CCRC. Anyone Inside Time, Botley Mills, law that created the CCRC is waste of time and effort - you prosecution. It is well docu- whenever we need to, and we can contact us for more infor- Botley, Southampton, pretty clear that we can only need at least to say something mented that the CCRC has for factor it into our decisions mation and an application Hampshire SO30 2GB. refer cases where there is new different about what you think some years been raising our even though we can often say form by writing to us (see ad- evidence which raises a real went wrong in your case to concerns about disclosure little or nothing about what vert page 15). MICHAEL PURDON SOLICITOR SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED AN EXPERT PAROLE - RECALL PRE-TARIFF REVIEWS CAT A REVIEWS - TARIFF REVIEWS NATIONWIDE SERVICE
CALL US: 0191 232 1006 VISIT: purdonlaw.co.uk LONDON: 7 New Square, Lincolns Inn, London, WC2C 3QS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) NEWCASTLE: Wards Buildings, 31-39 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 1EW Insidetime February 2019 ‘Legal’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Legal // Q&A 43
Anon HMP Oakwood does later occur, this will be the only Leicestershire, Staffordshire, West 2013. Owing to a series of delays, the
way you can show that they were Midlands, Bedfordshire, new tags are now expected to be rolled Q I was seriously assaulted in 2015 aware. Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire out from early 2019, more than five and I believe the prison is at fault and Hertfordshire. years late. as they did not put me on the ap- The prison should be aware of high propriate wing. There is no CCTV or profile cases and take action, but with- The tag was imposed for those who G4S has now been appointed to com- evidence of who actually assaulted out the above, they may not necessar- met the criteria relating to: plete the work by mid-2019. However, me, although I have medical evi- ily be held negligent by any future • Home Detention Curfew (HDC) - only there is no information available yet dence of my injuries. A solicitor has Court if you have no other evidence. offenders who are being considered as to how the system is to be imple- told me my claim needs to be issued The same is true when a lack of officers for HDC; mented or the eligibility criteria.’ at court before the 3-year deadline, in a location contributes to the ease • Licence Variation - for offenders Response by Carringtons Solicitors is there anything I can do? of an attack against an individual. who had been released and were not complying with their licence condi- Response by Jefferies Injury Lawyers AM HMP Coldingley A Unfortunately, 3 years have now tions and enforcement action was passed since the incident date and being considered; Prison Law & Q I have recently been told that I the matter will now be statute barred. TE HMP Wymott • Re-release on licence - offenders can claim damages for a parole delay This will likely be any statutory de- who had been recalled and were being Compensation Q I have heard a rumour that the in 2013, but it would need to have fence if legal proceedings are issued considered for re-release; new GPS tagging system was due to been submitted by October 2014 - Hine Solicitors against the defendant - and unless • Parole Board cases (Lifers and IPPs). be introduced in January 2019 and however, under S.2 Limitation Act Stevens Solicitors there is an extremely good reason as will apply to prisoners serving under 1980 I could still claim damages; is Jordans Solicitors to why proceedings were not issued This pilot scheme has now ended and 10 years; is there any truth in this this true? Carringtons Solicitors within 3 years, the claim will likely the MoJ have provided limited infor- rumour? Michael Jefferies Injury Lawyers fail on this point alone. mation regarding the intentions for A claim for delay in parole pro- this scheme in the future. The House A ceedings is made under the Human Generally, in assault cases, it is not A Electronic monitoring allows the of Commons Committee of Public Rights Act. It relates to the right for enough that an assault has occurred, police, courts or probation services to Accounts: Offender-monitoring tags a speedy review of a prisoner’s de- Answers to readers’ legal queries even one as serious as this one. You monitor an offender’s location and Fifteenth Report of Session 2017-19 tention. A claim made under the Hu- are given on a strictly without must be able to prove that the prison their compliance with home curfews. Report, together with formal minutes man Rights Act must be made within liability basis. If you propose acting was aware of an impending attack or When used appropriately, offend- relating to the report (15 January 2018) 1 year of the date on which the Act upon any of the opinions that appear, threat towards you before the incident er-monitoring tags can be a cost-ef- states: complained of took place. This is in you must first take legal advice. and did not take reasonable action fective alternative to custodial sen- accordance with Section 7(5)(a) of the to protect you. This usually means tences, as well as supporting the ‘In 2011, the Ministry of Justice Act. Under Section 7(5)(b) a court or Send your Prison Law Query (concise that at every new prison you are trans- offender’s rehabilitation in the launched a programme to develop a tribunal can extend this period con- and clearly marked ‘Prison Law ferred to, you will need to identify the community. new world-leading bespoke ankle tag sidering the circumstances. Query’) to: David Wells, Solicitor threat when you arrive in reception using GPS technology which would c/o Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, and follow this up in writing imme- A GPS tag is worn around the ankle. be used by all tagged offenders. The As a general rule, proceedings should Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. diately if VP Status is not granted, or It is used to monitor the location of programme was intended to reduce therefore be brought within 12 a suitable location is not provided. the subject who is wearing it 24 hours the annual cost of tagging by between months. Should you wish to consider For a prompt response, readers are Request that ‘Safer Custody’ comes a day via a satellite signal which can 9% (£9 million) and 30% (£30 mil- the merits of making an ‘out of time’ asked to send their queries on white to discuss your safety immediately pinpoint the subject’s location. The lion) as well as provide wider benefits claim you should seek advice from a paper using black ink or typed if and chase them up on a daily basis MOJ ran a pilot scheme between and more sentencing options for civil lawyer. possible. in writing. Keep copies of everything October 2016 and 2017 covering the courts. The new tags were originally you send and receive. If an assault areas of Nottinghamshire, due to be rolled out from November Response by Hine Solicitors
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Arm circles Sun salutations Slowly circle your elbows Flow through these movements, moving in time with your breath, then repeat, leading Gym warm-up forward and up, in time with the left leg. When you’ve done the sun salutations twice, once with each leg, that with your breathing, ten makes one round. You can do between three and ten rounds, depending on how long The Prison Phoenix Trust times. Repeat the other you have and how much of a head start you want to get on your session. These sun salu- way. tations can also work as a cardio and strength training session for days when you can’t get to the gym at all. There are many benefits of warming-up before a heavy session of the gym. By moving dynamically, you heat and prepare your muscles for what’s to come. This way, 7 1 14 each muscle works to the best of its ability, making the workout much more effective. Warming-up well also reduces your chance of injury.
If you only have a short time in the gym, you might want to get stuck in and work as hard as you possibly 8 can, straight away. Skipping the warm-up might seem 15 like the only way to get the gains you want in the time you have. But this may well leave you injured or with aches and pains, unable to train in the future.
One simple way around this problem is to do the 9 2 warm-up for your workout right there in your cell. You get all the benefits of warming-up without sacrificing any precious gym time. 16
Stay aware of your breath as you move slowly and with Leg circles 10 awareness. Faster is not always better! This helps you Rotate your hip to draw big stay grounded and then you can take that centredness circles with your knee, ten into the noise of the gym. If you’ve ever practiced med- times in one direction and itation, you’ll understand how valuable this centred- then ten times in the other. 3 ness is in so many ways. Repeat on the other side. 17 11
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13 Get the flu jab before the flu gets you What are the common l Keep warm 6 l Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to Next month we’ll cover a cool symptoms of flu? lower your temperature and treat down to help you stretch and l aches and pains Fever release after a gym session. l Aching muscles l Drink plenty of water to avoid l Chills and sweats dehydration l Headache l Dry, persistent cough If I get flu how can I help l Fatigue and weakness l Nasal congestion to stop further spread? l l ON YOUR SIDE Sore throat Avoid using common areas l Keep your living environment clean Being on your side is one thing. Fighting your corner is another. We do both. What should I do l Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing • Miscarriage of Justice experts • Defending false allegations • Crown Court advocacy if I have symptoms? l • CCRC applications • Prison law specialists • Parole applications • IPP and Lifer reviews Sit at least three feet away from • Adjudications • Recalls • Sentence progression l Inform a member of staff others, if possible IMMEDIATELY l Discourage visitors, especially We offer Legal Aid and Fixed Fees along with a nationwide service. children and vulnerable adults For more information contact us using the details below. What is the usual treatment? l Support the prison by adhering to other restrictions which may be l Rest and sleep needed Changing the way you see lawyers. Public Health 01302 365374 www.qualitysolicitors.com/jordans Ask healthcare if you are eligible 4 Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BP England Led by Mark Newby Solicitor Advocate with a relentless record of quashing convictions. Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 45 On this day… February 2nd 1901 Behind the gate The life and infamous times of Britain’s prisons: THE QUEEN IS DEAD, this month HMP Bure easier for families to keep in touch with pris- oners; instead we are making it about as diffi - cult as possible for families to reach prisoners.’ LONG LIVE THE KING! Noel Smith Most of the prison is housed at part of the old treason, found not guilty on RAF domestic site, in the former airmen’s the grounds of insanity, com- HMP Bure is an adult male Category C prison H-blocks, along with the junior ranks mess and mitted to an insane asylum located in the parish of Scottow in Norfolk. It NAAFI social club. New dual perimeter fences indefinitely and later sent to is run by Her Majesty’s Prison Service and has were constructed around the site. Phase one live in Australia. the capacity of 624 prisoners. It opened and became operational in November 2009. of construction was completed in November 2009, which enabled Bure to hold 259 prison- Despite expressing a distaste ers. Phase two was completed in March 2010, of pregnancy, Victoria bore Bure was built on part of the domestic site of which increased the capacity of the prison to nine children, the majority of former RAF Coltishall. The base was built dur- 523. A new wing - Res 7 - opened in November whom would marry into Eu- ing the Second World War and used mainly for 2013 and provides accommodation for an addi- ropean royal families. This ground attack aircraft and night fi ghters. The tional 101 prisoners, increasingg the capacity would earn her the nickname fi rst serious ‘night fi ghting’ took place in the to 624. A new regime’s area is being built to “the Grandmother of skies above Britain during the Second World provide additional activity places. Europe”. War. German airships were sent to bomb British cities and made good use of the night The prison’s name is taken from the nearby In 1887, the British Empire and darkness to provide them with cover. The River Bure and was selected in preference to celebrated Victoria’s Golden British responded with Bristol fi ghter planes the names of local towns such as Aylsham, Jubilee. Victoria marked the and Sopwith Camels, but they carried no spe- Coltishall and Wroxham after concern was fiftieth anniversary of her ac- cial equipment to help them see in the dark, expressed from parish councils and local gov- cession, on 20th June, with a except the pilot’s eyesight and the hope of a ernment about having a sex off ender’s prison banquet to which 50 kings bright moon. Their successes were few. named aft er their towns. and princes were invited. The following day, she partici- Many decades later, RAF Coltishall became the The prison is used to hold Category C adult pated in a procession and at- base for the ‘Jaguar Force’; the pink-painted males from the East of England who have been tended a thanksgiving service Jaguar planes played a major role in the 1991 Gulf War as part of Operation Granby. Due to convicted of sex off ences. The residential units News reporter will be taken to Windsor on a in Westminster Abbey. cuts in the defence budget and a reorganisa- consist of mainly single cell accommodation. gun carriage pulled by eight On 23rd September 1896, Vic- tion of the Royal Air Force, the base was for- white horses and with a white HMP Bure’s Learning Resource Centre off ers Today, the Empire mourns as toria surpassed her grandfa- mally closed on the 30th of November 2006. pall over her coffin, after Lord various education courses, as does the prison’s our late Majesty, Queen Vic- Tennyson had given her the ther George III as the In January 2007, the Home Offi ce decided they horticulture and recycling departments. toria (above), is being laid to idea of a ‘white funeral’. On longest-reigning monarch in wanted to take over the former RAF base and Vocational work off ered to prisoners includes rest in a State Funeral. The her instructions, numerous British history. The Queen re- earmarked it for the building of a new painting & decorating and industrial cleaning. Funeral will take place at items were placed in the cof- quested that any special cel- Immigration Detention Centre. But, by the end Other services which offer their support to Windsor Castle, a favoured fin with her body; Albert’s ebrations be delayed until of that same year, amidst reports of severe prisoners at the prison include NACRO, residence of the late monarch, dressing gown; her wedding 1897, to coincide with her Di- prison overcrowding, the Home Offi ce decided Citizens Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus and and will be attended by her veil, jewelry and photo- amond Jubilee, which was to establish a new prison on the site. In August Alcoholics Anonymous. close family as well as digni- graphs, as well as a picture of made a festival of the British taries from around the world, Empire at the suggestion of 2009, it was revealed that the new prison John Brown and a lock of his When the prison was being built, the gover- Empire and Commonwealth. the Colonial Secretary, Joseph would be used primarily to hold sex off enders, hair. nor-designate of what was then to be called Her Majesty has lain in state Chamberlain. The Queen’s with capacity for around 500 prisoners. Coltishall Prison, Paul Cawkwell, said of its for the past 11 days. Victoria’s love of Albert and Diamond Jubilee procession When plans for the prison were announced, change of use: ‘These are very solid buildings. their mutual affection are the on 22nd June 1897 followed a the Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, They were built to withstand the Luft waff e. As the longest-reigning mon- stuff of legend and fairytale six-mile route through Lon- Norman Lamb, was against the plan. He said: They make perfect sense for placing prisoners arch in British history, and come true. The Queen pro- don and included troops from ‘If you were talking about a rational prison within them. We can make a big diff erence to the longest-reigning female posed to him on 15th October all over the empire. The pro- building programme nationally you would not the economy of Norfolk.’ monarch ever, Queen Victoria 1839, just five days after he cession paused for an open- be building a prison in the middle of the had presided over a period of had arrived at Windsor. They air service of thanksgiving Norfolk countryside. We’re told that reoff end- The new prison is estimated to have brought great change in the country were married on 10th Febru- held outside St Paul’s Cathe- ing rates are brought down where you make it 400 full-time jobs to the area. and created the template for ary 1840 in the Chapel Royal dral, throughout which Victo- the modern royal family. of St James’s Palace, London. ria sat in her open carriage What will now forever be Victoria wore a white dress of - the celebration was marked Our commitment and service to you, does not known as The Victorian era, silk and lace, unusual at the by vast crowds of spectators stop when you leave the dock. Reeds solicitors a golden age for Britain and time, and has been credited and great affection for the 78 its Empire, has lasted some 63 year-old Queen. are dedicated to providing legal expertise along with popularising white wed- with unparalleled client care. This service also years from her accession to ding dresses. the throne aged 18 in 1837 Later today, thousands of includes issues you may experience in custody. until her passing at Osborne Though hers was a long reign, people will watch in mourn- Our Prison Law Team are able to offer advice and assistance under the Legal Aid Scheme for the following issues: House on the Isle of Wight on it was not always a happy ful silence as the procession Determine/ IPP Recall Parole Independent Adjudications Sentence Calculations January 22nd. makes its way to St George’s one. During Victoria’s first Pre-Tariff Reviews Cat A Reviews CSC Reviews pregnancy in 1840, in the first Chapel at the castle, where Our experienced Solicitors also offer competitive fixed fees for general Prison Law matters including: This reporter was honoured few months of the marriage, the funeral will take place in to be amongst the throng who 18 year-old Edward Oxford the presence of the new King, Re-categorisation Sentence Planning saw her coffin brought to attempted to assassinate her Edward VII, the Queen’s fam- Contact our team now by calling 01865 592670 or write to us calling our Freepost address: shore at Portsmouth from the ily, and most of the crowned while she was riding in a car- RTXS-CHLX-SYRC - Reeds Solicitors - 403 Silbury Boulevard - MILTON KEYNES - MK9 2AH Royal Yacht Alberta, and then riage with Prince Albert on heads of Europe. The Queen transferred to the Royal Train her way to visit her mother. will lie in state for two days, to be carried to London by Oxford fired twice, but either and then be interred next to rail. The Queen left very spe- both bullets missed or, as he her husband Albert, at the cific instructions on how she later claimed, the guns had Frogmore Mausoleum at was to be buried. The coffin no shot. He was tried for high Windsor Great Park. 46 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
To Jess my beautiful. I love you so much and my love grows stronger every day. Happy Val- NPR can help you progress entines love Brian x
Michelle my angel, Happy Val- For someone that’s done entine’s Day Baby G. Remem- 18 years, being able to stroke ber this isn’t forever but we are, stay strong love Geoffrey xxxxx How would you cope with being in self-segre- a dog or a cat, it’s just an gation for ten years of your sentence? How amazing experience. To Claire Bear, you will always about if you were knocked back from parole 6 Ryan be my valentine and I will al- times? ways love you. DH xxx food, and you will also hear from somebody These are real examples from two people serv- who is now on the outside after serving 18 © Deposit Photos Bwangi (Hello) John, Happy ing very long sentences - and they’ve both years of a life sentence in prison. After several Valentine’s. I hope this is the turned things around and are now progressing Tasha, Happy Valentine’s Day. many more. I love you so setbacks and hurdles throughout his time in first of many. Zikomo (Thank well towards release. Their stories feature in a Thank you for standing by me. much, from Boo xxxx prison, Ryan was finally released from a Pro- you) Lisa xo xo xo special show going out this month on National gression Regime and is now living with his Not long to wait now. Love Prison Radio, which you need to listen to if you, Mark xx I love you so much my Nick, fiancé on the outside. Tara T Happy Valentine’s day you’re serving a long sentence. It’s called Pro- you’re the bestest thing to ever gorgeous. Love you always gression Regimes and it broadcasts on Monday Zara, we found each other after happen to me. Love your Liam. Tune in at 12pm and 6pm on Monday 11 Febru- your bestie x x 11 February. 27 years…I’d wait another 100 ary to find out more; or catch it again at 10am years to have you in my arms To my amazing fiancé Lisa, on Sunday 17 February. To Sean, Happy Valentines Progression Regimes run in four prisons: HMP again. Love Les xxx Happy Valentines Day. I love day…I’ll be thinking of you Warren Hill in the South East, HMP Humber you so much and miss you lots. Ryan - released last year from the Progression babe..roll on 2028 for date in the North East, HMP Buckley Hall in the To my beautiful wife Victoria, From Ryan K Regime in Warren Hill: night. Love Hollie xxxx North West and HMP Erlestoke in the South Love you for all eternity, 831. To my Big Bear, Darren. You’re West, and are for people who have previously Your husband forever Emile. “I don’t know what happened - I just had Dear My princess number 1 struggled to progress with their sentence but a switch in my head where I thought ‘I’ve Sasha, I love you forever and want to make positive steps towards release or My solider boy, Happy Val- always. Happy Valentine’s day, open conditions. If you’re on an indeterminate had enough jail’. Without that support I entine’s day babe #3! And my wife, love you Connor x sentence, so a life, IPP or extended determi- could have been lost in the system. Warren many more to come. Thinking nate sentence, then Progression Regimes could Hill kept me on a level, I was sustaining a of you xx all my love your To my wifey Lauren, Happy help you make progress towards getting out. good level of mental health, I was going to cream egg x x x Valentines Day Baby girl, not work… in a different prison it could have long now love from your man This special show allows you to step inside Cariad Emma my love for you been chaos. It was really weird getting used Stephen aka team pricey x Warren Hill and Humber to get a real feel of to being out in the real world again, grows stronger every day. Soon © Deposit Photos the Progression Regime. You will hear some of I’ll be in your safe arms. Love everything’s like new to you when you get Cassie you’re the most beauti- the men currently on the regime share stories Dave xxx my best friend and soul mate, released. For someone that’s done 18 years, ful amazing valentine ever. This of how the regime has helped them progress. love and miss you madly. year is our year, I love you my They also talk about some of the incentives on being able to stroke a dog or a cat, it’s just To Yogi Bear, you’ve made me Happy Valentines Babe, love Queen. Thomas xxx the regime, such as facilities to cook your own an amazing experience.” happy and complete. Here’s to from, Little Bear Lisa xxx Are you carrying too much baggage?
Many of us are carrying too much baggage. We find it difficult to leave behind things from the past which we regret: broken relationships; foolish decisions; wasted years; the hurt we have caused others – and the hurt which others have inflicted upon us. For some, the greatest sadness may be the rejection of family and friends as a result of our mistakes. The effect of continuing to carry all these regrets from the past – and of accumulating more as we journey through life – can be devastating. They prevent us from moving forward with our lives.They can create a sense of hopelessness. When He was on earth, Jesus encountered many people who were weary and weighed down by their past. He had compassion upon them and invited them to unburden themselves on Him.
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, New Life If you would like to know how and you will find rest orf your souls. For my yoke is you can begin a new life with easy and my burden is light.’ Jesus, please write to us for a Matthew 11:28-30 copy of our booklet, New Life.
Jesus still invites people today to find rest with A look at the New Life that Jesus offers Him and to start a new life with Him.
BeaconLight Trust, PO Box 91, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 9BA Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 47 Perfect Dark Days Chris Mellenger - HMP Littlehey Ryan Hadfield - HMP Hull
Perfect They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger What is perfect For me it’s like the days just keep on getting longer I’m tired of conforming Sittin in this cell is causing me misery and hell Beauty is now boring Only way of escape lies behind a bell Don’t cry But deep down these people just don’t give a fu*k Hold your head high Just going through their motions till they bang you up Fight and put your all in Yeah you’ve got problems? That’s just bad luck your dream is now your calling So you sit there with all your wild thoughts escaping Going through the same things, contemplating your dream is now your calling on all the time that its taking for your making and breaking and all those people that you thought would be waiting Verse 1 are soon to be sailing with their lives while your trailing I’m not dealing with no prize fools Your thoughts are draining going over some things. Rap Star of the Month In my lords eyes, we are all equals I used to think it would be us against the world, Congratulations to this months I hear the same old news back then hanging onto every word. winner who receives our £25 prize Beauty is a size zero, it’s cool Guess the reason you’re no longer around is all my fault, causing so much stress rather than giving you help Or is it being well toned Now I’m here all alone in a single cell, dunno when I’m out, noway to tell I chose this life The media is always promoting the same clones Paying for my crimes, sat here making rhymes just to pass the time, Mental health now grows sh*t. Said the first time I was never coming back R Smith - Ashworth Hospital No I don’t have no problem with letting the world know Guess that was before everything went black, Beauty is made to be objectified living life on the same old track, hoping for a heart attack, like that sh*ts whack, As I read the Inside Time’s for fucks sake what am I doing, my thoughts are screwing I can feel trouble brewing, Fat, slim, black, white we should be unified Page by page same old lines someone call me a doctor to tell me what I ortta do, for me and ma daughter Confidence asking what do we do at night? Same old sh*t I can see Cus I don’t feel like the father that I should be, Still no release for the IPP Lay on our own and contemplate suicide cast in the shadows no longer part of the family tree that was us three. It’s like the same old joke that’s always me, The boyz are suffering That’s no life for a little child but now I understand who I have to just to succeed and It starts with me. The girlz are too Brexit, racism and false smiles Jails overcrowded I’m so tired of all that Jails brand new We’re all equal, I hope you believe that Dreams of Escaping Basic Stuff Jails all over all to see HMP or Privately Wade Chambers - HMP Hull Chorus x2 Phil Pardoe - HMP Wayland Either way it’s all the same Perfect Been there done that Only got myself to blame What is perfect I’m sick and tired of being surrounded by bricks Sold bud shot crack 11 years on I feel the pain I’m tired of conforming and wires, pr*cks and liars 6 months on where’s my trail at? Then they question am I sane? Beauty is boring In uniform that are quick to remind us that Longing it out in hope for more witnesses Mental health ain’t no joke Don’t cry we’re some of the worse scum on the earth 23 hour a day bang up can you picture this? Hold your head high Last out for dinner, last out for meds Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke That’s why I can’t sleep I lie wide awake Easier time trust me nope Fight and put your all in 23 hours a day sat on our beds. through most nights and days your dream is now your calling This sh*t is a slippery slope No TV and no radio your dream is now your calling Trying to find a way to escape cos I despise this Time to reflect on where did life go HMP ain’t for me place Coming down with the lyrics from Frankee Basic life ain’t for me Verse 2 It’s like every time I look out my cell the sky is We’re supposed to have no regrets But funny I say that as it’s week 3 People may hate what I do. Swear to the max with no Tourette’s grey One IEP it’s another week Because I’m sat up in a prison, writing beauty and But there’s a price to pay So fuck the system this shits peak Swear to the max for all to see truth Any chance of freedom in life’s at stake Loss of canteen, only phone credit Career criminal or one crime spree However when you feel that there is nothing to lose and its heights I hate Do this another week? Forget it That is when you see, that you’ve got nothing to prove Becoming weak they turn to spice Either way we’re all locked down So I don’t really wanna climb the gate Missing our family, missing our town I did that once but still paying the price The Mona Lisa’s an image My minds a state If you could would you turn back time How can we be seen if images are a credit? As I try to face One hour a day out my cell Avoid the drugs avoid the crime How can we have dreams, if we ain’t letting them The thought of another day in this tiring place I start to think is this hell Eyes locked on that danger sign Hearing people’s TV blare hear it Trying to hide my rage Its got me wondering is this fair? Enjoy your life Perfect isn’t key, it’s what we do with our spirit. Listening to radios blast Enjoy your prime I’ve been inside for years How long could it last This is the rap for the INSIDE TIME My eyes are open and they, Now I’m done with this life in here Week 4 basic still gritty I turned the beauty in to straw, the wolf blew it away But I wouldn’t be here if I never served that nitty. Keep the love as a chain Its crap like diarrhoea Trying to put extra food on the table to be humble Doing time Shackled in your heart, and do not open the gate. I’ve had the chance of freedom twice appear But now am sat on basic with my life a crumble Arron Lowe-Etheridge - HMP Bure Then vanish in a blink as if my eyes were Perfect I hope you agree smeared Still sat here with nothing to do This relocation ain’t no vacation it’s a means I will never ever be a shadow of me. Each time leaving my mum to cry her tears Waiting for sosh with the basic crew to an end, a repatriation My beauty travels the seas F this my mind is clear It’s funny how life’s planned out It’s the fall before the climb so don’t get It’s like the West Indies, because its bringing the heat I wish I could change it without a doubt I will no longer resign to fear left behind Now am sat here doing my rip Open your eyes, don’t stay blind, think it Chorus x4 My time is here Its time that I got a grip out, use your mind Perfect I’m breaking free Standard prisoner is what I intend If you can’t do the time, stop your life of What is perfect Now who’s turn is it to buy the beers? Until that day these raps I send crime, pay attention to this rhyme If you’re looking for the silver-lining, pay at- I’m tired of conforming tention and stop your whining, only then can Beauty is boring u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Rap Star of the Month’. Send you start dining on a life with no time in Don’t cry entries to: Inside Time, Rap, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Try to keep Think things through every day, don’t let Hold your head high rhymes under 300 words. When submitting your work please include the following permission: temptation lead the way Fight and put your all in ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate sites and other Only then can you say that there is no way your dream is now your calling publications as appropriate.’ By submitting your rhymes to Inside Time you are agreeing to our that a life of crime will pay. your dream is now your calling terms, to read them in full see page 49. 48 Jailbreak // Inside Poetry www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
Star Poem of the Month Forgiveness and Remorse The Con-exchange Congratulations to this months winner who Tony Edwards - HMP Wymott Bronse-son - HMP Parc receives our £25 prize Forgive me - please forgive me if you will £45,000 a year commodities, sitting on a shelf £45,000 a year commodities, making the greedy I beg you, please, to let my shame be still Mum, Dad, can you wealth
send me £20 in? For I am here with nothing up my sleeve Bell goes off, screw screams “quick” Remorse alone has brought me here to grieve Carl Thurston - Wormwood Scrubs © Deposit Photos Found another one down, think he’s more than sick! Flat-line wails, manager bails The last time I was living free Please let me say “I’m sorry” in my way Sullen look of disappointment My mum, my dad, they said to me Philosophic Fly And beg you for forgiveness, if I may As his mortgage fails “You now must stay upon the rails Paul Lumsden - HMP Castle Huntly We’re far too old to visit jails Forgive me for the pain I made you feel G4S lost 3 points on the con-exchange We promise son you’re on your own Stopped at a prison gate For in my heart I know your pain is real At this rate they’ll be begging for loose change We now will say for the final time Listened to inmates relate ‘How they’ll never look back’ It’s time for you to give up crime” Forgive me for the memories I stole Tesco handles its stock with tender loving care And thus I tried my best to be They returned In the evening before eight! And the tears that fell when sadness took its toll But G4S couldn’t give a sh*t A law-abiding man who’s free And doesn’t dare But like a dog who seeks the bone Fly licked clean Please let me say “I’m sorry” one more time Once again I smoked a stone We to them are but a walking price-tag I got that taste again for crack Cowpat legs Sorry for my cruel and heartless crime Large compound eyes “Shut-up, bang-up behind ya door you sl*g” And to come down nice I shot up smack Neither wise Then pretty soon I’m robbing shops But if you think that I have asked too much Dull or mean Human rights and diversity are but a myth on the And hiding from the chasing cops Then turn your back or kick me into touch range And once again they rang my bell Sat upon a traffic light Now you’re floated on the con-exchange Head in hands I’m in that cell Watched two strangers Scald me with your simmering disgust And now I’m in the jail alone Road enraged; And burn my frail excuses down to dust With £2 credit for the phone Shout, spit, dehumanised Baby Gangsta I ring my dad, I ring my mum Neither, even remotely right! Rip to shreds the letters that I wrote And true to words, they both are done Jamie Skinner - HMP Long Lartin Then hunt me down and grab me by the throat I pleaded and I pleaded Fly had seen “Can’t you see it’s needed?” The human ego At 10 years-old “We gave you our warnings In the fullest Throttle me until your pain is spent Innocent from life’s untold They were not heeded” Meanest flow Then flay me with your whip till I repent Out playing on the streets So no more visits, no more cash Being incomprehensibly mean The older lads bouncing around in Armani sneaks No more swapping food for hash Condemn me as a stone-cold, heartless thief No way for me to purchase vapes Pausing upon a judge’s gavel Then lash me with your agony and grief Versace tracksuits, gold chains and rings No cookies, stamps, salt or grapes Marvelled at the wig Punish me until it soothes your pain And now I have that lesson learned More blown dandelion seed Looking on in admiration, wishing he too had them things Then send me back to prison once again Some bridges they should not be burned A different breed A crew of teens approach him on the estate Given a different road to travel “Come chill with us kid, let’s be mates” Sentence me to life inside a cell Fly had the sky Deliver me into the fires of Hell The kid goes with the gang, happily consumed Down the Seg Woven, designer wings He has no idea he’s just been groomed Claire Hickinbotham - HMP New Hall A lust for dining Rejoice when I am banished from your sight The gang makes him feel like he fits in Upon dead things Into a world of never-ending night The leader pats him on the back and says “kid, you’re in” I’m down the seg, doin my time Oblivious to ‘why’ Waiting to be called about my crime Upon a pew But if by chance you glance behind the veil There and then he was one of them Here for a positive MDT test And hear my plaintive heart cry out from jail Or so he thought All I can do is give it ma best Drew a less angelic ‘Look’ or two All kitted out, looking dapper “Was not in here Gov Church-phobic A jail in which remorse has come to hide Wads of cash, the kid couldn’t be happier Had Spice in another jail Out of the door he flew Until forgiveness puts away its pride Licked a pipe in Foston Hall The time has come for his initiation Every human mishap Weren’t from here at all” Forgiveness and remorse, when they embrace Armed with a knife, brainwashed, a feeling of aspiration Repetitive and awful Can help us make our world a kinder place Loveless and unthoughtful “See that lad over there; he’s from the L1 crew “Go back to your cell while Go on kid, you know what to do” We check with Foston Hall” Yet they complained For forgiveness you might find the strength I now sit and wait Because I walked on crap! To exorcise the demons I present Please hurry and call The kid runs over, plunges the knife into his chest In that moment the kid thinks “Yes, mandem’s the best” The time has gone fast Lost Life Those demons that still haunt you night and day The lad slumps to the ground Just thought about ma past Maximum - HMP Dovegate The fear that took your peace of mind away All the L1 crew gather round Hope to get off this thing And hurry back to F1 wing Fluorescent amber lights Remorse has come to help me see the light The kid cries out to his mates Frost coated nights While empathy has brought me second sight The gang left him, it’s too late To be honest it’s gone really fast The crunch of the gravel One of the L1 crew stabs him in the back And not taken long My life will unravel Remorse has found its way into my soul “Where’s my Mum?” She’s off smoking crack Not even time to think about The rattle of the chains Where I’ve gone wrong My life you claim And there it met forgiveness on patrol The slam of the door The L1 crew scatter away Here we go again My shaken core Forgiveness came to show remorse the way The two injured youths alone, in a bad way Back in I go Your sticks and shields To make amends for sins of yesterday As they lay there bleeding on the floor Keep my head held high My flesh and bone yields Their so-called ‘mates’ are no more And just ‘go with the flow’ I accept the blame So, forgive me, please forgive, if you can I lost my name While helping me become a better man They wished they could see their loved ones once more “A caution this time it’s going to be I took the guilt and lumber I don’t want you again to stand before me Then I became a number Just to say…. I’ve spoken to Foston and it seems to be ok The IPP is a serving lie And in return I vow to change my ways It was the truth that you told me” And yet the years tick by And leave behind my sinful yesterdays But it’s too late … their souls have slipped away Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Inside Poetry 49 A Tuit Spell Mr Lever … a kind-hearted man … A Fallen Hero Terry Cadman - HMP Swaleside a true inspiration Anon - HMP Rye Hill Julie Dixon - HMP Styal What is a Tuit? What does it do? Voices screaming How does a Tuit help me and you? It wasn’t just a job, it was a vocation Tears streaming How can it restore peace and end the strife A kind-hearted man, a true inspiration A suicide vest worn That I get at work, or from the wife? Above and beyond you would always go Emotions torn She is so young A Tuit can be any shape or size Carrying a smile and a cheerful glow Thought process hung But just having one means you’re wise A true gentleman with manners and respect Rifle shaking You’ve seen the light and you’re switched on You never failed to help, you would never reject Shot taken By the mere fact of having one At times when I was happy, sad or distraught You were always there to help and support More victims die A Tuit is a simple artefact You made me feel safe when I arrived at Styal I ask, why? That has an effect on how you act You always went that extra mile The Bothy Medals presented It has the power to change your lifestyle A listening ear and encouraging words Lisa Brown - HMP Polmont My thoughts demented And makes your efforts more worthwhile Empathy, compassion to help me move forward Drugs and drink A father figure with a good understanding My life’s on the brink The best shape to have would be round The Bothy You will be sadly missed on Res and the landings All this led to my crime The most desirable shape I’ve found I may look plain Good wishes and a really big ‘thank you’ A life behind bars is mine It helps with all the things you haven’t done But I hold many secrets A well-earned rest is deserved and due And all because you haven’t got one Within my breastwork Enjoy your retirement, we will never forget All the time you gave us, when distraught and upset That old excuse, “Yes, I know, I’ll do it, There are four rooms I just haven’t got around to it” All look out onto a loch My Things Here’s the answer, I’ve told you how A stone’s throw Kevin Kennedy - With a round Tuit, you can do it now ‘Shipped Out’ From my door HMP Grendon Dave Hall - HMP Wymott One room contains Dying for Answers Sitting at my window I’m woken from my restless night A rough sawn worktop Hazelnut - HMP Wymott Many footsteps on the landing that shatter my dreams And a fireplace Looking at the birds Banging gates that ripple through the concrete The other contains the same Putting pen to paper Innocent, naïve Opening my eyes to the light peeking through the bars Getting down some words In the wrong place Dust wanders in the sunlight as I disturb my quilt Except Kids killing kids There is a desk The cold lino hits my feet as I stand up Early morning crossword No matter what their race Jingling keys remind me who’s in control And chair Gets my brain in gear A rush of panic as my cell door swings open By the window A knife, a gun Sitting in the sunshine Uniforms of authority bark out their request Carried on our streets A multitude of beholders Drinking ice cold beer Postcode gangs Have sat there Holding drug-fuelled meets “Pack your things, you’re being moved” My mind tricks me, where am I going? Sipping in the spectacle before them Lying on cool bed-sheets Mums and dads Plastic bags are thrown at my feet If they are lucky a train will appear On hot summer’s eves Burying their babies Panic sets in, have I got everything? Walking in the Autumn More ‘why’ than ‘replies’ Intimated with the rush of the moment Fleetingly Crunching dead brown leaves To this man-made rabies I ask the important question However Where am I going? If you blink High-rise, no-rise “You will find out when you get there You would never have known it was even Hearing people laugh No jobs or home You’re being shipped out” there At my rubbish jokes Some join ‘the gang’ Laying in hot baths Rather than be alone My original staircase For long relaxing soaks Another two young lives #Jail Problems Vanished a long time ago But a myriad of compassionate souls Have been ‘snuffed out’ today Watching Uni Challenge Charlie Huddlestone - HMP Peterborough Have since replaced it When they should have been laughing Getting one answer right In school or at play My head’s getting bad and I just can’t take it Upstairs my rooms are rudimentary Lightning in the sky London beating New York These girls chat sh*t but bruv I aint faking it And within one is where my secret lives On a cool summer’s night I go to the docs but they just ups my meds Young murders on the rise The ceiling is elaborate Barbecues and family I want to sort my problems but I need a new head ‘Lip service’ from MPs And highly decorated Sunday morning papers False actions in disguise I’m sat in my pad cos my life got off track Universe and space Now I’m sat in jail and I can’t take it back Many a guest have stopped in their tracks Funding being cut Laurel and Hardy capers I wouldn’t be inside if they sorted out my brain To gaze in awe and wonder Communities stabbed in the back But living with these demons is driving me insane At the story they are digesting with their Youth clubs simply closed I wanna be better but it’s just so hard eyes Pink Floyd and Bob Marley Green spaces turned into black Cos if you’d seen what I’ve seen When they leave Fresh cream-cakes for tea Then you’d know I’m scared So how many more They will tell people about me Spending time with friends I hope things get better, but I’ll let them take their course Kids have to die But no words can illustrate I’m depressed in my cell, and I’m full of remorse Then having time for me How many more families What they have seen Must ask the question Lying-in on Sunday ‘Why?’ u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Star Poem of the Month’. To qualify for a prize, Bacon, sausages and eggs poems should not have won a prize in any other competition or been published previously. Send entries to: Inside Time, Having a good old stretch Be Your Ribs Poetry, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. To bring life to my legs Abdul Shahabdeen - HMP Elmley 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 The smell of new-mown grass The head is weak, maybe I am a freak withheld from publication. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include your The warmth of sun on skin DOB on your entries. There is no light, I am full of fright Jumping in my car Darkness is my sentence By submitting your poems to Inside Time you are agreeing that they can be published in any of our ‘not for profit links’, And going for a spin Way forward is repentance these include the newspaper, website and any forthcoming books. You are also giving permission for Inside Time to use A heart is broke, she said I’ll be your ribs their discretion in allowing other organisations to reproduce this work if considered appropriate, unless you have clearly Sending a poem to Inside Time A life full of shame, she said I’ll be your clothes stated that you do not want this to happen. Any work reproduced in other publications will be on a ‘not for profit’ basis. She is my jewellery that brings me heaven Please note poems for publication may be edited. When submitting your work please include the following Seeing what it brings An adorable girl, thank god I found this girl permission: ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate sites and other Maybe I’ll win for rhyming My future is bright, my soul is now light publications as appropriate.’ Some of my favourite things 50 Jailbreak // Prize Winning Competitions www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 Read all about it! Caption Competition Last Months £25 Winner A £25 prize is on offer for the best caption 1. Which famous footballer has pleaded guilty Fonesavvy providers of ‘landline type Kevin Kennedy - HMP Grendon to this month’s picture. to tax fraud and received a two-year suspend- numbers’ for mobile phones. ed sentence along with a £16.7 million fine? 2. Who hosts ‘The Voice’? Proud sponsors of Inside Time’s 3. On ‘Dancing on Ice’ what are the judge’s PRIZE quiz ‘Read all about it!’ names who are British ice dancers and former If you don’t want callers to be disadvantaged British, European, Olympic and World or put off by the high cost of calling your champions? mobile - just get a landline number for it. 4. Which two countries kick-off the men’s rugby Six Nations 2019? Calls to mobiles don’t have to be expensive! 5. The Chinese New Year officially starts on 5th Full details are available on our main February but in 2019 it is which animal? advert in Inside Time and at 6. On 21st January 2019 there was a total lunar www.fonesavvy.co.uk eclipse, but what colour was the moon? 7. Which member of the Royal Family recently At the Golden Globes Awards in January Idris crashed their Range Rover? Last Months Winners He still hasn’t got the hang of the 8. Which prison made the news in January for Marie Dent - HMP Downview (£25) hairdryer thing Elba teased James Bond fans by tweeting a an inmate killing rats during an HMCIP Robert Clark - HMP Frankland (£5) selfie with the current 007 actor Daniel Craig. inspection? Phillip Powell - HMP Frankland (£5) Paul Pogba struggled under Mourinho Rumours of Elba becoming the next James 9. Which ale is sponsoring the 2019 rugby Six See box to the right for details of how to enter because he had no confidence in the former Bond refuse to go away and Elba poured fuel Nations? Answers to last months News Quiz: Manchester United manager. on the fire with this picture, which he cap- 1. No, 2. Elegant Escape, 3. 31, 4. Mica, 5. Madness, 10. ‘EastEnders’ are highlighting young gang tioned ‘awks...’ What do you think is being and drug culture - which female character is 6. ITV, 7. 9pm, 8. Jose Mourinho, 9. Fearne Cotton, Closing date for all competitions is 21/02/19 thought or said here? pulling the strings? 10. Elton John
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 11. Who said, ‘sadly, we find that about 13% of prisoners come out the other end of paper. Make sure your receive a £25 cash prize. There will also be two £5 runner up prizes. with a drug habit they didn’t have when they went in’? 12. Who says prisoners are often ‘extremely smart well-informed people who NAME, NUMBER & 1. Who was ‘a true gentleman with manners and respect’? know more about being in prison than anyone else on earth’? PRISON is on all sheets. 2. Who has spent most of her working life in education? 13. Who found out from a nurse at HMP Durham that there are at least 600 out Failure to do so will 3. At which prison was the IMB member presented with the best bit of food so of around 960 prisoners there with mental health issues? she could pass it fit for human consumption? 14. Who said ‘no-one has the right to smoke in jail but smoking is one of the few invalidate your entry. 4. Which Tory MP called for a book to be banned that was intended to help pleasures many prisoners have’? We will be using the new prisoners and their families? 15. Who run a café in Hoxton and a grounds maintenance business in West London? 5. Who said that after serving 18 years, being able to stroke a dog or a cat was ‘an ‘Money Transfer Service’ amazing experience’? Answers to Last Month’s Inside Knowledge Prize Quiz for prize money so include 6. Who says his company can make the pricing of video-visits competitive and 1. None, 2. Stephen Walsh, 3. Peter Clarke, 4. Parliamentary & Health Service, Ombudsman, 5. your DOB on your entries. cheaper than prisoner phone calls? Noel Smith, 6. HMP Styal, 7. Emma & Ruby, 8. The Hardman Directory, Post to: ‘jailbreak’. Inside 7. Who was given a tour of Rye Hill which ended with a meeting with Director 9. Rachel Billington, 10. 7,088, 11. Friday 8th February 2019, 12. Louise Shorter, 13. Clare Peter Small? Barstow, 14. National Prison Radio, 15. Steve Newark Time, Botley Mills, Botley, 8. Who as a child loved reading and words fascinated him? The three £25 Prize winners are: The £5 runner up prizes go to: Southampton, Hampshire 9. Since 1989, who has funded more than 40,000 courses for people in prison? Russell Bradshaw - HMP Doncaster Raymond Ambrose - HMP Highpoint SO30 2GB. 10. An easily administered injection of what substance can reverse the effect of Lewis Jeffers - HMP Stocken Kelly Nuttall - HMP Eastwood Park an overdose? Claire Bell - HMP Newhall Answers to last months quizzes CRISS CROSS QUICK CROSSWORD Have you got a problem with alcohol? Across: 1 Verger. 4 Tapas. “Only YOU can decide” 7 Recuperate. 8 Noun. 9 Dodge. 11 Applaud. 13 Petunia. If drinking has cost you more than money and 15 Riser. 17 Kerb. 18 Kingfisher. CRIMINAL LAW - MENTAL HEALTH LAW - PRISON LAW 20 Serve. 21 Toilet. you believe you may have a problem? Down: 1 Vienna. 2 Glen. Fixed Fees From £150.00: 3 Round up. 4 Tread. 5 Pia. Guittard Applications Pre-Tariff Review We are here to help… 6 Sieve. 7 Rumpus. 10 Dinner. 12 Deposit. 14 Albeit. 15 Rakes. Re-cat Reviews HDC 16 Rifle. 17 Kepi. 19 Nor. Legally Aided Alcoholics Anonymous LETTERBOX Parole Independent Adjudication Category A Reviews National Helpline: 0800 917 7650 Barely Re-call Pre tariff Parole Board Reviews Closed Supervision Centre GEFBADCHI www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk 2 8 Mental Health Law (Legally Aided) 8 7 6 9 Transfer to Hospital under Section 47 & Section 48 Mental Health Act Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 Groups CATCHPHRASE WORD MORPH 4 6 3 1 2 7 6 5 Criminal Law throughout Great Britain, designed to help those 1. Loss for Words winter DO YOU have an ongoing confiscation order? with a drinking problem. Through mutual 2. No Fun Without U winger 1 4 9 8 DO YOU have an ongoing case and want to change solicitors? 3. Side Order support, sufferers assist each other in coping winged 9 4 5 8 DO YOU want to appeal your IPP sentence? 4. Skating on Thin Ice winked 1 5 2 7 with their problem. There are no fees for mem- 5. An Inside Job wicked Mental Health Law (Legally Aided)
(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2018. All rights reserved. bership of Alcoholics Anonymous and anonymity 6. Sign on the Dotted Line 2 3 Transfer to Hospital under Section 47 & Section 48 Mental Health Act Daily Sudoku: Mon 3-Dec-2018 medium is carefully preserved. TECTONIC ANAGRAM SQUARE SUDOKU For an immediate response, please contact: Yasmin Aslam 1 P ROUD 4 6 1 9 3 2 5 8 7 Solicitor Advocate/Prison Law Supervisor 3 8 7 1 6 5 4 2 9 Calls will be kept strictly confidential 2 E NTRY 2 5 9 7 8 4 6 3 1 AGI Criminal Solicitors,489 Chester Road 3 N OTED 8 9 4 2 7 6 1 5 3 Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9HF For more information: 4 C LOSE 6 7 2 5 1 3 9 4 8 5 E XC EL 5 1 3 4 9 8 7 6 2 24 Hours -7 days a week PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, YORK YO1 7NJ 9 4 5 8 2 7 3 1 6 1 3 8 6 5 9 2 7 4 CALL US! Tel: 01904 644 026 7 2 6 3 4 1 8 9 5 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2018. All rights reserved. 0161 226 2070 Daily Sudoku: Mon 3-Dec-2018 medium
http://www.dailysudoku.com/ The Personal Injury Specialists
You may be entitled to claim compensation PRISONERS CONTINUALLY FAILED BY HEALTHCARE TO TREAT EYE CONDITIONS
Attwood Solicitors secure thousands for prisoners who have been failed by the healthcare system when they have suffered problems with their vision and have not been seen promptly. Injuries suffered due to negligence Does any of the below apply to you and you have not been given the care and investigation you should have?
• Blurred vision • Sudden loss of vision • Specs or floaters in your eye • A flash of light in one or both of your eyes • Gradual deterioration in your vision • Previous retinal detachment in one eye • A family history of retinal detachment Medical Negligence (Delayed / Wrong Treatment) • Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) • Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal • Previous severe eye injury
Send your enquiry to us and we will see if we can investigate a Claim on your behalf.
Contact us today, you may be entitled to compensation! Dental Negligence
0800 145 5105 This month's challenge Request a Claim Form Riddle Send your: Name, Prison Number and Claim Type to FREEPOST RSSU-GCXH-SJLG I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I Attwood Solicitors, 5-7 Hartshill Road, need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. Stoke on Trent, ST4 1QH What am I? www.attwoodsolicitors.co.uk Last Months Solution: A Penny [email protected] 52 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019
Selective hearing Criss Cross Do you know? A woman has been diagnosed Anagram Square with a bizarre medical condition which she claims leaves her Rearrange the letters in each row to form a word. Write your deaf to the voices of men. The answers into the blank grid. patient, who has only been The first letter from each word, named as Chen, said she felt reading down, will spell the sick and could hear ringing in mystery keyword. her ears the night before and thought going to sleep might 1 AGURS help. But when she woke up she panicked when she realised 2 LYWLE she was unable to hear her boyfriend talking to her. She 3 ETANE took herself to Qianpu Hospital, Jaws-dropping! in the city of Xiamen, East 4 RTEYN A huge great white shark, thought to be the biggest of its kind in China, and quickly realised the world, has been filmed by divers off Hawaii. The giant fish, she could hear her female 5 TAKRC estimated to be six metres long and weighing two and a half doctor’s voice perfectly. Ear, tonnes, is thought to be one tagged by researchers about 20 nose and throat specialist Lin years ago and given the name Deep Blue. The creature, believed Xiaoqing said: ‘She was able to to be around 50 years old, and half the length of a bus, was 1 filmed by Ocean Ramsey, a local shark conservationist. In her hear me when I spoke to her, 3 LETTER 5 LETTER 7 LETTER video of the encounter posted on Instagram, Ms Ramsey is seen but when a young male 2 ACT, COO, COS, ALIEN, CLUCK, ADVISOR touching the beast, something that is often criticised but she patient walked in, she couldn’t EMU, EWE, HOW DOGMA, EGRET, wrote that sharks sometimes “seek touch”. Ms Ramsey told the hear him at all.’ Dr Lin 3 MID, THE EMEND, FROST, 9 LETTER Honolulu Star Advertiser that they had been filming tiger sharks diagnosed her with a condition INLET, METRE, HYDROFOIL 4 feeding on the whale when the shark arrived. “She was just this known as ‘low-frequency 4 LETTER SPLAT OVERDRAFT big beautiful gentle giant wanting to use our boat as a scratching hearing loss’.Metro ANTE, DAFT, EKED, PLAINSONG 5 post. We went out at sunrise, and she stayed with us pretty ELSE, FILM, FUEL, 6 LETTER SKEDADDLE much throughout the day”. Ms Ramsey also told the paper: “She ITEM, KITE, LINE, EYELET, GROOVE, looks like she may be pregnant: She’s shockingly wide.” Great Thanks to Robbie Ellis, HMP NESS, ROOK, SHUN, PIERCE, UPLIFT whites, which usually measure an average of 4.6m, are classified Littlehey. If you fancy compiling SPED, STUD, TOOK, an Anagram Square for us please as vulnerable due to illegal fishing. They are at the top of the USED just send it in 5 x 5 squares, ocean food chain and are normally only hunted by sperm complete with answers shown on whales or killer whales. Sky News a grid. If we use it we will send you £5 as a thank you! Tectonic Why is rice such a food Why do I lose my hearing Remember to include your name, number, prison. We will be using poisoning culprit? when I yawn? Spring in November the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ Each square must contain a digit. A one-square block contains Dormant bacteria (spores) This is due to a muscle in your This year’s spring arrived in for prize money so include your only a 1, a two-square block contains 1 and 2, a three-square called Bacillus cereus can be middle ear called the tensor November last year, with DOB on your entries. block contains 1, 2 and 3, and so on. The same digit cannot found lurking in uncooked rice. tympani, which is attached to insects active and flowers appear in neighbouring squares - not even diagonally. The bacteria transfer to the the small ‘hammer’ bone that blooming months ahead of rice from paddy field soil and transmits sound from the schedule, nature sightings Fun facts... their spores last for years, even eardrum. The muscle automat- from the public show. The surviving cooking. But when ically contracts to reduce our Woodland Trust’s Nature’s • Harry Houdini and his wife cooked rice is left at room hearing sensitivity in response Calendar scheme, which asks agreed that whoever died temperature, the warm, damp to a sudden loud sound like the public to track signs of the fi rst would attempt to contact conditions awaken the bacteria thunder, and it also contracts seasons, has received more the other. In the 17 years that and they produce toxins that as we chew, so we aren’t than 64 records of early separated their deaths, she can cause vomiting and deafened by the sound of our spring activity starting in reported no contact. diarrhoea. The trick is to serve own jaw muscles. Yawning November. But the early • George Roth, who won gold and eat rice as soon as it has also involves jaw movements spring, prompted by mild for club swinging at the 1932 been cooked. If you do need to that trigger the tensor weather in the last two Olympics, was unemployed keep it for a later sitting, cool tympani, though, so a side months, could be brought to at the time and smuggled it as quickly as possible and effect is that we get deafer a halt as a cold snap sweeps food out each day to his wife transfer straight to the fridge. during a yawn. BBC Focus in. Daily Mail and baby daughter. After the 2019 CATALOGUE (#125) OUT MARCH 2019, NEW ‘GIGGS - BIG BAD’ CD £11.50 22/02 OUT (#125) CATALOGUE 2019 2019, MARCH ceremony, he hitchhiked home. • In 1845, nearly 80 people were killed in Great Yarmouth after they rushed onto a bridge to see a clown in a tub being pulled by geese. • The fi rst motorist caught speeding in the UK was trav- INC. GIGGS, FREDO Send a £2 payment to GEMA RECORDS, PO BOX 54, READING, BERKS, RG1 3SD to receive your catalogue with a £2 voucher to use against your first order! Alternatively, ask a friend or relative to order online (top elling 8mph in a 2mph zone. right corner) where they can also sign up to our email mailing list and be kept up to date with offers! He was caught by a police- man on a bicycle and fi ned Mother’s Day Boasting the exact same specification as the Xbox 360 ‘E’ console, we can introduce the cheaper and better value for one shilling (plus costs). 31st March money Xbox 360 ‘S’ console, available to order now! We have experienced an overwhelming demand of Xbox 360 ‘E’ used bundles so have introduced this model as there are so many more of them available. Both of these used consoles • Wind speeds over land have Send your message (max 25 words). have had their Wi Fi component completely removed resulting in them not being able to access the internet. been decreasing since the 1960s Mums can read it and view the whole in a phenomenon known as issue on our free access website ‘the stilling’. No one knows why. www.insidetime. org Postal sub- INC. GIGGS, FREDO GIGGS, INC. scriptions are also available. If you’re • In honour of the late Steve outside, and your message is to a + 2* FREE GAMES! + 2* FREE GAMES! Irwin, the scientifi c name of a Mum in prison, send it to Inside Time rare Australian snail is Crikey ‘Mother’s Day Message’ Botley Mills, 4GB £169.95 steveirwini. Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB or from 4GB £159.95 from 250GB £184.95 • The aeroplane used to [email protected] Closing £159.95 £169.95
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*[from a specific list] *[from a specific list] 22/02 £11.50 CD BAD’ BIG - ‘GIGGS to include your full details too! NEW 2019, MARCH OUT (#125) CATALOGUE 2019 valuable race horses is known as Air Horse One. 2019 CATALOGUE (#125) OUT MARCH20192019, CATALOGUE (#125) OUT Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 53
February facts The path to success Did I say that? Top facts... • February was added to the Roman calendar in 713 5 2 8 2 1 Asteroids BC. The length of the 1. In 1801, Giuseppe Piazzi month changed over time 8 8 4 3 2 discovered what he believed and, at one time, it had as to be a new planet. He named few as 23 days. the newfound object Ceres, 7 3 1 2 7 after the Roman goddess of • In Old English, February the harvest. Soon after Ceres’ was called Solmonath (Mud 2 9 3 8 4 discovery similar objects were month) or Kale-monath found. It was soon realized (Kale or cabbage month). 7 9 6 6 1 “Of course not. I’m a “I just want to say to all you “Remember to stand tall and that these new objects were • The month is named for professional. I pick the team young kids living out there be proud of who you are and not, in fact, planets, but some the Latin word februum Start at the bottom left square on penis size.” in poverty, who don’t think don’t let them take away your other type of celestial body. which means purifi cation. and move up, down, left or right Imke Wübbenhorst, the first they’ve got a right to dream, courage. Speaking up doesn’t One characteristic these until you reach the fi nish. Add the woman to coach a German or hope or believe - do not always make life easy, but objects shared was their • The birthstone for men’s professional football let where you come from easy never changed anything.” resemblance to distant stars February is amethyst. numbers as you go. Can you make exactly 47? team shuts down bizarre define where you’re going in Manchester City forward as viewed through the locker room question after life. You can be whoever you Raheem Sterling has written telescopes of the time. As a she was asked if she had to want to be.” a letter offering support to a result of their similar GEF BAD CHI wear a siren on her head that Danny Dyer gives emotional young football fan who was appearance to stars the went off to alert her players speech after winning Best racially abused. Using the letters G,E,F,B,A,D,C,H & I fill in the objects were named aster- she was entering changing Serial Drama Performance at blank squares. Each letter A-I must appear oids, meaning “star shaped.” rooms so they could put the National Television only once in each line column and 3x3 grid. 2. The majority of the known their pants on? Awards. asteroids in the Solar System orbit the Sun in a band “So many good people between the orbits of Mars fought for freedom and and Jupiter. This band is equality - but this genera- commonly referred to as the tion are looking for a reason Asteroid Belt. An estimated Neil Speed is a “We’re up in the plane and it to be offended.” 1.1 to 1.9 million asteroids former prisoner seems it’s about to crash.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson larger than 1 kilometre are in who came up Cardiff City footballer blames ‘generation snow- the Main Belt between the with the concept Emiliano Sala’s message flake’ for ‘putting society orbits of Mars and Jupiter. of GEF BAD CHI before his plane disappeared backwards’. And there are millions more whilst in prison. over the English Channel. that are smaller in size. GEF BAD CHI by Asteroids range in size from Neil Speed is Vesta - the largest at about published by Inside Chess 329 miles wide - to bodies Xlibris. £12.35 8 by Carl Portman that are just a few feet across. 7 Catchphrase 3. Current theories suggests that the asteroids found in It is time for some chess trivia. Former World 6 The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov is well known the Asteroid Belt are the place, or thing that each square is meant to represent. for having another passion. He is an avid stamp 5 remnants of a planet that collector (philately will get you everywhere) and failed to form during the has allegedly amassed a collection worth some 4 development of the Solar $20 million if you can believe it. Chess has ap- System. More specifically, it is peared on stamps for a very long time, as indeed 3 believed that when Jupiter has Karpov himself. Apparently the first chess formed its huge mass and stamp in the world was the ‘Balkan games’ from 2 gravitational pull disrupted Bulgaria in 1947. Since then thousands have been the material in the Asteroid 1 issued across the world. Belt to join together, to form into a planet. If all the Chess has appeared on coins and banknotes too A B C D E F G H material in the Asteroid Belt were to be combined, the - most recently in Estonia where the great Paul arrow) his pawn to e4. Of course, there are plenty resulting object’s diameter is Keres appeared on the Euro. I cannot see our of moves for White now but only one is the very projected to be at most about own Royal Mint following that with Nigel Short strongest. Can you see what Fischer played? half that of Earth’s moon. or Mickey Adams any time soon, though it would White to move and create a big advantage so be rather nice. There have been coins dedicated you are not looking for a checkmate in this po- 4. A meteoroid (piece of to Olympiads, which is the chess version of the sition. I am happy to just accept the first move asteroid) the size of a car falls Dear Editor Olympics and also from European Championships. but an explanation would be nice. into the Earth’s atmosphere If we were to have a coin minted with a famous on average once every year. chess player on it who would you choose, and why? A back copy of Chess Monthly donated by the This creates a bright fireball • Our gloomy newspapers danger to motorists. Every London Chess Centre is the prize for the first effect, but it usually burns up are quick to report the death time I see footage from one, Whilst on the subject of money I was once asked correct entry drawn. in the atmosphere before it of a celebrity, but there’s there seems to be some sort what the biggest prize fund for a chess match reaches the ground. barely a mention when a new of accident involved. Gilbert was. I can tell you that in 1992 when Bobby Fischer Write to me with your answer, care of The English one is born. Bring us some - Chorley played Boris Spassky in what was then Yugoslavia Chess Federation at The Watch Oak, Chain Lane, 5. The term ‘near’ in near-Earth good news for a change! the prize fund was a massive $5 million. The Battle, East Sussex TN33 OYD. Please note that asteroid is actually a misno- Desmond - Andover • Coronations Street produc- winner (Fischer) received $3,650,000 which is you should always write to me at the ECF not via mer; most of these bodies do ers pride themselves on not to be sniffed at. I should be clear though and InsideTime. Also, please include your prison not come close to Earth at all. • How come Barclaycard making the soap as realistic as say that chess is not worth taking up as a career number and if you can, the date and what month’s By definition, a near-Earth won’t let me pay my possible. Given that most unless you plan to be in the top ten or twenty puzzle you are entering. asteroid is an asteroid that Barclaycard bill with my northerners love watching in the world. Too many grandmasters barely comes within 28 million miles Barclaycard? It seems a bit Corrie, how some there aren’t scrape a living, going from one weekend tour- The answer to January’s puzzle was 1. Bg4+ Kb8 of Earth’s orbit. As of June 19, suspicious to me, to be more scenes where the nament to another with no guarantees of any 2. Bd7 Ka8 3. Nc5 Kb8 4. Na6+ Ka8 5. Bc6 mate 2017, there are 16,209 known honest. Don’t they trust the characters are sat watching prize money to pay the bills. or you could have opted for 1. Be8 Kb8 2. Bd7 near-Earth asteroids, with validity of their own credit Coronation Street? Besides Ka8 3. Nc5 Kb8 4. Na6+ Ka8 5. Bc6 mate. 1,803 classified as potentially card? Frank - Barking adding a touch of reality, it Here is a position from one of Bobby Fischer’s hazardous asteroids (those would also be a good plug for games in 1960 against Raymond Weinstein. The winner of December’s puzzle was Andrew that could someday pose a • These dash cams are a the show. Mortimer - Looe Weinstein was Black and he just moved (see the from HMP Lowdham Grange. threat to Earth). V E C O L O K C K N
Answer: Hidden Word: Shack
S T A I N H A N D S A P P L E 54 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org C L O V E Insidetime February 2019 K N O C K
In this month... Number Search Search Jay Joseph, HMP Norwich 2 1 5 3 8 7 4 1 1 2 6 4 5 3 2 1 8 3 3 3 7 9 3 1 1 6 3 8 8 9 4 4 1 3 6 5 7 2 4 3 5 8 6 6 7 2 1 6 1 9 1 2 3 4 4 2 1 3 8 3 1 3 9 1 6 3 6 8 5 3 6 1 2 9 4 2 8 4 6 7 7 2 9 7 2 5 3 3 9 1 3 February 1959 8 5 4 8 2 2 1 2 1 2 The day the music died. American rock-and- roll performers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and 538741538741,, 62186, 62186, 39, 843, 996212, 39, 843,333, 5866, 996212, 221212, 93, 333, 3213 5866, The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash in 221212, 93, 3213 Iowa. Because the plane didn’t catch fire when Thanks to Jay Joseph, HMP Norwich for compiling it crashed, no one noticed the wreckage until this Number Search. If you fancy compiling one the next day. Early reports from the scene please send in max 10 x 10 grid complete with suggest the aircraft spun out of control during a answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your light snowstorm. Only the pilot’s body was name, number and prison. We will be using the new found inside the wreckage as the performers ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include were thrown clear on impact. Holly hired the your DOB on your entries. plane after heating problems developed on his tourbus. Sudoku // Easy - give it a go!
1 3 8 6 3 8 7 5 8 9 9 7 3 1 4 8 4 5 6 1 8 9 2 3 7 February 1964 7 5 4 Beatlemania: British rock band The Beatles arrived in New York City for their first tour of 5 2 8 the USA, and were met by thousands of
screaming fans. On 9th Feb they made their 7 4 3 9 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. first live appearance on American television, Daily Sudoku: Sat 5-Jan-2019 easy on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’. Word Morph © MW Released life sentenced prisoner Can you morph one word into another by just changing one letter at a time? It isn’t quite as Let down by your solicitor? easy1 as4 you think!3 5 2 7 8 9 6 2 9 6 4 blame3 8 5 7 1 Solicitors, like any other professional, can make mistakes 5 8 7 1 9 6 4 3 2 and you may have suffered as result. 9 7 2 3 5 1 6 4 8 4 3 8 7 6 2 9 1 5 10 February 1940 6 1 5 8 4 9 7 2 3 The cartoon characters Tom and Jerry made blare their first appearance in the Hanna and Barbera 8 6 1 9 7 3 2 5 4 cartoon Puss Gets the Boot. (Tom the cat was named Jasper, and Jerry the mouse was named Just3 5for laughs9 2 8 4 1 6 7 Jinx.)
7 2 4 6 1 5 3 8 9 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. •Daily A vegan Sudoku: said Sat 5-Jan-2019to me :”people who sell meateasy Have you had a claim against your prison that you think has are gross.” I replied:” But people who sell fruits been mishandled by your solicitor? This could be an injury and vegetables are grocer.”
claim, a failure to provide adequate medical care or an abuse • A man goes to the doctor for a physical.http://www.dailysudoku.com/ He of your human rights. If so, Jordans can consider if you have a tells the doctor not to be alarmed, but he has 5 penises. The doctor says, “ 5 penises!? How do claim against your solicitor. Registered with emailaprisoner your pants fit?” The man replies, “ like a glove.” • North Koreans believe they live in the best Call our Professional Negligence Team free on: country in the world because they’re brain- 03303001103 washed by the government and the media. 11 February 1975 When every American knows that America is The first episode of the BBC TV soap opera Write to: the best country in the world. EastEnders was broadcast in the UK. Neil Jordan House, Wellington Road, Dewsbury, WF13 1HL • The man who created autocorrect has died. © www.ideas4writers.co.uk Restaurant in peace. Insidetime February 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 55
Would you believe it? The joke’s on you! WordsearchPeace & Love – Nate Jordan, HMP// La MoyePeace & Love
• A wife asks her husband, “Have you ever Y N O M R A H O R E L E L P T M O V C C seen a twenty pound note all crumpled up?” G A I V E S I C A N K I M R E G V M D G “No” said her husband. She gave him a sexy lit- J C E P H U G S A S G U T Z M A R O N C tle smile, unbuttoned the top 3 or 4 buttons of C D A T I C O H C K I S S E S H P I T S her blouse, and slowly reached down into the H G O E R G O R Z N E G A N R L O W E S cleavage created by a silky bra, and pulled out O M A H R O M A N C E K I T T O E D N E a crumpled twenty pound note. He took the C F S A T R Q T R H A L A N W O C T T N crumpled note from her and smiled approv- D I C L A D Y H R V A S L D A T E N I M ingly. She then asked him “Have you ever seen L P E T R I D A B A R U A T H E O O W X a fi fty pound note all crumpled up?” “Uh... no, I A R I G D A G O N L I O H E T R A R O M haven’t” he said, with an anxious tone in his T A S H T U S S G E N E T L H E A R T N voice. She gave him another sexy little smile, E M A N S Z E F F N L G A D N Y D L E D pulled up her skirt, and seductively reached S R C O H N E L N T E R R P O S S I H K Vindapoo into her panties... and pulled out a crumpled T H T E N C O E T I A O D A O G U C R S A Tesco customer had quite a shock when he Woman who ‘changed race’ fi fty pound note. He took the crumpled note O N E N Y W M I O N N G O R M T E A H R and started breathing a little quicker with discovered an ‘anus’ in his £1.50 tinned beef using melanin injections H U T G E S S T T E L O W R Y E F V A I anticipation. Then she said “Have you ever seen curry. Andrew found the ‘greyish skin coloured’ believes she can conceive C H A R I C O R G A E H T A E R B E O U £45,000 pounds all crumpled up?” “No!” he tube when he was halfway through his dinner black children with white L A S T Y G O O W S L U G A N R T I N E - saying it looked like a ‘belly button or cat’s said... trying hard now to hide his anticipation. husband T R E C N K I T S M O E R A O N C E O W anus’. Grim. Andrew said: “I’d already eaten A German model, who She said “Might want to check the garage”. G E N T L E M A N F L O R C H O G S H U half of my dinner before I found it and I felt changed the colour of her sick. You could tell it wasn’t beef. Well, it could skin to transform herself into • An elderly man was pulled over by police at BREATH, CENTRE, CHI, CHOCOLATES, CONTENT, DATE, 2 am and asked why he was out driving Breath, Centre, Chi, Chocolates, Content, Date, Flowers, Gentlemen, Gorgeous, Harmony, be beef, but not ‘meat beef’. I couldn’t eat for a black woman, has appeared FLOWERS,Heart, Honeymoon GENTLEMEN,, Hugs, Kisses, Lady, GORGEOUS, Relationship, Romance HARMONY,, Sugar, Valentine HEART,, Wooing , Zen about two days after that. It’s the first diet that’s on ‘This Morning’ saying she around at such an hour. The old man replied, HONEYMOON, HUGS, KISSES, LADY, RELATIONSHIP, Anagram – Robbie Ellis, HMP Littlehey worked. I won’t be having those tins again and and her white husband “I’m on my way to a lecture about the effects ROMANCE, SUGAR, VALENTINE, WOOING, ZEN of smoking and alcohol abuse on the human I won’t look at cats the same either.” Andrew believe they could have a A G U R S complained to the supermarket, writing that black baby. Martina Big first body.” The offi cer was sceptical. “Really, now? ThanksL Y to NateW Jordan,L E HMP La Moye for compiling this Wordsearch. losing his appetite was ‘somewhat of a biblical started having melanin Who’s giving that lecture at this time of night?” IfE you Tfancy A compilingN E one for us please send in max 20 x 20 grid The old man beamed. “My wife.” completeR T withE answersY N shown on a grid. If we use it we will send you £5 occurrence’. The supermarket did respond, injections two years ago, in as a thank you! Remember to include your name, number, prison. We T A K R C telling him: “I would suggest... taking this order to ‘transition’ from a will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so • John O’Reilly hoisted his beer and said, “Here’s product with the ‘thing’ and receipt into your white woman to a black include your DOB on your entries. to spending the rest of me Life, between the local store for this to be investigated properly.” woman. Martina now says she legs of me wife!” That won him the top prize at Andrew continued: “Tesco even replied calling identifies as a black woman, the pub for the best toast of the night! He Quick Crossword it a ‘thing.’ It made me feel worse if they’re and said that her body has went home and told his wife, Mary, “I won the taking it so seriously too”. Lad Bible undergone many physical prize for the Best toast of The night.” She said, changes since starting the “Aye, did ye now. And what was your toast?” Incy wincy spider ... die, die DIE! treatment. ‘Yes, they said John said, “Here’s to spending the rest of me An Australian man triggered an emergency they’re going to be black,’ life, sitting in church beside me wife.” “Oh, that police response after a noisy exchange with a Martina said.‘I’m trying to is very nice indeed, John!” Mary said. The next spider startled a passer-by into reporting what think genetically how that is day, Mary ran into one of John ‘s drinking bud- sounded like a violent disturbance to the possible,’ TV host Holly dies on the street Corner. The man chuckled authorities, media reported. A neighbour was interrupted. ‘If you give birth leeringly and said, “ John won the prize the walking past a house in the west coast city of to a white child will you other night at The pub with a toast about you, Perth in January when they heard a man somehow think it’s not Mary.” She said, “Aye, he told me, and I was a repeatedly yelling “why don’t you die?” and a connected to you?’ ‘No,’ bit surprised myself. You know, he’s only been toddler screaming. The neighbour then called Martina replied. ‘It’s a mix of in there twice in the last four years. “Once I the police. Multiple police units responded Michael and me. I’m pretty had to pull him by the ears to make him come, with lights and sirens, they spoke with all sure it will be black or milk and the other time he fell asleep”. parties who advised that the husband had only chocolate or a little bit light, it been trying to kill a spider. Reuters doesn’t matter.’ UniLad.co.uk • A German Shepherd, Doberman and a Cat have died. All three are faced with God who Virtual or Reality? wants to know what they believe in. The In a shocking victory that left German Shepherd says: “I believe in discipline, commentators speechless, training and loyalty to my master.” “Good,” 23-year-old Enzo Bonito beat says God, “then sit down on my right side.” Lucas di Grassi, a Formula E “Doberman, what do you believe in?” asks and ex-Formula 1 driver on a God. The Doberman answers: “I believe in the race track in Mexico on 19 love, care and protection of my master.” “Aha,” Across Down January. Why does it matter? said God, “you may sit to my left.” Then he Because Bonito cut his teeth looks at the cat and asks: “And what do you 1. Unduly curious (11) 1. Graceful antelope (6) in Esports, the nascent world believe in?” The cat then answers: “I believe 7. Fencing sword (4) 2. Female monarchs (6) of competitors who play video you’re sitting in my seat.” 8. Style or method of cooking (7) 3. Revenue (6) games for prizes. Esports are 9. The self (3) 4. A fool (5) becoming so popular that Woman plans on marrying her duvet • A man is alone in an airport lounge, a beautiful 10. Nonsense (5) 5. Mimic (7) prizes recently topped out at A woman is planning to marry her duvet as she young woman walks in and sits down at the 11. A great deal of trouble (6) 6. Range of vision (7) $100 million for a Fortnite claims it’s the ‘most intimate and reliable table next to him. He decides that because she’s 13. Choose (6) 11. Male spouse (7) tournament last year. Real relationship’ she’s ever had. Pascale Sellick, 49, wearing a uniform, she’s probably an off-duty 16. Kinds (5) 12. Magic (7) world racers usually go through is organising a lavish ceremony with the help of Flight Attendant. So he decides to have a go at 18. Witch (3) 13. Globe (6) decades of training, working a wedding planner to celebrate her love for the picking her up by identifying the airline she fl ies 19. Medium (7) 14. Myth (6) their way up through different bedding. She said: “My duvet is the longest, for, thereby impressing her greatly. He leans 20. Single European currency (4) 15. Soft round stone fruit (6) championships. Now simula- strongest, most intimate and reliable relation- across to her and says the British Airways motto, 21. Without respite (3,5,3) 17. Personnel (5) tors have become so good at ship that I have ever had. That’s because it has “To fl y, to serve”? The young woman looks at what they do that they’re able always been there for me and gives me great him blankly. He sits back and thinks up another The last word... to turn an Esports pro gamer hugs. I love my duvet so much I would like to line. He leans forward again and delivers the Air into a real-life champion, like invite people to witness my union with the France motto. “Winning the hearts of the world”? Bonito. But nobody expected most constant, comforting companion in my Again she just stares at him with a slightly puz- “The library is where an Esports pro to get this far. life. There will be music and a ceremony, laughs zled look on her face. Undeterred he tries again the tunnel is - if you In fact, Bonito went on to and entertainment.” Pascale will be wearing a this time saying the Malaysian Airlines motto. want to escape, the beat three-time Indy 500 nightgown, dressing gown and slippers for the “Going beyond expectations”? The woman library is the key…” looks at him sternly and says, “What the bloody winner Ryan Hunter-Reay the big day, but she’s keeping her husband-to-be’s Sir Billy Connolly next day. Futurism.com outfit a surprise. The Mirror hell do you want”? “Aha”, he says,... “Ryanair”. 56 Jailbreak // National Prison Radio www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2019 National Prison Radio is available in prisons across February 2019 England and Wales, and HMP Grampian in Scotland. What’s on National Prison Radio // February 2019 We broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, into your cell. If your prison has National Prison Radio, you can National Prison Radio is currently available in prisons across England and Wales. We broadcast 24-hours a day, seven days a week,listen into through your cell. 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 your Radio? remote control. your remote control.
Day Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Eve Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun
07:00 All Love Bug 17:00 Bob Inside Love Bug Free Hot 20 Request Write to the (or local and Music Write to the Flow The famous Porridge Saturday ones you love ones you love UK chart The world’s first national breakfast show made by and for prisoners. shows) Beyond Artist Find your Reggae & profiles beat. rundown. Includes the quiz, 7:40 Shout Out and the Work Out Song. The Red Bull Radio from HMP Includes dancehall. Mixes, interviews, hot artists. Write your Listen out for... week’s Peterborough bars. Future Heat. Friday – the famous Porridge Music Special Request Shows 18:00 08:00 NPR back Bob NPR Talk Helping you make the most of your time. (or local NPR Fresh Friday to back and shows The freshest new music, here on National Prison Radio. Sport, through Beyond NPR NPR NPR Talk We Are Ear Brixton The best made Includes Fresh off the Press and Record of the Week. chat and the day. Specials Takeover Helping you Hustle Calling ents. Your reggae Real talk. Jails around make the Info for Your guide to News and in your If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. prison) start to the and Use your the country most of your Gypsies, staying out of requests weekend. Write dancehall. time, not just take over time behind Travellers prison. from HMP to us at: do your time. NPR. bars. and Roma. Brixton. 09:00 Desi Decibel NPR The National Ear Drop Urban Rock Prison Hustle 19:00 The NPR The finest Radio, The Request Show Rock Fresh Asian dance The best in Show HMP To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at: beats. music from Two hours of urban music. Show Two hours of new British Turn it up Brixton, National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF around the Hip-hop, loud. Join Join the the freshest 10:00 Deja Vu world, music from grime, R&B, London NPR Get your loved-ones to request tracks for Thursday’s show at: Rock new music. DJ Goldie- the Rock SW2 20:00 Classic direct to bashment Show Specials www.nationalprisonradio.com Show If it’s fresh, rocks. 5XF we’ve got it. tracks. your ears. and afrobeat. Family. See 18:00 family. 11:00 NPR 21:00 Hot 20 Desi NPR NPR Decibel Bob and The famous Takeover Drop Fresh Urban The finest Beyond Porridge UK chart Reggae & Another chance to hear this morning’s show See 18:00 rundown. Asian beats. Two hours The best in dance of the urban music from Two hours dancehall. NPR NPR NPR Talk On The We Are NPR Talk freshest music. around the of brand 12:00 22:00 Inside Deja Vu Hip-hop, world, new Love Bug Specials Takeover See 18:00 Road See 18:00 new music. (or local Music Classic If it’s fresh, R&B and direct to British Write to the shows) See 18:00 See 18:00 See 18:00 See 18:00 we’ve got it. more. your ears. music. ones you From HMP tracks. love. Peterborough 13:00 On The The Request Show Road 23:00 February’s title: The Garden of Requests and shout-outs from prisons across England and Wales See 18:00 Books Unlocked Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng. Want to hear your favourite song on National Prison Radio? Write to National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF for a free copy. 14:00 To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at We Are National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF 23:30 Music and advice to help you sleep safe and sound through the night. 15:00 Hot 20 Books Dream Time UK chart Unlocked NPR Fresh rundown. A repeat of The freshest new music. New the week’s 16:00 If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. book NPR Specials: Real talk from across England and Wales. British NPR readings Monday 4 February - Outside In: Former prisoners help you prepare for life on the out. music with Friday DJ Goldie- Start your Monday 11 February - Progression Regimes: special for people on life, IPP and longer sentences. rocks. weekend. Monday 25 February - YO Takeover: The lads at HMYOI Isis are back with the first show of 2019.
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