“I passed my mother in the corridor and she said to my gran, ‘Oh mam, look at that poor boy’, and I cried out ‘Mam, it’s me!’ As she recognised my voice her face turned to stone.”
Simon Weston (left) speaks to Inside Time // PAGE 18
“Panic began to rise in my “I made sure that “I’ve got an allergy to drugs. the National Newspaper for Prisoners & Detainees chest as hand-sized spiders rather than me serve I don’t break out in lumps and appeared from nowhere and time, I made time bumps, I break out in hand- a voice for prisoners since 1990 dashed blindly over me.” serve me.” cuffs, misery, pain and loss.” September 2018 / Issue No. 231 / www.insidetime.org / A ‘not for profit’ publication / ISSN 1743-7342 Island of dreams Leroy Skeete Billy Moore An average of 60,000 copies distributed monthly Independently verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations Comment // page 28 Comment // page 20 Comment // page 21 ‘THE WORST EVER PRISON’ HM Chief Inspector of Prisons l The most violent local prison l Drug use and dealing carried out openly in front of staff
l ‘Poorly led’ staff locked 14 themselves in offices l Communal areas filthy with HMP Hull - best prison garden ‘cockroaches, vermin, blood “An outstanding performance” Royal Horticultural Society judge HMP BIRMINGHAM and vomit’
Inside Time report given a prison the lowest Describing conditions for NEWS FLASH! Governor of Berwyn and Governor of Styal suspended score of all four criteria of prisoners, the Board added: 14 Safety, Respect, Purposeful “… toilets in cells with no The Ministry of Justice has Activity and Rehabilitation. screen; a generally dirty, poor announced that it is taking environment; litter; objects in over control of HMP Birming- In May the Independent Mon- stairwells; broken windows; ham from G4S for an initial itoring Board chairman wrote heating broken or excessive; six-month period whilst it to the Justice Minister ex- broken showers; lack of ket- tries to sort out the problems pressing his concerns about tles and even, on occasions, which culminated in Chief what he described as ‘unac- lack of kit and bedding, with Inspector of Prisons Peter ceptable conditions’ at the cockroaches ever present”. Clarke invoking the Urgent prison. It said “… put simply, Notification Protocol. For the prison fails to provide a only the second time, the safe and decent environment Prisons Inspectorate has on an almost daily basis”. Continued page 10 Governors off
© Inside Time to Boot Camp! l £10m earmarked to improve conditions in ten worst prisons l Minister pledges to quit if no 19 significant change in 12 months Doing my bird but not in prison Mark, above, is one of the beneficiaries of the Government’s new drug offence diver- sion programme. Instead of prison, Mark was sentenced to a term of ‘community re- habilitation’ which he serves at Landworks, the Devon charity teaching life-skills to prisoners from HMP Channings Wood and 12 © Paul Sullivan others sent by the probation service. “The people here are inspiring me and support- “Judge me on my results” ing me to live a better way,” he says. Prisons Minister Rory Stewart 2 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime September 2018
Less than human The silver lining Mailbites insidetime Name withheld - a voice for prisoners since 1990 David Adams - HMP Guys Marsh HMP Isle of Wight All just talk the national newspaper for prisoners published by Adam Senior - HMP Leeds There’s so much negativity and suffering in jail and it doesn’t Inside Time Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Before prison, I had always need to be that way. Every event in our lives has a purpose, I’ve recently been transferred from hospital The New Bridge Foundation, founded in 1956 to considered myself mentally create links between the offender and the there is a powerful intention in every situation, so rather back here to Leeds prison as I have been strong; I had a family and a community. than sitting behind your door in a negative state, take a new diagnosed with a personality disorder. I was career to be proud of, I reassured that I would get extra support from A not for profit publication. worked hard to improve the approach and look for the silver lining. mental health and help to get on a PIPE unit, Inside Time is wholly responsible for its editorial lives of those I met and vol- Focus on solutions and you will be able to make the most out but since being back I’ve had no support content. Comments or complaints should be unteered what spare-time I whatsoever. The only time mental health came directed to the publisher and not to New Bridge. had. I worked to build a fu- of your sentence. In life and in prison you will always find to see me was when I had my ACCT review as ture for myself and then…in what you are looking for, if you’re angry you will find anger, they were asked by staff to attend. When I Board of Directors an instant it was all gone. but if you are happy then you will find happiness. Prison is what you think it is, change you’re thinking and you can informed them of my situation I was told that Trevor Grove Former Editor Sunday Telegraph, My career was over, my change your sentence. there is a staff shortage. All I need is a bit of Journalist, Writer and former Magistrate. friends turned away and less help, so please get more staff. Dr Peter Bennett Trustee, New Bridge Foundation and former Governor of HMP Grendon than a year into my sentence “I see prison as a pool of opportunities, and I can’t Geoff Hughes Former Governor of HMP Belmarsh I have decided that the kind- make the most of this pool by sitting on the side, I I’m no lag John D Roberts Former Company Chairman and est thing I can do for my RH Bowman - HMP Lindholme Managing Director employing former prisoners family is to cease all contact. have to dive in to reap the benefits, which is what I note a constant referral to prisoners as ‘lags’, Louise Shorter Former producer, BBC Rough Justice This sentence should be we should all do.” Alistair H E Smith BSc FCA Chartered Accountant, mine alone to serve. which I find repulsive. I am not a ‘lag’ and nor Trustee and Treasurer, New Bridge Foundation are a lot of the prisoners I meet. Stop referring Prison will not rehabilitate you, you have to rehabilitate But, in this short time, I have to me as a lag as it is offensive and quite yourself. So, don’t sit around expecting to magically become realised that I am no longer probably libellous. The Editorial Team rehabilitated and then get upset when you are back in jail in human, I am a number, a 6-months’ time. Get up and find the opportunities that will statistic, treated with indif- help you. All power comes from within, no other person has No shame ference, I have been robbed power over your destiny, take control now. Stuart Parkinson - HMP Liverpool of all purpose. There is no life for me when I leave these I have met so many people in here who claim walls and those I have spoken Use this time to learn more about yourself, discover what they are innocent. I work in healthcare and I to in custody feel the same. your true values are and set goals according to those values. get many prisoners, old, frail and in wheel- Erwin James John Roberts Rachel Make your family proud and when your life is finally pris- chairs who have been convicted of historic sex Editor in Chief Publisher and Billington OBE I know that when I finally on-free, you can look back on your sentence, stick your fin- offences and who are in their 80s and 90s. Director Associate Editor leave, I will be alone, unem- gers up to it and say, ‘I beat you’. Most of these guys don’t even know what day ployed and despised by soci- it is, let alone what happened in the 1960s/70s. Commercial ety. An outcast, a monster, Somebody once said to me - ‘Sometimes we need to trust that This country seems to have no shame at all in Manager in my mind I am already our own disappointments may be opportunities in disguise’. jailing these people just on the word of an David Roberts dead. How will years in a My sentence is just that. If you neglect the opportunity to bet- accuser, this whole business has gone too far. Head of cage change the fact that I ter yourself now, then when can you ever hope to encounter Men are getting set up day after day, just for Administration have nothing else to lose. the opportunity again? spite or for the sake of a bit of compensation, Justine Best how is this justice? Noel Smith Paul Sullivan Layout & Design Commissioning Reporter Colin Matthews Editor D Cat misery Website Design and Advertising Lee Abus - HMP Wandsworth Gary Bultitude At the time of writing this letter there are currently Correspondence over 100 D cat prisoners in this B cat prison. The last transfer of D cats to a D cat prison was General: Inside Time Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. over a month ago, and that was just 5 prison- Accounts & Admin: Inside Time, PO Box 251, ers. Despite other D cat prisons being offered Hedge End, Hampshire SO30 4XJ. on the app system there still seems to be no Telephone: 01489 795945 other option for us but HMP Ford. Most of the Email: [email protected] D cat prisoners who have now, on average, Web: www.insidetime.org been waiting for 3-months are becoming more Facebook: InsideTime and more frustrated, and even more so by the Twitter: @InsideTimeUK lack of communication as much as anything. Is this just a problem here? 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 p/a for a single copy. send a message to a recipient in prison from any device and any Overseas Subscriptions rates will be £48 p/a for location. Many prisons also Europe and £58 for the Rest of the World both operate the reply and photo plus £20 p/a for each additional copy going to attachment service. the same overseas address. Available in 99% of UK prisons. Disclaimer Emailaprisoner is now Views expressed in Inside Time are those of the Available on the authors and not necessarily representative of those App Store. held by Inside Time or the New Bridge Foundation.
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 September 2018 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 3
Falling to bits Star Letter of the Month Mailbag 2-9 “Organic chickens Name withheld - HMP Dartmoor Congratulations to this months winner who receives our £25 prize get treated better than we do.” The infrastructure here at Dartmoor is totally rotten. The buildings are well-past their sell-by date and need to be demolished. The average building here is 160 years old and very decayed. Page 4 Putting inmates into this deteriorating environment will not induce them to change their ways, it will only accelerate their hatred of the prison system. Improve your wellbeing Newsround 10-15 Youssef Wahid - HMP Whitemoor “Being in prison Most prisoners are introduced to drug abuse by poorly-run prisons, serving boring days and was f***ing nights locked up with no hope of improving their lives. And they soon get the clear message, Prison can be a very hard environment. Especially emotion- embarrassing and why would anyone earn £300 a week doing a job they hate when they can earn £400 a day ally. Emotions are hard to control, but even without a ful- invasive and was selling drugs, and they don’t even pay tax on that! Page 13 ly-fledged strategy for regulation, you can adapt some basic not OKl” techniques to improve your wellbeing. Here are five tips for To put people back on the straight and narrow something has to change. Locking people up Comment 16-30 with no hope and no change does nothing to alleviate this problem. The prison service sees us emotional health. “Here is a giant as a meal ticket and could not give a toss whether we live or die. Hence the growing suicide among human rate and incidents of self-harm. This disgraceful situation has to change, or nothing will im- Be active. Physical exercise and intellectual engagement beings.” prove in our society. usually prevent people from focusing on negative emotions too much. Strain your body once in a while at the gym, or Page 16 enjoy good food or books, such pastimes can make it easier Second Side affects to look at the bright side of life. Information 31-37 Name withheld - HMP Holme House “Inside Time Try new habits. Disrupting your routine can help you focus takes a look at chance? I came into prison a few months ago armed with two packets on positive events and avoid boredom. For example, start a exciting develop- ments at the Tax Brian Cleaver - of tobacco, as I had no idea that prisons had become diary and take note of nice things that happen to you. Reserve Page35 Academy.” HMP Isle of Wight non-smoking. The staff in reception put the tobacco in my a few minutes each day to remind yourself of happy times. personal property and issued me with the standard Logic Legal 38-43 PRO smokers kit. Be social. Mingle with folks that you like. An active social I feel I must write concerning life is an effective means to overcome everyday worries and “Healthcare of the write-up in your July Yesterday, with a bit of time to kill, I read through the in- mild anxieties. prisoners should be issue regarding HM Pasties struction leaflet for the first time and I was shocked to see of an equal standard which has left me confused to that available in the advice from the manufacturers. Below are two extracts Be thankful. Being grateful for what you receive enhances and quite disappointed. Page 40 the community.” from the instruction booklet for Logic PRO. satisfaction. Jailbreak 44-56 • Disposal - Dispose of used Logic PRO capsule receptacles re- Lee Wakeman, the man who Don’t set the bar too high. It is possible you want happiness sponsibly and use appropriate containment to avoid environ- “The offi cers created the business, says he too much. Putting pressure on yourself to be merry all of the knows how important it is to mental contamination. are armed only time may itself become a source of discontent. It is okay, and with a wooden be given that second chance • Safety instructions and warnings - Consult a healthcare pro- healthy, to experience a spectrum of emotions. truncheon and of turning his life around fessional before using any Logic product if you are on any Page 47 a rattle.” after leaving prison. He then medication or suffer from any allergies. I wish you all a happy healthy life. ends the piece by saying: ‘We will work with anyone, It goes on to say the product should not be used by anyone at with the exception of sex-of- risk or suffering from various health conditions and list a fenders’. I am a convicted whole host of side effects. So, my question is twofold, firstly, sex-offender and I am dis- is the Prison Service in breach of environmental regulations gusted and ashamed of my for failing to provide the correct facility for disposal of the WILSONS AUCTIONS past actions. I’m 100% com- device and used capsules correctly? mitted to my rehabilitation WE CAN SELL YOUR ASSETS Secondly, I was issued with the device without any health and am very confident that · Do you have an outstanding confiscation order? on release I will be able to advice, questions about my health or my suitability to use the device. After check-in I was then referred to the reception lead a law-abiding lifestyle. · Would you like a free valuation and a no obligation nurse who asked about my medication and state of health, quote to sell your assets for the highest price? but at no time mentioned the vape kit. I suffer from diabetes If Lee Wakeman thinks that I and high blood pressure, both of which the manufacturer do not also deserve a second states their product should not be used by people at risk of. chance, then why not just WILSONS AUCTIONS CAN HELP As the sole agent for over 40 law enforcement agencies, Wilsons Auctions specialises lock me up forever and throw Has the Prison Service broken the law by issuing the smokers in selling assets that are subject to confiscation proceedings, often in sensitive away the key? What chance kit without following the manufacturer’s advice or advising us circumstances. We are the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland is there for people like me? of the associated risks? Perhaps the Prison Service have failed and with 80 years of experience, we can sell assets worldwide. to consider all of the requirements of this smoking substitute HM Pasties page 25 in their haste to impose a smoking ban on the prison system.
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Insidetime September 2018 Repatriation Current of discontent Incarceration of Pakistani Peter Wilson - HMP Whatton - Victorian style prisoners, please Name withheld - As a reader of Inside Time newspaper, I cannot help noticing HMP Dartmoor Babar Shah - that there is an underlying current of discontent in virtually HMP Highpoint South all the letters and comment published. It is all aimed at the I have been incarcerated prison regime, Administration, Parole Board, etc, and I have here for 10 months, and, in Dear Home Secretary Mr to say that I agree with many of the comments, depending on that time, we are usually Javid, on the 10th of July, the my experience of particular prisons written about, but the locked up for 23 hours per Chief Justice of Pakistan basic fact remains; we are all incarcerated for a very good day. Sometimes, like during gave an order to his govern- reason. We have all transgressed against society and are holidays, we can be locked ment to bring back all being punished for it, to a greater or lesser degree depending up for days, even weeks. Pakistani prisoners from on your sentence. foreign prisons within a Over Christmas there was © Deposit Photos six-month time-frame. Here Some prisons are extremely antiquated and were built in an 12-days of non-stop lock-up. “The drinks are on me” in the UK there are approxi- era when punishment was much harsher than today. A prime That means no showers, no mately one-thousand example is Leicester Prison and, no doubt, some others. Such gym, no visits. For various Chickens get treated better Pakistani prisoners awaiting prisons give rise to the justifiable moans we hear on a daily given reasons gym has been basis nationwide. I have spent time in Leicester Prison and Name withheld - HMP Bronzefield repatriation, with at least cancelled 77 times since half of them applied and compared to Whatton the two prisons are like chalk and cheese. Christmas (I am keeping willing to leave the UK. Now count). On several occasions during my stay at Her Majesty’s pleasure This prison has a good reputation, in that there is an ex- that the Pakistani I have heard prisoners being compared to animals, usually tremely low level of antagonism and outbursts of aggression. Government are asking for I have been informed that people saying that animals would not be treated in the way that Due, in my opinion, to the amount of facilities and opportu- the return of these prison- Prince Charles actually we are. We do get three mediocre meals per day, a bed to sleep nities here on every level. It has won awards for the lovely owns this prison and has in and a roof over our heads, so we are better off than some. ers, and bearing in mind stretches of greenery, flowers and shrubs, carefully nurtured refused any more funding this time of austerity we are by the green-fingered inmates and the garden workers for the upkeep. They reckon However, today, on what has been the hottest day of the year living in, overcrowding in among the paid inmates. the jail needs £47 million in so far, our houseblock was suddenly without water. No water prisons in the UK and the order to straighten it out. at all! Not for washing, drinking or flushing the toilet. We were burden of these prisoners on There are also wide opportunities to enhance education and locked up for hours with nothing to keep ourselves hydrated. UK taxpayers, could you practical skills. Woodwork and building, to name but two. facilitate in speedy repatria- Inmates who have had very little education in their lives, Now it seems that the governors here are trying to Whilst I do understand that things like this happen some- tion of these prisoners? In some who cannot read or write now have the chance, through provoke unrest so that they times, I can’t help but think that with an improved communi- many cases these prisoners the efforts of the dedicated Shannon Trust, to realise an abil- can go to the government for cations system between us and management/staff we might have been away from their ity which should have been theirs from an early age. There is extra cash. I have just been have collected water in advance of the maintenance work families for a long time, a comprehensive list of classes on a variety of subjects, cov- informed by staff that we will and the whole thing would probably not have descended into need to maintain family ties ering everything from numeracy to business studies. No one be locked up for the next 3 a banging and screaming match. and being in their home can say there is not enough here to combat the intransigent country to complete their spectre of boredom. days with no access to phones, showers, gym, exercise and In conclusion - communicate - so that in future no one feels sentences would facilitate Whilst the food is not prepared by ‘cordon bleu’ chefs, and no visits. How can they keep that organic chickens get treated better than we do. this. the amount spent on food per inmate is minimal, it is ade- getting away with this? quate and plentiful. As for healthcare; I have found it ex- tremely helpful and considerate and have never had cause It is no wonder a lot of Rehabilitative culture? for complaint. My single cell is more than adequate, with its prisoners here turn to drugs, Stephen Faulkner - HMP Featherstone own shower cubicle and sink and toilet. and suicide and self-harm are on the rise. Somebody All in all, I hope my comments are acceptable, but I can only Following a question raised on the ‘Ask Steve’ slot on the ‘Wayout TV’ prison channel - what is should take some notice, speak of my own experience and others may have their own before the inevitable rehabilitative culture? The rubbish that HMPPS is now spouting on the matter has got me opinions. thinking. How can there be a rehabilitative culture when there are roughly 3,500 prisoners happens. still serving the now-defunct arbitrary and unlawful IPP sentence which was scrapped in 2012 following an ECHR ruling? ASN LAW Being incarcerated not for what they have done but for what they might do in the future, which SOLICITORS is, basically, internment. So, what are we doing about all these IPP prisoners, most of them Anthony Stokoe • Joel Binns having served the maximum sentence for the crime they have committed and having com- Rasheed Nujeerallee pleted every so-called offending behaviour programme repeatedly, only to get knocked back. Having to watch prisoners, some of whom will have committed far more serious crimes than Independent Prison Law them, getting determinate sentences with release dates given automatically, only to see them Expert since 1994 released and recalled and then released again. ‘People Before Profit’ Continuing the Fight and Challenge How can there be a rehabilitative culture within the prison system? As Kenneth Clarke MP Despite Legal Aid Cuts said, this sentence is a ‘stain on the British justice system’. No Gimmicks just straight advice/representation HOWARD GRAHAM & CO for Male and Female Prisoners BERNSTEINS o l i c i t o r s CRIMINAL SOLICITORS PRISON LAW • Adjudications • Lifer/IPP Specialist RECALL - DCR/IPP Adjudications • Recall • Parole • Judicial Reviews Home Detention Curfew PAROLE BOARD HEARINGS Oral Hearings • Mental Health Law Expert IPP/LIFERS/EDS/DCR CRIMINAL DEFENCE Recall • Human Rights - European & International Confiscation PRE-TARIFF REVIEWS Crown Court Representation Fixed Fee advice for CAT A REVIEWS Fraud Assault/ Drug Cases • Categorisation • Cat A Reviews NORTH WEST ADJUDICATIONS APPEALS INCLUDING SOPO VARIATIONS AND DISCHARGES • Pre-tariff Sift/Hearings POCA/CONFISCATION CCRC Applications POCA Appeals and enforcement. Do not Delay Call/Write Now FUNDING CONTACT JEREMY PINSON OR Legal Aid Available on permitted services Suite 8 Vine House 143 London Road BRENT PATTERSON AT: Fixed Fees Available Kingston KT2 6NH Telephone: 0161 343 4136 CONTACTUS Tameside Office: Number 3, Henry Square Chambers, Portland Street South, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7UE 01227 918436 020 8549 4282 Glossop Office: 12a High Street East, Glossop [email protected] NATIONWIDE SERVICE Derbyshire SK13 8DA 34 MORTIMER STREET, HERNE BAY, KENT CT6 5PH Insidetime September 2018 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 5
On the Wire Give us the real thing N.O.N.C.E. myths Mailbites Alister Goldie - HMP Brixton Charles Ferndale - HMP Long Lartin Broadsword calling Danny Boy Veteran education As a prisoner I often hear and read how committed the crimi- First, rapist - this means to Michael Allen - HMP Manchester nal justice services and the prison services are to the rehabil- take by force and to forcibly C Thompson - HMP Rye Hill Could someone tell me why HMP Manchester itation of prisoners. It is natural then for me to wonder what remove. So, in effect, this Dear veterans of the armed forces, I have been is meant by rehabilitation? The term seems even less coher- means burglars, robbers and does not receive National Prison Radio? I feel it is a fantastic service which really helps looking into education opportunities, ent than is the term democracy. In what follows I shall at- thieves. Also, to take with- specifically distance learning. Are you aware prisoners get through their time and offers tempt a brief analysis of what real rehabilitation might entail. out a person’s consent in- that those who have served in the forces can great information, advice and guidance. It is a cludes fraudsters. So, in still apply for Enhanced Learning Credits Rehabilitation implies the restoration of powers and skills a real shame we can’t receive it here. reality we are all ‘rapists’ (ELC)? person once had. The power to get a job for which you are (those who are convicted). skilled could be a form of rehabilitation. But the entire crimi- ‘Exposure’ I did 7-years, being discharged in late 2016, nal justice system, along with the prison service, are designed The Phantom Gobshite - HMP Bure and I’m entitled to 3 x £1000 ELC claims, to minimise the use of skills a prisoner might have and to vir- Secondly, N.O.N.C.E. (Not Of expiring in 2022. For more information get tually exclude any chance of legal employment when a pris- Normal Criminal Element or Great reading in the July issue. Regarding the staff or your people to look at wwwenhanc- oner is released. I know lots of prisoners who have returned Enterprise). So, can someone television documentary - ‘Exposure Prisons edlearningcredits.com, your VICS may have to crime because they had no practical alternative. And often explain to me what is a ‘nor- uncovered: out of control?’ (ITV). I can honestly information or go through the Royal British they did so to support their families. The best kept secret in mal’ crime? What is the dif- say that I think the only time prisons will ever Legion, as I did. criminology is the percentage of crimes committed on behalf ference between a rape crime get better is when individuals, both staff and of others. Some criminologists put it at 90%. and a N.O.N.C.E. crime? No prisoners, are held personally accountable for The full details of the scheme are; Education crime is ‘normal’. their actions. I have witnessed in all 12 prisons Branch, Army Personnel Services Group, I once had a good friend who was a heroin addict and a fam- I have been in, behaviours by both staff and ily man. He routinely went out at night armed with a pistol to Flume Command, Floor 2, Zone 4, Ramillies inmates that would warrant prison sentences rob the money he needed to buy heroin and also to support Of course, there is a differ- Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Rd, of years. Whenever a dubious incident occurs his family. I hated heroin addiction and robbery. He was ence between a sexual of- Hants, SP11 8HJ. management close ranks, the CCTV evidence lucky enough never to have shot anyone or to have been shot fender and a non-sexual goes missing and ‘investigations are conduct- himself. His life would have been transformed by good lead- offender, we all distinguish I hope this information helps other veterans ed’ resulting in nothing. We hear, almost ership on the part of the people who seem to monopolise, at between them. But, we are across the prison estate. constantly, ‘I will reform the justice system’, our cost, the Houses of Parliament. all in for rape and N.O.N.C.E but all of the toffee-nosed MPs haven’t got a crimes, no matter what wing Veterans in custody howler My friend needed his heroin to have been prescribed by his clue, and 96% of staff don’t have a clue either. you are on you should think Gary Mason - HMP Rye Hill doctor (as was done when I was a clinical psychologist); he should have been given a regular supply of clean needles; before you speak. Oh, how I laughed after reading Mr Scott’s Thank you Parc there should have been no stigma attached to his serious ad- letter about Veterans in Custody (VIC) in the Shaun Freeston - HMP Parc diction so allowing him to be a normal citizen. He should Editorial note August issue. As a veteran myself I would like have been allowed to do a job which earned a dignified wage The acronym N.O.N.C.E. After being inside for 8 years on IPP I’ve been to assure Mr Scott that we do not ‘bang on’ or trained for such a job if he actually lacked the skills. He comes from HMP Wakefield in around 10 jails. I was sent here over 3 years about our tours of duty, not that he would should have been helped to do what he could to be proud of ago, and I was rebellious and violent against have any understanding of the concept of at the turn of the century and and for which he could be respected for, and, above all, he the system. While in the Seg (my 7th week) a ‘duty’ anyway. The last meeting of VIC here was marked on the cell card should have been saved from the humiliation. manager, Mr Goodridge, who has since passed was to arrange a 24-hour endurance event to of any prisoner who may away, came to do a review on me and asked raise money for a number of charities. We have been in danger of Humiliation is one of the most injurious things that can be me to tell him my story. I thought, okay. I then raised over £1,400. done to a person, but the British criminal justice system and violence from other prisoners - it means ‘Not On Normal spent an hour explaining after which he said prison service are built entirely around the idea that it is he was going to give me a chance to prove Had Mr Scott bothered to enquire, he would good to humiliate criminals. Any serious commitment to re- Courtyard Exercise’. So that myself and the space to do it. He then put me have learned that the vast majority of veterans habilitation must start by understanding that no-one is made staff would not open their on the Enhanced wing. Wow, what a decision in custody are there as a consequence of PTSD better by humiliation. Prisons are full of people who commit- doors when other prisoners he made. And 3-years later I’ve worked my or the government failure to honour the ted crimes in an attempt to escape humiliation. were out. ‘military covenant’ leaving ex-servicemen way up to become the most trusted in the virtually destitute. warehouse, and I’ve put in the work to change Corrections and Clarifications my ways, learn what makes me tick and how I Old soldiers deserve some respect The policy of Inside Time is to correct significant errors as soon as possible. Corrections will view life. It’s been challenging and emotional at times. But coming to terms with my inner Name withheld - HMP Highdown appear in the mailbag section of each issue and on the relevant web page. If you notice an error please feel free to write to us at the usual address providing the date and page number from the demons paid off when I was granted parole at Whilst I agree with Ian Scott of HMP Rye Hill’s newspaper, alternatively have a friend or family member call or email us (see below). the end of my tariff. Though I put in a lot of letter titled ‘Such snobbery’ (August issue), hard work myself, it has also involved hard that ex-servicemen, such as myself, should not • In the August issue, page 3 - the mailbag from Rob Mac of HMP Stafford, titled ‘Giving back to work from wing staff, OMU workers and many society’ - the correct amount raised by the charity shop in the prison was £14,000 and not £1,400. be treated any differently from other prison- others who have put their trust, experience ers, there is however one related irregularity and belief into my journey. Praise should be that deserves more attention. Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, 01489 795945 given to those who truly want to help, I’m Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. [email protected] eternally grateful. I have come across many ‘old soldiers’ who are homeless and imprisoned, or purposefully break their license conditions in order not to have to sleep on the streets. In effect, lots of Reg no. F201500974 ex-servicemen are treating HMP as a glorified homeless shelter for Her Majesty’s veterans. Why go it alone? Do you need an Immigration lawyer? It is right and proper that veterans are given We can help with: no special priority by local authority social & Free legal representation Appeals against Deportation housing services, yet ex-terrorists who fought Bail Applications for Islamic State and other such groups in Syria for Independent and elsewhere, very often against the British Entry clearence applications armed forces, come back to Britain and are Adjudications Make representations to Home O ce immediately put to the front of the hous- Leave to remain applications ing-list. The current joke doing the rounds has Bingley Office Partner applications an understandably embittered undertone Contact us today: - ’12-years in the British army, result? Homeless 2 Wellington Street, Bingley BD16 2NB Call us: 0208 801 7422 and penniless. 12-months in ISIS, result? A free T. 01274 561 666 council house and benefits galore’. Email: [email protected] www.chiverssolicitors.co.uk Unit 19B, Imperial House, 64 Willoughby Lane, N17 0SP A soldier’s story page 18 www.legalguys.co.uk 6 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime September 2018 The terrible two’s Reading - the Cheating Health & Safety Kyle De’ath - HMP Erlestoke great escape James McGuire - AJS - HMP Forest Bank There are many parts of prison life that frustrate me. HMP Guys Marsh Whether it is the painfully slow app system or the OMU that I would like to draw your at- doesn’t seem to exist, prison can be a very stressful place. I am employed in the work- tention to what I think is a The one place that you would think you could kick back and shop and everyone who does serious problem here. As far relax is in your cell, but you have a cellmate who is often not so is required to do a Health as the cause of the problem needed or wanted in what is, essentially, your home. & Safety course or lose their goes, I think that everyone job. This is run by Weston here, inmates and officers, College. Here at Erlestoke I am on a wing that has a downstairs that share the responsibility. The consists of double cells and an upstairs landing of single problem is the library. cells. The cells here are a nightmare to share as they were Bright blessings to all On turning up to do this compulsory course I was originally built for one man but due to the height of the ceil- I am an avid reader and I be- ings they were legally allowed to be made into double cells. lieve that access to, and en- Religious discrimination given a workbook (2 pages) couragement to read books and an apology from the tutor “When these cells were converted to double is a foundation block of edu- Andrew Ashman - HMP Peterborough for being made to attend. She then started to reel off the occupancy it was only supposed to be a tempo- cation and rehabilitation. A decently stocked prison li- I am an active Pagan witch and on the outside attend meets, answers, repeating them for rary measure, a quick fix for the overcrowding brary should be a given. but also work solitary a lot of the time. I find it really difficult the slower pupils. I was in the problem. That was a long time ago and there Sadly, the library here is not and frustrating to properly practice my religion in prison de- class for 7-minutes in total. spite it being 2018. doesn’t seem to be any plans to make them single only below par, it is actually a tragic joke. The tutor collected the work- cells again. ” In this prison we have recently lost our Pagan chaplain, books and started issuing my In a prison this big I was ex- which leaves an even bigger hole in things. I understand that certificate, along with certif- It doesn’t help that our wing gets a lot of stick and is often re- pecting to be spoilt for due to obvious security issues we can’t exactly have such icates for the whole class, ferred to as ‘the Gaza’. Unfortunately, that means we are choice by the library, but in- tools as an athame and in my current establishment I am for- before even marking the often forgotten about and at the bottom of the prison stead I was shocked. The tunate enough to be allowed tarot cards, but we can’t have workbooks. I found this to hierarchy. whole of the horror section runes, etc. Our library has just one book on Paganism and lit- be pointless and expressed consists of 4-books! That’s erally not a single book on the craft. my concerns asking what I have been in a double cell now for 10-months and although from one single genre, so happens if there really is an I am apparently up to third place on the ever-changing list for you can imagine what the Can I maybe suggest that it is time that us Pagans/Witches accident in the workplace, a single cell it will likely be months before I get a cell to my- rest is like. Tumbleweeds are were given more access to practise our religions? Maybe or- would Weston College be self. The space in which we are expected to live is drastically blowing around the shelves. ganisations such as the Pagan Federation could set up a fa- held accountable for not de- small and cannot hold two men in any semblance of comfort. cility to supply newsletters/ magazines, etc to prisons and livering a proper Health & It is an absolute outrage that we are forced to live in such I have to say that the lack of that governors allow that to happen. Why are the prison sys- Safety course? The tutor just shrugged her shoulders. cramped conditions in the 21st century. There are not even books on the shelves are tem keen to promote so-called mainstream religions but will two cabinets or wardrobes for our personal belongings, and down to two things - prison- not support the proper practise of Paganism/ Wicca? Could someone find out how if we do manage to acquire a locker we then receive a nega- ers stealing the books and I see prisoners with prayer mats, clothing, books and even much Weston College gets tive IEP for having furniture that does not belong to us. not returning them, and staff throwing books in the free calendars supplied by the chaplaincy. Is it not time for paid per person for deliver- Pagans/Wiccans to get a bit more of a ‘shout out’ in the ing this phony course, and The windows are useless vents that neither let air in or out, bin when they do cell-clear- prison chaplaincy on a national basis? If any Pagans/Wic- how much the prison gets so in this current heat we feel like slabs of meat being slowly ances. To me, this is as bad cans want to drop me a line I will always reply. per person they put on it? It cooked. We also have the so-called luxury of having showers as burning books, it’s a will be interesting to hear if in our cells but due to the heat if we shower while the door is tragedy. I do hope others will support me in asking HMPPS to be more any other establishments banged up the whole cell turns into our own personal sauna. I personally think that read- accepting and more positive in supporting Pagans on practis- are delivering this course in ing is one of the greatest es- ing our religion whilst in prison. Bright blessings. the same way. Now, don’t get me wrong, I get along with my cellmate just capes you will find in jail, fine and sometimes its good to have some company, but the and reading should be en- cells are simply not made for two people. I understand that couraged relentlessly. It all we are here as a punishment and it is not supposed to be a Offi cially starts with a good selection holiday-camp but surely, we have the right to live in a space the LARGEST of books and staff who un- that suits our needs as human beings? I am having some prison law derstand the value of liter- provider in problems on the out right now and need time to myself, but acy. If we teach young The National Prison Law Specialists the country that’s not an option. prisoners to read and that Trusted by more prisoners in England and Wales throwing books in the bin is than any other solicitors. Are there any rules regarding cells and minimum require- a crime, we may just im- ments? I am currently going through the complaints process prove their lot. With Experts across the country, about this matter, but I can’t see it going anywhere. After all, ‘Where a good book we can represent you in ANY PRISON. I am just a prisoner at the end of the day. can take you’ page 28 Call our dedicated team on 0115 986 0983 or write to us at: Janine Doolan FREEPOST RTAB-BATB-HGAU Rogols Solicitors Carringtons Solicitors, Dedicated ALL THINGS UK IMMIGRATION Nottingham NG2 2JR. www.carringtons-solicitors.co.uk Prison Law Experts in complex immigration Solicitor cases involving: Our Expert team of over 40 specialist advisors North West have a wealth of experience to offer you including: Family life / long residence Based • Parole Board Reviews • Minimum Term Reviews Deportations & Removals (will represent • Recall to Prison • Sentence Planning Boards Nationwide) • Police Interviews • Re-Categorisation Immigration Detention / Bail Legal Aid: Write to: • Independent Adjudication Hearings • HDC “Tagging” Call us on 01213894895 for a fixed - PAROLE Janine Doolan, • Governor Adjudications • Transfer 54 St James fee case assessment and advice. - RECALL • Sentence Calculation • Judicial Review - ADJUDICATIONS Street, • Category A Review • Close Supervision Centre Review Liverpool - CAT A REVIEWS Nationwide service. 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Carrington Advert 120x125.indd 1 05/03/2018 14:51 Insidetime September 2018 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 7 Sorry, I misjudged you First offender Please throw the Brian Cleaver - HMP Isle of Wight Name withheld - HMP Northumberland book at me… I am currently in HMP IoW, having come into prison last October. This is my first time in I would like to say from the Mark Cardwell - HMP Holme House prison and prior to coming, if I read in the outset that I have been papers or saw on TV, people pleading their treated with more respect I came into prison in January 2018, I suffer innocence then my default setting was - ‘I’m and dignity than I thought I from depression, anxiety and tremors, which have contributed to me ending up in prison sure there’s no smoke without fire. They was due by the guards and in the first place. I’ve seen the mental health would say they were innocent, wouldn’t other staff . people, and did a course of cognitive behav- they?’ However, what I have iour therapy, which did help a little with the depression. I then saw a doctor, and, after Well, after only 9-months I can honestly say I learned is that as a 1st time “Wish I wasn’t here” off ender I am looked down tests, he mentioned a kind of therapy called stand well and truly corrected. © prisonimage.org on by some of the other ISTDP, but I was told that it’s not available Prison is hard enough prisoners. Every time I ask on the NHS. “Not everyone I’ve met so far who someone how to do some- Mark Wrightwick - HMP Parkhurst thing I am ridiculed and told So, my family looked into ISTDP therapy for maintain their innocence are inno- me and found a book explaining it. They or- I must be a fi rst-timer. As if cent, but it is not for me, or you, to dered the book via Waterstones, which was The Sunday papers recently hauled out the old chestnut of that’s a bad thing. judge them. It is something for them ‘prisons = holiday camps’. They are claiming that all prison- very expensive. I waited for 2-months but no book arrived. I ended up having to put in ers have PlayStations, showers and phones in-cell, and are When I came to prison I was to deal with, or not..” many apps, a COMP1 and even a COMP2 to all ‘having a good time’. very apprehensive, not the governor, which was ignored. I was told knowing what to expect. However, I have met some truly decent peo- The big questions that should be asked in the media are, do that no book had arrived at the prison, so I Like all new prisoners I went ple in prison who maintain their innocence we want prisoners to be cut off from the outside world so that produced the tracking receipt showing that onto the induction wing simply because they clearly are. I have no they end up losing all contact with their family and friends? the book had been delivered to the prison on where I was met with chants law degree, nor do I proclaim to be brain of Should prisoners be allowed to phone their legal representa- the 11th of April. Britain, but I do feel that I have some com- tives? How do we allow prisoners contact without giving of ‘fresh meat’, this is meant to intimidate. Also, the mon-sense. If I can clearly see that you are them access to phones? I was then told that the book had been young and vulnerable undoubtedly innocent then why, oh why, judged NFI (Not For Issue), but with no ex- newcomers are targeted for cannot our country’s finest trained barristers There are good reasons why some prisons have installed planation as to why. I put in several more sugar and vapes. and judges not see the same? phones and showers in cells. It is because if a prisoner has apps looking for an explanation, but they access to in-cell shower and phone they can be left locked in were ignored. When I eventually got some their cells for much longer than would be otherwise accept- While you learn to look out It is to these people (and they know who they co-operation they just told me that they able. Thus, saving on staff hours. If we want prisoners to be for each other on the are) that I say sorry, I misjudged you, and ‘couldn’t find it’ and I would have to apply released into society and lead law-abiding lives, then why induction wing, you can for a refund! It is now July and I’m still wait- sorry that you have been misjudged. I sincerely would we refuse them access to phones and being able to at imagine how disappointed I ing for that refund. wish you well with your appeals and cam- least shower in private? was to have scrawled on my paigns for the freedom you so rightly deserve. door in felt-tip ‘Get off this As you can imagine, this is all very frustrat- The behaviour society expects from people leaving prison fl oor’ when I was fi rst given ing and making my health worse. I wouldn’t We read or hear daily that our prisons are will not be brought about by chastisement while in prison. a cell on the wing. mind so much if it was just recreational read- critically overcrowded, well, perhaps its time Prisons should be about change and the opportunity for im- ing, but it is there to help with my health and for the system to get a move on and send provement. They should be safe places where people can Surely, we are all in this rehabilitation. What is it with the prison sys- home all those people who are obviously in- grow and flourish through being educated and shown the together and it is hard tem and books? nocent and free up some space. Keeping right way to behave. The fact that prisoners are allowed con- enough to get through truly innocent people in prison is surely the tact with their families and are allowed to wash in private without people making it I am now looking forward to my release and biggest crime of all. should be no business of the tabloid media. harder. being able to get proper help.
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Kathryn Reece-Thomas or Sara Watson Tel: 020 8123 3404 Fax: 020 8181 6512 T: 0203 841 8580 MKS LAW Solicitors Email us on: [email protected] ReeceThomasWatson, 758 H olloway Road, Call us on: 07469 859 854 available 24/7 Islington, London N19 3JF Criminal Defence Lawyers Legal Aid & Private Client 69 Ringley Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 7LH 020 8123 3404 - [email protected] - mslaw.co.uk 8 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime September 2018 Death by prison Loneliness Leading by example Scott Dagg - HMP Northumberland Ash TJ Walker - HMP Whatton Name withheld - Having been a frequent and interested reader HMP Norwich Why do I care? I often ask myself that ques- of Inside Time over the years, never have I tion. I’m doing my own sentence, nobody felt compelled to contribute as a writer per- Thanks for Inside Time, it is else’s, so why should I care? Prison is a place sonally. However, having been intrigued by a real life-saver when you where many of us lose hope, we lose faith an article titled ‘Why are we dying early?’ by need to know what’s and we give up caring. Not me. I can’t do Mr Christopher Thiele in the July issue, I happening around the that, I want to lead by example, no matter thought I would offer my humble views. prison system. how painful it is. The article was aimed at drawing attention I would like to know how Throughout my journey so far, I am given to the average life-expectancy amongst the “A price to be paid” male prison population in England and © Deposit Photos many fellow inmates around negative labels, both from inmates and staff, Wales. Mr Thiele states that, according to the UK have no outside but I’m a campaigner, I aim to make a differ- statistics obtained via the Office of National Brexit advice contacts? How many hear ence. Am I a dreamer? Yes, to have a dream the words ‘Got a visit booked come true you must first dream it…as a Statistics (ONS), average life-expectancy for Colin Campbell - HMP Wakefield males residing in England & Wales currently for the weekend, can’t wait’, dreamer. I have a learning disorder. Does it stands at a quite respectable 76 years. But as stop me? No, certainly not. After listening to the Brexit comments from the politicians of or ‘Lovely letter from the Mrs I continued reading I was really quite as- all sections of all parties, squabbling like children, backbit- today’, and feel a pang of tounded to learn that statistical information ing, temporarily giving up their own standing in the scheme loneliness? How many do “I get bullied for being different, offered by the Prison Reform Trust (PRT), has of things and downright lying, in order to get their own way not get visits or letters? even officers torment me for being the average life-expectancy for the same and enhance their own future positions in Parliament, I can- gender down to a paltry 58 years for prison- not help but wonder what sort of OASys scores these people autistic, I got a recent COMP1 back ers incarcerated in the same two countries I entered prison last October, would end up with? Whatever their scores I think the whole unfortunately my family and from the Custodial Manager and, mentioned above. country can clearly see by their behaviour that these politi- friends decided they no cians are sadly lacking in a great many departments. according to her, officers taunting Why such a significant decrease? England & longer wanted to know me, me for being autistic is Wales, as part of the UK, are an extremely For goodness sake, sort yourselves out and start putting the which hurt, especially as I wealthy and prosperous nation. I therefore country first for a change. At the moment it is all too clear was in a relationship for ‘self-expression’.” find it worrying that as inmates we have a that party politics and self-advancement are the only reasons 11-years. It took me 4-months life-expectancy on a par with some of the so- for being a politician. The electorate have a right to expect to come to terms with the I was so disgusted with the reply that I’ve called Third World countries. I believe any more from the people they have voted into a highly-paid job. thought of having nobody sent it to my MP as evidence that prison does aspiring conspiracy theorist would burn an Politicians should realise that every constituency consists of only the other inmates on allow officers to bully inmates as it is a form extraordinary amount of midnight oil trying a mixture of voters, therefore at this particular time it is only the wing. It is really hard of ‘self-expression’. What kind of a mad to pursue a viable conclusion to this the overall good of this country that should be on every poli- world is prison? adjusting to life, now, nearly conundrum. tician’s mind, regardless of party. 10-months has passed when Inmates say to me - ‘Man up and grow a pair’ Having gained no formal qualifications, I I still think I may get a letter “Stop all the posing and put your heads together - I see their logic, it’s us against them, I have couldn’t possibly offer any medical or scien- or visit, but no chance. faith but not in a corrupt criminal justice tific reasons behind this abnormal drop in for the benefit of the country before the electorate system. I want answers to the questions that life-span. I will, however, offer a couple of bangs your self-serving, egotistic heads together You hear the prison system most of you don’t care about, I am leading by opinions. My first culprit is the ‘gruel’ mas- encouraging people to keep and you end up losing your lucrative seats.” example and when I am released I shall still querading as food that we are served on a in contact with the outside daily basis. For example; the ‘mechanically be demanding answers. I will be getting the No problem facing you at this time is entirely intractable, al- but what are you supposed separated meat’ shaped into sausages or public involved, signing petitions, too many though there are clearly areas where you will have to give to do when the outside burgers look to contain as much nutrition as rather more than you would have wanted to if we had re- people give up too soon. doesn’t want to know? There carbon monoxide. mained part of the ‘European club’ - a price will have to be doesn’t seem to be any paid for leaving and remember we are now very much cast in Somebody has to make a stand, outside of My second suspect would be inadequate the part of the child and not the parent. Pay what we must solution, just get on with it. I prison they don’t know what is really hap- healthcare. At times it seems as though our and move on as best we can - together. Remember, Europe is am now thinking about pening and most don’t care. Do you see a lot hearts actually have to cease to pump before still there on our doorstep. It represents a huge market and perhaps swapping stories of similarities here? I have considered the we are offered anything other than paraceta- we still need to work with them in some way or other. Noth- and words of encourage- possibility that not everyone wants to be mol or ibuprofen. Lastly, it could be some- ing is closed to us forever. ment, advice and a listening helped, that is their choice. 10-years from thing as simple as actually ‘something in the ear to anyone who wants to now I could be a household name, or I could water’. Every single day whilst I’ve been im- If the current behaviour being displayed by our politicians send me a letter. I have just be living off benefits. We all make prisoned I’ve wanted the time to pass was to be mirrored by prisoners, a 2nd year trainee psycholo- withheld my name and quickly. Having discovered these statistics, I gist would be recommending a number of courses and, in choices, we all live with our mistakes, one may have a change of heart while it is actu- this instance, that would be justified. We are Great Britain, number, but perhaps Inside man can make a difference. Too often we ally beating. Has the death penalty really and nothing will diminish that, not even the bad behaviour Time could forward me any hear - ‘you’re a criminal, you don’t have a fu- been abolished in Britain? of some of our Parliamentarians. correspondence. ture’ - but I aim to change all that.
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Mailbites Recovery Café at Barlinnie Not that bad Count your blessings Gary Rough - HMP Barlinnie A thankful prisoner - Nigel Hunter - HMP Wymott ‘Soft on lags’, says Sun HMP Manchester Evan Prevett - HMP Lewes I read every issue of Inside Time. There’s a lot of good stuff; In response to the Mailbag, ‘Prisoners of poverty’ by J Elder (July issue). Poverty, by the well-written poems that have relevance to our circum- A lot of TV documentaries My attention was recently drawn by a fellow definition, is the state of being very poor. It prisoner to an article in a newspaper that I stances; some negative stuff, complaints etc, and loads of in- show the negative side of spirational articles / letters. Now I would like to put the is fair to say that homeless people across the lovingly refer to as toilet-paper (The Sun), this prison, but they are set UK and throughout the world are indeed living primarily because it is often smeared with record straight about something here at Barlinnie that needs in the past and this does not some recognition. in poverty. Refugees from many countries bull-excrement. In this article we are reliably reflect the current situation. don’t know if they will be able to feed them- informed that there is a ‘political storm Phoenix Futures are an organisation that gave prisoners here selves, have a roof over their heads or even a brewing’ over the implementation of in-cell I arrived here a little more the backing and support to set up a Recovery Café within the dry bed to sleep in, these people are indeed telephones in UK prisons. This is, apparently, than a year ago and I was in prison. It has already won a Partnership Award and it is re- in poverty. Children starving in Africa and being too ‘soft on lags’. As it has been proven a very bad place both ally turning lives around; not only the lives of prisoners but across the globe rely on handouts from inter- that maintaining family ties reduces reoffend- mentally and physically. But also their families are in a much better place. I know this be- national aid and, in many cases, have no ac- ing, prisoners are increasingly locked in their as I entered reception the cause I am one of the lucky people here reaping the benefits. cess to clean water. They are living in poverty. cells for longer periods and self-harm inci- staff were really helpful and My family see me getting better every day and I also witness dents are as common as ever, increasingly All of the aforementioned have committed the positive change in fellow prisoners from the day they caring, which made it a little worrying media attitudes are creeping into no crime. Yet, these people live with this come here until their liberation day. bit easier and was much policy and are often not making Ministers appreciated. hardship and the majority would give their think about the merits of a policy, but what right arm to be in a position where - You get 3 The Recovery Café ticks every box in eradicating problems spin the media will put on it. Time to shut meals a day, a dry bed to sleep in, access to like addiction issues, housing, and support and intervention On arriving at the Induction down these tabloid rags. clean water, free education, free electricity, in the community, or intervention whilst people are still in wing I had to have an ACCT clothes and shoes provided free, access to prison. You are given a peer mentor who will steer you straight. review and despite it being healthcare (albeit, restricted). Forgiveness This can all be done as long as the individual is willing. 8pm a chaplaincy worker Georgie Fendick - HMP Lowdham Grange and mental health worker J Elder, myself and most other prisoners are attended. The support I It is freeing to become aware that we do not The attraction of the Recovery Café is that it is run and policed in prison because society has placed us here received made a lot of have to be victims of our past and can learn by prisoners with the help and full support of a few volun- due to actions attributed to ourselves. Despite difference. The following new ways of responding. But there is a step teers from Phoenix Futures. Prisoners can now sit in a room this, society deems it humane to provide us morning, I was moved onto beyond this recognition…it is the step of with their fellow prisoners and speak honestly and openly with all of the benefits listed above. Mr Elder forgiveness. Forgiveness is love practised without any worries about personal or sensitive information a wing and I was apprehen- seems to infer that he is unhappy at not having among people who love poorly. It sets us free being brought back to the halls, or worse, being passed to sive due to a bad experience money to spend on his canteen each week, the without wanting anything in return. At some prison officers. It is totally confidential, and the group of lads in the past. But, to my consequence being that he has to borrow and thoughts one stands perplexed - especially at support each other and show a great deal of respect. surprise, the staff were get into debt. What does society owe any of us? the sight of men’s sin - and wonders whether really polite and helpful. one should use force or humble love. Always The Café first started in 2016, and at first it was Thursday af- Life is hard, but I would suggest it is not as decide to use humble love. If you resolve to do ternoons only, now this has been extended to the full day. We I know how it feels to be at hard as Mr Elder is making out. My advice that, once and for all, you can subdue the are also given access to a small gym for activities and recrea- your lowest, so I just want to would be to get a job and work your way up whole world. Loving humility is marvellously tion rooms. This is what the prison system has been lacking thank all staff here who are the pay-bands and earn that higher paid job strong, the strongest of all things, and in my for so long, so massive thanks to everyone involved for mak- doing a great job. A positive by your own enthusiasm and effort, instead opinion, there is nothing else like it. ing this project such a great success. evolution is happening here. of crying poverty. It is what most of us do.
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.
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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2596_InsideTimeHalfPageAdSuite.indd 1 19/06/2018 09:36 10 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime September 2018 ‘Appalling and squalid’ Newsbites Scottish prison staff get that getting drugs ‘was easy’. Britain’s leading jails slip- dementia training Continued from front page Three recent deaths were ping into a state of crisis.” As the Scottish prison being linked to drug use. population ages, the prob- Announcing the takeover of Following an unannounced lems caused by dementia and HMP Birmingham, the MoJ inspection between 30th Speaking on BBC Radio, Mr Alzheimer’s disease cause said it had been working for July and 9th August which Clarke said it was the worst more problems for staff. ‘an extended period’ with saw two inspector’s cars de- prison he had ever been to … Currently around 345 Scottish G4S in an attempt to drive up stroyed in an arson attack “Surely somebody must have prisoners are aged over 60 standards. From 20th Au- (along with seven staff cars) been asleep at the wheel”. with 80 aged over 70. Now gust, the running of the in the secure staff car park, He said that “ineffective prison officers at HMP prison was taken over by the and Chief Inspector Peter frontline management and Grampian are the latest to be Prison Service (HMPPS), in Clarke having to leave a wing leadership” were at the heart Prison with a troubled past given training on how to cope accordance with the Criminal because he was becoming of the prison’s problems. Paul Sullivan with people suffering from Justice Act 1991 and as part of affected by the drugs being these ailments. Around 249 their contract with G4S. This smoked there, Mr Clarke de- prison staff in Scotland have resulted in: HMP Birmingham (above) became the first public prison to scribed the state of HMP Bir- attended sessions which be handed over to a private company in October 2011 by mingham as “appalling and highlight the impact on • Putting in place one of the then Justice Secretary Ken Clarke who argued that privati- squalid”. He said that since people’s lives, the changed Prison Service’s best gover- sation would save money and improve the reoffending rates. their last inspection, 18 nors to lead the prison, as capacity for communication months before, the prison well as a strong senior man- Originally opened over 160 years ago, there was a public and what it means for had suffered a “dramatic agement team; outcry in 1853 when evidence emerged of gross neglect prisoners’ memories. deterioration”. Peter Clarke: “No • Allocating an initial 30 and routine prisoner abuse that included starvation, ex- confidence in the ability extra, experienced HMPPS cessive use of the straitjacket and forcing prisoners to Mr Clarke said: “I was not of the prison.” officers to bolster existing work a machine in their cells for no purposeful reason ex- surprised to find that of the staffing at the prison; cept to force them to complete hard labour. If they failed to 70 recommendations we made • Reducing the prison’s ca- perform the task set, they would not be fed. at our last inspection, only Concluding his referral letter pacity by 300 places while Paula Harriott (PPN) 14 had been achieved. None Mr Clarke said: “I was as- improvement action is In December 2016 a riot, described as the ‘biggest for 30 © Paul Sullivan of the four main recommen- tounded that HMP Birming- underway. years’ saw Birmingham prisoners steal keys and release Prisoner Policy Network dations, concerning violence, ham had been allowed to prisoners as 500 went on a 12-hour rampage; lighting bon- (PPN) update staff-prisoner relationships, deteriorate so dramatically Both Justice Minister David fires and throwing televisions out of windows - £6million Over 500 prisoners have poor regimes and a lack of over the 18 months since the Gauke and Prisons Minister of damage was caused. engaged with the project so focus on education, training previous inspection. A factor Rory Stewart visited the far; by letter to our Freepost and work had been met.” in my decision to invoke the prison recently and decided February 2017 was the last published inspection, where ND6125 London EC1B 1PN, or Urgent Notification Protocol that they needed to act and the Prisons Inspectorate carried out an unannounced in- by phone to our globally Some prisoners locked is that at present I can have make immediate improve- spection and identified drugs as a key area that needed to cleared no 0207 251 5070. themselves in their cells but no confidence in the ability ments. G4S said it ‘welcomed’ be addressed. They said: “The safety and stability of the Responses are from individual had urine and faeces thrown of the prison to make im- the development as an oppor- prison was clearly being adversely affected by the high prisoners, groups of prisoners, through broken observation provements. There has tunity to ‘urgently address’ volume of illicit drugs.” The Inspectorate said that the and Prison Councils. Please panels. One prisoner was clearly been an abject fail- the various problems. Rory huge turnaround (churn) of prisoners, many on remand, keep the responses coming: sitting on a bed with no mat- ure of contract management Stewart said: “What we have presented ‘significant challenges’. “What incentives work in tress because it was ‘stolen’ and delivery … the inertia seen at HMP Birmingham is prison?” YOU know the three days before and not re- that seems to have gripped unacceptable and it has be- In June 2017 a coroner severely criticised the prison after a answers, please let us know. placed. A third of prisoners both those monitoring the come clear that drastic action prisoner who threatened to kill himself was found tested positive for drugs, contract and delivering it on is required to bring about the hanged. The prison did not consider him to be of high risk Summer heatwave of suicide. The coroner wrote to the Justice Minister de- with half of prisoners saying the ground has led to one of improvements we require.” caused tensions to rise manding improvements to help prevent future deaths. Tensions rose as the continu-
SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE September 2017 saw a seven-hour stand-off between pris- ing heatwave during July and oners and staff after prisoners refused to return to their August sent temperatures cells. Tornado officers were sent to Birmingham to resolve soaring in prison cells across the problem. One wing was severely damaged. the UK. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Peter Clarke, has In October 2017, the IMB published their report for the pre- been highlighting the lack of vious year, describing how a limited regime continued; with proper ventilation in cells and FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE prisoners merely … “warehoused in overcrowded, spartan, during the recent high dirty accommodation with little opportunity for rehabilitation.” temperatures cells have been Our specialist legal team have an outstanding track record in representing victims of sexual, described as ‘ovens’. To make physical and emotional abuse. December 2017 saw special Tornado riot squad officers things worse, the windows in again sent to Birmingham after serious disorder which newly built prisons do not Disclosing details of past abuse can be difficult and often traumatic. Your dedicated lawyer will saw fires started and paper records destroyed. Keys were open and even in older advise on the merits of your claim and will support you through the claims process to ensure taken from a custody officer which gave access to all resi- prisons, most have mesh your voice is finally heard. dential areas. G4S described damage as ‘superficial’. covering windows which prevents or limits their Can you make a claim? In March 2018, two improvement notices were served on opening. United Nations (UN) HMP Birmingham. The Prison Service said: “We are clear rules state that all cells should We recover compensation for abuse in schools, children’s home, detention centres with foster that prisons should be places of safety and reform and are have natural and artificial carers, religious organisations and sports clubs and many more…. working closely with G4S to improve conditions for pris- ventilation: HMPs Exeter, oners at HMP Birmingham.” Durham and Wormwood Even if your abuse occurred many years ago you may still be able to make a successful claim. Scrubs have all been criticised In April, six prisoners live-streamed themselves smoking for dire conditions and lack of At Jordans Solicitors we pride ourselves on handling each case with professionalism, sensitivity drugs and playing with mobile phones and in the same basic ventilation. Problems and understanding and adhere to strict professional rules of confidentiality month the Prison Reform Trust warned that Birmingham are exacerbated by over- was in crisis after five prisoners died there in the space of What to do now:- Registered with crowding which sees two seven weeks. prisoners forced to share a Speak to one of our team in complete confidence: emailaprisoner cell designed for one, and Call: 0800 9555 094 In August 2018 a G4S custody officer was robbed in the staff shortages mean that prison car park a few days before masked men broke into Email us at: [email protected] many prisoners can spend up the staff car park using an angle-grinder to cut through Write to us at Jordans Solicitors, Abuse department, Neil Jordan House, Wellington Road, to 23 hours a day locked in the fence and torched ten cars. Dewsbury, WF13 1HL these cells.
SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE
FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE We have an outstanding track record in representing victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Our specialist team have already helped survivors who suffered abuse at many different places including: