June 2021 / Issue No

“Children are children, “It’s a culture of secrecy and “We wanted to capture whether they are in the I think it’s deeply unhelpful such moments and share justice system or not.” both for staff and prisoners.” them with the world.” the National Newspaper for Prisoners & Detainees Keith Fraser Professor Graham Towl New animation from PET a voice for prisoners since Comment // page 21 Comment // page 28 Information // page 35 June 2021 / Issue No. 264 / www.insidetime.org / A ‘not for profit’ publication/ ISSN 1743-7342 WALKING FOR FAITH 18 // THE POETRY OF SPIES 31 LISTINGS INSIDE An average of 60,000 copies distributed monthly Independently verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations DOUBLE PODDING! ‘Game changing’ proposals condemned by prison reform groups as ‘panic measures’ and ‘terrible step backwards’

Decent accommodation is made indecent. It would be a terrible step backwards if that now happened with cells bought explicitly to eliminate 47 the need to share.”

The scheme came to light when GFSL, the Government- ‘A sense of escapism’ owned maintenance contrac- tor, announced last month Street Heat man tells of journey from cells to airwaves that it had installed 80 pods at HMP Ford - which it described as 40 singles and 40 doubles, claiming they would soon be occupied by 120 men. We are delighted to announce the “Singles or doubles? Pods at Askham Grange” The MoJ later clarified that all arrival of Jeremy Moore, formerly of 80 would start off in sin- Carter Moore Solicitors Inside Time report 31 jails “can be converted into gle-occupancy use, but con- doubles with the use of a firmed that 40 could hold two bunk for two occupants”. The men in the future. It was una- Portable single cells being spokesman added that “double to say how much size dif- Jeremy Moore is one of the used to provide extra accom- ble occupancy is viewed as ference there is between pods modation during the pan- being a contingency only” that are considered suitable demic may be “doubled up” and would require the gover- for doubling-up and those leading solicitors in the with bunk beds to cope with nor’s approval. that are seen as too small. surging prisoner numbers. They are The pods installed so far, country for criminal defence Since the first wave of Covid- completely inap- known as Temporary Accom- 19 struck last year, the Minis- modation Units, were an- try of Justice has installed more propriate to put nounced as single occupancy and miscarriages of justice than 1,000 temporary units - two people in. cells to reduce virus transmis- known as “pods” - in the sion, and were obtained “off Specialising in complex and high profile grounds of English and Welsh That’s ridiculous. the shelf” from portable criminal defence and appeals. jails to reduce cell-sharing. building suppliers - the ma- The plan drew immediate jority from hire firm So far there has been only one criticism from prison reform Bunkabin. He is notable for acting in numerous occupant per pod. Each has a charities. Frances Crook, single bed, toilet and shower, chief executive of the Howard Looking beyond the pan- miscarriage of justice cases, and they have generally League for Penal Reform, demic, Justice Secretary Rob- including successfully representing proved popular. called it a “panic measure” ert Buckland has announced Barry George in his appeal against and said: “They are com- plans for a further 1,000 port- However, it has now emerged pletely inappropriate to put able units to increase prison conviction for the murder of Jill that the Prison Service is pre- two people in. That’s capacity. These will be known Dando and subsequent trials. pared to make prisoners share ridiculous.” as Rapid Deployment Cells pods, if necessary, to meet and will be custom-designed population pressures. Peter Dawson, director of the for the Prison Service to a To speak with Jeremy about your case Prison Reform Trust, said: higher security standard. please contact us at the address or on A spokesperson told Inside “Time and again, new single the number below. We represent Time that around half of the cells, designed and built for 1,070 units currently in use at one person, are doubled up. Continued on page 15 clients throughout England and Wales. 76 KING STREET, 0800 1444111 NEWS FLASH! JUSTICE COMMITTEE CALLS FOR EVIDENCE FROM PRISONERS! 33 MANCHESTER, M2 4NH 0161 393 4158 [email protected] 2 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime June 2021 insidetime Approved Another language Mailbites a voice for prisoners since 1990 supplier Name supplied - HMP Whitemoor The mote in your eye the national newspaper for prisoners published Bradley Tucker - Steve Kidd - HMP Berwyn by Inside Time Limited, a wholly owned Sadly, I am led to believe that more people don’t graduate HMP The Mount subsidiary of The New Bridge Foundation, from personality disorder courses than those who do gradu- I write in response to a letter by GJM Goodsir founded in 1956 to create links between the ate on completion. A recurrent theme amongst those who of HMP Stafford (April issue). He wrote of offender and the community PUBLISHED Here at The Mount, we are were deselected/discharged is that they didn’t understand ‘miscreants’, as he called them, writing to WEEKLY ONLINE AND MONTHLY IN PRINT being told that our families the language used by their therapists, felt belittled, ignored Inside Time ‘bellyaching’ about prison life. He are only allowed to order or made to feel worthless, or rejected by those professionals states none of them write about remorse or books from ‘approved within the service. sorrow for the hurt they have caused to their Board of Directors suppliers’, and the reason victims. He then, sickeningly, goes on to lick staff give for this is due to Another theme is that men and women who complain about Trevor Grove - Chairman Former Editor Sunday the arse of the staff, no doubt in an attempt to Covid-19, but I have little service providers find they are given short shrift and before Telegraph, Journalist, Writer and former Magistrate curry favour. Nowhere in his letter, however, Dr Peter Bennett Trustee, New Bridge understanding of how they they know it, they are back on normal location and in a does he mention his own crime(s) or sorrow or Foundation and former Governor of HMP Grendon fi gure a book supplier is worse state than originally felt. remorse for any hurt he caused. And this from John D Roberts Company Director employing okay, but our families are a ‘miscreant’ who is being held in a sex former prisoners risky. I believe there was a “Some men and women who are autistic, dyslexic Louise Shorter CEO Inside Justice and former offender’s prison. Clearly, he is showing the ruling in 2013 that prisons producer BBC Rough Justice or who struggle with words or reading and writing, tell-tale signs of manipulation, as the majority cannot stop family members Alistair H E Smith BSc FCA Chartered Accountant, are at a greater disadvantage. Sadly, their recovery of sex offenders do. The words ‘pot’ and ‘kettle’ Trustee and Treasurer, New Bridge Foundation from sending books in to spring to mind. Fella, acknowledge your own Phil Wheatley Former Director General of Prison their loved ones. Some is massively impeded.” offending before slagging off other prisoners. Service prisons are using Covid-19 to abuse their powers and It has been said that men and women who have joined inte- The insideteam bypass our rights. I would grated personality disorder and therapeutic communities Why? be grateful for any advice from VP jails/wings are less likely to graduate to completion. Zena Bryan - HMP Foston Hall from others. Impeding recovery. I read an article in one of the professional psychology journals stating that there is huge concern I do have drug and alcohol issues myself. I remember when we used to be able to Editorial note throughout secure and community services that unless a person-centred approach is developed and delivered to offend- celebrate St George’s Day, dressed up to the The Incentives Policy ers; especially those with huge PTSD issues from childhood nines and drinking pints outside the pub, Framework, introduced in and institutional abuse experiences, then a huge litigation maybe have a sniff of cocaine and possibly a John Roberts 2015, states that prisoners in Publisher chasm will end up closing services. spliff. But I have never met such filthy Mamba England and Wales are and Director heads who litter the streets of Derby. I must entitled to receive new or Maybe there are men and women reading this who can iden- ask, why does the Queen send very dirty, second-hand books posted to tify with what I’ve written. I’d like to encourage them not to scummy, trampy, thieving, murdering, raping them directly by friends and suffer in silence - write or get someone to write for you to the criminals to my home town? Answers on a families. If you write to Inside governing governor of your establishment, give a detailed ac- postcard please. Time enclosing written count of your experience and explain your fears. evidence that your establish- No real selection Erwin James Rachel Noel Smith ment is not following this Above all, if you are alone and despairing, please speak to a Editor in Chief Billington OBE Commissioning rule, we will investigate. Listener, chaplain, or keyworker. Name withheld - HMP Deerbolt Associate Editor Editor I don’t know about other prisons and YOI’s, but here in Deerbolt we feel restricted and let Funding cuts have undermined the prison system for years down by the canteen and governors. Food items such as beans, hot dogs, tinned macker- making it more dangerous, less tolerant and poorly equipped. el, and a large variety of drinks are not allowed We have specialist solicitors who may be able to help you with: and have not been allowed for quite a long Ben Leapman Paul Sullivan David Roberts time. In other prisons, inmates have the luxury Reporter and Editorial Operations Criminal defence Serious injuries, long-term health of having a large selection of items on their Feature Writer Assistant Manager POCA proceedings conditions and terminal illness canteen list, but not us. Why? Also, we have been told that if we can find bedding that Discrimination based on disabilities, Lack of employment and training meets health and safety criteria laid down by gender, religion, ethnicity etc. opportunities the prison then we can purchase it, but numerous inmates have attempted to buy Reasonable adjustments Denial of risk reduction courses to bedding and their apps have come back Louise Van Justine Allison Carla Rowe Assaults by police or prison ‘denied’. We cannot order towels either. Why is Mechelen foreign nationals Head of Admin Deerbolt treating us like this? Administration Assistant Accounts o cers Access to supported housing upon Supervisor Excessive use of force release for disabled prisoners High-risk/unlawful restraint methods Access to education, both whilst Unauthorised use of handcu s/ in prison and in the community KEEP IN TOUCH! Send secure emails, photos & get replies back! chains Parole and recall • Fast and easy from any Colin Matthews Gary Bultitude John Bowers Restraint of ill and disabled Appeal against sentence or (mobile) device Website Design Proof Reading Layout and • Design and Advertising prisoners conviction Only 40p per message Care needs assessments and plans Challenges to unfair public • Available in all *UK prisons Correspondence • Receive a reply Assessments of carers policies/ prison practice • On your phone? Use our app! Inside Time Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Lack of mobility equipment Failure to apply prison policies ** Hampshire SO30 2GB. Telephone: 01489 795945 • Send photos [email protected] / www.insidetime.org Care in the community after release and procedures *Reply Service now available Facebook: InsideTime / Twitter: @InsideTimeUK in more than 60% of prisons Subscribe **In selected prisons only Contact us at our new o ce: More info on our website. 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Star Letter of the Month No regime Chip on your shoulder Mailbag 2-11 Congratulations to this months winner Shannon Brown - HMP Drake Hall “My question is, who receives our £25 prize. An extra £10 D Minott - HMP Hull what do they bonus is now available, see page 54 for details. Here at Drake Hall we have 10 Portacabin really do?” isolation pods. Don’t get me wrong, they are I don’t know what is going on in the prison system these days Page 9 great. A decent site with en-suite, I can’t re- concerning the pandemic. Choose life ally moan about the living conditions. Newsround 12-17 I’m 40 years old and, unfortunately, I’ve been coming in and Name supplied - HMP Whatton “Prisons can Compared to other prisons, however, since out of prison for the last 25 years. I understand that it is a dif- manipulate moving from the main population to where ferent generation of people and the staff are far younger now, The hardest thing I find about prison is Mandatory we are now, the biggest downfall is the lack and there seems to be a lot of female staff. that there is no support. All of my life I Drug Tests.” have been involved in crime, drugs and of routine and communication between staff. Page 14 Also, the general way in which things are My point is, it seems that a large percentage of these new alcohol. I have done 5-years on this sen- Comment 18-32 tence, my brother died of a heroin over- run here is terrible. younger staff, here at HMP Hull and in other prisons as well, dose while I’ve been in prison and the rest seem to have a large chip on their shoulders, almost like they “I managed to beat of my family do not care and are not the First of all, prisons normally have a strict re- think they have something to prove. cancer and then I sort of family I need, them being alcohol- gime, which is non-existent here. Secondly, had to start again. ics or criminals. staff do not communicate efficiently at all, The new intake is very petty and sometimes act like children. I was released from one member of staff says one thing, and an- I understand that a lot of them have only just grown into Page 23 prison cancer free.” Through all of this, I am choosing to start other says something different, but they still adulthood, but prison can be a dangerous place and when a better life when I am released, yet there find time to gossip to inmates about other in- prisoners are subject to their kind of behaviour it is usually Information 33-41 is not a single person who believes in me. mate’s business, and even go as far as shar- us who suffer. “I had seen for I have completed everything, education ing their own personal business. But they myself how much courses, a diploma with the Open Univer- cannot find the time to process an applica- “During the pandemic I have noticed a lot of staff difference having sity, and still people just expect the worst tion or pass on important information which a job could from me. Is it possible to change your life directly impacts prisoners. taking advantage out of making inmates suffer Page 41 make.” for the better after you have lived a life of more than they should.” Legal 42-44 crime for so long? I believe it is possible, I have been suffering with my mental health. I have spoken to staff, who do random wel- so I’m going to do it, not for other people They constantly pester us in the hope of a reaction, in reality “What?! Nothing?! fare checks about needing to see a mental but for me. some of them are no more than bullies, but they know there You mean its free, health worker. After months of struggling is nothing we can do about it. If we complain the complaint you’ve got to be the healthcare worker came to see me to I am a strong-minded person, but I can either gets ‘lost’ or nothing is done. And, they know, if we kidding me, make an appointment. But he never showed now understand why so many people live stand up and fight back it is us who suffer. Page 42 right?” the bad life. I have dramatically changed up for the appointment. My mental health my life over the past 18-months and not a has broken down to the point that I am hav- Some older staff members in the system should be mentoring Jailbreak 45-60 ing thoughts about self-harming. Consider- single person has noticed. Anyone read- these staff, watching them to make sure they don’t overstep ing prison staff are supposed to have a duty “My story is an ing this - give yourself praise because no- the mark on bullying and hating. This prison is like a bad of care, I feel that they actually don’t care, example of why body else will, and before you know it secondary school where the younger staff are in their bully- and I have lost trust in them. your past or even everything will work out. I feel happy for ing element. In reality, these people wouldn’t last a day if the disability does not the first time in years and that is because roles were reversed, and they became prisoners. Stop the Page 59 The lack of professionalism and confidenti- have to deﬁ ne I know how much I’ve changed, and it bullying. your future.” feels good. Prove it to yourself, not to oth- ality really has me nervous. On the other ers, because it is you who will benefit, not hand, there are a lot of staff here that are them. great and have really helped during the Covid lockdown. World turned upside down Darren King - HMP Whatton

Recently on the news there has been a lot of talk about racism, sexism, discrimination, etc. But this also applies to prison. I’ve personally never had a problem with these subjects, but there are people, including prison officers, that do. As I have spent most of my years here at Whatton I have seen and heard all kinds of discrimination. Extradition Specialists “If the staff don’t like sex offenders, transgender people, or people from specjaliści od ekstradycji · specialiști în different races, then they should get a job somewhere else.” extrădare · Специалисти по екстрадиция Проследима история на успеха I’ve heard the comment ‘All Muslims are terrorists’. Well, I’ve known quite a few Muslims in and out of prison, and I find them the most hospitable people around. The last thing I want to Частно финансиране mention is Black Lives Matter, this should be changed to All Lives Matter. It is a minority with a problem, not the rest of us. A TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS udokumentowana historia sukcesu · Un palmares al succesului · Финансиране от Immigration Law Specialists Агенцията за Правна Помощ

Immigration BAIL Applications NATIONWIDE PRISON COVERAGE Deportation Appeals Our head office is based in the North West of Private · Legal Aid · Pro Bono Responding to Home Office Enquiries England but we provide nationwide coverage and due to the location of our staff we offer regular and Odpłatna i darmowa pomoc prawna · Judicial Review consistent coverage to the North West, Midlands, Emergency Flight London, South West and North East England. asistență juridică chasten · Безплатна защита Injunction Applications • Parole paper reviews and oral hearings FULL Representation • Recall reviews and oral hearings • Removal from open conditions ALL Other Immigration matters 020 3653 1832 • Pre-Tariff reviews • Category A reviews • Adjudications St Magnus House · 3 Lower Thames Street · Call our team: 0207 480 5840 For more information please London · EC3R 6HD Emergency: 0207 052 1134 contact Emma Gauden Raymond Saul & Co. LLP Fleet House Freepost HOWARDS AND HENRYS 8-12 New Bridge Street, 0161 872 9999 - howardssolicitors.co.uk London EC4V 6AL [email protected] 4 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime June 2021

Letter from? Take legal Trying to find Stephen Faulkner - HMP Maghaberry action

I received a very interesting letter, which I am assuming has Mahalia - the positive come from Shadow Justice Secretary David Lammy MP. I say HMP Bronzefield Bruce Child - HMP The Verne ‘assuming’ because nobody has put their name to it, but he and the Justice Select Committee were the only ones who I have been reading Inside My attempts to share thoughts more widely wrote about IPP sentences and the way the letter is written Time for months now and through Inside Time was interrupted by the makes me think that the author is Mr Lammy. So, I think it is have been pleasantly sur- February issue not arriving here until the only fair that my fellow hostages and political prisoners of prised by the content. This last day of that month. I assume it was the British justice system (IPP prisoners) hear what this un- letter is as a result of read- locked down like the rest of us so I’m proba- signed letter says. It says, word for word, as follows… ing ‘No right to complain’, bly behind the times, as usual. by ‘Adam’ (May issue). “Dear Stephen Faulkner, thank you for getting in touch r My vaccine thoughts have been overtaken by egarding the issue of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP). I am both appalled and events and now I too have been jabbed. I was Additionally, the issue of IPP sentencing is an extremely disgusted at the fact that initially happy to wait but now I see that jab- No consolation important one and a matter I take extremely seriously. Adam’s complaints are bing us all is a sensible course of action. The being dismissed and he is alternative is overburdening the NHS with When originally introduced in 2005, IPP sentences were being treated like a non- our vulnerable inmates as the virus took Any updates? intended to protect the public from the incredibly dangerous entity whilst also being hold here. Already we’ve taken up too many offenders whose crimes did not warrant a life sentence. While dehumanised for exercis- hospital beds and suffered three deaths in a Name supplied - HMP North Sea Camp the original intention was to protect the public from very ing the rights he still has week despite all the precautions. high-risk offenders, it is clear that the implementation of IPP available to him. As he has On the 8th of July 2020, the MoJ published has been tragically flawed. stated he has written sev- Reaction to the stupidity of Grant Shapps the National Incentives Policy Framework. In eral complaints and has proposing 10-year sentences on selfish quar- Annex D it lists the games consoles approved When the IPP sentence was first created, it was originally had no response, I sug- antine avoiders has probably come and gone. by InfoSec and Services Team, and this up- estimated that only 900 sentences would be handed down gest he does one of three Now the POA are calling for courts to be closed date includes ‘Modified Microsoft Xbox One’. by the courts; today almost ten times that number have been things: as they can’t cope - it’s good to see they’ve at The framework states: purchased only imposed. It is now painfully clear that the IPP sentence was 1) Get his solicitor or last acknowledged that the current system is through Gema Records. far too broad, and many low-risk offenders are serving IPP someone he trusts to unsustainable. Though, didn’t they want to sentences today for committing minor offences in the past. email the governor di- keep the lockdown after the pandemic ends? Towards the end of 2020, Gema Records were rectly with his complaint What do they think will happen when the giving people a tentative release date for the The mental trauma of being subject to an IPP sentence is sim- and wait for a response. courts reopen, and longer sentences are im- console of the first week of November 2020. ply horrendous. A 2016 report by the Prison Trusts showed that 2) If you have logged the posed, and all of those extra police do their However, in late October their website was IPP prisoners had one of the highest rates of self-harm in the dates when previous com- best to keep the conveyor belt running? updated to say they were awaiting informa- prison population and many develop serious mental conditions due to the uncertainty of their future. Those subject to plaints were made, still tion from a third party before being able to forward the complaints to supply Xbox One’s. No update has been pub- IPP sentences were more that 200% likely to self-harm than “Don’t they realise that just doing those on standard determinate sentences. PPO stating the dates and lished since. issues along with the more of the same, which doesn’t As IPP prisoners spend longer and longer in prison without any treatment you got due to work and isn’t likely to produce a Xbox 360s are now over 15-years old, becom- prospect of release, their mental health continues to decline, complaining. Create a ing rarer and more unreliable - increasing better outcome.” and they start to display behavioural traits which makes their paper trail. Also, please the price considerably. Having access to be aware that all authori- release even less likely. Of those people who do secure parole, I always try to find the positive news and Xbox Ones would be a huge incentive - espe- tative personnel have a set figures show many IPP prisoners are returned to prison on let’s hope Amnesty can have more affect on cially to those with an interest in gaming. amount of time in which to recall for minor breaches of their license. These prisoners are the IPP fiasco than the ex-Ministers who respond, usually 30 days. caught in a hugely vicious cycle, with no hope in sight. only admit their mistakes long after they As Gema Records are one of your regular ad- 3) Play dead and roll over have left office. And a Parliamentary report vertisers, would it be possible to prompt like the staff clearly want Although the sentence itself was scrapped in 2012 due to a recommending older prisoners be placed in them for an official response/update please? ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, the changes you to. So many of us have been saving up for prisons that truly reflect their risk of escape made in 2012 were not retrospective and roughly 2,000 offend- or harm, rather than keeping them in over- months now for this. These are the options. I ers remain on IPP sentences today. Let me be clear, this is a crowded, unsuitable jails, is definitely a pos- urge you to keep going grave injustice. No prisoner who can show they pose no threat itive sign. I just wonder if there are enough A response from Gema Records while remembering this to society should ever remain in prison once they have done sensible MPs to support such a measure, un- Due to an unprecedented change in circum- quote - ‘The most common their time. fortunately we all know that prison reform stances Gema Records could not launch the way people give up their isn’t exactly a vote winner. Xbox One product range as intended in In the coming months I look forward to working with the power is by thinking they November 2020. Subsequently, we have been government in a constructive manner, to identify how the great don’t have any’ - Alice So, I will content myself with hoping that my in regular contact with the MoJ in an attempt damage that IPP sentencing has caused can be put right, Walker. Good luck Adam, jab and all the others allows us to return to to launch the Xbox One product range ASAP. in a way that serves the interests of justice, while protecting keep fighting for your the gym and workshops to take out our frus- We are currently waiting for a response from members of society.” rights, diplomatically of trations there. Even a small step forward is the MoJ and cannot therefore progress further course. for the moment. There you have it. better than nothing. Contributing to Mailbag INSIDE TIME APP Disclaimer DOWNLOAD NOW! Inside Time is wholly responsible If you would like to contribute to Mailbag, please send your letters to the Scan the QR Code to for its editorial content. address on the left. 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Maintaining progress. Children/families are more af- Mailbites Second class citizens fected by the imprisonment of female prison- innocence Name supplied - HMP Drake Hall ers who are usually the main caregivers/ homemakers. Women are stuck in a system Meals mix beware S Marples - HMP Doncaster K C Valentine - HMP Frankland I am a female prisoner and to date I have designed by men for men. In light of the recent media spotlight on the treatment and Here are some top tips for served three years of a 12-year prison sentence, A lot of prisoners will be aware that DHL are doing special with three years left to serve. I have served the way women are perceived, this is surely prisoners who are genuinely offers of their new ready-meals, £1.99 each or two for £3.00. half of my custodial sentence. I was recently an equalities issue - blatant male bias in its innocent. That’s great, but buyers beware. If you mix and match a couple reviewed for re-categorisation; women only purist form - is it not our human right to be of meals at the special price you will have to pay the full price of have two categories - open or closed. I was treated equally? 1) Have an overall goal. one should your other choice be out of stock. I ordered the refused re-categorisation on the basis that I Focus your attention and all-day breakfast and a beef lasagne; I did not get the breakfast have more than two years left to serve, this is A lot of women are in prison because of a as it was out of stock, so I was charged the full price of £1.99 for time spent in prison on win- in accordance with PS139 - (2011) female cat- “man” and because they are women are the lasagne. If you do order two meals then you should make ning your appeal, being re- egorisation and re-categorisation policy. dealt with harsher by the courts, this is a leased on license as soon as sure you don’t mix and match, order two of the same meal. perception issue! Many women were ar- possible. Once you set your What really gets me though is that the ready meals are brand This policy states two years is considered to rested, charged and indicted alongside male goal, create a plan and work co-defendants, they went on to be convicted new in our canteen, which makes me wonder how so many can be the maximum time a prisoner should towards achieving it. the same as these men, they have been given be out of stock already? spend in open conditions; however, assessment of a prisoner’s individual risks and the same prison sentence as these men, 2) Stay calm. Don’t waste needs may support earlier re-categorisation throughout this entire process there was Joking aside… unnecessary energy on dis- to open conditions, such cases must have never any exceptions made nor any special Paul Buffery - HMP Highpoint tractions that may get you their reasons for their categorisation fully measures to differentiate between male and into trouble. Keep your nose female, but now because we are not male we My life of crime started when I was 15. I hated my next-door documented and confirmed in writing by the down and don’t let anger get governing governor. are being treated differently and overlooked neighbour so much that I used to gather up slugs and stick the better of you, use it in- when new prison sentence instructions are them on his window. I did it every day for a month and he got stead as a tool for achieving I have recently become aware of a change in being changed and implemented, is this not so fed up with it that he called the police. I got done for sluggish your goal. Work for justice, the male re-categorisation PSI which has discrimination? behaviour. After that I changed my MO and started putting ants not for revenge. been updated in January 2020 replaced and through his letter box. He got fed up and again phoned the ruled out in February 2020. This new PSI Men who have been given the same sentence police. This time they put me on an anty social order. Next, I length as women will be able to progress to 3) Beware of the criminal now allows male prisoners to be considered used to go to his door and shout through the letter box ‘Sorry open conditions 12 months before these justice system. They are all for categorisation to open conditions when for the ant and slug stuff, please forgive me!’ I did this every day women, where is the equality, where is the out to get you, the police, they have three years of the sentence left to for a month and he called the police on me again, this time I fairness? Self-harm in the female estate is at CPS, prison, and probation serve. got arrested for menacing manners. We moved to a new house its highest, this act of discrimination will service, even your own law- in the end, which I am glad about. Happy to get away from that only help to push the figures higher. yer will let you down. Be Obviously, this is an issue that raises con- weirdo! cerns throughout the female prison popula- very careful what you say. How can we expect the general public to treat Maintain your innocence tion. If we females are part of the prison system, why are we not given the same con- women fairly and equally if our government It’s just obscene! and don’t allow them to sideration as male prisoners, surely the rules is seen to be doing the opposite? On behalf of Bernard Haunch - HMP Ashfield force you into submission. should apply across the board? female prisoners, I would like to thank you You cannot be prevented I’ve been in prison for some 8 years now, so I’m well accus- for your time and consideration on these from progressing and re- tomed to prison life. What you can do, what you can’t do and Women are being denied the opportunity to matters. lease on parole simply be- so on and so forth, I quickly got used to it. One thing, however, cause you are maintaining surprises and shocks me, and that is the cascade of obscene innocence. Look at the risk language I hear all day and everywhere. This was something to factors on your OASys report which I am quite unused to. My distaste for such language and take the necessary steps remains. While little now surprises me, I am still shocked, to addressing them. When particularly when I hear prison staff booming out vile exple- dealing with any officials, tives, and no more so when it comes from the mouths of write everything down, de- female members of staff. We prisoners are ‘bad boys and girls’, tailing what was said, what inside to pay for crimes we may or may not have committed. To you observed, what you help us, prison will put us on to a variety of courses, which I agreed, and what was find ironic. If reformation means that you can happily use filthy planned. language, then all these courses are just a joke. OUR SERVICES / SHERBIMET TONA 4) You are not in denial. If Beating the habit you are told that you are ‘in 1- IMMIGRATION DETENTION/PRISON, BAIL & DEPORTATION. Brian Taylor - HMP Holme House denial’ set a firm boundary 2- ASYLUM AND HUMAN RIGHTS by saying that you are not 3- VICTIM OF TRAFFICKING Hi, it’s the Bird Man of Holme House here. I am on the thera- happy with the term used peutic community programme in order to help me with my and would prefer it if they 4- IMMIGRATION APPEALS AND drug problems. They have lots of animals here for the wing use the term ‘maintaining JUDICIAL REVIEW - chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, fish, a turtle, and I have two innocence’. Tell them you cockatiels that I look after. They keep me busy and stop me are not denying anything, from thinking about using drugs. I would like to thank the you are telling the truth. 1- PARABURGIMI / BURGIM,APLIKIM BAIL-I,DHE DËBIMI. treatment manager Sue Ford, Mr Boynton and our CM, Mr Stand firmly on the moral 2- AZILI DHE TË DREJTAT E NJERIUT Wintersgill, for giving us the opportunity to learn about animals high ground. through nature and through the recovery programme on 3- VIKTIME E TRAFIKIMIT Houseblock 6. Thank you. 5) Be organised. By making 4- APELIMET E IMIGRACIONIT DHE sure you have a structured RISHIKIMI GJYQËSOR Defending Whatton plan to achieve your goal. Simon Porritt - HMP Whatton Have the correct legal argu- ments and evidence in your Office: 0208 090 2488 I must defend Whatton from the narrow view expressed by mind, lay it all out systemat- IRDI: 07503545344 ‘Adam’ HMP Whatton - ‘No right to complain’, April issue. ically and clearly on paper. Adam’s experience is alarming, I have every sympathy, however, Write up a clear statement, ANA: 07435119343 myself and at least some others have had an opposite experi- what you accept and what ence. On a daily basis I see dedicated officers and administra- you don’t accept about your Address: tion going the extra mile. Others I know tell me they thank god conviction and the corre- they have ultimately arrived in Whatton. It is true that mistakes sponding evidence to sup- 11 Millington Road, London Hayes, UB3 4AZ are occasionally made, appropriate corrections and apologies port this. inevitably follow. Supporting the administration and all working together surely leads to the best environment. Win, win. You are not alone. Insidetime June 2021 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 7

Presiding Mercy instead of risk When CR Brown - HMP Moorland over injustice will it end? Name withheld - To the IPP brother of HMP Rye Hill who wrote the ‘No good IPP James M - HMP Whatton news’ letter in the April issue, brother, you are so right! Abso- lutely spot-on. I, too, am an IPP hostage, no one can understand, HMP Holme House The article on the CCRC, ‘In and no one really cares, you have to be an IPP to know the the interests of justice’, con- anguish and mental torture that we rehearse every day. I am a white male with a firms what I have often been lot of different backgrounds told, it is not worth the effort It is impossible whilst in prison to lower one’s risk in the in my family. I think most submitting an application to community. The smiling assassins, i.e., prison psychologists, people will agree that it is the CCRC. Let’s look at the etc, will not take a risk unless we prove ourselves superhu- just unbelievable that we Ongoing symptoms have seen on the news © Andy Aitchison/Library image figures you published: around man, and even then it would be debatable. The bar gets another young black man 1300 applications a year, 99% higher and higher as long as prisons and TC Units are getting has been killed by police of all applications rejected. paid for courses and programmes, then we IPPs will always Long jail Covid in the USA. After the Average of 13 applications a be in them and on them. John R Davis - HMP Liverpool year investigated. Giving killing of George Floyd, we all thought or hoped that them a generous 75% success It is a shameful scar on the criminal justice system and on action would be taken to I’ve been in prison for 14 months now. Since December 2020 I rate, would mean an average humanity in general. Morally it’s wrong, ethically it’s wrong, prevent the police have had Covid-19 twice. Due to underlying medical conditions, of 10 successful appeals and the 65 IPP martyrs bear testament to this ungodly sentence. unlawfully killing people, I’ve now had my first vaccine. I’m writing so that those read- against conviction or sen- I am a highly responsible prisoner, totally outstanding record, ers who have been unlucky enough to catch Covid, but have tence. Annually obliged to but for an experienced red-band status, more positivity than you could shake a stick police officer to come out been very lucky to have survived, know that you are not alone have 11 commissioners - at, full release plan in place including a private house and a with ongoing ‘long Covid’ symptoms. My ongoing symptoms and say that the death overall level of full time is concrete offer of gainful employment in the community (I’m are worse than when Covid-19 was active in my body. I’ll list was due to her mistaking now equivalent to 2.5 com- a fully qualified BAE systems engineer), but all to no avail. the symptoms I still have so that if any Covid-19 survivors see missioners. Massive budget her gun for a Taser just isn’t this letter, and are still struggling with symptoms, they will good enough. I thought cuts since 2003. Conclusion - I have been totally destroyed by an over-zealous prison psy- know what is common and won’t worry themselves to death. those maintaining innocence police officers were chologist who I refused to suck up to, and an outside OM who supposed to be fully applying to have their case has not visited in 5 years and who appears to have only one 1) Random bouts of breathlessness and breathing issues when trained and not be able to reviewed have 0.15% of word - ‘risk’ - which he gladly defines in ways which are un- doing very little, such as going up stairs or making your bed. make this sort of ‘mistake’. achieving a successful outcome. cannily favourable to himself. 2) Deep, unreachable, muscle and joint aches and pains, mainly elbows. Hips may ache when lying in bed and wake Proof once again, if it were For those who think that My IPP brothers, all we are asking for is mercy but in re- them up. Knees hurt when bending. needed, that the British sys- this may be none of my sponse we get ‘risk’, which is just an easy excuse for the au- 3) Hot and cold sweats, mainly at night. tem of justice has no real in- business, or that it doesn’t thorities. I’ve blown off some truthful steam here, but my 4) Constantly tired and sleeping at every opportunity, I now terest in justice, only matter because it didn’t message is that we must press on and unite, we are only sleep 18 hours per day. keeping everyone locked up happen here - it does. strong together. I don’t know the answers, but we must keep 5) Constantly hungry and thirsty, weight gain and weight loss. for as long as possible. We Black men in the UK are asking the questions. There is an online petition, a campaign 6) Lack of interest or motivation. have a Justice Secretary of stopped and searched created by Katherine Gleeson MP (Release the Remaining IPP State, Ministers, and a Min- often without reason, and There may be more symptoms but the ones on this list are what I istry of Justice getting paid Prisoners) and our voices should be heard. Get everyone you many are left mentally am personally enduring. It would be good if people who have to preside over a gross injus- can outside to sign it. Every prisoner gets two free letters a scarred by this discrimi- had Covid could write in with their ‘long Covid’ symptoms so tice. I call on them to fully week, there are approximately 3,000 IPPs, including recall nation. We are in 2021, that we can all know the full story. So many of us are suffer- staff and fund the CCRC, IPPs, who still have no release dates, so use one of those let- this needs to stop. Just ing in silence. You are not alone, use Inside Time to spread whilst implementing the re- ters, even if it is only a few heartfelt lines, and send it to the ask yourself, would this the word, to make a much-needed psychological difference port recommendations in office of the Rt Honourable Robert Buckland MP. Keep knock- ‘mistake’ have been made in these uncertain and difficult times. I hope you all recover their entirety. Give us a fair ing on the door and one day it has to open. if the young man in that as well as possible. Pick yourselves up and keep fighting this and just chance of appeal car was white? Think terrible virus. against false accusations. Grace to all my IPP brothers. about it.

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Insidetime June 2021 Any address? Thanks to Alex Toth - HMP Wayland New Bridge We have been told by DHL Hayley Turner - that HMPPS set the canteen HMP Isle of Wight prices and whenever I make a complaint about the prices I received a letter in Febru- I am fobbed off. Can you tell ary from the charity New me if there is an official ad- Bridge regarding getting the dress we can write to in word out to more prisoners about their service. I know order to get answers about Mark, time to cheer us up! prison canteens? Bad decisions they run adverts in Inside © Andy Aitchison © Deposit Photos Time, but a lot of prisoners don’t look at the ads unless Depressing words Reply from HMPPS they are looking for some- The Prison Retail team within Christian - HMP Wymott Close the skies thing in particular. Every- HM Prison & Probation Ser- Name supplied - HMP Oakwood one I know reads the The more I read the comments of Mark Fairhurst, the national vice (HMPPS) set the prices mailbag pages, so I thought chair of the Prison Officers Association, over the last for the products sold on the It really is starting to alarm me how badly this government is I could draw attention to 12-months, the more it depresses me. As chairman, it is his National Product List (NPL) handling the pandemic. The most simple and obvious thing New Bridge via a letter to job to speak officially for prison officers, but I worry that he also known as the Canteen to have done would be to close the borders, after all, we live mailbags. actually DOES speak for prison officers in general. list. Our pricing policy is on an ISLAND! This has worked for New Zealand and other Manufacturers Recom- island nations, it’s not exactly rocket science, is it? And yet I would like to thank New He appears to welcome the restricted regime caused by the mended Retail Price (MRRP). our weak, greedy shambles of a government failed to do this. Bridge for being there for pandemic. He cites things like a reduction in violent incidents We can sell below the MRRP, Now we have foreign variants of the virus popping up all myself and all prisoners who as his reasoning. Of course, violence will be reduced with when we receive financial over England. use their support and people locked in their cells for most of the day. Fewer people support in the way of a price befriender service. When I caught the flu last year because of the lockdown, but that reduction from the manufac- The latest one, ‘the Indian variant’, is now here and it does came to prison in 2010 as a wouldn’t be reason to lock the country down every winter. turer but never higher. not take a lot of brainpower to work out why. This same gov- transgender, I contacted a ernment has been scrambling around the world for trade LGBT+ service for a pen-pal Covid deaths aside, prisons in a pandemic look excellent on as I had no one else. I got a Correspondence concerning deals, like a beggar with the hand out, in order to pretend paper - less violence, less access to drugs, fewer opportunities that Brexit was not the absolute disaster that it really is, and trans-male pen-pal who the NPL can be sent to the for bullying. From a prison officer’s perspective, I can also part of that begging for deals was from India. And while the wrote to me for years but following address: Public Sector see why they don’t want things to change. The current condi- negotiations for this deal was going on, the government de- then decided life was too tions make a thankless and risky job a lot simpler and safer. Prison Industries, Catering, liberately decided not to put India on their ‘red list’, despite complicated to continue. However, I believe that Mr Fairhurst’s comments speak to Retail & PE (PSPI), Central the fact that the virus is running wild in India. everything that is wrong with the culture of the Prison Service. Operational Services Directo- For the next few years, I had rate, Her Majesty’s Prison It would seem obvious to all of those except the densest, that no one, then another In my experience the priority of prison staff is for the pris- and Probation Service, 102 if you close the air borders these variants could not enter the prisoner told me about New oner to be locked away and for them to know their place. Ac- Petty France, 8th Floor, Zone country. Typical of this shabby government to put money be- Bridge, and I wrote to them cording to the BBC, prison officers in the UK have the least C 8.37, London SW1H 9AJ. fore lives. for an application form for a amount of training of anywhere in the world. The job is dan- befriender. I haven’t looked gerous and of unfairly low status, it should be a profession. back since. I now have a be- The result of this is unqualified and, at times, completely in- friender who has been writ- appropriate people joining the service. ing to me for a year and a half and wishes to visit me Staff are recruited to work with a prison population which as soon as Covid restrictions largely consists of angry, insecure young men, brimming allow. Having a befriender with toxic masculinity. Many of those who enter the role with writing to me and offering the right aptitude and eagerness to make a difference are emotional support and tell- soon disillusioned and either leave or get sucked into the ing me about life outside the cynical macho culture (readers will have seen this countless prison walls makes me feel times). Naturally, I’m not referring to all officers, but too few that even with a life sentence of them seem to see their role as anything to do with rehabili- I still have a fingerhold on tation or meaningful engagement. WWW.LARTEYANDCO.COM [email protected] society. Imagine our prisons staffed with officers who didn’t take any DO YOU REQUIRE REPRESENTATION? If you don’t receive letters or crap but were self-controlled, emotionally intelligent people visits, I strongly recommend who helped the damaged men and women on their wings to DO YOU WISH TO APPEAL A CONVICTION? that you contact New Bridge understand and control their own emotions, issues, and ad- for an application form. dictions. It may sound far-fetched, but it doesn’t have to be. On the 20th January 2021 Lartey & Co Solicitors were able to overturn a See page 21 for details See Justice Select Committee call for evidence page 33 conviction for murder at the Court of Appeal, with a retrial now ordered. We act on a variety of cases nationwide at all stages of Criminal Proceedings. Should you require representation on a case Lartey & Co Solicitors are able to act on a OLR, the Scottish IPP privately funded basis. Kevin McPhee - HMP Glenochil

This is an open letter to the Cabinet Secretary of Justice for Scotland. Within the English • CRIMINAL LAW • IMMIGRATION prison system, the IPP was widely used, and, in many cases, abused by the very people who • PRISON LAW • FAMILY LAW later deemed them as wholly inhumane and unjust, and many inmates down south committed a crime not deserving of a life sentence. England then abolished IPP. • EXTRADITION • APPEALS Sadly, the people subject to IPP are still inside prison having served their time. My point is, Lartey & Co Solicitors England abolished because it breached many human rights, and other things such as access Romer House to courses, and so on. When will the powers-that-be in Scotland look at the OLR (Order of Life 132 Lewisham High Street Restriction) as it is the Scottish equivalent to the IPP and should also be abolished? London, SE13 6EE OLR inmates have all the same problems and issues with daily life in prisons as our IPP www.larteyandco.com [email protected] neighbours do. Amnesty International are actively looking into the treatment of IPP inmates. Might I invite them to also look into OLR sentences too. I can tell you now that most IPP and OLR prisoners, given the option, may have actually preferred the death penalty. I know this sounds extreme, but at least we would know once and for all. Because as of this moment no one 0208 692 9006 knows anything of what will happen. So, can I ask what you plan to do about OLR sentences? Insidetime June 2021 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 9

Mailbites The right to Team hard labour?

Officer recognition be forgotten Name supplied - HMP Stafford Paul Willetts - It’s not very often that you come across an officer that truly HMP Oakwood deserves recognition for the work that he does. Here at Stafford if you say the name ‘Mr D’ from C wing to any one of the 755 The saying goes that ‘today’s inmates, you will really struggle to find anyone that has a single news is tomorrow’s toilet bad word to say about this gentleman of an officer. This is an paper’, but that is no longer officer that has over 25-years experience under his belt. You the case in the 21st century. will not find anyone like this officer anywhere within the prison Crimes worth reporting only system, he is one of the most genuine, polite, hard-working and in local rags, previously a very thoughtful officer. We all appreciate everything he does, printed and distributed nothing is ever too much trouble. Not wishing to denigrate or within a boundary, hardly be disrespectful to all the other staff, they do a great job, but read by anyone, thrown out Mr D is an absolute legend - thanks for making our stay here as with the rubbish never to be pleasant and peaceful as possible. seen again, are now placed in online versions. Pin-alised K Henry - HMP Peterborough It takes only one person to What are they for? see it and share it on social My learned friend Paul (Phone Farce - March issue) has hit the media, and all of a sudden it Michael X - HMP Wandsworth proverbial nail on the head. The financial limits imposed on is global, pinging up on pro- The recent death of Prince Philip has once again unleashed a tide of national grovelling, prisoners are insane. I do not have anyone to call on the outside files each year to mark the mainly by the media, sucking up to the royal family as though they really matter in the 21st so my account has built a healthy balance, which I cannot use. I anniversary of what’s trend- century. My question is, what do they really do? fully understand that the free phone credit is not an entitlement, ing. Even the police social however, with other residents calling friends and family they have media sites are ‘high flying’ their income supplemented by the £5 that they have to spend. their achievements in ‘pub- “The only time you see a member of that family ‘working’ it involves shaking But due to my limited pin-credit I no longer receive the extra lic interest announcements’. hands, waving, and pulling bits of string in order to ‘open’ something, usually £5. Although I do not use it, where does it go? Just a thought. a plaque or statue.” Golden “Are they really in the public interest? Who The people who claim the family are ‘hard workers’ have obviously never done a day’s work in Miles Drake - HMP Rochester their lives. And as for the argument that they pull in tourists that make our country richer - In the March issue, Rachel Billington suggests that Purple Visits decides this and how what a load of nonsense, there are tourist destinations all around the world that have not a should be renamed ‘Golden Visits’. My question is, should we much consideration royal in sight. People holiday in the UK for a lot of good reasons - the history, architecture, then refer to a group of residents being escorted to said visits as goes into deciding what and beauty spots - but I’d guess that if you were to ask a selection then ‘seeing the Queen’ a ‘Golden Shower’? would not be high on their list of things to do in the UK. is ‘interest’ and what is Sick of the nonsense ‘gossip’?” As a lifelong republican I would be interested to hear from any royal lovers with serious argu- ments of why, in this day and age, we are still bowing and scraping to a family who are no Kam Dhaliwal - HMP Sudbury Given that this is a perma- more ‘special’ than you or me? And what actual work do they do? I’m getting fed up with those who do not want the Covid vaccine, nent sentence, to be tagged so I’ve had a thought - why not set up a database recording the forever more and long after details of those who have refused. In my opinion they are usually death, with something that What must I do? Prosocial, or ignorant, uneducated conspiracy theorists. The reason for the may have been a devastating database could be so that if they catch the virus further down Louis B - HMP Swaleside result, completely out of the line then the NHS will be able to refuse them treatment. character due to a set of cir- bullying? Statistically these people are most likely to be on state benefits, I write to you in the hope that you will pub- cumstances, how can any- more likely to end up in prison, so think of the millions of lish this plea for help. Unfortunately, in Jan- Name supplied - HMP Whatton one ever be rehabilitated pounds that could be saved by the DWP, the Prison Service and uary of this year my gran passed away. She carrying such a tag which is NHS, and let’s face it, we would be a better society without these was like a second mum to me, and it hit me As someone who used to work in the legal easily accessible by people. I am absolutely sick of hearing the absolute nonsense like a ton of bricks. I put a brave face on for sector, I feel it is my inherent duty to speak would-be employers? from these stupid people and, incidentally, David Icke is their god three months, becoming even more de- out for all my fellow prisoners and detainees on an urgent and prominent matter. and he used to be a footballer, it has been proved that repeated pressed as the days went by. Until, eventu- The reports are never bal- heading of the ball causes brain damage. I rest my case. ally, I decided I needed to seek help. anced, of course, and rarely All creatures are entitled to and have a are good news stories of suc- human right to be treated with respect as di- Price gone up A referral was then made to the mental cessful turnarounds equally rected by the Human Rights Act. Further- Hannah Willey - HMP Guernsey health team for bereavement counselling. publicly shared. I under- more, it is HMPPS mission statement that In response to the letter regarding the 9p price hike on 88vapes, stood that data protection The mental health team came to see me, and clearly instructs their warders of what is ex- I think you are quite lucky as here in Guernsey we have to pay laws provide the right to be I was told - ‘there’s not a lot we can do for pected of them. We all know of a few profi- £6 for a box! We have argued that this is an outrageous price, forgotten. How can we ob- you’. They stated that they are not doing one- cient and honourable prison officers, alas, but they will not lower it. Also, we are only allowed to buy four serve this right if stories are to-one work. This is a lie. I know it’s a lie be- there are a very deal of lamentable, idle, ma- boxes each. so frivolously shared under cause I know of others here who are having licious ones. There are numerous examples the guise of public interest? one-to-one work. of such here at Whatton and they relish bul- Forced labour camps UK lying people. Name supplied - HMP Oakwood Given the huge advances in “All I was offered was a ‘distraction technology, is any official in I don’t see how this government can say anything about forced I believe that, by way of redress, a governor authority considering the pack’ of crosswords, sudoku, etc.” labour camps in China as this country does exactly the same should be appointed in every establishment thing. Prisoners in this country don’t even get minimum wage impact of such lasting re- with the role of ‘Respect Patron’. This person ports on the offender, the So, it begs the question, what have I got to would ensure that each and every day there for a day’s work, we are lucky if we are paid more than £2 a day. do to get the help I need? Cut myself? At- If you refuse to take part in the forced labour you are nicked families, the victims, and is a wing walkabout to ascertain how staff tempt suicide? Take an overdose? Or all of the and it is put on file, you lose privileges and sometimes end up also, if unable to rehabili- are treating residents. This should be a pro- above? It was hard enough as it is to admit I in segregation confined on your own without even a mattress. tate, the wider community? active daily commitment to ensuring a truly needed help, now I am being told that doing Every complaint the UK makes about China’s prisoners rings We should not be easily ex- prosocial ethos that promotes a genuine re- hollow as some of the same things are being done here. The empt of the need for infor- a puzzle will help me through the grieving habilitative culture. Ungar’s are forced to do indoctrination courses, courses are mation to be shared process. also forced on British prisoners. So, this country should stop proportionately and justifia- Residents must be treated in the exact same being so hypocritical and sort out its own problems first. This bly. I would be very inter- Let’s just hope that if anybody else loses a way that HMPPS expects us to treat every- country should shut up about the failings of other countries ested on readers views of loved-one they have plenty of crosswords, so body, both in custody and out. After all, while we still have IPP prisoners locked up with no end in sight. this. it saves the mental health team a trip. aren’t we supposed to all be equal? 10 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime June 2021

“A higher quality of life” travel will make electric cars more practical. Covid is sowing the seeds for part of such Money Thank you! change, with people working from home and laundering? staying local for most of the time. Reducing Not fit for purpose distant contact reduces viral spread, the ulti- T Jobling - HMP Full Sutton mate revival of small-town high streets J Yusuf - HMP Warren Hill where the majority of the population lives, I’m writing to express my I refer to the letter from ‘Adam’ of HMP Whatton in the April brings improvement all round. concerns about the new fi- issue titled ‘No right to complain’. Having read this, it certainly nance policy regarding pris- hits the point and resonates with many. The complaints system We are already seeing growth in small local oners money sent in and out is not fit for purpose despite previous Justice Secretary Chris producers of high street goods and food. and the use of and misuse of Government is also a beneficiary of improv- Grayling saying it would address issues prisoners faced. If accounts. ing shire economies, with more wealth and, complaints are not processed, allocated serial numbers, and thus, revenue generated, far less economic simply vanish into thin air, what are you supposed to do? At the If the Finance Department of support is required. Our climate change obli- other end of the system, you have promotion hungry CMs or the Prison Service cannot gations are met sooner and with little or no governors who equally think it is acceptable to threaten us with spot when an account has pain. sanctions/transfers, etc as their targets are skewed and out of been used for ‘money laun- sync. Is it not time that complaints in prison were overseen by dering’ or financing other Hydrogen has a future; it lends itself to low incriminating projects, then an external body to monitor outcome and success? The PPO loss storage (low pressure) and can provide surely they should be edu- leaves a lot to be desired. Having a complaint policy framework for peak energy demands such as heating cated, because I’m sure if document, and it being ‘complied with’, are two different things and power generation. The UK gas network that was the case, I would be in any event. © Deposit Photos will complete conversion to hydrogen com- able to spot a dodgy account patibility by around 2030. The latest boilers Electric cars are hydrogen compatible. Surplus wind, tide straight away. Gym is a godsend and solar power can now be converted to hy- Taffy Dan - HMP Littlehey Simon Porritt - HMP Whatton drogen production at about 65% efficiency, “Maybe they are just factoring in best storage and distribution not that bright, or their As a regular reader of your publication, I have read countless Thank you Paul Sullivan for the recent arti- overheads, overall boiler efficiency is about letters from prisoners who have really struggled with the cle, no doubt stimulating the debate, I’d like 52% (energy). abacus may be broken.” lockdown. Spending up to 23 hours per day in a cell and being to add a measure of future development com- confined to the same wing for over a year has massively taken mon sense. Hydrogen powered vehicles, so far, overall I had a direct debit order its toll on prisoners mental health. I have also had issues trying operate at about 23% energy efficiency (hy- coming in every week for the to keep my head in check. Now to the point of my letter. past 5 years and even after Recent electric cars, cradle to grave (including drogen production to power at wheels). Cur- During this time the one thing that had such a positive effect on putting in several apps to be recycling) can produce 50% less climate rently, with hydrogen, three times more primary me and others is the one single hour of gym we get every exempt from the new fi- change and pollution than comparable regular energy is needed to achieve the same milage. Wednesday morning outside on the AstroTurf. Come rain or nance policy, and explain- cars. That is, given green energy throughout. Thus, it has little appeal in terms of energy shine, or even heavy snow, the gym staff and orderlies have set Scandinavia already leads in this, and the ing the inconvenience to my efficiency. New battery technology may up weights for us. But one person has gone above and beyond, UK is playing catch-up. The grid has more change things. NASA and Honda are work- family outside, the governor can you please say a huge thank you to Big Stu G. Stu has run than sufficient capacity, given charging ing on a fluorine battery which promises has said - ‘it’s out of my circuits for us all through the winter, and I can honestly say he overnight, while the producers have ample much more capacity and near instant charg- hands’. He tried to get it left space capacity. The UK will have its own ing. The race is on to reduce the operating as it was as it is a help to me, has kept us sane, and we look forward to the beastings he gives Lithium supply, sufficient for the home mar- temperature further, currently 80c, this bat- but to no avail. Now prison- us every week! Thank you, Big Stu. ket, from a Cornish mine that has been tery has industrial applications already. ers will have to get Power of under development for the last two years. Attorney given to a family Officer saved my life member and then get a bank For those thinking about an electric car, here Martin Hostler - HMP Wakefield The biggest driver of climate change, pollution is some outline information - individual card and get money sent in and energy waste is excessive centralisation models may vary. through the card. I would like to say a big thank you to officer Mick Daffor who of production, distribution, and supply. We found me slumped on a chair with no response from me. He all witness the impact of congestion, long All electric models (e.g. - Nissan) - current If I want to send £300 out to then called for Healthcare, who responded very promptly and commutes, white van man, shortness of fam- range 180-300 miles. Home charge time family and grandchildren it then called for an ambulance. I was told by various staff that I ily time, declining high streets and limited 3kw (regular socket) 4 hours = 40 miles. has to be done in £50 instal- had died and was brought back to life and put into an induced ments, so, six times more public transport. There is no need for much 7kw (special socket) 2 hours = 40 miles. coma for 3 weeks. I was brought out of the coma and then over of the food from thousands of miles away. paperwork for the financial 2 weeks I recovered. The hospital did a blood test and told me I With adjustments we can produce all we need. Charging station - 40 minutes = 80% capacity. team, six times more post- was now clear of Covid. I was discharged back to prison where I Producing local, dramatically improves local Battery warranty - up to 8 years. Road tax - 0. age and a lot more work for was put on the hospital wing for 10 days to recover. Covid has economies, climate change, and reduces Congestion charge - 0. Servicing - none re- everyone. This is obviously many other problems. quired but annual check recommended. an idea concocted by affected me both mentally and physically to where I cannot pen-pushers. I don’t know hardly walk, my grip is weak, and I have uncontrolled shakes Individual components include higher qual- Hybrids - these come in a wide variety of ca- about running a finance de- and feel light-headed and dizzy. I would like to say thank you to ity of life, less travel, less congestion, and pability. All need careful checking against partment, I think they the officers who sat with me 24-hours a day. Covid has left me work stress. There is more family time and use patterns. Some may offer little improve- would have trouble running unable to sleep properly because I am paranoid that I might more disposable income. The reduction in ment to climate and cost. Good luck! a bath. not wake up. So, I say thank you everybody, this virus is real.

Important Parole Case Coming Up? Get Someone A dedicated team of human rights Who Gives a $@*#! solicitors acting for prisoners “I can’t believe how fortunate we were in choosing in claims for compensation and 99% of Clients happy with the Emmersons. You were amazing, I would recommend Contact us: outcome of their case Emmersons to anyone looking for an approachable and judicial review and with specific reliable ﬁrm of Solicitors.” expertise in: Leigh Day 52 John Street, 137A Back High Street, Gosforth, Priory House Nearly all clients achieved release or Sunderland SR1 1QN Newcastle NE3 4ET 25 St John’s Lane open conditions • All areas of discrimination London EC1M 4LB 0191 567 6667 0191 284 6989 • Access to healthcare We are experts in category A reviews Freephone • Deaths in custody [email protected] +44 (0)20 7650 1200 and independent adjudications 0800 193 0146 emmersons-solicitors.co.uk Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers and leighday.co.uk Legal Aid specialists. @LeighDay_Law Parole Hearings • Adjudications • Recalls • Category A Reviews EMAP Registered with Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers compensationfollowing food poisoning complications Mo was left with long-term complications following a bout of food poisoning in prison. Our lawyers secured him more than £12,000 in compensation.

Mo was fasting during Ramadan but was provided with food for after fasting hours in a flask by the prison. One evening, he was given a flask containing rice, chicken and lentils, which had gone cold. After eating the food he became ill later in the night and for the next 3 days, he suffered sudden onset diarrhoea and vomiting. There had been an outbreak of food poisoning amongst the prisoners who had been observing Ramadan due to the substandard food.

Afterwards, Mo developed post-infective irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the effects of which were permanent. He had to alter his diet by avoiding certain foods and take medication to control his symptoms. 1-2 years later, his symptoms had not resolved and he would occasionally suffer from abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhoea. After contacting Jefferies, we arranged for Mo to be assessed by an expert gastroenterologist who looked into his medical history and gave a prognosis. In the end, the case settled for £12,419 in August 2019.

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Self-harm in Newsbites prisons near record level Unis invite prisoners to study Four universities are inviting prisoners to start degree courses The lockdown year of 2020 from their cells this autumn. The institutions feature in the first was one of the worst years undergraduate prospectus published by DWRM, a consultancy ever for self-harm in prisons, launched last year to bring higher education into jails. Courses according to annual figures offered for the 2021/22 academic year are: from the Ministry of Justice. • BA(Hons) in business with management or marketing, with The rate of self-harm the University of Central Lancashire. incidents during the year • BA(Hons) or BMus(Hons) in music or music management with was 691 per 1,000 prisoners the London College of Creative Media. in England and Wales, the • BSc(Hons) in Maths with the University of Greenwich. second-worst on record. • Law and social sciences foundation year with the University An end to purposelessness? There were a total of 55,542 of Westminster. © Andy Aitchison incidents, of which 2,657 As well as publishing the guide, DWRM will advise would-be were serious enough to students on what to study and help them apply for tuition fee loans. * For a copy write to: DWRM Consultants, PO Box 6741, Warwick Regime reform will take three years require hospital attendance. CV34 9SF or freephone 0800 987 5953. The Prison Service has set out details of a three-year reform The all-time high was in 2019 Probation officers should only supervise 50 at once when there were 767 programme which could transform how prisoners spend their days. Probation officers should not supervise more than 50 people at incidents per 1,000 prison- once, a report by MPs has recommended. An inquiry by the The review of prison regimes will aim to learn space and staffing, this is likely to mean ers. Ministers have seized on Commons Justice Committee found that many staff currently lessons from the coronavirus lockdown, prisoners spending more time locked in their the 10% year-on-year have caseloads of more than 60, with some supervising over 70 following claims that keeping prisoners cells than they did before the pandemic struck. reduction as evidence that or even over 80. In their report on the future of probation, locked in their cells for most of the day eased lockdown conditions published in April, the MPs said: “It is clear from Inspectorate tensions and led to reductions in violence Details of the FRD and the three-year reform benefited some prisoners research that caseloads of more than 50 affect the quality of and self-harm in men’s jails. programme have been briefed to the POA and who welcomed having less work, and thus the ability of probation to meet the aims of to charity leaders, although there has been contact with others. rehabilitation and public protection.” The committee praised The work will be done in two stages. Over no public announcement. A joint statement extra spending on “through the gate” support for prison leavers in this summer, a project called Future Regime signed by POA leaders and senior HMPPS Figures revealed a sharply recent years. It welcomed a commitment by the Probation Service Design (FRD) will seek views on what officials in April said: “Though the work is at different pattern between to recruit 150 ex-offenders to work as mentors, and called for a changes should be made and define what an a very early stage, the POA national execu- male and female jails. timetable on how they would be recruited and deployed. improved regime will look like. As part of tive committee has made it clear to HMPPS Among male prisoners, there FRD, HM Prison and Probation Service that the POA believes we should not return to was a 13% year-on-year Prison has more illicit phones than prisoners (HMPPS) has launched an online survey for mass unlock and full association in prisons. decline in the rate of The number of illicit mobile phones seized at one prison exceeds staff to complete, asking how prisoners could HMPPS and the POA are committed to self-harm incidents. the number of prisoners it holds. Staff confiscated 653 phones make better use of their time. working together to develop safe and more However, among female from residents at HMP Kirkham over a 15-month period from purposeful regimes and recognise any prisoners there was a 13% the start of 2019 to March 2020. At the time the prison held 634 Following this, changes will be introduced benefits of a small group approach.” year-on-year increase to a men. The finding emerged in a Prison Service table showing the gradually in a three-year programme of new record high. Female number of phones seized at every jail in England and Wales. regime reform. The idea is that as coronavi- The Ministry of Justice says it has sought jails saw 11,988 self-harm Kirkham, an open prison in Lancashire, had among the highest rus restrictions are gradually eased, regimes prisoners’ opinions via surveys or “engagement incidents, an average of 3.6 totals despite being a smaller jail than others at the top of the will not return to their pre-Covid form but events” at some prisons, and with a session on per prisoner. list. Kirkham’s Independent Monitoring Board has said adopt the new look. Within the review, prison radio. Comments have been fed back residents find it “easy” to smuggle contraband into the jail after HMPPS will examine how it defines and to officials in charge of the consultation. When Commenting on the figures, going out to work on day release. Figures in the Prison Service measures purposeful activity, how services Inside Time asked Buckland in April whether Lyn Brown, Labour’s shadow Annual Digest covering the five years from 2015 to 2020 show can be tailored to individuals’ needs, and prisoners would be listened to, he replied: “I minister for prisons and that Forest Bank had the most phone seizures, with 2,408, what role new technology can play. think we need to go into this review in an probation, said: “This is followed by Altcourse with 2,189, then Kirkham with 1,743. open-minded spirit that actually does look at clear evidence that the Although Justice Secretary Robert Buckland things from the point of view of the prisoner. mental health toll on women Rise in IPP recalls during pandemic has said that the review will be carried out in I would expect, as part of that review, informed prisoners locked up 23 hours New official figures have highlighted the situation of prisoners an “open-minded spirit”, there have been discussion and that sense of life from the a day away from children still detained on Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) suggestions from many quarters - including viewpoint of the prisoner being part of it.” and families has been dire.” sentences, nine years after they were abolished. At the end of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), the March, there were 3,134 people being held on the sentences in Prison Governors’ Association, HMPPS top Questions being asked in the staff survey The annual Safety in Custody English and Welsh prisons - of whom 96 per cent had passed brass and Buckland himself - that the free include “What activities for prisoners do you figures from the MoJ, pub- their tariff, the minimum term which the judge said they must mixing of prisoners in traditional “associa- think we should ramp up first as we move lished in April, also showed serve. Statistics from the Ministry of Justice showed that during tion time” should be limited, and socialising through recovery?” and “In what ways could that prisons recorded 21,489 the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, from March 2020 to should be restricted to smaller “family” we help prisoners use their time in cell more assaults during 2020, a March 2021, the number of IPP prisoners who were still groups of residents. Given constraints on constructively?” reduction of 34 per cent on awaiting their first release fell from 2,039 to 1,784, a 13 per cent the previous 12 months. For fall. However, the number held on recall increased slightly from ELIZABETH WREAKES, PRISON LAW SPECIALIST the first time since 2008, the 1,328 to 1,350, a 2 per cent rise. In March this year there were OXLEY & COWARD SOLICITORS LLP rate of assaults was higher in 525 IPP prisoners who were still awaiting their initial release Elizabeth is renowned for her expertise and female jails than in male jails. despite being at least 10 years past their tariff. representation in Prison Law and her reputation in this eld is held in high esteem. She can assist you with any of the following areas: - A total of 408 prisoners died Lawyers criticise videolink hearings during the year to March, an • Parole Barristers from across the UK and Ireland have spoken out • Licence Recall increase from 287 in the against court hearings being held via videolink, saying they are • Adjudications previous 12 months. The rise “markedly inferior” to face-to-face hearings. The use of technolo- • Police Interviews in Prison was driven by coronavirus, gy to hold remand or pre-trial hearings without bringing prisoners • Category A Reviews while the number of self- to court has accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, as Crown • Categorisation & Appeals • Home Detention Curfew & Appeals inflicted deaths showed a Courts in England and Wales have struggled with a growing • Sentence Calculation slight reduction, from 82 to 79. backlog of criminal cases. However, the trend was criticised in a • Transfers joint statement from the Bar Councils of England and Wales, • Sentence Plan / Progression Frances Crook, chief execu- Northern Ireland, and Ireland, together with Scotland’s Faculty • Closed Visits / Banned Visitors / Contact • Licence Conditions tive of the Howard League of Advocates. The professional bodies said that virtual hearings Please call on 01709 510 999 or for Penal Reform, said the have “multiple and multi-faceted disadvantages” compared with you can write to: death figures revealed “the in-person proceedings. They added: “The universal sentiment Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP devastating impact of across the four bars is that remote hearings deliver a markedly 34/46 Moorgate Street Covid-19 on people living inferior experience. The diverse and complex needs of our clients Rotherham S60 2HB and working behind bars”. must be protected and their participation must be safeguarded.” Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Newsround 13

Looking Probation Newsbites Back... shake-up Lawns and trees reduce violence in jails through Inside Time Planting more lawns and trees in jails could reduce violence and self-harm among residents, a study has claimed. Researchers June 2013 The Probation Service used aerial photos to determine how much green space lies will undergo a major inside the walls of each prison, and compared their findings shake-up this month, with data on prison life. They concluded that increasing green with the merger of cover by 10 per cent can reduce prisoner-on-prisoner assaults by 6.6 per cent, prisoner-on-staff assaults by 3.2 per cent and Dying inside different organisations © Deposit Photos into a single national self-harm by 3.5 per cent. The study, involving more than 90 jails in England and Wales, was carried out by a team from the body. University of Birmingham and Utrecht University in The Hospices call for better Netherlands. Lead author Professor Dominique Moran told The From June 26, the 21 Independent: “These findings show that presence of green space care for dying prisoners regional Community in prisons reduces self-harm and violence. Nature contact is Homo respect Rehabilitation Companies known to be calming, reducing stress and tension, and this may “I am a homosexual prisoner Leaders of Britain’s hospices have said that (CRCs), which supervise be the reason why green space has these effects in prisons.” in a Scottish prison and I am prisons must do more to look after residents lower-risk people on really disheartened and angry in their last stage of life. probation, will cease to Prisoner overdosed after hospital visits cancelled at the way homophobic abuse exist. Their work will be A prisoner died from an overdose of illicitly-acquired painkillers after hospital appointments to deal with his chronic pain were gets dealt with by the Scottish A report by Hospice UK warned that a rise in the number of taken over by an expand- cancelled nine times. Imre Paul Thomas, 47, died after taking Prison Service. Over the past 4 elderly prisoners had led to a growing number of people ed National Probation tramadol and other medicines at HMP Garth in 2019. Following years of my sentence I have dying from natural causes in custody, bringing a need for Service (NPS), the body been in 3 establishments an inquest in Preston in April, coroner Nicholas Rheinberg specialist care. The report concluded: “This need for end of which already managed which all differ when dealing called for hospital consultants to hold clinics inside prisons, life care for imprisoned people is not being met.” higher-risk cases. with homophobic incidents. I saying this would reduce the number of cancelled appoint- Staff from the CRCs will ments. Thomas broke a bone in his hand in 2014 and it later have been the victim of The charity analysed Ombudsman’s reports into 95 cases transfer to the NPS. Some became infected, leading him to suffer increasing pain. In 2017 several homophobic incidents where people had died foreseeably from natural causes in prisoners and people a prison GP prescribed him dihydrocodeine but he continued which have included verbal, custody. It identified mistakes which were made repeatedly, under supervision in the to experience pain, and asked for help from a hospital consult- physical and mental abuse. ” including: community may experi- ant. Four of the nine cancellations were due to a shortage of Mailbag – HMP Glenochil • failure to apply for compassionate release which could let escorts, whilst two appointments were said to have been can- people die at home; ence a change to their celled by Thomas himself. Get IPP real • inappropriate use of restraints during hospital visits; probation officer or the “I’m sat here watching the • healthcare that was not equivalent to what the patient location of their probation Prisoner convicted of coughing House of Commons statement would have received in the community. office. on Reforming Rehabilitation, A prisoner who coughed in the face of a prison officer and said “I hope you get Covid” has been convicted in court of assault. given by Justice Secretary The report, called Dying Behind Bars, said: “As those The reform marks a The 41-year-old resident at HMP Nottingham was threatening Chris Grayling, and one of the supporting and championing high quality palliative and end Government U-turn on the to self-harm in protest at being in a double cell with a man he MPs in particular really needs of life care for all, we must take action to ensure this unac- 2013 decision by former did not want to share with last October. When officers cuffed to do a bit of research before ceptable state of affairs changes. A prison sentence is the Justice Secretary Chris him and led him back to the cell, he launched his cough attack. he comments. He stood up deprivation of an individual’s liberties, it is not a sentence to Grayling to split and The officer was sent for tests three days later, and it was con- and asked Mr Grayling why he poor health and social care.” part-privatise the had ‘abolished’ the IPP when firmed he had Covid. However, the prisoner who coughed was probation service. tested five times and never found to have Covid, suggesting it had the lowest reoffending Rini Jones, Policy and Advocacy Officer of Hospice UK and the that the officer caught the disease from a different source. The rates after release. We all know report’s author, added in an article for politics.co.uk: “As part prisoner pleaded guilty to assault at Mansfield Magistrates’ why the IPP has the lowest of my research into this problem, accounts I’ve heard include “Several inquiries Court and was remanded to be sentenced at the Crown Court, reoffending rates after release, people with dementia who didn’t know they were in prison have found that the to tie in with his sentencing on other matters. it’s because hardly any IPPs being locked in cells alone; widespread inappropriate use of have ever been released!!!” restraints, including frail, elderly people being cuffed to changes introduced ‘Think of kids before jailing parents’ Mailbag - HMP Peterborough hospital beds; and terminally ill people dying in their cells by Grayling were a while awaiting the outcomes of application for compassionate Judges should consider the needs of children before deciding Prison overcrowding release (with the pandemic halting the process for many). failure.” to send their parents to prison, according to an influential committee of MPs and peers. The Joint Committee on Human is illegal These examples, sadly, are all too common.” Rights published draft laws which would require any judge “A great many prisoners are The new organisation will considering handing down a custodial sentence to look at a forced to share cells illegally Examples of good care are also highlighted in the report, have 16,000 staff and pre-sentence report and consider the impact that parental in overcrowded British prisons. including praise for the Buddy Support Worker scheme supervise 223,000 people. imprisonment would have on any children. The measures would The Penitentiary Act 1799 sets operating in six English prisons, in which the charity Recoop A report last month by affect primary carers - often mothers, but also including single out those prisons must provide trains prisoners to support elderly or frail fellow residents. HM Inspectorate of fathers. The draft laws were tabled last month as amendments one prisoner per cell. Article 8 The report praised the “immensely valuable and compassion- Probation found the to the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill of the Human Rights Act 1998 ate support that Buddies provide to fellow incarcerated merger plans were on which is currently going through Parliament. Labour MP gives humans the right to a people with terminal and life-limiting conditions”. track. In a report in April, Harriet Harman, the Chair of the Committee, said: “A young private life where they are the Commons Justice child’s separation from its mother when she’s sent to prison sufficiently secluded from In some cases, prisons have arrangements to transfer dying Committee welcomed the risks lifelong damage to that crucial relationship. Yet, too often, people, to be alone and not prisoners to a local hospice so they can die away from the jail. reunification of probation the child is invisible in the court process. This must change.” watched, heard or disturbed Hospice UK surveyed hospices and identified 25 which as a single national by others.” provide care at a total of 34 English prisons, ranging from Mailbag - HMP ChannIngs offering advice to prison doctors and nurses, to accepting service but said the risons around globe count Covid cost Wood prisoners as residents. disruption of the past Prisoners around the world have borne the brunt of the seven years had damaged coronavirus pandemic, according to a major international Newsround The report, published in April, suggested that some hospices the service, and called for report. Of the 11 million people in prison around the world, “‘Transforming legal aid is had been reluctant to work with prisoners, either due to a commitment from the more than 500,000 have caught Covid-19 and almost 4,000 needed to boost public concerns among staff or because they feared a backlash from Government that the new have died with the disease. At the same time, measures to curb confidence’. Chris Grayling, the public. structure would remain in the spread of the virus in jails - including medical isolation of prisoners and bans on visits - have led to prisoners’ rights being Justice Secretary, speaking to place for decades, not violated and sparked a mental health crisis. The findings come the Law Society Gazette on In a foreword, Juliet Lyon CBE, chair of the Independent years. Monday 20 May 2013. During Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, and Ann Norman, justice from the campaign group Penal Reform International in its and forensic nursing professional lead at the Royal College of annual publication Global Prison Trends 2021. According to the the interview with the Gazette See next month’s Inside Nursing, welcomed what they called a “pivotal report” and report, “Prisons remain hotbeds for virus transmission. The the former TV producer Time for a full explanation wrote: “It is all too easy to see innovation in practice lost due pandemic has exposed the impact of overcrowding and offered no hard evidence that of the changes and how the public had lost confidence to funding restrictions or overly bureaucratic processes which under-resourcing of prisons in the gravest of terms - through they could affect you. in the legal aid system. ” can be better organised to meet people’s needs.” the loss of life.” 14 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 Forensic science failings ‘risk Prisoners banned from marrying outside jail newspaper quoted “a senior Tory source” miscarriages of justice’, say peers stating: “Mr Buckland is absolutely furious a governor thought this a sensible use of Members of the House of peer who chairs the Science in doing something more temporary release. This rule is in place to Lords have claimed that a and Technology Committee, about this is an underlying visit dying relatives, not to go on a jolly. lack of funding for forensic said: “The quality and problem and it reflects What next? Lags out for a round of golf? It is science risks creating delivery of forensic science extremely badly, in my view, not government policy to let drug traffickers miscarriages of justice. in England and Wales is on the Government.” out for weddings!” inadequate. We heard this The Government scrapped repeatedly in our inquiry.” And Conservative peer Lord “No entitlement” A Sun comment alongside the news report the state-owned Forensic Griffiths of Fforestfach said: © Deposit Photos said “Justice Secretary Robert Buckland must Science Service in 2012 and Labour peer Baroness Warwick “The quality of forensic tighten day release rules” - an instruction he police forces now do their of Undercliffe said the 2019 science is not at present fit Rules on prisoners’ weddings have been appeared to have followed within a fortnight. own analysis or contract it report showed the service for purpose nor up to our tightened after Justice Secretary Robert out to private labs. A report was “a shambles”, with poor traditional reputation.” Buckland QC was said to be “absolutely The bridegroom at the wedding was reported by the Lords Science and quality work and a lack of furious” that a man was allowed out of a to have been escorted by two prison officers. Technology Committee in 2019 high-level leadership. She Responding for the closed prison to get married. The Sun claimed that taxpayers had picked found that too little research said: “If resources are not Government, Home Office up the bill - but if so this went against the was being carried out, while put into the development of minister Baroness Williams From April, Category C prisoners who wish to rules, set out in PSI 14/2016, which state: Legal Aid cuts meant new forensic science, there of Trafford said ministers marry will normally be required to do so inside “Prisoners and their partners are expected to defendants could not always will be more miscarriages of had invested more than £50 their prison, rather than being allowed out. pay any costs associated with the marriage/ hire their own experts to justice and unnecessarily million over the past two Under the previous rules, men in Categories A civil partnership. If the ceremony/registration challenge forensic evidence. unsolved crimes.” years in strengthening police and B could only marry in jail but those in is to take place outside the establishment the forensic services, including Categories C and D could attend outside prisoner will be required to pay for the cost of In a Lords debate in April, peers Lord Winston, the TV doctor digital forensics. ceremonies. transport and any escort to the place where from all parties complained and Labour peer, said: “It is the registration will take place.” that the Government had obvious that major deficien- She added: “This country The change in the rules came two weeks after failed to act on the report’s cies have left some cruel has some of the world’s best The Sun reported that a 27-year-old man who Under human rights law, prisoners are entitled recommendations. results and great distress - or forensic scientists ... Every was a few months into a six-year sentence for to marry, but this right can be satisfied with a even worse - for a number of day, their expertise is drug trafficking had been allowed out on day wedding inside prison grounds - there is no Lord Patel, a former hospital people, often entirely deployed to solve crime and release from Humber, a Category C prison, to entitlement to an outside ceremony. consultant and cross bench innocent citizens. The delay deliver justice.” marry at a Registry Office 30 miles away. The Coronavirus: Prison Timeline ‘Prisons can manipulate MDTs’ April 15 April 19 A former HM Chief Inspector Speaking in a parliamentary Key date in the UK’s vaccination Prisoners describe their loneliness and frustration during the of Prisons has criticised debate in April, Lord campaign, as all over-50s and random drug testing in jails, Ramsbotham said: “When I at-risk groups have now been long months of lockdown. Eight men at one unnamed Scottish claiming governors can was Chief Inspector, I once offered a first dose. Official jail exchanged letters with researchers at the University of manipulate the system to went into a cell and noticed figures show take-up among Dundee. All spent most of their time locked in their single cells achieve the results they want. some certificates on the wall. over-50s in the community is On asking the prisoner what 94 per cent, whereas in pris- as part of efforts to curb the spread of the virus. One wrote: “It Lord Ramsbotham said he they were for, I was told that ons only 85 per cent of those is very lonely and boring, reading and television … Prisoners are had observed cases of they were for testing drug- eligible have had the jab. The residents who were known to free, which it was known he stressed and some have smashed cells and caused trouble. difference is thought to be be drug-free being deliber- was, and that if I came back due to more prisoners declin- Most are accepting but there is a tense atmosphere.” Writing in ately selected for testing, so the next month, there would ing to be immunised; a survey the British Journal of Criminology, the authors commented: as to make it appear that the Lord Ramsbotham: be another one. by EP:IC Consultants pointed scale of the problem was less “[MDT’s] Have always been “The pre-lockdown regime and associated routine was some- to high rates of vaccine refus- than it actually was. capable of manipulation.” “Another time, I went into a al among people in custody. thing that a number of participants wanted to get back to.” prison where there were Under current rules, prisons alleged to be no drug users, May 7 Prison Service headquarters April 30 in England and Wales are and used to assess the scale which I simply did not believe. With the Government still required to carry out random I found that the prison made a A solicitor claims on social media that because of Covid publishing no regular data on of the problem at each restrictions, his client on remand at Wandsworth was left “mandatory drug tests” each establishment. Separately, practice of testing only the progress of the vaccination month on between 5 per cent vulnerable prisoners, who without clean underwear for 11 weeks. Edward Jones of individuals who are thought campaign in prisons, figures and 10 per cent of their were notoriously drug-free. I Hodge, Jones & Allen Solicitors tells the prison via Twitter: leaked to Inside Time show to be using drugs can be told residents. The results, as to to take suspicion-based ordered an immediate test of “He says there are restrictions on laundry facilities, his family that 35 per cent of prisoners what proportion test the whole prison, which found can’t send him clean clothes due to Covid restrictions, and in England and Wales have tests, which do not count positive, are collected by towards the jail’s score. that 47 per cent were users.” when I asked at the visits desk about the possibility of bring- now had their first dose - still ing them into the prison I was told that this wasn’t possible, a long way behind the rate of again due to Covid.” A Prison Service spokesman responded: 65 per cent in the community. “Whilst HMP Wandsworth has paused the delivery of pris- The main reason for the dif- oners’ own clothes in line with COVID-19 restrictions, no ference is that vaccination is BARTFIELDS prisoner would have been without clean, prison-issued being done in priority groups by age, and a large proportion FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS clothing or underwear for 11 weeks.” of prisoners are young adults. We take pride in providing a CONFISCATION PROCEEDINGS UNDER POCA! May 14 May 12 full range of Bartfields have considerable UK wide experience of Official monthly figures show Prisoners around the world have borne the brunt of the coro- analysing and revising prosecution benefit calculations Criminal and Prison Law within tight deadlines. (Legal aid available) a welcome drop in the num- navirus pandemic, according to the annual Global Prison Trends Free prison visit for all pre-confiscation hearing cases ber of prisoners dying with 2021 report. Of 11 million people in prison, more than 500,000 Services. Recent Cases: Prosecution Benefit Bartfields Benefit Covid-19. Only three prison- have caught Covid-19 and almost 4,000 have died. According to FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT Mr M £190,000 £52,500 ers in England and Wales died the report, “Prisons remain hotbeds for virus transmission … The Mr H £667,000 £67,000 with the virus in April, com- pandemic has exposed the impact of overcrowding and under- Mrs D £271,000 £45,000 Hannah Rumgay Mr R £1,280,000 £134,000 pared with 24 in March and a resourcing of prisons in the gravest of terms - through the loss Mr O £378,000 £16,000 record 32 in February. There of life.” Countries around the world have introduced measures Prison Law Solicitor Contact Elisabeth Scott or Emma Whitaker on 0333 222 4445 (option 3) were only 150 confirmed new to combat the virus in jails including medical isolation of pris- Tates, 12 Park Place, Leeds LS1 2RU Bartfields Forensic Accountants cases among prisoners in oners and bans on visits. The report says: “The prevention of St Paul’s House,23 Park Square,Leeds,LS1 2ND April, a drop of 91% on the Covid-19 outbreaks in many prisons came at a cost to human info@bartfieldsforensic.co.uk 0113 242 2290 www.bartfieldsforensic.co.uk previous month’s total. rights. Many rights have been violated under severe restrictions.” Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Newsround 15 Double Discharge grant to rise to £76 World Prison News The discharge grant handed in cash to You’re morons, judge tells podding! prison leavers is to increase from £46 to £76, prison bosses Many prisoners have been on following a 26-year freeze. the receiving end of blunt Continued from front page remarks from judges during The move was announced by Justice Secretary Robert sentencing. But now prison Buckland QC, who said it would bring the payment into line The MoJ spokesperson said it bosses have found out how it with the rise in cost of living since it was last fixed in 1995. had not yet been decided if feels to be insulted from the The increase will take effect “this summer”, although a the Rapid Deployment Cells bench. A senior New York precise date has not been set. For the next three years there would be singles or doubles. judge told a court hearing that will be annual uplifts to ensure the grant keeps pace with If they are doubles, then by two jails in the city are “run inflation. next year there could be 2,000 “Any requests?” by morons”. Speaking at the portable cells in total, holding Credit: TMZ sentencing of a woman for up to 3,500 prisoners. Buckland said the extra money would help meet ex-prisoners’ Justin Bieber plays prison gig drug dealing, Judge Colleen immediate needs and discourage them from returning to Singer Justin Bieber dropped in at a maximum-security prison McMahon continued: “There Prisoner numbers are expected crime. where he performed for residents and learned about rehabili- is no continuity, there is no to surge over the next few tation programmes. The 27-year-old Canadian star, who had his leadership, there is no ability years as courts recover from The announcement was made at an event hosted by the first platinum single at the age of 15, sang three or four songs to to get anything done. They the coronavirus pandemic, rehabilitation charity Nacro. It was immediately welcomed by around a dozen prisoners flanked by guards at California State lurch from crisis to crisis … It extra police officers make the charity’s chief executive, Campbell Robb, who said it “will Prison in Los Angeles County. The set included Lonely, his bal- is the finding of this Court more arrests, and the effects make a very significant difference to people’s lives”. lad about his struggle to cope with early fame. Bieber, who has that the conditions to which of longer sentences start to be spoken about how he became addicted to prescription pills she was subjected are as dis- felt. MoJ forecasts last year In addition to increasing the discharge grant, Buckland said and cannabis at 13, was accompanied on the visit by his wife gusting, inhuman as anything show the prison population he was considering wider issues “including the extent to Hilary, a model, and by his pastor Judah Smith. The singer met I’ve heard about any increasing by around 20,000 which this one-off payment should remain in its current prisoners involved with The Urban Ministry Institute, a Colombian prison, but more over the next five years. The form”. He said he was exploring “the potential link to Christian organisation, as well as the Paws for Life K9 Rescue so because we’re supposed to Government is spending £4 prisoner earnings” and trying to get quicker access for programme, in which prisoners train dogs to become service be better than that.” The billion building 18,000 extra ex-prisoners to Universal Credit. animals for military veterans. After conversations with resi- comments, at Manhattan places, but with sites not yet dents, Bieber pledged to provide buses to transport their family federal court hearing, were confirmed for several of the When he announced last July that he was reviewing the level members to the jail for visits, after visitation was suspended directed at the chiefs of the new jails there are doubts of the discharge grant, with a view to setting it at a more during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the visit in March, Metropolitan Correctional over whether their construc- realistic level, Buckland said: “I want to do something Bieber said: “It was a life-changing experience that I will never Center in Manhattan and the tion will be completed in time. different in this space rather than just index-link the figure. I forget. It was such an honour listening to their stories and see- Metropolitan Detention think if I index-linked it, it would come up to £72, so that ing how strong their faith is.” Center in Brooklyn. Antonia Romeo, Permanent doesn’t actually solve the fundamental issue.” Secretary at the MoJ, told a The kids are alright 20-metre tunnel falls just short Parliamentary committee the During the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of prisoners A controversial research study from America has A detainee dug an escape tunnel 20 metres Rapid Deployment Cells would allowed out under Covid early release schemes were given suggested that children can benefit from a long - but fell just short of freedom. The tun- be a “game changer” in ensur- one-off payments at a higher rate of £80, whilst those leaving parent being sent to prison. Using 30 years of nel began in a room at Yongah Hill ing there were enough places. prison on their normal release dates continued to receive £46. data from the state of Ohio, the authors com- Immigration Detention Centre in Western pared children whose parents were jailed with Australia, its entrance hidden beneath a chest children whose parents were convicted of sim- of drawers. Running three metres below ilar crimes but not given custodial sentences. ground, it extended away from the building The children whose parents were jailed were and below two inner fences. Another five less likely to end up in prison themselves, and metres would have taken it beyond the perim- were more likely to live in wealthier neigh- bourhoods when they grew up. Writing in the eter fence, enabling a breakout. However, CRIMINAL DEFENCE, APPEALS & REVIEW AND PRISON LAW SPECIALISTS American Economic Review, the authors state: guards discovered the operation last month Has the justice system let you down? “Parental incarceration has beneficial effects before anyone could get away, and have referred the matter to Australian Federal Why not contact our friendly team for free and friendly advice? on some important outcomes for children.” Possible explanations could be that having a Police. Reports suggested that an unnamed parent sent to prison scares a child into avoiding Polish detainee had spent five months on the • APPEALS AGAINST CONVICTION a life of crime, or that removing a bad influence escape plan, using improvised tools including from the home allows those left behind to parts of a fridge and a wooden drawer, in the • APPEALS AGAINST SENTENCE thrive. In a study published last year, the same light of a mobile phone or candles. It was not • APPEALS AGAINST IPP SENTENCE authors calculated that imprisonment saves clear whether he had help or was working 1,800 lives a year in the US, because people alone. The centre holds around 320 detainees. • PAROLE BOARD REPRESENTATION with criminal convictions were less likely to die While there have been several escapes over its from homicide, overdose or natural causes (ORAL & PAPER HEARINGS) fence, this was the first reported tunnelling while in prison than they would be if living in attempt. • INDEPENDENT ADJUDICATION the community.

• SENTENCE CALCULATION Prisoner is sent 7,000 books • RE-CATEGORISATION (PRIVATE) When a political prisoner wrote to his wife asking for books to be sent to him at his jail in Iran, he was overwhelmed by the response. She posted the appeal on Twitter, and it was picked up in • JUDICIAL REVIEW news reports. Within days, 7,000 books had been posted to Mohammad Sharifi Moghadami at Great Tehran Penitentiary. In his letter, Moghadami explained that reading was a pleasure in pris- • MAGISTRATE/CROWN on due to the amount of free time and the absence of other distractions. He wrote: “The beauty COURT REPRESENTATION of the pages of a novel becomes more enjoyable for the prisoner … Books break the concrete-iron prison environment.” He specifically asked for works of fiction, pointing out that the • CONFISCATION CASES prison library - known as the “cultural room” - mostly offered religious books and official memoirs of the country’s war heroes, which were not popular reading material for residents. He NATIONWIDE SERVICE claimed it was easier to get hold of drugs than books. Radio Free Europe, the US-based media For an immediate advice and representation, please contact outlet which reported the story, said the works donated in April - which include novels, poetry, Anita or Jo on: 02074697010 or 02086914464 and history books - would be available to the 15,000 residents at the jail. Moghadami’s wife, Faezeh Adibpour, said she thought the public had responded to the appeal as a form of protest or write to against state repression. She said: “I think this created a safe space for people to help political GANS & CO. SOLICITORS LLP prisoners and to express solidarity.” Moghadami is a dervish - a member of a religious order who 214 - 216 Rye Lane, London SE15 4NL have taken vows of poverty and austerity. He is serving a seven-year sentence on charges includ- OFFICE ALSO AT DEPTFORD ing “spreading propaganda” following violent clashes between his community and the Iranian security forces in 2018. 16 Newsround // Local www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 Prisons: The good, the bad and the ugly

Ranby officer wins North Not quite a slap up, but getting there Midlands Changing Lives Award The North Midlands Prisons are a group which consists of Ranby, Nottingham, Stocken and Sudbury. Each year staff and prisoners nominate those who they feel are exceptional individuals. One of We all count the categories is ‘Changing New clothes at Downview Lives’ nominated by the pris- A lot of people in prison think they are totally LGBT Origami oners. This year Ranby’s Of- forgotten but there are actually a multitude of All around the prison estate men have been ficer H won the award. organisations and even individuals who are discovering hidden skills. This is a piece of ori- doing their bit to help. This bundle of brand- Image credit - Serco - credit Image Nominees said that H is re- gami made by a Moorland man to celebrate new clothing (above) was donated and paid nowned for helping and sup- Better food at Serco prisons LGBT diversity. How did he get such fine work for by staff at a local M&S store and given to porting the men and always Serco have announced that the prisons they run (Ashfield, with just paper? Downview for their ladies. Doncaster, Dovegate, Kilmarnock, Lowdham Grange and going the extra mile; he gen- Thameside) have changed their food suppliers to the Ministry uinely believes he can help Whitemoor investigation of Justice (MoJ) main supplier Bidfood UK. They say that this will and support the men, to bet- improve food supply and offer safer allergen control and spe- ter themselves and live better leads to worker’s arrest cial diets. lives. A member of Whitemoor’s staff has been arrested after Confusion over High Down trying to smuggle contraband Cat change into the prison. During the Five years after High Down Covid lockdown an operation had been told it would led by the Eastern Region change to a ‘C Cat’, and with Special Operations Unit’s the majority of the prisoners Prisons Intelligence Unit in that category, the prison found a number of ways has now been told it will re- items could be smuggled in, main a category B local including by people working prison. It still does not have in the prison. Their actions full-time activity or Offending Behaviour Programmes Warren Hill artists show their talent resulted in the arrest of the needed by its ‘C Cat’ popula- Two more great pieces of art from the men at Warren Hill man on suspicion of miscon- tion. Commenting on the de- (above). Demonstrating, once again, the high level of talent duct in a public office and cision, HM Chief Inspector of within our prisons. offences under the Offender Prisons, Charlie Taylor, said: Management Act. “It is a serious indictment of HMPPS leadership that the governor and her team Feltham beekeepers in action should have been asked to Always willing to help, the beekeepers from Feltham swung spend so much of the pan- into action to remove a swarm of bees (above) that landed demic distracted by a change on someone’s fence near the prison. They were safely in function which was ulti- removed and now live alongside the Feltham colony. mately suspended.”

Prisoner declined stay in “dirty” healthcare unit A prison has been told to Prison Law Experts / Legal 500 Recommendation clean up its inpatient unit after its Head of Healthcare Nationwide Coverage - in-house video link facilities available admitted she was concerned about its state. An investiga- Picture credit - WMHR tion into the death of Alvin Specialist advice on Hedgehogs enter custody Black at HMP Whitemoor in In March, two Swinfen Hall staff (CM Stuart Edwards and November 2019 found that he died in his cell from a parole reviews police interviews Officer Henzie Miller) paid a visit to the West Midlands blood clot on his lungs. He Hedgehog Rescue (WMHR) run by a wonderful lady called Joan recalls had undergone surgery four criminal appeals Lockley (above). She showed them round her house which she days earlier and had been ad- extradition adjudications has turned into a centre for helping and caring for disabled and vised to stay in the healthcare orphaned hedgehogs. It was sobering to think that they can unit for observation but re- criminal defence con scation & come to harm and suffer. Joan said that in the summer months fused, apparently because the she can be looking after up to 600 hedgehogs. There are no last time he was there he had proceeds of crime national or government funded schemes to support individuals seen excrement smeared on like Joan so they rely on donations. CM Edwards was tasked by the walls. A report by the Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers Governor Ian West to help and assist in any way possible, and Prisons and Probation Om- in March the prison accepted its first rehabilitated hedgehog. A budsman stated: “If Mr Black house and kitchen were built and he has his own garden oppo- had gone to the inpatient unit Contact our Prison Law Department when he returned from hos- site the grounds department. The response from staff has been pital, he would have been positive and it finally feels as if something is being given back to monitored more closely by 01904 431421 nature. healthcare staff.” According to The plan going forward is to help Joan further by rehabilitating the report, published in April, [email protected] more hedgehogs and working towards erecting sheds so that “Healthcare staff considered Howard and Byrne the men can help look after them and release them back into that the standards fell below the countryside. what was expected in an NHS Chestnut Court, 148 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3EB For more information about WMHR go to: www.wmhr.org.uk/ service.” Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Newsround // Local 17

MoJ reject arts centre for Bad news for Greenock IMB Watch Reading Gaol Greenock is 110 years old and The bid by Reading Borough has been allowed to decay Council to buy the old into what has been described Dartmoor Reading Gaol for £2.6million as a ‘dilapidated’ condition, so The Board say: “The to turn it into an arts centre much so that forty cells have continued uncertainty as and affordable housing has had to be taken out of service to the future of the prison is been rejected by the Ministry after being declared unfit for having a real impact. Lack of Justice who say they wer- human habitation. For years of capital spending on the en’t offering enough money. the Scottish Prison Service has infrastructure is affecting Councillor Jason Brock, Reading been planning a replacement the quality of life in the Borough Council Leader, said: and has spent £8million on a Reverend royalty visits Peterborough prison. The uncertainty Fitness returns to Brixton “This bid may have had the proposed site for the new The Brixton PE staff have been ramping up the The Rev. Richard Coles (above left ) visited Pe- over the future of the Council’s name on it, but it prison. Now plans for the terborough last month and met up with the prison is affecting staff exercise and been out on the exercise yard in was submitted for the Reading new prison have been all-weather (above) giving men advice on their multi-faith chaplain to get an insight into what morale. Urgent considera- community who have shelved until at least 2026. happens inside the prison. During his tour he tion needs to be given to fitness regime. The men have stood up to the demonstrated huge enthusiasm challenge and have been doing bodyweight met with staff and prisoners and was keen to making sure that the prison and passion to transform exercise, battling it out on the bikes and row- know what support was offered to residents continues to be fit for Reading Gaol into something ing machines and doing bleep tests. The in- throughout the pandemic. Impressed about purpose until its planned truly special. Our job was to door gym space has been prepared to be what he saw, he described the women’s section closure in 2023, and that harness the strength of that opened so the men will have more variety and as “a progressive and positive environment.” prisoners are treated local community support and help the prison to begin to return to normal. Coles was a member of the pop group the equally alongside others in create a unique beacon, not Communards in the 80’s and later trained and just for Reading, but as a site the prison estate.” became the vicar in Finedon. He is a co-host

of national significance.” The Photo credit: Serco of BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live programme. Berwyn attack man jailed MoJ countered: “Following Grendon New mail scanning machine A man who threw urine and faeces over discussions with the Council, In their latest report the Lowdham Grange have in- It’s a snip for Peterborough three staff at Berwyn has been jailed. The the prison will be put back on IMB say: “With residents stalled a ‘RapidScanTM’ scan- Peterborough were proud to announce, last staff concerned had had to visit hospital for the property market. Any sale spending up to 22 hours in ner to scan all incoming post month, the resumption of their ‘Hair for tetanus injections. Rachael Wood, defend- will seek the best value for their cells during the pan- and parcels for illicit items Homeless’ service. Local homeless people can ing, told the court: “There’s nothing I can taxpayers and be reinvested demic, the shortcomings (above). Anyone who is iden- get a free haircut at the Outside Links Centre. say about the circumstances which will into the justice system, while of the ageing system were tified as the source of any- They say having a decent haircut can really lift assist the defendant. They were deeply ensuring planning requirements exposed.” They did a ques- thing found is referred to the spirits and it is great to support the local unpleasant and very serious.” for the historic site are met.” tionnaire on the subject police for possible prosecution. homeless people. with men describing the system and the requirement Toughest prisons revealed in table of staff stress leave to use potties, which they HMP Manchester has been revealed as the toughest jail to say has increased despite a work in, according to a Prison Service table of how many staff smaller population, as ‘de- at establishments have signed off work with stress. Over five grading’, ‘disgusting’ and years, from 2015 to 2020, Manchester saw 112 of its staff go off ‘dehumanising’. There were on leave with stress. Next highest was Berwyn, with 96. Men’s reports throughout the year local prisons, which have been seen as the biggest trou- of waste being thrown out ble-spots for violence and drugs in recent years, filled many of New way to send photos to of cell windows. How resi- the slots near the top of the table. By contrast, open prisons prisoners dents can dispose of waste Is this ‘Prison Food’? and women’s prisons tended to have fewer staff off with stress There is a Facebook group Prisoners will be able to matter and then clean - even accounting for the smaller size of the establishments. their cell pot was not a named ‘Rate My Plate’. A lady receive photos sent electroni- The lowest rates of stress leave were at Askham Grange and part of the questionnaire Prison in the pink posted a photo of her plate of cally by their families and East Sutton Park, both women’s open prisons, where fewer but is an unresolved de- breakfast which consisted of friends using new technology than three staff went off with stress over the five-year period. cency and hygiene issue. Prison praised for letting a dollop of scrambled egg, being trialled at one private residents choose cell wall two pieces of unidentifiable prison. Users of the PixNow meat slices and a dollop of Hollesley Bay colour service at HMP Lowdham brown stuff (above). She got “The Board considers the A prison has been praised for Grange will upload pictures 11,000 comments, mostly prison to be a safe place online (above), paying £1 per allowing residents to choose negative, and her meal was for the vast majority of what colour their cell walls image. They will print out at a prisoners and staff. To our dubbed ‘Prison Food’. What are painted. After a visit to dedicated kiosk in the mail knowledge, there has been do you think? CRIMINAL LAW Peterborough Women’s jail, room, and the prisoner will no official serious incident Charlie Taylor, HM Chief In- receive them as high-quality Conspiracies Robbery in the past six years. “I’m a spector of Prisons, wrote: 4in-by-6in colour prints. Gang offences Murder Prisoners are treated fairly, winner” Manslaughter Fraud “Women were able to per- Lowdham Grange, operated humanely and consistently Drug offences POCA sonalise their cells, which by Serco, will be the first UK and there is a culture prison to offer the service, they appreciated, and many within the prison that after it was pioneered at a jail PRISON LAW we saw were painted in bright encourages dignity and in New York. The Photo colours, which women said Recall respect between staff, Booth Company, the private Parole made them feel more staff and prisoners, and supplier providing the Re-cat Apps/Appeals homely.” His report included It’s a fail for Barney prisoner to prisoner.” equipment, said it hoped Guittard Applications a photo of a cell with pink All didn’t go well for Bar- HDC Apps/Appeals other prisons would follow walls matched with pink cur- ney a trainee sniffer dog at Transfers Long Lartin suit. Many UK jails now Given the restrictions placed tains, bed linen and laundry Dovegate (above). The Sentence Calculation photocopy incoming mail Cat A Review on prisoners by COVID-19, bag. The Daily Mail reprinted Labrador was deemed too and issue residents with Pre-tariff review the Board believes that their the picture with the headline aggressive after biting his copies rather than the Independant Adjudications treatment by staff is largely “If Barbie did prison cells” and handler’s hand and sinking original version, as a security Lifer/IPP removal from open SOLICITORS fair and consistent. The conditions an article which began: “The his teeth into his stomach. measure to keep out drugs cells on four wings lack cm bijou dimensions and vivid The ten-month-old dog - meaning that photos may running water and sanita- www.rcmsolicitors.com décor suggest Barbie’s budget had arrived from a dog be received only as tion, falling below modern boudoir, but this is actually a rescue centre to be trained poor-quality photocopies. [email protected] standards of decency for jail cell.” When Downview al- Mark Hanson, Director of about half of all prisoners. as a drug detection dog. 07477511076 | 01422 381550 lowed prisoners to choose Lowdham Grange, said: “First The Board believes that He has now been found a the colour of their cell walls in indications are that this will action on this by the new home with an experi- 2017, The Sun called it an become a very popular government is long overdue. enced owner. “outrage”. service.” 18 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

One of the strangest is Lali- bela in the Ethiopian High- lands. Eleven churches stand Walking for faith in a vast pit, their roofs open to the sky but their bodies carved from stone, each one ‘It is the journey that matters not the arrival’ different, with arabesque windows, Greek pillars or delicate wall paintings, each one Month by Month dedicated to a different saint in the Orthodox Christian church. Steep steps lead the in the late fourteenth century. ago with a group of student visitors downwards to caves The language is not easy for a friends. We wore the conch and grottoes and under- modern reader but even so shell round our neck, the sign Kumbh Mela, the largest festival in the World

Rachel Billington ground tunnels so that they © Deposit Photos the twenty-four stories told by of St James, and were excited can decide which church to the pilgrims as they wend to meet other travellers after visit. Some choose to stay their ribald way to Canter- what was a mostly solitary Japan, although a mere 430 Belief of this sort is very unu- above ground and worship at Pilgrimage is a word from the bury Cathedral give a vibrant journey. Now, 300,000 go are inhabited. The temples sual now and generally the Greek cross engraved on past. Or is it? Before Covid picture of something between there every year. form a circular pilgrim way thought ridiculous, which the roof of Bete Giyorgis (The brought the curtain down, a package holiday and a where Shintoism and Bud- makes the increase in visits to House of St. George). There there had been a huge surge church outing. Probably the dhism live respectfully to- the places I’ve described and The routes vary but the long- was a King Lalibela but no- in people going on journeys, Wife of Bath gets top points gether. Their history dates many, many more all the est starts in France and is body really knows how or often on foot, to destinations for drama; she also reveals back 1,200 years, founded in more interesting. In the UK 1,200 kilometres long. A friend when these buildings ap- which would have previously that, over the years, she has 774 by Kobo Daishi, or Great alone there are enough his- peared - somewhere between been only taken by self-de- Teacher. The site has become toric destinations to keep the the 7th and 13th century scribed ‘pilgrims’. Peter Stan- more and more popular re- British Pilgrimage Trust web- maybe. Bets on the builders ford, journalist, author and cently and even some foreign- site fully stocked with won- generally favour the angels. Director of the Longford ers, or ‘gaijin henro’, have derful historic sites like Trust, has just published a been leaving the wonders of Walsingham (another Marian book called, ‘Pilgrimage’, At the opposite geographical spectrum is the Hindu festi- monasteries, ryokans and site) which was visited by sub-titled, ‘Journeys of Mean- volcanoes to make their way every English king from Ed- ing’. He refutes the argument val of Kumbh Mela held at three places along the sacred here. It is on my personal list ward I to Henry VIII. Rather that it is merely a new kind of of places I’d like to visit. sadly, since the reformation, tourism and suggests that River Ganges in India. The most holy is Prayag (meaning Anglican and Catholics have these journeys, to places of In European countries the separate sites but on a recent historic and religious impor- Place of Sacrifice) in Uttar Pradesh where the Ganges Marian shrines may not be radio programme Peter de- tance, are taken by people ancient but they are still ever scribed the mile long walk seeking a deeper meaning in meets two other rivers. As- semblies are in a 12 year cycle very popular. Lourdes is the into Walsingham in terms their life - which includes the most famous because of the that put that on my list too. health effect of daily and in 2019, 120 million pil- Santiago de Compostela 67 miracles performed there walking. grims made the journey. Per- haps this vast number is not and those are only the ones Others may prefer to walk of mine walked a stretch each authenticated by the Vatican from St. Ives to Penzance at At this point, my readers en- travelled to Jerusalem, Rome quite so surprising when, as after lengthy scientific inves- the very South-West of Eng- closed behind high walls may and Cologne - the last to see year and found the experience Peter points out, Hindus tigation by the Lourdes Med- land on St. Michael’s Way, wonder what on earth it has the remains of The Three so uplifting that when he had make up 15% of the world’s ical Bureau. It all started in going coast to coast on a sa- to do with them. But perhaps Kings who visited the baby finished, he went back to work population. The event in- 1858 when the Virgin Mary cred and very beautiful jour- the enjoyment in virtual Jesus at Bethlehem. in the hostels that have lined cludes holy rituals such as appeared to a young peasant ney through the land of saints travel in the imagination is the way since medieval times. washing in the holy waters, and giants, stones, miracles even greater for those behind Peter’s book describes and In 2010 a film called ‘The Way’ and wars. That is a relatively bars and even for those tells the history of twelve was a huge box office hit. Mar- One of the 88 short distance and the Pil- where, because of Covid replaces of pilgrimage round tin Sheen plays a doctor who temples on Shikoku grimage Trust is meticulous strictions, ‘foreign’ has be- the world, from India to Peru is suffering from the death of in reporting mileage, with come a foreign word. At any to Japan, from cathedrals to his son and finds the pilgrim- maps alongside. So you can rate, apart from the wind in caves, mountains, rivers and age helps him towards accept- choose St. Cuthbert’s Way, 62 our hair, and the blisters on islands. He starts with Santi- ance. Healing of mental and ago de Compostela, the burial miles from Melrose to Lindis- our feet, we can all make jour- spiritual ills is high among the place of St. James whose body farne, one of Scotland’s great neys in our mind and plan for reasons people now take to a more adventurous future. arrived in a boat washed up trails, following the saint the roads. on the shores of Galicia a cou- from hills to sea. Or if you The height of enthusiasm for ple of millenniums ago. The want to trek for even longer Last month, Mental Health such travel took place in me- mysteries that surround so there is the late Middle Ages dieval times. The most fa- much of the great pilgrim sto- Awareness Week took as its trail of 92 miles from Chester mous description of a ries serve to heighten the theme, Nature. A big subject, to Lichfield. pilgrimage in Western litera- emotional awe that have af- certainly, but one discussed ture is ‘The Canterbury Tales’ fect so many. I first journeyed more during lockdown than Whether you aim for a mon- written by Geoffrey Chaucer to Santiago nearly sixty years ever. This month, the Inside but it is also a glorious festi- girl, Bernadette Soubirous, 18 astery on an island or a cathe- Time star poem is from a man val where bejewelled ele- times. Mary left behind a dral in the middle of a city, or celebrating being able to start phants parade, along with spring where bathers soon even a faraway mountain or up his gardening job again. painted sacred cows, and came to cure their ills. Now river, the journey remains monks (sadhus) not only Every month we have poems there is an airport and the paramount. As many sages preach but demonstrate their about birds and trees and disabled are joined by those have pronounced in different spiritual prowess by walking clouds and animals, some- who want spiritual healing contexts over the centuries: on spikes or enduring ex- and many helpers, including ‘It is the journey that matters times only seen through a cell tremes of heat and cold. window, and yet meaningful quite a few of my friends. My not the arrival.’ to the writer. Pilgrims, walk- Moving from India to Japan, mother-in-law went once or ing as they do, are inevitably we find a very different place twice with a church group and in old age, when she had close to nature at its most se- of pilgrimage, comprising 88 ‘Pilgrimage - suspected throat cancer, she ductive and its most vicious, temples, this time above Journeys of asked a friend to bring back a although wolves don’t seem ground, and with numbers Meaning’ by the same problem they were in not names. Shikoku is a bottle of Lourdes water. She Peter Stanford medieval times. And then sub-tropical island, the 4th always said that it was the p. Thames & many pilgrimage sites are in largest, and greenest of the water that ensured a positive Hudson. £25 Lalibela, eleven churches carved into the ground In Arcadia I paint… © Deposit Photos secret or isolated areas. thousands that make up diagnosis. Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Comment 19 Three million and counting… That’s the number of bees that prisoners are helping to care for keeping in other climates from this prisoner.

The project supports the men’s well-being and Honey mummy… gives them an additional skill and hobby, and Picture credit: HMPPS the opportunity to gain beekeeping qualifications. One of the staff involved advised that Category Bee the key is to be calm around bees; they sense With its black and gold stripes, trans- anger and can sting! lucent wings and signature furry HMP Warren Hill body, the bee is a common sight A few years ago, beehives were placed in the around the world. But do you know PIPE (Psychologically Informed Planned En- how important this creature is to our vironment) Unit at Warren Hill, where a small planet, and the threats it is facing? group of people live in a community setting in the grounds of the prison. The Unit has its own Why are bees important? “Anyone seen the bees?” garden, an ideal place for locating beehives While to many they are simply the fuzzy Picture credit: HMPPS and for developing the skills needed to face flying insects we see darting among the the outside world through the rehabilitation flowers during the warmer months, bees are around 20,000 bees. Therefore, around 70,000 programme. so much more than this, and have an im- bees live within the walls of the prison. portant part to play in maintaining our Bea Finch Most residents on the scheme are nearing the planet. Where trees and woods are essential To become a qualified beekeeper can take an end of their sentences with the focus underly- to filter our air, bees are vital to both polli- individual around three to four years. One ing the project being ‘progression’. As Mark nate the food we need to survive and polli- Across the prison estate in England and Wales, officer, Andy Leak, is currently in his second Jones, a prison officer on the PIPE Unit with nate many of the trees and flowers that residents and staff look after 104 active bee- year of the course, and says: “Without bees the responsibility for the beekeeping programme provide habitats for wildlife. hives. According to the British Beekeeping world would ‘bee’ a honeyless place!” says: “It’s about rehabilitation, about trying to Association, in the height of summer there are prepare people to go back into civvy street, and Perfect pollinators an average of 35,000 to 40,000 bees per hive Beekeepers can produce a range of products, I think this is a good tool to help that. It’s about According to the Food and Agricultural Or- - which means we have a total of three million from edible honey to candles and lip balms. working in a team and sharing as a group, and ganisation of the United Nations, approxi- bees in our protection. Let’s hear about some it is good for mental health.” mately 80 per cent of all flowering plants of the projects… Prior to Covid-19, the men were being introduced are specialised for pollination by animals, to the bees. One prisoner worked with staff to A member of the Ipswich and East Suffolk Bee- mostly insects (which includes bees). Polli- HMP Liverpool maintain the hives and care for the bees. This keeping Association currently teaches the nation is crucial because many of our veg- At present, HMP Liverpool have three hives, individual had previous experience of bee- British Beekeeping Association Basic course etables, fruits and the crops that feed our with the largest hive housing around 30,000 keeping, as his family owned a bee farm in in the prison. The first course began in spring livestock rely on it to be fertilised, so without bees and the two smaller hives each house another country. Staff learned a lot about bee- 2019. It proved to be popular, and some of the it, we could go hungry. Vegetables such as participants expressed a desire to keep bees broccoli, asparagus and cucumber rely on once they are released. the pollination of bees, as do apricots, straw- berries, apples, tomatoes and almonds. Both honey and cut comb are sold in the prison cafe, and the proceeds help to fund the apiary While there are other methods of pollina- costs. In addition, the prison makes hives in tion, including by the wind, birds, bats and its carpentry workshop which go to other pris- other insects, bees are among the most im- ons, generating more funds to support the portant pollinators because they are capa- Shaw and Co beekeeping. ble of pollinating on a much bigger scale. It Specialist Accident Compensation Solicitors has been estimated that it would cost farm- OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS HMP Hull ers in the UK an incredible £1.8 billion per “Bees behind bars” were first brought to Hull year to manually pollinate their crops. in 2019, in partnership with the Beverley Bee- keepers Association, who come on site to de- The importance of honey Dental Treatment liver practical beekeeping training to staff and As well as being pollinators, honeybees, inmates. Prisoners also have access to a dis- Apis mellifera, also produce honey. This tance-based learning course offered by the sickly-sweet golden liquid is a valuable Medical Care British Beekeeping Association to give them product not only for its taste, but also due the theory skills in addition to the practical to its medicinal properties and the fact it is General Accident Claims training. They currently have two hives on site so energy-dense. which are tended by the trained inmates. All Call Chris or Sharon about your claim on: the honey produced gets purified in the prison Why are bees disappearing? kitchens, from where it is put into jars and sold Bees are in decline on a global scale as they in the staff mess. face many threats, from habitat loss to the FREEPHONE 0800 389 1590 use of toxic pesticides. If these threats aren’t Or you can email us at: When the bees arrived, staff made their site as brought under control, we could be looking bee friendly as possible by planting a range of at a future without bees. bee-friendly plants and continuing with their [email protected] drive to stop using herbicides as a weed control Types of bee measure in sterile areas. Not all bees are the same. There are over Shaw and Co Solicitors Ltd Three Indian Kings House 20,000 known species of bee globally. Staff involved in setting up this project have Around 270 species of bee have been re- 31 The Quayside both been awarded a Butler Trust award for Newcastle upon Tyne corded in the UK. The famous honeybee is the work they have done with prisoners in the just one of these. Most honeybees are kept NE1 3DE gardens team. by beekeepers in colonies of managed All calls are confidential. hives. The rest of our bees are wild, includ- Across HM Prison and Probation Service, we ing 25 bumblebee species and more than Your claim will be represented on a No Win No Fee basis. in headquarters are looking to encourage more 220 types of solitary bee. sustainable activities in prisons, working with NO WIN NO FEE colleagues in the MoJ to identify opportunities Bea Finch is part of the HM Prison and for improvement, strengthen and scale up good Probation Service Sustainability Team practice, and develop new green initiatives. 20 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

while’. There wasn’t a sense of follow- Face to face teaching continued some qualifications available to ing a curriculum or tailoring learning through much of the pandemic at prison learners are not widely recog- to individual needs.” Young Offender Institutions. In adult nised by employers. Quick said: jails, a few areas of specialist train- “Ex-prisoners are going to find it Teachers prepared the packs and ing survived, such as industrial hard enough to find employment. gave them to prison officers to hand cleaning and some kitchen work. We’re doing them a disservice by pre- out on wings but, according to Quick, During the past couple of months, as tending that whatever we’re deliver- the Prison Service officials who over- restrictions are slowly eased, some ing is going to equip them in the job see the contracts showed little inter- workshops have reopened and some market.” est in their content: “They weren’t jails have allowed teachers to meet looking for educational quality in small groups of learners. The UCU Further recommendations include what was being produced, it was the has been told by Prison Service offi- in-cell laptops, apprenticeship quantity. They were measuring it in cials to expect some restrictions to schemes, and rates of pay high the same way they would measure stay in place until next Spring. enough to encourage prisoners to how many toilet rolls they get from attend classes. their facilities contract.” Looking beyond coronavirus, the union has many criticisms of the Central to the union’s concerns is a Teachers struggling to teach way prison education is run, and © Andy Aitchison In a survey by the union, just over view that the current system, suggestions as to how it could be half of prison teachers said that dur- whereby education at English and improved. Now Quick is pinning her ing the lockdown they were unable Welsh prisons is contracted out to to talk to the people they were meant hopes on an inquiry by MPs which four providers - Novus, PeoplePlus, to be teaching, due to prisoners being may prove a turning point for the Milton Keynes College and Weston A whole lotta love! Quality missing quality of teaching in jails. confined to their cells, education College - is not working. According staff being barred from visiting wings to Quick, on the frequent occasions Prison education system ‘failing learners and and no technology being available. The House of Commons Education when prisoners are transferred be- Quick said: “Teachers couldn’t con- Committee inquiry, called “Are pris- failing staff’ tween jails “they are passed from tact their learners and see how they oners being left behind?”, will hear were doing through a simple phone evidence and grill ministers before one commercial education provider Inside Time report Marianne Quick is unhappy about call, or an email, or a webinar, all producing a report setting out rec- to another, with each trying to max- this. She represents 1,100 teachers those sort of things we have in edu- ommendations. Already 65 organi- imise the funding from the individ- and instructors in English, Welsh cation elsewhere. So education infra- sations and individuals, including ual before transfer”. A further Prison education has been a casualty and Northern Irish prisons, as the structure in prisons wasn’t former prisoners, have given written problem is that each contract is “cal- of Covid. Like so many features of lead for prison education at the Uni- prepared.” evidence. A 17-page dossier submit- culated within an inch of its life” as the life we took for granted, classroom versity and College Union (UCU). She ted by the UCU is packed with exam- to the number of courses, learners sessions came to a halt in March spoke to Inside Time on the day Although teachers could not teach, ples of what is going wrong and and teaching hours to be provided - 2020 in adult jails. More than a year members took their first strike ac- they were sometimes told to come in suggestions for making things all completely overtaken by the pan- on, they have mostly not resumed. tion in a decade, walking out at 49 to work anyway - even being given better. demic. She says the system is “failing prisons in a dispute over working tasks like painting classrooms or ti- learners and failing staff”. Schools and universities in the out- conditions during the pandemic. But dying noticeboards to fill the time. Among the union’s complaints are side world also had to suspend first, what about those in-cell packs? The union believes it would have poor facilities and under-invest- The union’s answer would be to re- classes. But they carried on teaching been safer for its members to work ment. It points to horticulture nationalise prison education as a via video calls, emails and the in- Quick says the Prison Service “just from home - and it was disagree- classes at a prison that no longer has single service and transfer responsi- ternet - none of which was possible weren’t ready” when the pandemic ments of this kind that escalated into a garden, bricklaying workshops bility from the Ministry of Justice to in prisons. For most prisoners, “ed- struck, and asked their contracted last month’s two-day walkout, affect- which have shut due to poor ventila- ucation” for the past 15 months has the Department for Education. It re- education providers to print off ing 49 prisons where teaching is con- tion, and a car mechanics workshop meant “in-cell packs” pushed under mains to be seen whether the MPs’ worksheets as a stopgap measure. tracted to the education provider without the modern equipment that the door - perhaps crosswords and inquiry will come down in favour of She says: “Initially, I think the ask Novus. Further strike days are a worker would use in a real-life ga- word searches, perhaps coursework such a radical solution; but whatever was ‘Just give them stuff to keep planned this month unless the dis- rage. One teacher said: “The interac- (which, if completed and handed it recommends, it could have a them occupied, because they’re pute has been resolved. Novus denies tive whiteboards in three of our six back, might or might not be marked). going to be locked in their cells for a far-reaching impact on how prison- that it put anyone at risk. classrooms don’t work.” Moreover, ers are taught.

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because of the behaviour of I remember once, during my you see on the news, I find their siblings; e.g. their sib- lunch break, I was getting my that extremely difficult to ling could be in and around car tax from the post office, I deal with. I do also have tears the justice system and they was in my civilian suit. Two of joy rather than sadness. I get seen through the same men armed with a knife in the have only cried in work once lens as this sibling. I remem- queue in front of me attacked and that was when I told my ber one individual who told another man in an unpro- line manager that I was dys- me about how teachers judged voked and violent way. The lexic, and the response him because of his brother post office was rammed with floored me. and their expectations of him people. I dived at the person were reduced as a result. It with the knife. It was quite a Who inspires you, and how was one teacher who showed nasty struggle and I was on can you, or do you, inspire that they cared which ena- my own. The whole post of- others? bled him to go on and com- fice emptied, with just one plete a degree, even though it member of the public staying People in general inspire me, appeared that the teachers in behind to help. When backup not just those who have secondary school had written arrived, I went back to the of- achieved a significant level of him off. fice and continued with my fame, but also ordinary peo- work. It wasn’t until the crim- ple who deal with ordinary Your parents instilled values in inal investigation department issues on a day-to-day basis. you, how has that enabled you or CID rang to speak with me Many people I interacted with in life? that my colleagues in the of- as a police officer have left a A whole lotta love! fice found out what had hap- trace on me and supported my Not just by parents, when you pened. They were shocked onward journey and develop- have a loving upbringing and that I calmly walked back into ment. These people have a loving extended family, it the office and got on with my touched and strengthened my Pipeline to hope… provides you with an inner work without saying any- life. strength and a strong sense of thing. I was commended by your own values. I was told on the judge at court and by a You seem to take all decisions Keith Fraser tells leading criminologist and prisons numerous occasions ‘I love senior police officer for my carefully, retirement plans 5 you’ by my aunties and some- actions. years in advance, exit strategy, commentator what makes him laugh and cry… times my uncles. Even my giving back, life split into stra- cousins would say privately What makes you happy/ tegic areas, very upfront on just over 34 years, our inde- person’s brain, when it’s in to me that they love me - when laugh? what work/time you can com- pendence of thinking and that developmental stage. Ba- someone says that to you, and mit to. If you reach saturation hopefully visionary approach sically, people under the age you are not expecting it, it is Now this is a hard one. I do point you are no use to anyone. Faith Spear which is not dependent on the of 25 are likely to be less risk really powerful in a positive laugh or smile a lot. Things Is this a good summary of you? support and expectations of averse, more impulsive, take way. that make me happy are cele- others. risks and are more easily in- brating family occasions such I do think ahead, which is a After a30-year career in the fluenced by their peers and What obstacles did you en- as birthdays, christenings, benefit and a challenge. Just police, Keith Fraser is now the Young people’s pipeline to their surroundings. counter with your dream of also the similar type of things because I’m passionate, Chair of the Youth Justice youth justice services - impact being a police officer? with friends. I enjoy socialis- doesn’t mean I can’t change Board. He is also the Non-Ex- of words and actions, we have Children are children, ing, chatting with friends, I my mind… It has its down- ecutive Director/Trustee at more power than we realise. whether they are in the justice I suppose some of the barriers love a good debate about cur- sides too, for example if my The Work Force Development Can you expand on this? system or not. Their vulnera- I had - I failed getting into the rent affairs and enjoy objec- vision goes against the pre- Trust Limited, Advisor for the bilities, education, keeping police cadets and I didn’t get tive conversations about what vailing thinking. If it’s irra- National Police Chiefs Coun- As my knowledge of people, them safe and supporting into the West Midlands police makes the world tick. tional and/or unfair I find it cil Digital Engagement Pro- children, adults, increases, them into a future life, when I first applied. That is difficult to follow, even if it’s ject for Young People, and I’m actually getting to under- whether they feel part of soci- why I went to London. I loved What makes you cry? policy, law, etc. It does not Chair of Employability UK. stand the science better be- ety, are important for all my time in London and I have mean that I would go against hind human relationships children. made really amazing friends. I have found as I get older that policies and laws without un- In July 2020 you were ap- and also our development. But 20 years later, they recog- some of the injustices and derstanding the conse- pointed as a Commissioner to The maturity of a person’s Look for the potential … don’t nised the error of their ways suffering I see on the news quences of them. a new Commission on Race brain is not fully developed judge young people by their (ha! ha!) and accepted me as have made me cry, it never and Ethnic Disparities, what until the age of 24 years. sibling’s actions … there is a a Chief Inspector and I retired used to, but I see more and I’m not a maverick an organ- do you hope to bring to the Therefore any interactions better way. A few points you as Superintendent in my more how people suffer be- isation cannot trust, but I am table? that we have with a person recently raised with me. Can home region, where I was cause of an accident at birth prepared to stand up to things during that 24-year period you give examples? born and bred, and that filled or where they live, rather than which are unfair. My professional and personal can have and does have a sig- me with a sense of pride. anything that they have done experiences, rooted in sup- nificant impact on their de- This is just as a result of peo- in their lives. Those that have porting many charities, being velopment and their actions. ple I have met who told me ‘Just get on with it and don’t made others suffer upset me, Faith Spear FRSA is an part of and in and around the It’s possible to physically about many instances in make a fuss’ … is that your especially when you hear the independent criminologist criminal justice system for change the wiring of a which they have been judged attitude? back stories behind the faces www.faithspear.wordpress.com Forensic Accountants CANTERS CRIME with over We are a friendly rm, with solicitors and legally PURCELL PARKER 20 Years Experience quali ed sta who are experts in their particular Solicitors • Proceeds of Crime & Confiscation areas of law BIRMINGHAM’S TOP • Money Laundering • Tax Investigations AREAS OF WORK PRISON LAWYERS • Fees with Legal Aid Funding • Ex-Serious Fraud Office Forensic Accountant LICENSE RECALL PAROLE REVIEWS Licence Recalls “The case settled very favourably thanks in large IPP REVIEWS ADJUDICATIONS Prisoner Adjudications measure to your report. It is not often that one IPP & Lifer Parole finds an expert who is so thorough” Other Prison Law issues considered HDC Client Benefit Amount Riley Moss Benefit but payment may be on a private fee basis Sentence Calculations Mr M £783,000 £6,000 All areas of Criminal work including Police Mr D £1,176,000 £18,000 Re - Categorisation Mr A £2,040,000 £77,000 Interviews/ Court Appearances Contact Waseem Yasin or John Rafferty for Call now to speak with: FREE no obligation advice CONTACT US Tiernan Davis, Sadie Rice or Jan Arkwright 0161 832 1438 0151 239 1020 Purcell Parker Solicitors [email protected] [email protected] 204 - 206 Corporation Street Birmingham B4 6QB www.rileymoss.co.uk Suite 4 1st Floor 1 Derby Square, 184 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 8LQ Liverpool L2 9QR 0121 236 9781 22 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

really looks like? Try this: Outside Voices Lance Armstrong at the Tour de France.

This was a deception that was Beware the 1997 Prevention meticulously planned and executed over multiple years that spanned continents, cost of Harassment Act millions, enmeshed thousands and left broken people Peter Martin - Journalist acting in a rational manner. But we need to and livelihoods in its wake - read on and also be familiar with the 2004 Lance Armstrong: winner but really a loser oh, and all covered by the Domestic Violence and Criminal Victims Act. elaborate smokescreen that Many of us will have grown up with the idea Section 12 of this Act introduced section 5A was his ‘charity work’. that we, in the UK, are entitled to a measure into the PHA 1997, which allows the court to of free speech. It is not, of course, without its make a restraining order after acquitting a It’s just not right! Where is Armstrong now? limits. What we say or write has to be reason- defendant of any offence, regardless, and de- Still got his house and family able under the circumstances. We cannot in- spite the name of the Act, of whether there has Life enhancer sports coach almost hits and some people are still giv- dulge in hate speech against anyone, and ever been any threat of violence, whether that ing him employment. What’s especially on the grounds of their race, sexual the brick wall be domestic or otherwise. An ‘acquittal’ under he lost? Seven yellow T-shirts, orientation or gender. Most of us have no prob- section 5A of the PHA 1997 originally meant a few sponsors, and not that lem in complying with laws to prevent this. We previously but that has been any occasion when proceedings are dismissed much of his fortune (he also do however reserve the right to call out some- with ‘at risk of offending’ following the hearing of evidence at trial. A settled a few things out of one for their misdemeanours or crimes if we groups in the community: later ruling interpreted this to also include the court, a few folks quite rea- believe they need to be brought to a wider at- Andy Mouncey this is a ‘first’ for me to work situation when the prosecution offers no evi- sonably took their awards tention. We should not do this lightly. We need with this group in a custodial dence with regard to the substantive charge. back and he got stuck with a to be absolutely certain that what we are say- setting. I had a little cry the night I life ban - but seems to have ing is totally accurate and we can show the So, the situation now does not look good at all. finished the work at HMP fared considerably better evidence to support this when challenged. There is a clear legal mechanism for anyone And here’s the thing about a Brinsford; which was a bit of than your average 19 year-old who displeases the legal establishment to be custodial setting in the spring The 1997 Prevention of Harassment Act (PHA) a shock. Mrs Mouncey and I of 2021. While COVID restric- at HMP Brinsford). charged with harassment. It does not matter went for a walkie-talkie when has changed this significantly. The law was in the slightest that there is no chance of success tions ease in society in gen- I got home that evening and, Though I do very occasionally introduced for a variety of perfectly under- in achieving a guilty verdict. This is no longer eral, prisons lag behind. For well…waterworks. She took it wonder what his kids think of standable reasons to prevent victims being the meaning of success. The prosecution will the past year there has been rather well, I thought. it all. So yeah: that’s ‘organ- unfairly targeted. It does, however, have its offer no evidence on the day, we will be formally no education, no work-based ised’ crime; and a justice gap drawbacks. It can be used to silence those who acquitted, but the court will impose a restrain- training, no organised physi- Here’s the thing. In the 8 the size of the Grand Canyon. are perceived to be a threat to the legal estab- ing order to prevent us doing what we were cal activity - and no family years I’ve been in this kind of That’s just a particularly lishment. So how does the Act operate? The previously doing totally legally. The penalties visits. There are reasons for work, nothing else has pro- high-profile example from the Act says you must have experienced at least for breaking the order are much more severe this and I’ve written about voked a reaction like this - world of sport. Other exam- two incidents by the same person or group of than under the original charge of harassment. those reasons previously - which begs the question why ples from business and poli- people for it to be harassment. It is for the There is up to a five-year prison sentence. and the fact remains: my courts to decide if something is harassment this and why now? Not an group have been mainly in tics are also available. If you insignificant number of easy under the Act. The courts will look at whether Furthermore, suppose the establishment is their cells with very little to really want to depress your- biking and running hours most people, or a reasonable person, would faced with someone who carefully reads the do and very few people to do self you can come up with later - this also doubles as my consider whether the behaviour in question restraining order, takes legal advice on the it with - and a few were still your own list - though I figure ‘Making Sense of Stuff’ time amounts to harassment. This is already well extent of its meaning, but pushes the interpre- experiencing the most basic you’ll throw in the towel in - I arrived at some conclu- known. We can also look at the lesser-known tation slightly too far for its liking. Again, there version of that regime. disgust long before you run sions. Then I tested those con- wording of the Act. What if, for example, we is no problem for them, but there is for us. The out of examples. clusions with someone who want to say on a public forum that a prominent CPS and police can act to bring a charge of And to my eyes they’re still knows me enough, has been prosecution witness seriously misled the court breaking the order. There need not be any in- just kids - but with a very par- And that, right there, is what in this line of work for way in such a way as to pervert the course of justice tention to actually win a guilty verdict or even ticular model of the world. I think got me: I experienced longer than me and who, I and achieve an incorrect guilty verdict? Can bring any evidence before the court at all. The Not exactly master criminals what I experienced with my believe, really knows his we fall foul of the Act even though we might prosecution simply brings an ultra-flimsy case either: most are - to my mind group AND I’m aware of this onions. be totally confident of the veracity of what we to court but presents no evidence on the day. anyway - doing time because other sh**. They’re just kids… are saying? On the face of it we cannot. We can The defendant is again formally acquitted. A they couldn’t control their not a million miles away from Most of my group of young look this up, under section 1(3)(a), which ex- new restraining order is then issued which can emotions. They are in prison mine. It’s not fair - and it’s not men were in their early 20’s empts liability for a course of conduct ‘pursued be considerably tighter than the first and close because of a crime of the right. but there were also a good for the purpose of preventing or detecting off what might have been perceived to be loop- heart in a moment in time - or number who were 19. My eld- crime’. A later Supreme Court ruling added the holes in the original. two moments in the case of a Andy Mouncey is an endur- proviso that the exemption only applies to a est son is 14 - which is only 5 second offence. I’d argue ance athlete, professional person who has acted rationally. But, you might be thinking, this is England, short years away. And as a that’s not a crime of the head coach, trainer and speaker with supposedly the best justice system in the parent that’s way too close for - it’s not thought through and since 2000 - on a prison mis- So far, so good. We have to be confident that world. Surely such a thing could never happen comfort. Now I have done it’s not organised. You want sion to help heal damaged what we are alleging is correct and that we are here? It already has. work with this age group to know what organised crime lives

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usual, I was hanging around How did you end up in again. I was released from with the wrong people and Thailand? prison cancer free. Weapons down at last started to nick cars, nicking car stereos and that sort of I went over there backpacking So what are you up to now? ‘I was sitting in Walton jail when my film premièred’ thing. And then I got into originally, then I got a job as drugs and my crimes became Sylvester Stallone’s stuntman Well, I had my first child at more serious. on Rambo III and just stayed the age of 47, a boy, so that’s Time were lucky enough to on over there. When the work my world. I’ve got a brother, speak to Billy. What kind of drugs? was finished, I got back into Joe, who has autism, and I drugs - this time it was ‘Yaba’, spend a lot of time with him. Can you tell us about your Heroin and crack, it was very which is a kind of Thai meth. I’m involved with Weapons background? prevalent in Liverpool, in fact It’s a crazy drug and I got ad- Down, Gloves Up, talking to all over the country in those dicted and started doing a bit kids about how to solve differ- Well, I grew up around Tox- days. My first arrest was for of low-level dealing to cover ences without resorting to teth and Speke in Liverpool. nicking cars and going my own habit. Then, one day, stabbing each other. I’ve My dad was very violent, equipped to steal, but when I got raided by the Thai police started my own podcast; I’ve angry, and unpredictable. He the drugs took hold, I started and, believe it or not, I got 3 got 15,000 subscriptions in was very ‘old school’ and more serious money-getting years prison for handling a six months and had 35 inter- didn’t show any love. There crimes, like burglary, robbery, stolen mobile phone. That’s esting guests. I do talks in was six of us kids, with me and plenty of violence. This is when I started writing my prison, I still get in the gym being the oldest. But my mum when I had my first taste of first book - A Prayer Before and stay active, I do therapy was great. I always felt a bit prison - I got 12-months for a Dawn - just writing it down by with other addicts. different when I was a kid, I robbery/snatch and got sent hand. Then I managed to get was lonely, always trying to to HMYOI Hindley. transferred back to the UK It sounds like you’ve really fit in and be accepted, it was and got held in HMP Wand- turned your life around. What like I was always searching What was your first impres- sworth. I was in there for advice would you give to those for friendship. sion of prison? 8-months and finished the still in prison? whole book with help from How was school for you? It was a nightmare; they were the Education Department in I think the main thing is to be still slopping out in those days the prison. selective about your life, I have to admit that I never and it was filth and stink and think long before you make a Billy Moore: winning the ﬁ ght enjoyed school because the to make it worse I was suffering It must have been quite a feel- choice. Think about conse- school I went to wasn’t in my drug withdrawal. The days ing when your book was turned quences and think about your eventually, he reached rock own community. I had grown and nights seemed to go on into a major feature film, how family because everything we bottom, serving a sentence for up in poverty, so I got bullied forever. I promised myself, and was the premiere? do has a ripple effect that hits theft offences in Thailand. for all the obvious reasons. I Noel Smith everyone else, that I would other people. Focus. And, if These days, Billy Moore is a ended up having lots of fights, never go back to prison. I don’t know, I was sitting in you can, use your past as a much more settled man, hav- so, in order to impress my dad Walton jail again when the driving force to change. Billy Moore grew up in the ing managed to put the mer- really, as he had been a You obviously did go back, film premiered. I was released melting pot that was Toxteth ry-go-round of crime and fighter, I started boxing and what happened? on Christmas Eve 2018. I had and Speke in 1970s/80s Liver- imprisonment behind him. joined a local boxing club. It been diagnosed with cancer pool when the city had been He works hard to make turned out that I was pretty You know what it’s like, you get in 2016 and cleared of it in all but abandoned by succes- youngsters, and anyone who good and even got to fight for used to it, get complacent and 2017, and the worry of this sive governments and unem- cares to listen, aware of the England as a schoolboy. end up in that cycle. It was so had contributed to my offend- ployment and poverty were at dangers of crime and drugs. bad that at one stage I was ing. I had got a job with the high levels. Drugs were prev- He has had a major feature So when did you start to get in released from Walton jail on NHS at the time, then I under- alent and crime became a way film about his life released to trouble with the law? a Monday, and by Wednesday went 6 months of chemother- of life for many of the youths much acclaim and has just I was back in Walton. In all, I apy, I lost my hair and lost my he grew up with. He fought released his second book, That would be when I was spent around 18 or 19 years in job. I managed to beat the his way into prison and, ‘Fighting for My Life’. Inside around 15 or 16. It was the prison. cancer and then I had to start

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Christian Barabutu - HMP Whitemoor disproportionate, on the other hand, the appeal judges concluded that such a person, medical officer, conducting such tasks was the In early 2020 I was being denied the opportu- least invasive measure available and was not nity to communicate with NHS England under excessive, therefore overturning the ruling. Confidential Access. Prison rules state that as a prisoner, my medical information and re- It would be a breach of cords are private, staff cannot touch nor have access to such information. But, for some bi- patient confidentiality if zarre reason, if I’m required to or wish to com- anything discovered or disclosed Don’t bite… © Deposit Photos municate with NHS England, I must allow my to a healthcare professional letter to be read first by prison officers. Sid Arter calm and composed. crowd said, “If I refused to by a patient is disclosed to a Eventually the protester, feel- accept the gift then it would Clearly, such procedures infringe on Article 8 third party. The only exception ing that they had made their continue to be yours.” of the Human Rights Act, and the reading of The gifts point departed. A number of such letters, if necessary, should only be con- is when such information other stallholders and mem- The stallholder nodded and ducted by medical officers and individuals threatens the safety of A market stallholder was bers of the public immediately said, “People may decide to bound by duties of medical confidence. This working one day selling her gathered around the stall and waste their time giving insults led me to filing a civil claim challenging these individuals and others. meat-based pies and pastries offered their support and and making verbal attacks, actions. The MoJ then filed for a strike-out of However, in relation to my proceedings, the when a shopper approached asked the stallholder why she and we can choose whether my claim and a request that it is certified as reading of my confidential medical corre- her and started to rant and had let the stranger abuse her we want to accept them or ‘totally without merit’. They accepted that the spondence was carried out by those third par- rave about her produce. The in such a way. not, just as we would with any opening and reading of letters addressed to ties not bound by medical-in-confidence and shopper protested that sell- other gift. If you take the in- NHS England, if proven, may amount to an therefore amounted to invasive measures. At ing meat was not only very The stallholder smiled and sults and attacks you are ac- the time, the prison failed in its duty under bad for people to eat, its pro- asked the small crowd, “If I cepting them. And if not, who- interference of the Right to Respect…for cor- Article 8 to appoint a medical officer to inspect duction was ruining the plan- gave you a gift such as a silk ever insults you is simply left respondence in Article 8(1) of the Human my letters, if such inspections were necessary et and meat eating is animal scarf or a basket of fine soaps with the insult in their own Rights Act. However, they claimed it was jus- at all. Prison Service standard 22 requires that cruelty. The protester let loose but you refused to accept or hands.” tified because, in their view, it was in accord- medical information is managed in accordance a tirade of abuse and offen- take the gift, who would the ance with the law and Prison Service with relevant legislation and the NHS code of sive comments. However, the scarf or soaps belong to?” The Instructions 41/2011 set out detailed, clear and practise on confidentiality. It would be a stallholder responded by crowd were silent at first and accessible rules on the confidential handling Sid Arter is a teacher and breach of patient confidentiality if anything saying nothing and staying eventually a young man in the entertainer of prisoner correspondence, and those ar- discovered or disclosed to a healthcare profes- rangements do not apply to letters sent to NHS sional by a patient is disclosed to a third party. England. They then pleaded that any interfer- The only exception is when such information ence pursued legitimate aims, namely the threatens the safety of individuals and others. prevention of crime and disorder, protection Therefore, the only way of meeting the correct of the freedom of others and so on, blah, blah, balance is by appointing a medical officer, or blah. Really? to refer such letters to healthcare staff for National Prison Law Solicitors inspection. My counterargument is as follows - in the case www.instalaw.co.uk of R(SZULUK) v Governor of HMP Full Sutton I also expressed to the courts the fact that I [2004] all ER(D) 419 (Oct), the Judge in that tried very hard to engage with the prison on this matter through the internal complaints case, Collins J, found that correspondence We have over 25 Prison Law Experts who can help you with: system, even the IMB had input in attempting with an NHS consultant regarding an existing to get the prison to answer my complaint. The • Parole Board oral hearings • Breach of Data Protection medical condition should be treated as invio- prison refused to respond. But, funnily lable. Even though this decision was later • Paper Parole Reviews • False Imprisonment enough, when the court proceedings were overturned by the Appeal Court, this condi- lodged, the prison started assigning my med- • Recalls • Independent Adjudications tion was only overturned due to the fact that ical correspondence to medical staff to inspect. • Judicial Review • Private cases (Transfer/HDC) the findings of Collins J was in relation to per- I find it ridiculous for the MoJ to imply that •- MandatoryPersonal LifersInjury/Workplace accidents + more mitting the prison medical officer to read such correspondence with NHS England would be correspondence, which Collins J found to be sinister if not read by prison staff.

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O ce telephone: 01902 275042 email: [email protected] Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Comment 25

Concepts regards forms of monitoring and regulation - The research draws upon and enhances a Norway’s dimension score is significantly framework that has recently been developed higher than England & Wales’s score. In Eng- by Ben Crewe and colleagues to conceptualise land & Wales, for example, 75% of prisoners different aspects of the prison experience.In agreed with the item: ‘I have to be careful brief, ‘depth’ refers mainly to matters of secu- about everything I do in this prison, or it can rity, control and the various sensations of feel- be used against me’, compared to 58% in Nor- ing a long way from freedom; ‘weight’ relates way; 36% with the item: ‘This prison is trying mainly to interpersonal treatment and condi- to mess with my head’, compared to 22% in tions, and levels of oppressiveness; ‘tightness’ Norway. seeks to capture the reach, grip and invasive- ness of forms of psychological power; and Overall, while the results are indisputably ‘breadth’ refers to the reach and impact of the more positive in Norway than in England & sentence beyond prison, for example, restric- Wales - supporting the claim that punishment tions and the forms of stigma that ex-prisoners practices in Norway are more humane - there experience on release. At the same time, the is equally no doubt that pain and suffering are research also foregrounds the roles of shame still integral to the prisoner experience in Nor- and guilt in shaping prisoners’ attitudes and way. In the sections that follow, we move on adaptations to imprisonment. We obtained to discuss more specific findings. 1,082 surveys from prisoners in England & Wales and Norway, alongside 728 in-depth Differences between Open and Closed interviews, working in over 20 prisons. prisons Bastoy prison island – we all get along The differences between the two jurisdictions Credit: Dr Sarah Lewis Feedback are much greater in relation to open prisons Throughout the research process, we thought than closed prisons. Indeed, comparing peo- long and hard about how to do comparative ple held in closed prisons in the two jurisdic- Norway v England and Wales work across different countries. Our deci- tions, the scores are only marginally more sion-making was shaped throughout by our positive in Norway. In contrast, the compari- Research on prisoners’ experiences from Norway and ambition to assess the typical experiences of son of open prisons between the two countries England & Wales - which is best? particular prisoner groups - that is, what it is shows significantly more positive scores in like in each jurisdiction to serve a sentence - Norway. While it might be noted that the Nor- Anna Schliehe exceptionalism thesis - put at its simplest, the rather than treat the institution as the key axis wegian sample comprises a much greater pro- idea that punishment practices in the Nordic of comparison. In other words, rather than portion of prisoners in open prisons than the (inclusionary) countries are more liberal and trying to compare prisons of equal size in the England & Wales sample (36% compared to The Comparative Penology Group (COMPEN) humane than those in neo-liberal (exclusion- two jurisdictions, we sought to include prisons 9%), these figures roughly correspond with the based at the Prisons Research Centre (Univer- that were of a typical size within their ary) nations like England & Wales or the US. proportion of prisoners in each system who are sity of Cambridge) has been working on a re- country. held in such conditions. Indeed, in Norway, We want to use this platform in Inside Time to search project since 2016 titled: ‘Penal an estimated 50% of the prison population feedback various findings from different policymaking and the prisoner experience: a Our goal in this first article is to feedback from spends at least some time in an open estab- sub-studies in the coming months and will comparative analysis’ which is funded by the some general comparative findings. Overall, lishment, compared to an estimated 5% in European Research Council. At its core, the start here with an overview of the project and the basic pattern of our results is clear and England & Wales. project aims to interrogate the Nordic some broad statistical findings. consistent. On all but one of the dimensions, the results for Norwegian prisons are signifi- The experience of remand in Norway cantly higher - which means better - than for One of the main criticisms of imprisonment in those in England & Wales, often by a very con- Norway is that prisoners on remand are placed siderable degree. This means that, as judged in conditions that are highly restrictive - sim- by prisoners themselves, on the whole the ilar to solitary confinement. When we compare experience of imprisonment is not as painful those on remand and sentenced in closed con- in Norway as it is in England & Wales. ditions in Norway, the scores are more negative for remand compared to sentenced. Bearing in Wrongly convicted Statements of truth mind that those held on remand are not yet of a crime? To provide some examples of ‘weight’: in Nor- convicted of any offence, and that they account way, 60% of prisoners agreed with the state- for around one-third of the Norwegian prison ment: ‘I feel cared about most of the time in population, our results lend support to the this prison’, compared to 29% in England & claim that it is the ‘presumed innocent’ who Wales. Almost two-thirds of prisoners in Nor- experience their imprisonment as most pain- way (66%) disagreed with the statement: ‘I am ful. However, the experience of being a remand Lost your appeal? not treated as a human being in here’, com- prisoner in Norway compared to England & pared to just under half (48%) in England & Wales is relatively similar. Wales, while the proportion of prisoners who agreed that: ‘My living conditions in this Conclusion prison are poor’ was considerably higher in Overall, while the survey findings are broadly England & Wales (45%) compared to Norway consistent with the conclusions we drew about What next? (21%). For the item: ‘This system treats me the ‘texture’ of each prison system from our more like a number than a person’, 63% of qualitative data, if anything, we were sur- prisoners agreed in England & Wales com- prised not to find more substantial differences pared to 41% in Norway, while 26% of prison- between the survey results for closed prisons ers in England & Wales agreed that: ‘Generally, in England & Wales and Norway. Here, it is I fear for my physical safety’, compared to 13% worth noting that while researchers tend to The CCRC can look again in Norway. compare jurisdictions, prisoners are very If you think your conviction or sentence is wrong rarely making such judgments. Rather, they apply to the CCRC Which is best? evaluate their current circumstances by con- • It won’t cost anything Prisoners in Norway also reported consistently trasting them to what life was like immediately • Your sentence can’t be increased if you apply more favourably than those in England & before: custody is compared to freedom; open • You don't need a lawyer to apply, but a good one Wales on many aspects of ‘depth’: 66% of pris- prisons are compared to closed; and assess- can help oners in England & Wales agreed with the ments of the quality of treatment are shaped statement: ‘I feel cut off from the outside world by standards that are taken for granted in con- You can get some more information and a copy of the in here’ compared to 56% in Norway, while, texts beyond the prison. CCRC's Easy Read application form by writing to us at 5 St Philip’s Place, Birmingham, B3 2PW. or calling 0121 233 1473 for the item: “Wherever I am in this prison, I still feel confined’ 62% of prisoners in England Anna Schliehe - (on behalf of the COMPEN Prisoners in Scotland should contact; The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, 5th Floor, & Wales agreed, compared to 45% in Norway. research team Ben Crewe, Alice Levins, Julie Portland House, 17 Renfi eld Street, Glasgow, G2 5AH. Phone: 0141 270 7030 Email: [email protected] For the dimension ‘tightness’ - much of which Laursen, Kristian Mjåland) 26 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

A friend to Eric McGraw: “This is such sad news. Our thoughts are with Eric’s family, friends, colleagues and all the friendless an appreciation those supported and uplifted by his work.” Unlock Legendary Inside Time John O’Connor - Journalist columnist Terry Waite “What a remarkable legacy. With the deepest sympathies of all at Clinks to Eric’s reflects on his and our It’s almost 20 years since I first made contact family, friends and those who carry on his with Eric McGraw. And it was with his strong dear friend’s passing tremendous work at Inside Time.” encouragement that I soon became a regular Anne Fox (Clinks CEO) I first met Eric when I was re- contributor to Inside Time (fifty plus feature leased from captivity some articles so far). Over the years we became good “When we founded National Prison Radio thirty years ago. He felt that friends, which continued long after I had been in 2009, we took enormous inspiration and given my experience of incar- released from prison. Then we would occasion- learning from the Inside Time model that ceration as a hostage I might ally meet at criminal justice-related events, Eric established. This is terribly sad news. be able to make a contribution and sometimes Eric would ask me to cover for His legacy is immense. RIP.” to Inside Time. I accepted and him at an event after accidentally committing Prison Radio Association was a columnist on this news- himself to be elsewhere. And now, two decades paper for many years. Eric later, I have to accept the fact that Eric is no “So sorry to read this sad news. Eric was was indeed a ‘one off’ charac- longer with us. quite simply a lovely man.” Eric – a true life enhancer ter. Deeply intelligent with an Prof David Wilson infectious humour he was But what he achieved in his lifetime will re- able to make friendships “So sad to read this. Eric was an absolute main his enduring legacy. For Eric, uniquely, which ranged from the Duke gent and an inspiration. Inside Time is such The Last Farewell gave prisoners something they had never had of Edinburgh to many a pris- a valuable legacy, bringing news, views, in- before - a voice. This is something even the A tribute to Eric McGraw, Director of New Bridge (1986- oner languishing in UK pris- formation and most importantly hope to so great penal reformers - John Howard, Elizabeth 2002) and founder of Inside Time (1990) ons. In the best traditions of many. I have often left my copy on public Fry, and more recently Lord Longford - were journalism, through Inside transport open on the poems page for a It was with much sadness that New Bridge prisoners, volunteers, Time he was able to give a never able to achieve. This is not to belittle random person to read.” staff and trustees received news of Eric McGraw’s death on 18 voice to the voiceless and en- their pioneering work: it is simply to place into Nina Champion April 2021. Many of us have fond memories of Eric as a larger courage those who recog- context the significance of what Eric achieved (Director of Criminal Justice Alliance) than life character and raconteur who was a passionate cham- nised that they had made a when creating a voice for the voiceless. “Oh no, such sad news. Eric had an amaz- pion of prisoners’ rights. Eric helped many prisoners to maintain mess of their lives. Eric was a ing commitment to rehabilitating people precious contact with the outside world through visiting New true friend to the friendless For me, Eric’s most endearing personal char- back to life after the dark days inside. He Bridge befrienders, besides making sure that they were kept and a great humanitarian. acteristic was his wonderful sense of humour. was always a pleasure to work with.” well-informed, and had a voice, in the pages of the prison Perhaps this was an essential attribute when Andy Aitchison (photographer) newspaper he founded. dealing with the many obstacles he encoun- “Eric helped an immeasur- tered when interacting with the more Neander- able number of people & “I’m so sorry to hear of the death of Eric Eric was the director of New Bridge for some sixteen years (1986- thal-minded bureaucrats at Prison Service HQ. 2002) and the inspiration for ‘Inside Time’, the newspaper for families through his work. McGraw - a lovely man who did so much Yet at a local level within the confines of the prisoners which New Bridge launched in December 1990 and Inside Time is an impor- good for people affected by prison and was many prisons he visited he was made welcome which has been a huge success ever since. As Eric recalled, the tant outlet & gives a voice a champion for prisoners voices. Sharing reason for its launch was simple. “I went almost every day to to people in prison. The by staff and prisoners alike, such was his cha- condolences from all of us at Prison Advice the Lord Woolf Inquiry into the Strangeways riots,” he said, newspaper itself is a life- risma. Given his background with the United to his family, friends and co-workers. “And what came across very clearly was that prisoners did not line to hundreds of thou- Nations, this may explain why Eric was also Requiescat in Pace.” feel they had a voice. So I contacted the Prison Service and asked sands every year & helps an inveterate traveller - resulting in many in- Andy Keen-Downs (CEO of Pact) if it would be interested in me setting up a newspaper for pris- them to feel more con- teresting articles emerging about life in prisons oners - to which the answer was yes.” The first issue numbered nected & valued. Thank in other countries. “Eric was a great friend and supporter of 12,000 copies and was distributed to prisons, young offender you Eric.” PRG and we’ll miss him - his wit, his sarto- institutions and special hospitals around the country. Today, Phil Martin (Author and Without doubt the driving force behind Eric rial dash and his absolute commitment to keeping prisoners alert and informed Inside Time has a print circulation of over 60,000 and thou- former prisoner) was his determination to ensure that each edi- through good journalism.” sands of visitors to its website every month. tion of Inside Time had in it something of in- Prison Reading Groups “A man of deep compas- terest to its broad range of readers. But there sion and boundless energy. Eric was also a keen supporter and member of the Inside Justice was one occasion when I couldn’t complete an Advisory Panel, a charity conducting investigations on behalf I will forever be grateful “We are really sorry to hear the sad news article he was expecting because my beloved of people who claim they have been wrongly convicted. for all he did for me. A about Eric McGraw. He was a great champion quiet man who walked electric typewriter had finally given up the of our work and an important innovator in We, the volunteers, staff and trustees at New Bridge, including giant steps in the corridors ghost. No sooner had Eric heard of this than the movement to give prisoners a voice - a those prisoners and former prisoners who knew him, send our of power.” within a matter of days he had a replacement commitment we proudly share. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Svetlana, and his family. Eric Ben Gunn machine sent directly to me. So I got a new thoughts are with his family and friends.” leaves a very special legacy in the annals of New Bridge and the (former prisoner) typewriter and Eric got his article (and many Koestler Arts pages of Inside Time. more thereafter).

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Our Prison Law Team are able to offer advice and assistance under the Legal Aid Scheme for All Prison Law matters including Independent Adjudications the following issues: On behalf of privately funded clients. In all privately funded matters we will quote you a reasonable fixed fee - staged where appropriate Determine/ IPP Recall Independent Adjudications Pre-Tariff Sifts Professional and approachable we offer a Nationwide Service and accept agency work Sentence Calculations Parole for Parole Board Representation. Our experienced Solicitors also offer competitive fixed fees for general Prison Law matters For a prompt response please write or call including: ASHLEY SMITH & CO LTD, Criminal Defence Specialists Re-categorisation Sentence Planning Romer House, 132 Lewisham High St, London, SE13 6EE Contact our team now by calling 01865 592670 or write to us using our Freepost Suite 3, irst loor, Silury Court 3 Silury oulear, ilton eynes 2 0208 609 6711 Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Comment 27 Inside Voices A journey through the therapy looking glass

and a venereal disease’ (I still 30 years ago, and you found think it was worth it!). In other yourself driving the wrong way words, it’s rather putting the down a contra-flow, or period- Missing statements cart before the horse. ically running over unhappy shoppers in a pedestrian zone, However, the seventh and last letter I wrote More annoyingly, this state- it wouldn’t take long to iden- was sent signed for and I actually got a reply ment is conveyed to us by peo- tify the problem. And yet our - the CPS stated that they had not received my ple who, by the end of the impulse leads us to make the first 6 letters and that they had made full dis- working here day, are so keen same mistakes, time and time closure already, even though I had sent them to be getting out that they get again, without taking any time another copy of the sheet showing 338 state- visibly animated and excita- to consider our own out of date ments. Again, I got no reply. ble: like a cat who’s suddenly software. discovered its arse tastes of In October 2020, out of the blue, I received a double cream. I feel like say- I don’t suppose for a moment letter from a Detective Inspector of the police ing,’ the most important thing that anyone comes to a place station where I was arrested and initially held. © Fotolia.com isn’t going home, guv; it’s mak- like Grendon and suddenly The CPS had referred my letter to the police Nick London ing sure you don’t get trampled gets all rational. Humans are because of my persistence with trying to ob- to death in the ensuing stam- irrational, period. I also don’t tain information about DNA and statements. Searching for an pede for the gatehouse’. believe impulses change all To my surprise, the DI offered to help me re- impulse Usually, the phrase ‘the most that much. What I am starting solve the situation with the CPS. I wrote back important thing isn’t getting to believe, and so as to not thanking her and giving her a list of what I was It will come as no surprise to out’ is only ever said by people descend into complete fatal- after. She was as good as her word. She told who aren’t incarcerated. ism, is that we can learn to hear Letters from the detectives learn that the staff at Grendon © Deposit Photos me all DNA samples had been destroyed, so want you to primarily focus on and understand our impulses. now I cannot prove that my DNA was not at the what you came here to do: to And yet, I’ve just knocked my By doing so, we make them J MacPherson - HMP Wakefield scene, but I now have a case of destruction of be mindfully in the moment, own parole back for another salient and expose their fragile evidence, which amounts to perverting the to do the work you need to and 12 months! Don’t get me wrong, origins. course of justice. not be constantly preoccupied it wasn’t like I was in a position I am writing in response to the article ‘Disclo- by ‘progression’. In usual fash- to make a case for release, but The problem is that our over- I received a reply saying that she would look sure of evidence’ by Dave Ferguson in the Feb- ion, the residents have dis- I could have secured a savvy riding instinct is to protect, at into my points and told me to make a Subject ruary issue. tilled this sentiment down into brief and had a decent run at all costs, our instincts! They Access Request to the police or do a Freedom the rather more succinct, ‘they a D cat. Even with only an out- form who we are, and so we of Information request as they must comply Just over 2 years ago I got a full copy of my don’t want you to get out!’ side hope, the whiff of any develop advanced strategies with this request. Now the police can only court file from my trial solicitors. On receiving chance of freedom is over- for defending our own sense refuse to give information if it involves an un- my file of some 1,500 pages, and reading each Now, obviously, I don’t really whelming. My impulse is to get of self. It’s a little like the dercover operation or contained information and every one of them several times, each time believe that to be the case. the hell out of Dodge. So, why Metropolitan police investi- from a police informant. I found something that I had missed before. However, I have noticed a par- didn’t I? Oh, God! Why didn’t gating corruption within the Throughout the file there were a number of ticular reaction, from the staff, I? WHAT HAVE I DONE!!! Metropolitan police: no-one’s If this affects you, here’s what to do - write to papers titled ‘Notice of Additional Evidence’ to any mention of Parole Board surprised when they conclude your trial solicitor and ask for a full copy of and, below that, it states ‘Statements of Wit- hearings - specifically when Where was I? Oh, yeah. I was with ‘nothing to see here’. your court and trial papers. Then go through nesses’. Towards the end of the file, I found yet they don’t feel a resident has being all reasonable. What’s really needed is a pro- them with a fine toothcomb, be sure to check another ‘Notice of Additional Evidence’, only fully explored all their work. cess through which an internal all notices of additional evidence as there may this one made me sit up and pay attention The general rhetoric appears And I suppose that’s the point: reckoning of our impulsive well be other information held by the CPS that because where it said ‘statements’ it had the to be, ‘the most important reason is usually drowned out drives can be prompted and they haven’t disclosed. Contact the CPS again figure 338. This threw my mind into turmoil thing isn’t getting out, it’s stay- by an internal voice that is, for overseen externally, but that and again until they write back to you and be as there were only 17 statements used in my ing out’. This statement used the most part, wired directly is ultimately performed from prepared to challenge their information. trial - that leaves 321 statements that I was to make me uncomfortable on into our impulses. The problem within. unaware of. a couple of fronts. For a kick- with impulse is that it’s locked Write to the Data Protection Officer at the po- off, as a concept in general it in at an early age, with all of Here at Grendon, the mecha- lice station where you were charged. Ask for In August 2019 I wrote to the CPS with a copy appears to defy well estab- our insecurities and underde- nism for that very process the information you require under the Subject of the sheet showing there are 338 statements lished notions of cause and veloped ‘fight or flight’ mech- takes the form of group thera- Access and the Freedom of Information with 321 undisclosed. I wanted a list with the effect. It’s like saying, ‘the anisms bundled up with it. py. Put simply, a bunch of request. names and dates of whom and when these most important thing isn’t get- Seen in the flesh, instinct instinctually blind strangers statements were taken. Having contacted the ting married; it’s not getting would take the form of a frantic sit around and, rather bravely, Do not be afraid of knockbacks, just keep using CPS earlier in the year, and been given three divorced’. Or, ‘the most impor- child clinging to a ragged se- voice and externalise that signed-for mail. If after 6-months you are still undisclosed statements, I thought that they tant thing isn’t going on a night curity blanket. which us blokes aren’t very having problems then contact the police using would again be forthcoming with the list. out; it’s not waking up in the good at sharing: our internal Subject Access and FoI requests. Never give up Guess what? No reply. I wrote a further 6 times, wrong bed with sick down Put it this way, if you had a worlds. Over this past year we on the fight for justice, just keep on looking with 5 of the letters not being answered. your shirt, your wallet missing sat-nav that was last updated have been limited to doing and asking. one-to-one meetings. I’ve been incredibly lucky in that I’ve Dr Anton van Dellen Are you of Asian descent and had a couple of highly experi- Fraser Chambers GRAHAM & CO live in Leicestershire? enced and caring profession- Challenge Your Sentence CRIMINAL SOLICITORS Fairplay4us is a Leicester based charity which als to do this with. I’ve person- can help with various resettlement needs ally got a lot from it. Even so, Instruct direct access barrister PRISON LAW (during & after release). We are run by ex-o end- Adjudications ers and supported by local businesses to help I believe that there is a dynam- Detailed knowledge of sentencing Home Detention Curfew you to reintegrate back into society successfully. ic that happens within a group legislation and procedure Oral Hearings of peers in therapy that offers CRIMINAL DEFENCE Recall What Fairplay4you can o er you: Advice on and representation in Conﬁscation • Support for you and your family a unique opportunity. It allows appeal against sentence Crown Court Representation • Educational courses and grants for - and I’m quoting here - ‘a Fraud • Life coaching and mentoring discovery of the self through Challenges to type and length of Assault/ Drug Cases • Mental Health Support sentence and other orders APPEALS the detour of the other’. INCLUDING SOPO VARIATIONS AND DISCHARGES • Assistance with CV writing / job placements / Representation in appeals to the CCRC Applications funding for courses Crown Court and Court of Appeal POCA Appeals and enforcement. • Basic living needs Getting out is important. Staying FUNDING (housing, furniture, clothing) Legal Aid Available on permitted services out is important. Knowing Very competitive fee structure Fixed Fees Available • Family reintegration assistance yourself and your detrimental Call David Mace on 0203 582 1767 Contact us NOW for further information impulses: that’s paramount. [email protected] CONTACTUS and kick start your future! 0330 124 4129 [email protected] Fraser Chambers RDE 30th Floor 01227 918436 Nick London, a nom de plume, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, [email protected] Campion Business Services, London EC3V 4AB GRAHAM & CO, 67 HIGH STREET, HERNE BAY CT6 5LQ 25 St Nicolas Place, Leicester LE1 4LD is resident at HMP Grendon 28 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

interviewed by a trainee that industry to act in this way. I among people who had taken First there’s the would count against them in think there’s a lack of trans- the course than among a group their parole report, wouldn’t parency about the CSAAP - of ex-prisoners who hadn’t. lie of the polygraph it? about who’s on it, the minutes But many of those who hadn’t - it doesn’t work. from the meetings, any deci- taken it were ineligible be- That would be my worry. And sions that they make. It’s a cause they maintained their There have been I would never say ‘refused’, I culture of secrecy and I think innocence. Couldn’t there be would say ‘declined’, because it’s deeply unhelpful both for an alternative explanation for many studies where I think refused sounds so staff and prisoners. the difference in reoffending you can teach much more pejorative. The rates: that many of those who term ‘uncooperative’ can be You call it a ‘treatment indus- maintained their innocence people to lie effec- used because people have a try’. Who profits? were, in fact, innocent people tively on a poly- difference of view. There is a who had been wrongly con- language there which is not There’s a psychometric test- victed, so it was unlikely that graph, so it comes as it should be, in my view. It ing industry, so people are they would ‘reoffend’? up as not lying. positions the prisoner in a getting payment every time negative light. someone does the particular That’s why I argued originally increasing the use of lie detec- test. Then there’s training of for a randomised control trial. tor tests [polygraphs] for peo- Doctors take an oath that they trainers, so there’ll have to be That was the ethical and right ple on probation. Do you think will never harm their patient, a payment to the people who thing to do. But they wouldn’t that’s valuable? but sometimes prison psy- own the copyright for the go for it. chologists recommend that a training. No, I think it’s very unwise. prisoner is not released - Earlier this year, Inside Time First there’s the lie of the pol- which harms their patient. Is I don’t know who the mem- reported that a programme ygraph - it doesn’t work. that a problem? bership [of the CSAAP] is now, called Alcohol Related Vio- There have been many stud- but in its early stage there lence had been dropped from ies where you can teach peo- One of the things I empha- were people who developed the CSAAP-approved list. The ple to lie effectively on a sised was the need to get psy- programmes who were on it. Ministry of Justice said this polygraph, so it comes up as chologists from a full range As I understand it, they would was due to lack of demand. not lying. of backgrounds into the or- go out of the room while dis- When we asked them if there Graham Towl: “We all have to be trainees at some point” ganisation, for these sorts of cussion of their programme had been any research sug- Some argue that if you say to ethical reasons. A forensic was taking place. My advice gesting the course was ineffec- people they’re having a poly- psychologist is maybe think- would be - don’t appoint peo- tive, they declined to answer. graph test, they’ll tell you more ing of the general public and ple with those conflicts of What do you think? because they believe it works. the courts, whereas someone interest. Well, there’s an ethical issue The big lie who’s a counselling psy- The answer you describe there about deception. And chologist is maybe thinking So this is what I mean by the there is so unsatisfactory. there’s lots of evidence to show more of the person in front of ‘industry’, it’s where people Why not tell you? we can get a fuller picture prisons and the process by them. have a financial benefit in the simply by using more effec- which programmes are decisions that are made Do you think there are too tive interviewing techniques. Ben Leapman approved. I’ve worked with prisoners around these programmes. many courses in prisons? who were anxious, who had And that’s an environment What did you do as Head of depression or suicidal where asking the most funda- I don’t know. It’s a secret or- Graham Towl is Professor of Psychologists play a cru- Psychology? thoughts. I’d see that as very mental questions does not ganisation. I’ve tried to get Forensic Psychology at Dur- cial role in English and much clinical in its focus, fo- seem to be encouraged be- access to the course content, ham University and co-editor I was the professional head of of the textbook Forensic Psy- Welsh prisons. They write cusing on the needs of the cause it affects the brand. the manuals, and I’ve not the service. I devised strat- prisoner. That’s not about been able to. If I could, I could chology, published in its third risk assessments that can egy, ensured training was in reducing risk of reoffending The study which caused the give a sensible answer. edition by Wiley & Sons this sway whether a life-sen- place and addressed prob- - it’s simply about the person withdrawal of the SOTP found month and endorsed by the tenced prisoner is freed lems with staff turnover. in front of me. Sometimes that reoffending was higher Finally, the Government is British Psychological Society. or kept in custody. And there’s only a focus on reduc- they decide who is suita- I think it’s a ing risk of reoffending and ble for Offending Behav- perfectly reasona- whereas I understand that as ASN LAW iour Programmes - the part of the criminal justice courses intended to turn ble request [for a process, I don’t agree with it. SOLICITORS people away from crime. prisoner] to say ‘I’d Specialists in Prison, Anthony Stokoe In 2012 the Ministry of Justice There are 21 programmes Rasheed Nujeerallee like the qualified received findings which sug- Criminal and Family Law approved for use in pris- Independent Prison Law gested that the Sex Offender Expert since 1994 ons by the Correctional person in front of Treatment Programme (SOTP) Here at your every need! Services Accreditation ‘People Before Profit’ me.’ wasn’t working, but they kept Appeals (All Convictions & and Advice Panel them private and carried on Sentences) Continuing the Fight and Challenge (CSAAP), the expert body A lot of prison psychologists using the course until 2017, Despite Legal Aid Cuts that rules on whether are trainees rather than qual- when it was abruptly with- CCRC & Judicial Reviews they are of benefit. The ified professionals. Is that a drawn. Recently there have Straight advice/representation concern? for Male and Female Prisoners former Head of Prison been newspaper reports that Police station / Crown / something similar is going on Magistrates Court Representations Adjudications Lifer/IPP Specialist Psychology speaks exclu- One of the problems I inher- with a different programme, sively to Inside Time Recall Parole Judicial Reviews ited was a relative shortage of the Offender Personality Dis- Concastion / Forfeiture about courses, risk as- qualified staff, against a order Pathway, which remains Mental Health Law Expert sessments - and why lie backdrop of pressure recruit- in use for now. Have they not 'We oer family law including Care Human Rights - European & International detectors don’t work … ing trainees. We all have to be learned the lessons? proceedings and adoptions where trainees at some point. Most Cat A Reviews social services are involved.' Professor Graham Towl, 59, of the assessments would Even before the 2012 data we Pre-tariff Sift/Hearings was a psychologist in several have been done by trainees. knew there were serious prisons before serving as I’m okay with that as long as question marks about the Suite 8, Vine House, Head of Psychology for the they are appropriately super- SOTP. It almost had a cult-like Contact George & Lucy Today! Prison Service and the Minis- vised and supported. But I following, as if any critical 143 London Road, try of Justice from 2000 to think it’s a perfectly reasona- commentary was detracting 107B Ripple Road, Barking, Kingston KT2 6NH 2008 - a role in which he led ble request [for a prisoner] to from it in some way, like an IG11 7NY more than 1,000 psycholo- say ‘I’d like the qualified per- act of disloyalty. Tel: 0208 591 3351 son in front of me.’ gists. Now a senior academic, 24HR 07572 086247 020 8549 4282 he told Inside Time of his con- I think there are vested inter- NATIONWIDE SERVICE cerns about psychology in But if a prisoner refused to be ests within the treatment Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Comment 29

The Comfort Zone This is our safe space. Everything we are ex- Are you ready to stretch your comfort zone? periencing right now in our lives is in the comfort zone. It is where we feel psychologically at How doing things differently can lead to all we desire ease. For me it is when I know what is needed from me, I know what to do and I know how to 1. The Lizard Brain. do it. It’s where I think I know what is going to 2. The Comfort Zone. happen, what the outcomes are, and what my reactions are. It’s consistent, so it doesn’t Let’s take a look at these in turn. alarm my Lizard Brain. Now the interesting thing is that my comfort zone is specific to me The Lizard Brain and won’t be the same as your comfort zone or The so-called Lizard Brain is a primordial part anybody else’s. In fact, some people might of our brain that is in charge of fight, flight, think that what I’m doing or what you are feeding, fear, and freezing up. It takes care of doing is strange. Or they might say that we are our basic functions and it responds in very not using our common sense. Or … ‘isn’t it ob- limited ways to all situations just to keep us vious that that would get you into trouble?’ But safe. It helps us by creating short-cuts (habits) to me or you, it just makes sense. to make life easier. It creates those habits very quickly, without me even being aware of what For instance, I was talking to a guy on the land- is being created. If you think of the game Your Where ing called Jon who had spent 19 years in prison ‘Simon says’ where someone repeats a set of and much of that time was ‘down the block’ comfort the magic instructions preceded by ‘Simon says’ and (the CSU). On a regular basis he would snap, after following along for a while they drop the zone happens get into a fight, and then have to spend time in Simon says but people still do the action. For

© Deposit Photos the block, sometimes weeks. I’ve never had to example: spend time in the block, but I’ve visited a few “The definition of insanity is doing the same Simon says “put your hands on your head” men in there and it doesn’t look very pleasant. thing over and over and expecting different Simon says “stamp your feet” I asked him why he would do that, because it results” Simon says “put your hands on your head” Jacqueline Hollows didn’t make sense to me. He told me ...“Thing “stamp your feet” is miss, it’s the only time I get to chill, take time I’ve had conversations with people on the out and read and that, it gets me off the wing I’ve been reflecting on why it’s so difficult to wings who have quoted that to me, and yet we It’s funny when people get caught out, but the and I calm down. I don’t mind it miss”. I real- do things differently. I don’t just mean big fact is that is how easy it is to form a habit! The still do! At least I do. I do the same thing over ised that the behaviour was just part of Jon’s things either, like earning money in a different Lizard Brain simply created a short cut to the and over and over and get the same results and comfort zone. To other people it looked like ‘if way, or having different relationships. I mean action as a way of making life simpler. It resists I still don’t change my behaviour. So, I got to you didn’t do that then this wouldn’t happen’. simple things, easy things, like drinking tea change because there could be threats it wondering why? What makes me act in a way But to Jon it was just a short-cut to finding instead of coffee, or sitting in a different way doesn’t know about, so it thinks it is keeping that even when harmful, or at least not help- peace. He’d never considered there could be a when watching TV, or not reacting when my me safe. partner triggers me. ful, I struggle to change? different way because he’d got a system that worked. Draw a circle on a piece of paper and inside, I did a little research and found the following There’s a quote I bet you’ve heard or even used write your current state of health, personal On the outside of the circle draw everything yourself (often misattributed to Albert Einstein ideas, which are all made of the power of fitness, creativity, relationships, job - this is you desire but do not currently have, includ- but apparently it wasn’t him): thought, which of course is invisible to us: all stuff inside your comfort zone. ing changes of behaviour.

Everything we desire is just outside our comfort zones and we have to do something different to be able to reach it.

The Butler Trust Awards Consider one small thing you can do to step for prison staff... outside of your comfort zone and test it out! Who will YOU nominate? The good news is our comfort zone can grow! The more we stretch outside of our comfort In every prison there are some staff who stand out from zone the more it stretches to accommodate us. the crowd; the kind of people who go above and So, whenever I get a feeling of angst at doing beyond to make a difference to prisoners’ lives. something different, I remember that once I’ve done it, I will have stretched my comfort zone Many of them work behind the so that becomes a new option for the future. scenes, unnoticed, without any “Just like a ship was not designed for the con- thanks for their efforts. fines of the safe harbour, neither are human beings. We are designed to sail the wide-open That’s where the Butler Trust oceans, to push the boundaries of what we Awards, presented each year by can achieve, to unlock the latent potential lying dormant and to discover we really do HRH The Princess Royal have the potential from within to reach places (Princess Anne), come in. we did not even know we were capable of getting to.” Royston Guest You know more than most the difference staff can make, and over half of the staff given Awards by The Let me know how you get on! Until the next Princess are put forward by serving prisoners! time, love and blessings, Mama J.

Help us give credit where it’s due and nominate Jacqueline Hollows MSc is the Founder of someone today. You should be able to get a nomination Beyond Recovery CIC form from the prison library, or ask staff to download one from our website: www.butlertrust.org.uk. And if all Tune into WayoutTV to see our short inspira- else fail, use an “app” and address it to the Governor. tional videos. For more information, or how to get a Distance Learning Pack or learn more about the Three Principles, speak to your Well-Being representative or ask a friend or ...because they’re worth it! relative to contact info@beyond-recovery. co.uk Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme

Deadline: Applications for compensation Leo Marks open until 1 January 2022

Lambeth Council has set up a Redress Scheme for people who, as children, were abused or feared abuse at a Lambeth Children’s Home and/or Shirley Oaks Primary School.

There are two types of compensation payment available: n Harm’s Way Payment n Individual Redress Payment

To find out more about the Scheme, eligibility and to make a claim, visit lambeth.gov.uk/redress or email [email protected]

Below is a list of children’s homes that were run by Lambeth or its predecessor authority (and which subsequently transferred to Lambeth), either within or outside of their area, that provided accommodation for children in care.

1. Almond House Hostel 12. Knowle Close 23. Shirley Oaks 2. Angell Road 13. Lancester Avenue 24. South Vale 3. Calais Street 14. Lancaster Road 25. Southwood 4. Chestnut Road / Robson Road 15. Leigham Court Road 26. Southwood Discharge Hostel 5. Chevington House 16. Lorn Road 27. St Saviours 6. Cumberlow Lodge 17. Monkton Street 28. Stephany House 7. Garrads Road 18. Mount Villas 29. Stockwell Park 8. Gresham Place 19. Nottingham Road 30. The Elms 9. Highland Road 20. Rathmell Drive 31. Thornwick Nursery 10. Ingleton House 21. Rectory Grove / Elaine Claire House 32. Tivoli Road 11. Ivy House / Warham Road 22. Samuel House 33. Woodvale

101859 (1.21) Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Comment 31 Outside View Dartmoor remembered...

Faces from the past who spent time in the United The Poetry of Spies Kingdom’s historically most notorious prison

her mission in occupied £25,000 of forged bills to the Bank of England France. She was interrogated but omitted a signature which was duly noticed and tortured and then sent to by a bank employee. With the fraud exposed, Paul Sullivan Ravensbrück Concentration a ‘sting’ operation was put in place to catch the Camp. She was executed by a perpetrators and whilst one accomplice was I like words and their manip- shot to the back of her head in arrested, Bidwell escaped. ulation into such things as February 1945, aged just 23. In poetry. One poem that I have 1958 a film was made about After hiding out in Ireland he moved to admired for a long time is her life called ‘Carve Her Edinburgh, Scotland where he was recognised called ‘The life that I have’, Name with Pride’. In that fi lm by a newspaper vendor and arrested on 3rd the poem was attributed to April 1873. After standing trial at The Old Bailey sometimes also called ‘Yours’. Leo Marks It came back to mind at this time her husband rather than show with his 3 accomplices, Bidwell was sentenced when I heard of the passing of Marks to be the author. to life imprisonment on 18th August 1873 and our founder and long-term messages from spies in sent to Pentonville Prison to serve his first 9 editor Eric McGraw, with the Europe back to Britain. The At that time the months in solitary confinement. last verse so apt of his legacy. poem could be changed slightly with secret messages fact that women Bidwell states that he was transferred to The life that I have encoded into it. The author were being used was Dartmoor Prison on 20th February 1873 but Is all that I have agreed as long as his identity this date cannot be correct as he was still at And the life that I have was not released. kept secret because George: Super fraudster large on this date. His book: ‘Forging his Is yours. it was felt the British Chains’ describes his time at Dartmoor includ- The love that I have Paul Finegan ing his solitary confinement, being bound in Of the life that I have public would not chains and his time at the crank handle. He Is yours and yours and yours. be happy about describes how he had to complete 1,875 turns A sleep I shall have George Bidwell of the handle before he could have breakfast, A rest I shall have putting women in 5,000 before his dinner and a further 4,000 Yet death will be but a pause. George Bidwell was born in New York State, before supper; anything less than the required For the peace of my years danger. USA on 25th January 1833. In 1872 he travelled 10,875 turns and he was reported for idleness. In the long green grass to England with his brother Austin, George He also tried to commit suicide by cutting his Will be yours and yours and Marks died in January 2001, McDonald and a forger named George Engle. neck with a knife, an offence for which he was yours. but before he died he wrote a After travelling to France, South Africa and bound in manacles for three days. critically acclaimed book The Netherlands where he committed acts of I didn’t know much about the about his experiences during fraud upon various banks he returned to Bidwell was transferred from Dartmoor to poem, or who wrote it, but the war called ‘Between Silk England prompted by McDonald’s plan to de- Woking Prison on 3rd November 1881 and fi- aft er it was mentioned in a TV In March 1944 the poem was and Cyanide’, described as fraud the Bank of England. nally released from there on 18th July 1887 on programme I decided to fi nd given to a British spy called ‘one of the last great Second ill-health grounds, returning to the USA. He out. And the story behind it is Violette Szabo (above). At that World War memoirs’. A num- Utilising forged bills of exchange, Bidwell and died of natural causes on 25th March 1899 in amazing. The poem was writ- time the fact that women were ber of versions of his book are his accomplices managed to accrue more than Butte, Montana, USA. ten by a man called Leo Marks being used was kept secret available in paperback from $300,000 in bonds and cash (approx. on Christmas Eve 1943 in because it was felt the British Amazon and Waterstones £5,250,000 today) before carelessness exposed Paul Finegan is a curator at Dartmoor Prison memory of his girlfriend public would not be happy (ISBN: 9780750948357). their scam. On 27th February 1873 Bidwell sent Museum Ruth, who had been killed in about putting women in dan- Marks tells how he revolution- a plane crash in Canada. He ger. In fact just 39 women saw ised the code-making tech- was an English writer, screen- active spying service - around niques of the Allies, trained writer and cryptographer who 15 never came back, most exe- some of the most famous worked in the Codes Office cuted. Violette was keen to agents dropped into France, Medomsley Detention Centre supporting resistance agents help out as her husband including Violette Szabo, and in occupied Europe for the Etienne, who was serving why he wrote this amazing Compensation Scheme secret Special Operations with the French Foreign poem. He reveals how the Executive organisation (SOE) Legion, had been killed by Germans were fooled into Jordans Solicitors are specialist abuse solicitors. We have a dedicated that had been recently creat- the Germans. thinking a Secret Army was legal team that have an outstanding track record of represen�ng ed by Churchill. operating in the Fatherland vic�ms of sexual and physical abuse. Violette was very brave but on itself, and how and why he The SOE asked Marks if they her second mission she was broke General de Gaulle’s We have successfully secured compensa�on for numerous could use the poem for secret captured as she carried out secret code. vic�ms that have suﬀered abuse whilst they were detained at Medomsley Deten�on Centre. c To be eligible for the physical abuse compensa�on scheme, all we have M . IVOR . FARRELL to do is prove your deten�on at Medomsley Deten�on Centre. Northern Irish Solicitors Our specialist abuse solicitors will then do the hard work to make sure • Criminal Appeals (Sentence or Conviction) WE’RE HERE TO HELP that you receive the maximum compensa�on due to you. • Parole Hearings Please call us on • Proceeds of Crime/Confiscation Hearings 028 9023 7053 or 028 9032 4565 • Police Interviews under PACE throughout or write to us at * If you were detained at Medomsley Detention Centre NI and in Prisons 129 Springfield Road and suﬀered physical abuse, please contact • All Criminal Defence Cases Belfast BT12 7AE Jordans Solicitors for further info. * • Judicial Review & Human Rights Cases IT’S THAT SIMPLE!! • Family Law Call 033 0300 1103 or write to - Jordans Solicitors, • Injury Claims within the Prison 7A Wellington Road East, DEWSBURY, WF13 1HF • Welfare Issues • Prison Visits Arranged within 24hrs www.jordanssolicitors.co.uk [email protected] www.mcivorfarrell.co.uk 32 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

through a series of socially distanced workshops. Together, the group explored the meaning of ‘curation’, looked through hundreds of artworks and heard from graphic designers and staff from Museums Sheffield about what goes on behind-the-scenes to make an exhibition a reality.

It is a creative walk through art from the criminal justice system; each of the 61 artworks on display has been made by someone in a prison, secure hospital, young offender institution, or on probation. These have been selected from over 300 artworks entered into the 2020 Koes- tler Awards from across Yorkshire.

Art for prison’s sake After the main exhibition in Sheffield, some of the artworks will travel north for a display at artists with lived experience of the criminal Ripon Museums in summer 2021. justice system. Lady Unchained’s mission is to Koestler’s Big Art Month prove that there is life after prison and challenge Free tickets for My Path can be booked through the ‘ex-offender’ label through creativity. the Koestler Arts website. Through the website Last month, Koestler opened three new shows: Manchester, people can also find a video of the exhibition Sheffield and Nottingham - celebrating the creativity and Free tickets to the exhibition can be pre- and hear a selection of audio tracks from the booked through HOME’s website. show. resilience of 2020 Koestler Awards entrants “I want to tell the story of what it takes to be Power: Freedom to Create temporarily in a place. It is also inspired by creative in prison, in a facility where your free- National Justice Museum, Nottingham Soul Journey to Truth Sojourner Truth (b.1797 - 1883), a Black Amer- dom has been taken away”. - Lady Unchained, 21 May - 31 October 2021 A Koestler Arts exhibition for the North ican abolitionist and women’s rights activist exhibition curator. West of England who was born into slavery in New York. HOME: Manchester, as part of the Ripples This exhibition explores the question: ‘where of Hope Festival My Path The exhibition is divided into themes of self-re- does the power come from in a work of art?’ 17 May - 6 June 2021 Art by people in the Criminal Justice System flection, nature, animals and a dedication to Millennium Gallery, Sheffield Selected from the 2020 Koestler Awards, Black History. Visitors can explore art that 20 May - 20 June 2021 Curated by Lady Unchained, this exhibition imagines hopeful futures and reflects diverse prints, sculptures, paintings and portraits will shines a light on the creative talent within voices. sit alongside historic objects and artwork from prisons, secure settings and people on proba- The exhibition explores themes including the National Justice Museum’s collection of tion in the North West of England. Lady Unchained is an acclaimed London-based time, journeys and the future of the planet. artwork and newly commissioned work by six performance artist and poet, and Prison Radio artists and writers. Together, they show the The exhibition takes its title from the word host. She is the Founder and Creative Director Sheffield-based artist Sarah Jane Palmer led creative skill and imagination under the theme Sojourner, meaning a person who resides of Unchained Poetry, an artistic platform for the group of young people and staff from SYJS of Power and Creativity.

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7. How are women supported effective resettlement, and to maintain family ties in reduced reoffending? JUSTICE COMMITTEE INQUIRIES prison? What progress has been made on improving fam- 11. What support does the fe- MPs invite prisoners to submit views on two aspects of the prison system. ily ties since the Farmer Re- male adult estate offer to girls view? What effect has Covid-19 transitioning from the youth Deadline extended at the request of Inside Time had on maintaining family custodial estate? ties for women in custody? Inside Time report Committee's clerks have • The effect of physical prison alternative to custody? (If no, IMPORTANT DEADLINE • What support is available for agreed - at the request of In- environment on mental health. why not?) The closing date for submit- mothers to maintain contact side Time - to extend the ting written evidence to the • The effect of Covid on pris- • What more could be done? with dependent children? deadline for submissions Mental Health in Prisons oner mental health, including from serving prisoners only. inquiry is May 19 for the pub- on access to services. 3. What progress has been 8. What factors contribute to lic, extended to June 15 for made on the development of the high levels of self-harm in The terms of reference for the • The quality and availability serving prisoners. The max- Residential Women’s Centres? the female estate? two inquiries are as follows: of mental health support in imum length is 1,500 words. prison compared to that in the • Do these offer a suitable al- • What is being done to ad- Mental Health in Prisons community. ternative to custody? dress the high levels of self- The closing date for the Women in Prison inquiry is The Committee is seeking harm in the female estate? • The mental health care 4. What has been done to en- June 7, extended to June 30 for views on: pathway in prison to the sure that the welfare of de- • What more could be done? serving prisoners. The max- • The scale of mental health community. pendent children is taken into imum length is 3,000 words. 9. Does the custodial estate Sir Bob Neill MP - Chair of issues within prisons in Eng- • Whether current commis- account when sentencing de- offer a trauma-informed envi- Justice Select Committee land and Wales and whether sioning of mental health ser- cisions are made? Be aware that the Committee enough is in place to determine ronment for females? (a trau- normally publishes submit- The rise in self-harm among vices in prison is working. the scale of the problem. 5. Since the publication of the ma-informed environment, ted evidence on its website prisoners has prompted the Female Offender Strategy, being that which is about put- under the author's name. If all-party Commons Justice • The appropriateness of Women in Prison what work has been done to ting experience, behaviours you do not want your evi- Committee to launch an in- prison for those with mental 1. What progress has been improve conditions for those and needs first, and creating dence published you should quiry into mental health in health needs. made on commitments to re- in custody? a safer, healing environment say so and give the reason. jails. And a separate inquiry duce the number of women in that aims to reduce and pre- Avoid commenting on court by the Committee will exam- • How mental health issues custody since the publication 6. Does the female prison es- vent trauma and retraumatis- cases which are ongoing or ine the issue of women in are identified on arrival at of the Female Offender tate take a Whole System Ap- ing an individual). about to start. The Committee prison. Both inquiries will see prison and/or while a pris- Strategy? proach (that considers all of cannot investigate individual the MPs grilling ministers oner is serving a custodial • Could more be done? If so, sentence. • What more can be done? the offenders needs) to those what? complaints. and publishing reports on in their care? their findings. But they start • Support (clinical and with appeals for written evi- 2. What has been done to re- • What does this look like in 10. What support is available non-clinical) available to Submissions should be dence from organisations or duce the number of women practice? to ensure that women are suc- those with mental health posted to: Justice Select individuals with experience serving short prison cessfully resettled into the needs, whether it meets the • Are there any barriers in Committee, House of of, or opinions on, the topics. sentences? community upon release and needs of those in prison and achieving a Whole System Commons, London, Due to the communications reduce reoffending? if there are any gaps in • Do community sentences Approach to female SW1A 0AA. difficulties in prisons, the provision. currently offer a credible offending? • Are there any barriers to

Things Jesus said: Weary? Then come to me.

Would anyone possibly admit to Jesus was not thinking of those Jesus still gives the same not being weary at this time? whose weariness would be sorted invitation and makes the same I doubt it. by a week or two in the sun or by promise. They are for everyone – a modest lottery win. His concern everyone who is weary. The only Jesus gave an invitation and was for those who were weighed requirement is a longing for rest a promise. His invitation was down by real burdens: failure, and peace and the willingness New Life to anyone who was weary and guilt, remorse, loneliness, broken to admit that you cannot find it burdened: His promise was to A look at the New Life relationships, bitterness, a fear of yourself. that Jesus offers give them rest. the future – or anything else. To all who come to Him – the Son of God – He will give rest. With ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, it comes the pardoning of sins, Write to us for a copy and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and peace with God and an assurance of our book, Inner Struggles, and the of eternal life in heaven. And no learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, booklet, New Life. one is disqualified by the mess and you will find rest for your souls.’ They explain how you they may have made of their lives. can find the rest which Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus promises.

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FREE completion and ﬁling of Tax Returns (including multiple years) FREE appeals against Tax Penalties. FREE Tax Debt resolution. Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Information 35 Welsh Prisons Project: working with learners to improve prison education

and other study support materials; than just consult with our learners, accredited course that benefits from lockdown, we produced four of these worked with peer mentors; and de- instead inviting them to work di- the insights and experience of those short courses - each focussing on a veloped a one-to-one information, rectly with us on our projects. who have been there and done it. different topic - and shared them in advice and guidance service to sup- prisons across England and Wales. port people with their learning and One of the many examples of this A taste of distance learning PET’s Welsh Prisons Project their plans for after release. approach is PET’s peer mentoring This approach - rooted in collaborating At HMP Berwyn we had the oppor- (WPP) has led the way with im- course, which we developed with and experimenting - was also central tunity to go further and developed We have always been supported by learners from HMP Prescoed and to the short courses we developed. digital versions of the courses that proving our support for learners PET to try things that the charity has HMP Parc. learners could take on the prison’s in recent times. Here Pwyll ap not tried before. Our approach as a We had seen over the course of our in-cell digital platform. The courses Stifin, PET’s Project Manage- project team has been based on a When developing an accredited work that study skills - such as were successfully rolled out across ment Officer, reflects on the willingness to experiment, to see course to support people with their note-taking, essay writing, and pre- the prison, with 210 learners com- project’s impact. what works and learn lessons. peer mentoring skills, we worked paring for exams - were not well sup- pleting them during a two-week pe- with two groups of prison learners, ported for people in prison. Working riod in July last year. The WPP was initially launched at Working together with learners many of whom were experienced with a PhD student, we ran a number the end of 2015 as a space for testing At the start of the project, we learnt peer mentors in their own right. They of workshops in HMP Cardiff and These are just two examples of our out new forms of support for PET’s that in order to develop initiatives restructured and rewrote the course HMP Prescoed where learners were work in the Welsh prisons over the learners. that were fit for purpose we had to while studying it, making it relevant able to make changes to the courses last few years, and over the coming work closely with prison learners, as to life in prison. as they were being developed. years we plan to keep testing new We launched new handbooks for well as with educational staff. We ideas to offer even better learning learners; distributed dictionaries have always attempted to go further The result is a high-quality, As part of our response to the opportunities and support.

skills to move the idea Are you between 18 and 25 years- forward. old? We want to hear from you! We wanted to reflect as many experiences as possible from At Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET), we want to help the correspondence we re- young people discover their potential through ceived from learners. It was studying. really wonderful to see how Erika started to draft a story- Whether you didn’t have the chance to get qualifications earlier board, picking up on the key in life or weren’t happy with your results, this is a great oppor- messages. She drew sketches tunity to explore new interests and improve your job of the main characters and prospects. developed three independent learning journeys. She turned PET has over 100 different courses to choose from - from con- basic sketches into moving struction health and safety to creative writing, GCSEs and A images. She really trans- Levels, Open University Access modules, and everything in formed learners’ written sto- between. ries into animated ones. David* is in his twenties and started our Business Start-up Illustrations credit: Erika Flowers and PET As Erika was developing course last year. He wrote to tell us how his studies are going: these pictures, we started to “This course has helped me gain knowledge about business I Celebrating learners’ successes: have a conversation about never considered and will go a long way to help me reach my what kind of music we would goal of starting a business. I plan to apply for another course like to hear when watching shortly and start a business degree with the Open University. this animation. I knew Paul Thank you for giving me this chance to save my life.” a new animation from PET Keirle, a music teacher, from Based on the personal ex- and where they have taken If, like David, you’re between 18 and 25 years-old, and want to open the door to an exciting future, take a look at our entry periences of people stud- you. To shout out, “I have done it!” And it is a time for requirements in the ‘Start a course with PET’ information box ying in prison, PET’s on this page and get in touch! Welsh Prisons Project learners to experience the warm congratulations from have made an animation us at PET, their friends, fellow *Name has been changed about the successes and learners, and families. What achievements of PET a wonderful feeling! • Have at least six months learners. Iva Gray, the left to serve; Project’s Advice and Sup- We wanted to capture such port Officer, reflects on moments and share them • Have gained Level 2 English how the film came about. with the world. It is incredible (literacy). Some courses also the progress many have require Level 2 Maths made. Well, we thought, let’s learners there to kindly con- (numeracy); Achieving your goals can be my visits to HMP Cardiff. Paul write to our learners and see tribute stories of their a very exciting time. It is a has extensive experience of • Be over 18 years old. what they would like to say studies. time to reflect on all the chal- playing and creating music about their learning journeys. lenges you faced; a time to with men in the prison. If you’d like any advice about think about what you have Working with staff at HMP We started to scratch our which course to study or how Parc, we asked distance heads thinking, “How can we learned, your achievements, When Paul came on board, it to apply, you can speak to a communicate these wonder- was amazing how he was able Start a course member of our team for free ful stories with others?” Erika to accompany the animation on 0800 048 7520 on: Flowers’ name came up in with music that perfectly re- with PET Tuesdays: 10am-12pm and conversation. Erika is a bril- flected the emotions of our 2pm-4pm. Thursdays: liant visual artist who hap- Prisoners’ Education Trust characters - how they dealt 10am-12pm & 2pm-6pm pens to have studied with funds a wide range of dis- with challenges to achieve PET in prison in the past. tance-learning courses. To their goals. You can also write to us at apply, you need to: FREEPOST, Prisoners’ When I met Erika, she was so Anyway, how about if I • Be serving your sentence Education Trust or speak to enthusiastic about being part stopped here and let you in a prison in England or your prison’s Education of the project: she suggested enjoy Erika’s illustrations, Wales; Department. making an animation and and hopefully you will see the offered her wonderful artistic full animation one day soon. 36 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 Inside Health

things. Scarring and depigmentation can be caused by any kind of inflammation, particu- Dr Caroline Watson larly on darker skin. The problem with using and Dr Alex Bunn steroid on infected skin is that it can hamper the body’s own defenses, by dampening the local immune response. The body has an amazing capacity to heal itself, and the doctor’s role is often to help the body do what it does best. The general advice of dermatolo- gists is to use the weakest steroid that is effective for the shortest time possible. The face is particularly vulnerable as the skin is delicate, whereas hands and feet may need stronger steroid as the skin is thick and impenetrable. However, this should be combined with generous regular application of a moisturiser, which helps maintain the skins barrier to irri- tants and infections. Be aware that the more easily absorbed products may feel less oily and © Deposit Photos sticky, but contain more additives to prevent UK, people don’t make enough vitamin D from Vitamin D supplements are now available on them going off. So ointments are often better sunlight because the sun isn’t strong enough, the canteen, provided by the prison, and we if your skin is persistently dry and irritated. so it’s recommended that they get vitamin D would recommend taking them. If you choose from their diet and from supplements during to take them, 10 micrograms a day will be Q I have a low Vitamin D count and am pre- the autumn and winter. enough for most people and there is no need scribed Vitamin D tablets. DHL have now put to take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) free Vitamin D tablets on the canteen list, so Foods that contain vitamin D include oily fish of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful. Healthcare here want to stop my prescrip- (like sardines, mackerel), red meat, liver, egg These supplements don’t need to be pre- tion, can they do this as I was prescribed yolks and ‘fortified’ foods, like spreads and scribed, but doctors will prescribe Vitamin D these by my GP outside 4 years ago. breakfast cereals (you can tell from the ingre- if you have a medical condition and need to be dients label). It is quite difficult to get enough prescribed a higher dose. © Deposit Photos A This is a really good question, thank you! daily vitamin D from foods, so public health Q I suffer from eczema but since coming to experts recommend that everyone (children prison it has got worse. I had a swab and it Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of cal- over 4 and adults, including pregnant and came back I had a skin infection, however I cium and phosphate in the body which is im- breastfeeding women) should consider taking wasn’t told this, so it was left untreated for portant for keeping bones, teeth and muscles a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms Dr Caroline Watson and Dr Alex Bunn are almost a year. I was given strong steroids to healthy. It may also have other benefits for the of vitamin D during the autumn and winter. lead prison GPs. Both are members of the use monthly but with that and the infection immune system and heart. Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) there is significant damage, loss of pigmen- We know that people who spend a lot of time Healthcare in Secure Environments Group. tation, scarring, thinning of the skin and The problem of vitamin D deficiency has be- indoors throughout the year - which includes stretch marks. I’ve been told this is irrevers- come a hot topic during the COVID-19 pan- people in prison, people who wear clothes that If you have a question relating to your ible, is this true? What would you advise me demic because people have been spending cover up most of their skin, and people with own health, write a brief letter to Inside to do? much more time indoors than usual; vitamin dark skin – for example with an African, Afri- Time (Health), Botley Mills, Botley, D is called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because the can-Caribbean or south Asian background, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. A Sorry to hear that. Steroids should be used body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on will not make enough Vitamin D from sun- Everyone will receive a reply, however as prescribed as overuse can cause thinning the skin when someone is outdoors. We know shine and should consider taking a supple- only a selection will be published each of the skin and stretch marks amongst other that between October and early March in the ment throughout the year. month and no names will be disclosed.

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EVERY VACCINATION GIVES US 38 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 Inside Drink & Drugs News DDN News Round-Up Violent trade Drink and Drugs News (DDN) is the monthly magazine for those The use of violence in the illegal drugs trade has ‘escalated notably working with drug and alcohol clients, including in prisons. In a in recent years’, according to Europol’s ‘European Union serious and organised crime assessment’. Competition between suppliers regular bi-monthly column editor Claire Brown looks at what’s has intensified, leading to an increase in both the frequency and been happening lately in the substance misuse field severity of violence, it says. The study, published every four years, identifies shifts in serious and organised crime activity based on carrying kits themselves. analysis of thousands of cases and intelligence provided to Europol. Many police officers now The COVID-19 pandemic and ‘potential economic and social carry it in case they can reach fallout’ could create ideal conditions for criminal organisations to the scene of an overdose thrive and expand, it warns, with serious and organised crime quicker than the ambulance posing a greater threat than ever before.

crew. Durham is now focusing © Deposit Photos on making take-home nalox- Risky drinking Drug control a ‘disaster’ Exercise not pills one available to people with A survey by With You has The global drug control regime People with chronic primary problematic drug issues who revealed the ‘huge impact’ of pain should be offered a range don’t have frequent contact represents ‘a shocking health COVID-19 on alcohol con- and human rights disaster’ of treatments to help manage with a GP or drug service, and sumption in Scotland, with 49 their condition, says new are putting this public health according to a report from the per cent of respondents saying International Drug Policy guidance from NICE, rather approach first. Other areas of the pandemic has led to them than being started on drugs Consortium (IDPC) to mark the the country must follow suit drinking more. The survey of such as benzodiazepines or 60th anniversary of the Single without delay. almost 5,400 people also found opioids. Chronic primary pain campaign, with such mes- Convention on Narcotic Drugs. that 30 per cent were consuming is defined as pain lasting more sages as ‘Carrying naloxone is Around 2.5m people are in Claire Brown Each year the drug-related ten or more units ‘on a typical than three months and where easier than carrying a mate’s DDN Editor death statistics rise, but most drinking day’, with the same prison for drugs offences, at the cause is unclear - pain coffin’ and ‘No one deserves overdoses are preventable proportion reporting using least 475,000 of which relate to caused by an underlying to die on the street like a dog, and naloxone is cost effective alcohol to deal with stress and personal use only, while the condition such as arthritis or that’s why I carry naloxone.’ Do you know about naloxone? on every single level. It’s a long anxiety. Researchers found that annual drug-related death toll ulcerative colitis is known as For more than a decade we’ve haul convincing the public to more than a quarter of respond- now stands at 585,000. Only chronic secondary pain. The ongoing challenge is to been writing about it and sup- think intelligently about drug- ents’ drinking fell into the one in eight people with drug Treatments known to be make sure naloxone ‘follows porting campaigns to get it related issues, but campaigns increasing risk, higher risk or dependence have access to effective in managing chronic the person’ - so for example if into the right hands. Nalox- such as this one - showing the possible dependence catego- treatment, the document states, primary pain include exercise, you were taking drugs before one is the life-saving drug human face of people who use ries, with a third reporting while billions have limited or cognitive behavioural therapy entering prison, then com- that can reverse the symp- drugs - and thinking about concerns about their drinking zero access to pain relief ‘due (CBT) and acceptance and completed a successful drug treat- toms of an overdose from her- their families and all those during lockdown. to repressive drug laws’. mitment therapy (ACT). ment programme inside, it’s oin or other opioids, such as affected, bring us one step painkillers. With a swift in- absolutely crucial that you are closer to understanding the Is DDN in your library? jection from a pre-loaded sy- not at risk of an overdose if for need for prevention over Your prison can receive monthly printed issues of DDN magazine free of charge by emailing ringe, or through using a any reason you relapse after tragic consequences. [email protected]. DDN is also online at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com nasal spray, you can literally release. With the best inten- bring somebody back to life. tions in the world, it happens, and we want to see prisons As always, your thoughts and experiences are very welcome Slowly, gradually, local au- making sure that everyone if you want to write a letter to thorities in more areas of the who is at risk of an opiate-re- DDN. Thank you to those of country have been supplying lated overdose is in posses- you who have written to us naloxone kits, persuaded by sion of naloxone. It should be the need to invest in prevent- in your kit as you leave the already - your insights on ing drug-related deaths, and premises, and you - and any- childhood trauma are invalu- drug treatment agencies are one close to you - should able, and are helping me fully behind a campaign to know what to do with it. greatly in compiling an article make sure it’s on the scene of for our next issue. We appre- any high-risk situation. The There’s been significant pro- ciate the sensitivity of sharing pharmaceutical company gress in the criminal justice personal information and are that makes injectable nalox- system, as we report regularly, careful to preserve your ano- one has just funded an over- including in our latest issue nymity; your experiences are dose awareness campaign, of DDN. After a spate of over- helping to shape better treat- with billboards in major cit- doses in its custody suites, ment. You can write to me at: ies. People who have been Durham Constabulary now DDN, Editor, DDN, Romney personally affected by an have naloxone readily availa- House, School Road, Ash- overdose are featured in the ble there, as well as officers ford, Kent TN27 0LT. Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Information 39 The Inspector Calls - Scrutiny Inspections

Fourteen months after HM Inspectorate of Prisons suspended its programme of full inspections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Inspector of Prisons has announced that full inspection visits have now resumed. Below are four recent scrutiny visits.

HMP Bedford HMP Bure

Date of visit: 2 February and 16-17 March Date of visit: 16 and 23-24 March 2021: 2021: published: 21 April 2021 published: 30 April 2021

“Effective on COVID-19 and some “Well-led prison protecting elderly sex improvements but many long-term offender population from COVID-19” problems persist” Bure holds nearly 600 men - convicted sex offenders - on a former RAF base in Norfolk. More HMP Peterborough (Female) HMP Exeter In 2018 the prison had been so poor, with significant violence problems that it was subject than half the men were aged over 50 and a third Date of visit: 2 and 9 March 2021: published: Date of visit: 9 and 16-17 March 2021: to a rarely used HMI Prisons Urgent Notification. were considered clinically vulnerable to the 20 April 2021 published: 27 April 2021 At this visit, Bedford was found by inspectors virus. However, this report says: “Attention to COVID-19-safe procedures was particularly “Respectful treatment but negative “Improvement in staff-prisoner relation- to have been under considerable pressure from impressive. Shielding and quarantine arrange- impact from severe COVID-19 lock-up” ships remains a priority” COVID-19 outbreaks. It had experienced two large-scale outbreaks of the virus in December ments had been applied rigorously to minimise In this inspection the report says although the Improvements in conditions for prisoners at 2020 and February 2021. At its peak, the second the spread of the virus. The potentially more leadership team had managed the consequenc- Exeter were hampered by a high turnover of outbreak saw 20% of prisoners testing positive serious consequences for an older and, in many es of the COVID-19 pandemic in the prison ef- leadership and frontline staff and problems and a large proportion of staff absent from work. cases, frailer population had been avoided dur- fectively, there were some concerns with women with staff culture. Exeter was another prison ing a recent COVID-19 outbreak.” Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, feeling the debilitating impact of being locked where, following the last inspection in May up for nearly 23 hours a day. In line with national said: “Leaders were committed to managing 2018, inspectors found that safety had been so There had been two self-inflicted deaths during guidance, the prison had returned to a more poor that the prison was subject to a rarely used the spread of COVID-19 and worked hard to the pandemic. Although one prisoner had died restricted regime in January 2021. Being locked Urgent Notification. A follow-up Independent apply guidance on isolating prisoners. At the of a COVID-19-related illness, there had been in a cell for about 23 hours every day was taking Review of Progress in 2019 found that improve- time of our scrutiny visit, no further prisoners a toll on their mental health and emotional no confirmed cases on the residential unit where ments were ‘too little too late’. had tested positive, but some staff absences wellbeing. Some even told inspectors they had the most clinically vulnerable and many shield- continued.” considered suicide; however, levels of self-harm Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons ing prisoners were located. Communal areas remained lower than they were pre-COVID-19, says: “Since then, further progress has been were kept very clean and face masks were worn despite a recent slight increase. The number of Living conditions had been improved since 2018 hampered by high turnover of staff at all levels. by staff and prisoners alike. Staff uptake of recorded violent incidents had declined since and the prison was cleaner. The provision of At this visit, some key leadership posts had just the beginning of the pandemic. Previously high regular COVID-19 testing was high and, at the been filled and one-third of frontline staff had basic items such as bedding, clean clothing and levels of strip-searching had decreased consid- time of this visit in March 2021, more than 40% been in post for less than a year.” cell cleaning materials was now more reliable erably. However, the use of force by staff had of prisoners had received their first and work on equality and diversity had seen increased and was applied disproportionately vaccination. In one of the key concerns raised by the visit, to young adults and in the segregation unit. some recent improvements. However, the re- the report noted: “Despite a clear vision for a Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons ported level of assaults between prisoners and safe, decent, and secure establishment we found Unlock for most prisoners was less than two says: “We were not confident that across the on staff was the highest of all similar prisons many areas where outcomes needed to improve. hours a day, which included 45 minutes’ access prison, force was always used as a last resort over the last year. Thirty per cent of prisoners Many of these deficiencies were linked to the to the exercise yard. Without in-cell phones, or that governance arrangements were suffi- said that they currently felt unsafe and nearly staff culture we observed and the associated there was not enough time or privacy for calls, ciently robust.” half said that they had been bullied or victimised lack of confidence among staff, many of whom which were limited to only five minutes, on the by staff. Inspectors found that the prison treated the were inexperienced. Staff-prisoner relation- communal telephones. Only around a fifth of women respectfully and relationships between ships were lacking.” Taylor said: “Some exam- the men had accessed any form of in-cell edu- ples of this included unresponsiveness to pris- staff and the women were generally positive. Taylor said: “The quality of staff-prisoner rela- cation and only a small proportion had re- oner requests and enquiries, insufficient care Pregnant women received good support and tionships remained mixed, with not all staff mained in their work roles during the mothers and their babies were well cared for. for prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide and buying into the vision of a rehabilitative ap- indifference to the needs of prisoners with phys- pandemic. Health services were broadly equal to those in proach set out by the governor … We saw some ical disabilities, one of whom we found located the community. The Purple Visits video-visits dedicated staff who interacted with prisoners system was very well used. In-cell telephones on the fourth landing of a wing.” There had Staff-prisoner relationships were a strength - well in order to provide good care and support. and additional credit were valued, as was the been six self-inflicted deaths since 2018. with 91% of prisoners saying that staff treated well-used email contact scheme. However, we also saw many examples of them with respect. Levels of self-harm had re- Time out of cell for most prisoners was limited rule-breaking going unchallenged, which fed duced in the past 12 months, though the rate The environment was pleasant and women to about 90 minutes on most days and less on the perception that prisoners could behave was still higher than at some similar prisons. Fridays and at weekends. Work opportunities appreciated being able to personalise their cells, badly without fear of repercussion. The community rehabilitation company pro- but toilets were not sufficiently screened. had been confined to essential roles only and viding ‘through-the-gate’ support had with- Showers lacked privacy, deterring a number of education was being delivered through work “40% of officers had less than two years’ service drawn all face-to-face contact with prisoners women from using them, and there were some packs completed in cells. and 22% had joined in the 12 months since the issues with the provision of menstrual care at the start of the pandemic until the week of products, soap, and hand sanitiser. Summing up, Taylor said: “Despite some pro- beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we the inspection. gress since our last inspection and during the were concerned about their lack of skills in There was some good work to support women pandemic, outcomes for prisoners at Exeter still managing prisoners once the restricted regime Summing up, Taylor said: “The prison had on their release. Despite this, many were re- required improvement. All leaders and manag- was eased … While improvements were evident managed well in protecting its frail and older leased either without any housing or into emer- ers needed to commit fully to the governor’s under our test of respect, the more systemic population from the virus. The committed and gency, short-term accommodation. Summing vision for the establishment with the develop- issues of high levels of violence and underde- caring leadership and staff group had main- up, Taylor says: “This was a reasonably good ment of staff capability based on good quality veloped staff-prisoner relationships tained a safe, decent, and very respectful prison visit, with a number of encouraging relationships with prisoners remaining a persisted”. despite the challenges of the pandemic.” features.” priority.”

Full report: https://tinyurl.com/5bkvp8x7 Full report: https://tinyurl.com/de6v6hcs Full report: https://tinyurl.com/3nh2j72u Full report: https://tinyurl.com/vzfdcp7j 40 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

instead we are putting to- Prison Reform Trust gether a creative project and offering everyone across the prison estate an opportunity to participate, giving individ- Photocopying of mail uals a voice to share their journey through the criminal justice system in a creative Ryan Harman If photocopying artwork or other items of mail PRISON way. REFORM Advice and Information in colour, prisons must consider providing TRUST Service Manager colour photocopies where possible. Prisons We are looking for 5 words, must also consider any special adjustments to short sentences, poems, meet the needs of the recipient, for example drawings, songs, paintings, for those with visual impairments or learning For a couple of years now, our advice service etc that capture your experi-

difficulties. © Deposit Photos has been hearing about the practice of incom- ence of the criminal justice ing post being photocopied as part of security system through the eyes of Legal mail and confidential access corre- measures to tackle illicit substances entering mental health. prison. A recently published policy - Use of spondence must be managed in accordance with Rule 39 and PSI 49/2011 Prisoner Commu- Creative Project Narcotics Trace Detection Equipment on Cor- If you do not consider your- nication Services which includes that it must respondence Policy Framework - goes into de- self to be one that struggles not be opened unless you have been given the We here at Penal Reform Solu- spectorates of Probation. tail about this particular measure. with mental health we are opportunity to be present. tions are strong believers in sure you still have a story to growth and change within We have recently commenced The policy states that: mail can be opened, tell, so please share your jour- In instances where legal or confidential access the criminal justice system. a project with HMI Probation, read, tested, and photocopied by appropriate ney with us in a creative way correspondence is opened in accordance with We truly understand the im- capturing the voices of those staff to check for illicit substances when nec- and help us make a lasting Rule 39 and PSI 49/2011, it must only be pho- portance of reform and reha- who have had experience of essary on grounds specified in Rule 35A(4) and difference. proportionate to what is sought to be achieved. tocopied if i) it has been indicated upon by the bilitation and the different the criminal justice system narcotic trace detection equipment and ii) the areas that need to be covered through the eyes of mental (a) The interests of national security; Please send your creative wider intelligence picture suggests that the to support individuals leav- health. Talking to a range of (b) The prevention, detection, investigation or projects to: PRS, PO Box 364, intended recipient may be involved in the con- ing the prison system and individuals has been so vital prosecution of crime; Romsey, SO51 1DZ. (c) The interests of public safety; veyance of illicit substances and therefore, the going on to live much more in helping us capture key in- contents may endanger prison security or meaningful and positive lives formation, which will allow (d) Securing or maintaining prison security or We really do value your help safety of others. There is more information away from crime. us to write a detailed report good order and discipline in prison; so please use this opportunity about handling of legal and confidential cor- highlighting the areas that (e) The protection of health or morals; to speak up to someone who respondence in PSI 49/2011 and PSI 04/2016 We have personally witnessed need to change and the areas (f) The protection of the rights and freedoms is genuinely interested to hear The Interception of Communications in Pris- firsthand the pure talent that that are doing well in terms of of any person. what you have to say. ons and Security Measures. sits within UK prisons and supporting those with mental Prisons may consider photocopying mail as a goes unnoticed, but we are health needs. way of dealing with the threat posed by illicit If the prison is photocopying all social corre- looking to give individuals substances. The Policy Framework states that spondence, they must store original pieces in the opportunity to share their Unfortunately, we cannot ‘prisons must justify and evidence the reason the stored property area and in your individual talents with us and be part of speak to everyone currently to photocopy mail addressed to prisoners or a property container. This should be given to a creative project that we are serving a prison sentence (as sample of mail arriving at the prison’. Prisons you on release. putting together for HM In- much as we would like to), so should only use photocopying if the problem is ‘widespread and if alternative security meas- If the prison is only using photocopying for ures have already been tried and not been ef- correspondence according to narcotics trace fective’. This approach should be reviewed on detection equipment results, the originals will Ofﬁ cially the LARGEST an ongoing basis to make sure it is proportion- be considered intercepted material. Under ate to the risk posed. Prison Rule 35D the governor may not retain Prison Law any intercepted material for more than three Practice in Depending on the level of threat posed, and months unless they are satisfied that contin- T N P L S the Country the ability to demonstrate and document this, ued retention is necessary on the grounds prisons may consider the following photocop- listed in Rule 35A(4) and proportionate to what Trusted by more prisoners in England and ying options when processing social mail only: is sought to be achieved by the continued re- Wales than any other Solicitors. Either: tention. Extended retention must be kept With Experts across the Country, a) Omitting the use of narcotics trace detection under review at least every three months. If it equipment and instead photocopying all social is no longer necessary and proportionate to we can represent you in ANY PRISON. correspondence entering the establishment. retain the letter, the governor must arrange for Or: the correspondence to be destroyed using ap- Write to us today for FREE Expert b) Providing photocopies of mail items provid- propriate confidential data destruction ser- advice at the following address: ing a positive indication which, when assessed vices. You should also have been given 4 alongside the wider intelligence picture, sug- weeks from the date the original was pro- FREEPOST RTAB-BATB-HGAU gests that this prisoner may be involved in this cessed as incoming mail to appeal the Carringtons Solicitors, route of conveyance. decision. Nottingham NG2 2JR www.carringtons-solicitors.co.uk We are aware that some prisons have taken If you would like us to send you a copy of the Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers and Howard League for Penal Reform approach a) of photocopying all social corre- Use of Narcotics Trace Detection Equipment on spondence received. This approach must only Correspondence Policy Framework please con- Our team of more than 40 Experts are here to help be considered when the evidence justifies this tact us using the details below. action as being the necessary and proportion- you, with a wealth of experience specialising in all ate response to the threat. This approach must We are currently aiming to open our free- areas of Prison and Criminal Law be reviewed periodically and at least every phone, on 0808 802 0060, as often as possible • Parole Board Reviews & Hearings • Recall to Prison three months. on Monday 3pm - 5pm, and Wednesday and • Independent Adjudications • Category A Review Thursday 10.30am - 12.30pm. When we are If your social correspondence has been stopped not taking calls you can still leave a short • Minimum Term Reviews • Re-Categorisation as a result of security measures you should be voicemail. These will be checked on working • Close Supervision Centre Reviews • Sentence Calculation told about this in writing - this includes when days and we will respond as soon as possible • Transfer • HDC “Tagging” originals have been replaced by photocopies. by post or email a prisoner. Security processes should not delay your ac- Alternatively, you can write to us at Prison • Criminal Defence • Police Interviews cess to mail. The Policy Framework explains Reform Trust, FREEPOST ND 6125, London that ‘This ensures minimal impact on family EC1B 1PN - at time of writing we are still able (local rate) life and access to justice through legally priv- to access our office at least weekly to receive For FREE Expert 08454 750 650 ileged correspondence or confidential access and send out post. As always, we will respond advice call us today correspondence.’ to all enquiries as quickly as we can. or 0115 986 0983

Carrington Advert 155x130 Oct 2019.indd 1 21/10/2019 16:24 Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Information/Legal 41

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

communicate effectively with prisoners. In short, they work Everybody Counts as full members of the PPO team, with the added knowl- From prison to working at the PPO edge and perspective they SOLICITORS bring from having experi- wellsburcombe to do, that there was always enced the prison system first some risk to employing any- hand. one we didn’t know and that, Sue McAllister if things went wrong, we would deal with any problems They work as One of the first things I did in the same way as we dealt full members of when I became the Prisons with other workplace issues. and Probation Ombudsman the PPO team, was to set out my plan to And so we recruited our first with the added bring people who had been in two colleagues, Frankie and prison or had other first-hand Andrew, who were both com- knowledge and experience of the criminal ing to the end of their prison perspective they justice system into our team sentences. We used the Going at the PPO. Forward into Employment bring from having POLICE INVESTIGATIONS COURT PROCEEDINGS (GFIE) scheme, a scheme experienced the jointly led by the Cabinet Of- There were several reasons l l for doing this. I knew that our fice and the Ministry of Jus- prison system first Are you about to be interviewed Have you received a postal work would benefit from the tice, to help us to manage the by the Police? requisition? process and we worked hand. knowledge and perspective l l that people with lived experi- closely with the Resettlement Facing the prospect of fresh Have you been charged with ence would bring to it. I also Teams in both prisons to iden- It’s now almost a year and a charges? new offences? tify and select the most suita- believed that working in the half since our new colleagues l l criminal justice system, in ble candidates for roles in our joined the team. We recently Want to avoid an additional Do you have a hearing coming our case as an independent Complaints Assessment converted their employment sentence? up and need representation? Team. Managers from the PPO Arm’s Length Body, came status to ‘permanent’, which l l with a duty to lead by exam- conducted the interviews just the GFIE scheme allows us to Waiting for the Police to make Are your current lawyers doing ple and give people the op- as they would for any other do, subject to satisfactory per- a decision on potential fresh enough to help? candidates and the successful portunities that we all know formance. Like all of us, both charges? l are much harder to access if applicants were then submit- are working from home dur- Do you face POCA proceedings? you have a criminal record. ted for the pre-employment ing the current COVID restric- l Concerned over Police delays in And lastly, I had seen for my- checks that all new Civil Serv- tions, so it’s been a while making a decision? self, from many years of work- ants must undergo. since I saw either of them in ing in prisons, how much person. But we all join the l Had no update from your Solicitor? It was more than a year after difference having a job could regular staff meetings and l make to someone’s chances of I had first set out my commit- other virtual events via Mi- Been recalled and worried about turning their life around and ment to bring lived experience crosoft Teams video calls and being charged with new offences? settling back into the into the PPO, and our new we’re looking forward to get- community. colleagues joined the Com- ting back to the office as lock- plaints Assessment Team down eases. after being released from I had seen for prison, initially on a two-year Having seen the benefits of myself, from many contract with the option to having lived experience at the convert to a permanent ap- PPO, we have no plans to stop years of working in pointment later. Within a now, and any future recruit- APPEALS prisons, how much short time, Frankie and An- ment will see us reaching out drew had settled into the job, to make sure we get the very l Do you feel your sentence is too difference having a the team and the life of the best people on our team, long? job could make to office. Just like other team which is sure to include more members, they had the option people from underrepre- l Do you disagree with your Lawyers someone’s chances to work partly from our offices sented groups, including about not lodging an appeal? of turning their life in Canary Wharf and partly those with first-hand experi- PRISON LAW from home and were issued ence of prison and other com- l Wrongly convicted? around and set- with laptops and mobile munity based sentences. We l Due for parole? l Concerned about disclosure tling back into the phones to support this remote have started, but we are cer- working. tainly not finished. l Been recalled? failures? community. The value that lived experi- l Due for a category A review l Let down at trial by your legal ence brought to our work was Within the PPO team, there l team? was real support for the plan. apparent from an early stage. Suffered parole delays that Most of my colleagues under- Frankie and Andrew are part you feel you should be l Do you feel you have grounds stood the benefits of having of the team that looks at all compensated for? to appeal? lived experience in the team the complaints that come into and knew only too well the our office and decides which barriers that people face are eligible. Both take their LEGAL AID / PRIVATE REPRESENTATION / NATIONWIDE SERVICE when they leave prison and turn on the rota listening to try to rebuild their lives. calls on the PPO phoneline There was some nervousness and the next step is for them Sue McAllister CB is the Prisons Herts, Beds, Bucks, Essex London & Thames Valley, Appointment only too. We had never done this to respond to the emails we and Probation Ombudsman Kent, Surrey for England and Wales. Any before, and I had to reassure receive via the PPO mailbox. 5 Holywell Hill, St Albans, 4 Britannia Court, The Green 13 Halstead Road, enquiries regarding this col- colleagues about the thor- They are involved in some of Hertfordshire AL1 1EU. West Drayton, Middlesex Wanstead, umn should be sent to: Prisons oughness of the selection pro- our collaborations with other Tel: 01727 840900 UB7 7PN. Tel: 01895 449288 London E11 2AY. cesses and the safeguards in organisations such as the and Probation Ombudsman, place. However, I also made it Traveller Movement and the Third Floor, 10 South Colon- very clear why we were doing Prison Radio Association, and nade, Canary Wharf, London, it; that it was the right thing they help inform our efforts to E14 4PU. www.wellsburcombe.co.uk 42 Legal Insidetime June 2021 Another CCRC referral to the Appeal Court Did you know… It will cost you absolutely nothing to make an application to the CCRC! (diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder) “What?! Nothing?! You mean its free, you’ve got to be kidding me, right?” We know that many of you want more details appealed his sentence, which was reduced The CCRC also made enquiries with PS’s trial Nope, you read that right! Making an appli- about the types of cases the CCRC refers to the from a minimum term of 14 years to 10 years. defence team about why this was not raised at cation to the CCRC is completely free. You Appeal Court. Below is an example of a case They also submitted the ASD diagnosis to the the time of trial. They said they had no idea will never be charged any money by the we recently referred to the Court of Appeal. The CCRC asking us to review the importance of that PS had a developmental disorder and nei- CCRC for making your application. case has been anonymised due to the appli- the new ASD diagnosis to PS’s conviction. ther did PS’s family. cant’s age and vulnerability. “But surely there are costs involved during a The CCRC considered the importance of PS’s During the investigation, the CCRC considered review?” PS was convicted of murder and related of- significant vulnerabilities to his ability to unit important that PS’s co-defendant had been fences in 2017. At the time of the offence he was derstand the trial process and his ability to diagnosed with ADHD prior to the trial. He was Sometimes there are extra costs involved in 14 years old. He was still 14 at the time of his give evidence and to understand questioning given an intermediary and an expert gave ev- a review but we won’t ever pass these on to trial. He was accused of being a member of a by the prosecution. We also looked at whether idence to help the jury understand the co-de- our applicants. The CCRC is funded by the London gang who had ‘beef’ with another Lon- the diagnosis was important to understand the fendant’s presentation and actions at the time Ministry of Justice, so we won’t ever make don gang. The prosecution case was that the way he acted at the time of the offence. The of the offence. The co-defendant was acquit- our applicants pay for a review of their con- stabbing of three young men, one of which was CCRC asked an expert psychologist to help ted, despite having played what appeared to viction and/or sentence. fatal, was a revenge attack as part of a gang identify how PS’s diagnosis would affect these be a greater role in the offence. In February You also don’t need a solicitor to make an dispute. aspects of the case. The psychologist advised 2021, the CCRC referred the case to the Court application to us, in fact a lot of our appli- the CCRC that PS would have been disadvan- of Appeal on the basis of the new ASD cations are made by people just like you, PS was not at the scene of the stabbing. He taged in several ways. He said PS would have evidence. without any help from a solicitor. couldn’t see the stabbing from where he was benefitted from an intermediary to help ensure standing when it took place. He was accused he understood the trial process and the ques- It is now up to the Court of Appeal what to do “Oh, so what it means is that you won’t really by the prosecution of intentionally encourag- tions put to him, given his severe communica- with this case. The CCRC’s involvement has spend money on my case?” ing a joint plan to commit serious violence with tion difficulties. He also said the jury should ended. As with all the cases we refer we are knives by keeping a taxi present in which to have had expert information about PS’s devel- optimistic. We have to be optimistic as the law That’s not what it means at all. Just because escape. opmental disorder, which would have helped only allows us to refer a case if there is a real we’re free that doesn’t mean we won’t spend them to understand the short answers PS gave possibility the conviction will be quashed. money on your case. We don’t have a set PS successfully appealed his sentence on the to questions at trial. Additionally, it was the budget for each case, instead we look at every basis of new evidence which diagnosed him prosecution case that PS’s failure to ask ques- This is one of seven cases the CCRC has sent to single case with the view that if more work as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). tions about where he and his friends were the Appeal Court since the beginning of 2021. needs to be done in order for us to carry out The diagnosis put PS into a category of defend- going at the time of the offence was an indica- If you would like the CCRC to look at your case, our review properly, then you can be sure ants with vulnerabilities, which coupled with tion of guilt. The psychologist advised that the please get in touch with us. that we will pay to get this work done. his young age made him particularly vulner- jury would have benefitted from knowing that able. However the diagnosis was not made PS struggled with communication and because If you have lost your appeal and believe you have been wrongly convicted get in touch. You can until PS was admitted to prison following his of his neurological disorder, approached situ- phone us on: 0300 456 1473 or write to the CCRC at 5 St Phillips Place, Birmingham B3 2PW to request unsuccessful appeal against conviction. By ations differently to those without such a an application form to be sent to you. We will send out an application form including a freepost this time, PS had a new legal team. They disorder. envelope. Alternatively, you may already have applications available to you in the prison library.

O’Neill Morgan Your prison injury specialists.

ACCIDENT CLAIMS ASSAULT CLAIMS if you have suffered from an MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS injury in prison please do not hesitate to contact one of our NO WIN, NO FEE specialist legal experts.

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to the Parole Board that the differ slightly dependent on categorisation and allocation intelligence reports are un- the sentence. processes to ‘ensure that older founded and not true. prisoners are held in the most For on or post tariff prisoners appropriate setting’. The We would also advise you to subject to an Imprisonment for Government noted that ‘age put in COMP1 and COMP1/A Public Protection (IPP) sen- and disability in themselves forms, detailing this grievance tence, the Parole Board have do not influence an individu- to the prison. You can then ask the power to direct release, or al’s risk category, which is the Parole Board to include to recommend progression to based on an assessment of risk. these forms in your parole dos- open conditions, on either the sier, which would demon- However, where age or disa- papers or at an oral hearing. strate that you do not agree bility impacts risk, for example Prison Law & with the reports. the likelihood of escape from According to the Parole Board a closed prison or of reoffend- Compensation Response provided by Reeds Rules 2019, the same applies ing if the individual were to Solicitors for on or post tariff life sen- escape or abscond, then they RCM Solicitors See advert in Inside Time or tence prisoners, however are factors which will be taken Stevens Solicitors contact us for details. Parole Board policy is not to into account when reaching a Michael Jefferies Injury Anon HMP Dartmoor ‘spice’ in a suggestion box. The recommend release on the pa- Lawyers categorisation decision’. prison would then record it as JR HMP Northumberland pers, and that such a recom- Reeds Solicitors Q I have recently been told ‘low, medium or high’ depend- mendation can only be made Kesar & Co Solicitors there is security issues on my The Government noted that ent on the source of the inform- QI am an indeterminate sen- for a life sentence prisoner AGI Criminal Solicitors file around ‘spice’, however the updated system would be ant. It is usually ‘high’ when tence prisoner. Is my earliest following an oral hearing. I have never had a positive release at parole or at the end introduced early in 2021 how- Answers to readers’ legal observed by a prison officer drug test, never been found of my sentence? I have also ever they have not yet provided queries are given on a and ‘low’ when reported by I turn now to your second ques- with drugs or had my cell read in several papers that an updated security categori- strictly without liability another prisoner, but security tion regards the impact of age searched for drugs - because age and disability can impact sation framework to reflect the basis. If you propose acting departments have their own and disability on progression I don’t take drugs. However a prisoner’s move to open upon any of the opinions weightage criteria. above. Please note that any due to what’s on file, which prison, is this true? to open conditions. An inquiry that appear, you must first was opened by the all-party future or further updates re- I knew nothing about and is We understand the situation garding an updated security take legal advice. unevidenced, this could stop House of Commons Justice in which you find yourself - A With regard to the first ques- categorisation framework will Send your Prison Law me getting out of prison and Committee in April 2020 into especially the fact that you will tion, an indeterminate sen- be communicated on the Query (concise and clearly moving on with my life. Is this the ageing prison population. soon be going before the tence prisoner may only be Prisons and Probation govern- marked ‘Prison Law Query’) legal and does it have to be A report was published in July Parole Board. We would advise released once it has been di- ment website, which may be to: David Wells, Solicitor proven to be on my file? that you contact a prison law 2020 which called for minis- rected by the Parole Board. The found here: https://www.gov. c/o Inside Time, Botley specialist immediately and ask earliest date at which the ters to ‘ensure that older and uk/crime-justice-and-law/ Mills, Botley, Southampton, A It is not unlawful for the him/her to put representations Parole Board may consider the disabled prisoners are accom- prisons-probation#news_ Hampshire SO30 2GB. prison to enter security/intel- to the Parole Board explaining release of an indeterminate modated in an appropriate setting.’ and_communications For a prompt response, ligence reports on your record your position in relation to the sentence prisoner is upon ex- readers are asked to send their and no evidence is required. drugs intelligence. The solici- piry of their tariff. The rules by Response provided by Kesar & In response, the Government queries on white paper using All it takes is for someone who tor would also be able to which the Parole Board may Co Solicitors black ink or typed if possible. has an issue with you to put cross-examine the POM at an consider release for an inde- announced that it was updat- See advert in Inside Time or your name with the word Oral Hearing to demonstrate terminate sentence prisoner ing their security contact us for details.

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Write to us: Unit 1 Campus Road, ‘We are “The people’s firm”. We serve the Listerhills Science Park, Bradford BD7 1HR people we represent and do our utmost to 0808 196 8212 listen to you and speak out on your behalf.’ www.proctorhobbs.com QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Jefferies Solicitors is a specialist quickly. There is likely to be support experiencing pain and an x-ray showed of proving this is to keep a copy of personal injury law firm dedicated for the suggestion that if had you been a fracture which the hospital said should any complaint forms or applications to helping you with accident taken earlier, the initial straightening have been dealt with when I was in prison. submitted to the prison and to keep a claims, personal injury, industrial would have avoided the need for a I have now been told that I will need copy of their response. We note that diseases and medical negligence further operation. an operation to fuse some bones in my different prisons use different systems compensation claims, including ankle which I wouldn’t have needed if to book appointments and sometimes claims that have arisen from an Healthcare had sent me for an x-ray and obtaining copies of these documents incident in prison. Q2: I heard that another prisoner settled given me proper treatment. Can I make a once submitted is difficult. However in his claim within a few months without claim even though the accident wasn’t the order to successfully allege a negligent If you have suffered an accident or having to have a medical examination prison’s fault? delay in treatment we require all the injury on the road, had an accident or evidence we can. We also recommend injury in a public place, been injured as the other side made a pre-med offer. that any verbal complaint made to as a result of medical malpractice What is a pre-med offer? A: Yes, providing Healthcare failed to refer you to the hospital in the past prison staff or healthcare staff is or negligence or had work-related A: A pre-med offer is an offer to 3 years, you may be able to make followed up in writing so that the accident while in prison, the expert settle a personal injury claim before a a claim for clinical negligence. A complaint is documented. solicitors at Jefferies can help you. medical report is obtained. Insurance specialist clinical negligence solicitor companies extend these offers in the If you have been injured while in can investigate your claim by applying hope of reducing their liability for prison, contact our specialist injury for your medical records and then Q5: I’m not due for release for several compensation. lawyers to find out if you have reviewing them to ascertain if and how years. I’ve been told that a medical report grounds to claim. Apart from in exceptional circumstances, healthcare failed in their duty of care to is needed in order to make a claim for an injury suffered in prison. How will Write to us at Jefferies Solicitors we would not recommend accepting you. They will then determine whether I visit the doctor to prove my injuries Limited, The Triangle, 8 Cross Street, a pre-med offer because until medical this has caused or attributed to the happened? Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1EQ. evidence is obtained there is no way need for you to have an operation that of accurately determining the true you would not otherwise have needed. A: Firstly, any injury you suffer within Q1: My nose was broken in an incident value of a personal injury claim. There the prison should be reported promptly around a year ago. I was not treated at is, therefore, a significant risk that a to the prison’s healthcare service, the time when I had the incident and now Claimant will be under-compensated if a Q4. Following an injury in prison, I was whether or not you are intending to my nose is not aligned correctly. I also pre-med offer is accepted. advised to seek healthcare attention and make a claim. Make sure that you fully cannot breathe through my nose and after applying to see the GP/Dentist I was explain to the nurse or doctor precisely have found out that because they took advised I would be put onto the waiting what has happened to you to avoid any so long to take me to hospital, I now have Q3: I fell and hurt my ankle really list. After several months of suffering misunderstanding later. Your solicitor to have an operation. I had to wait for badly when I tripped over some of my with ongoing pain I am still awaiting an will then apply for your medical records almost 6 months to go to hospital to see belongings in my cell. I couldn’t put appointment. I wish to make a claim. prior to instructing an appropriate a Doctor. Do I have a case? any weight on my ankle without being expert to visit you in the prison. The A. In order to succeed with claims for in extreme pain. I know that the prison medical expert will examine you and A: Yes, as they failed to refer you to delay of treatment we must be able weren’t to blame for my accident but will also have been sent copies of your an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist to prove that firstly, Healthcare are Healthcare refused to refer me for an medical records so that he can prepare following your incident then you may aware of your injury and secondly, that x-ray. a report on your injuries. have a case. Suspected broken noses treatment is required urgently to avoid need to be imaged and followed up When I was released I was still further injury. The most successful way

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

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3365_InsideTime_JUNE_Q&A_265x332.indd 1 18/05/2021 12:28 Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 45 On this day… 8th June 1968 Behind the Gate

men, a figure exceeded only Shrewsbury nick - gone but not forgotten by HMP Kennet in Liverpool at James Earl Ray arrested! the time. In 1934, the prison had contained the larger num- Killer of peacemaker in custody add - 99 years in jail! ber of 204 cells.

Aeromarine Supply Company. Before closure, Shrewsbury He also bought a Redfield was a Category B/C prison, 2x-7x scope, which he had accepting adult males from the mounted to the rifle. He told local courts in its catchment the shopkeepers that he was area. Accommodation at the going on a hunting trip with prison consisted of double his brother. Ray had contin- occupancy cells in most- ued using the Galt alias after ly Victorian buildings. The his stint in Mexico, but when prison off ered education and he made this purchase, he workshops to inmates. A gave his name as Harvey Inside Insight 8.00 am and all executed pris- Listener Scheme was also Lowmeyer. oners were buried in available to prisoners at risk of unmarked graves within the suicide or self-harm. After purchasing the rifle and prison walls, as was the cus- accessories, Ray drove back HMP Shrewsbury tom. The last execution at the The former prison site, on to Atlanta. An avid newspa- ‘The Dana’ prison was George Riley, a Howard Street, adjacent Ray: Nobody knows why per reader, Ray passed his trainee butcher, aged 21 years to Shrewsbury Railway time reading The Atlanta They hang us now in on Thursday, 9 February 1961, Station, is near the site of the Constitution. The paper re- arriving in Los Angeles on Shrewsbury jail: for the murder of his neigh- Dana Gaol, a medieval prison. Inside Insight ported King’s planned return November 19, 1967. While in The whistles blow forlorn, bour, Adeline Mary Smith. The name ‘The Dana’ is still trip to Memphis, which was Los Angeles, Ray attended a And trains all night groan often used for the prison, as scheduled for April 1, 1968. local bartending school and on the rail In February 2014 the Ministry well as being the name of the On June 8th, 1968, James On April 2, 1968, Ray packed Earl Ray was arrested at took dance lessons. His chief To men that die at morn. of Justice stated that the road to one side of the prison a bag and drove to Memphis. remains of ten executed pris- and the pedestrian route that London’s Heathrow Air- interest, however, was the ‘A Shropshire Lad’ George Wallace Presidential by A. E. Housman oners had been exhumed from runs from near the front of the port whilst attempting to On April 4, 1968, Ray killed Campaign. Ray was a racist the prison in 1972, with nine prison into the town centre via civil rights activist Martin Lu- board a plane for Brus- and was quickly drawn to The former HMP Shrewsbury cremated at a local crematori- a footbridge over the station. ther King Jr with a single shot sels, using a false Cana- Wallace’s segregationist plat- was once dubbed the most um and the ashes scattered The Victorian prison that you fired from his Remington dian passport. He was form. He spent much of his overcrowded prison in there. The remaining body see today sits on top of the rifle, while King was standing arrested for the assassi- time in Los Angeles volun- England and Wales and had a was handed over to relatives. original Georgian prison, the on the second-floor balcony nation of Civil Rights teering at the Wallace cam- reputation for violence and In September 2004, MP George remains of which are still of the Lorraine Motel in Mem- paign headquarters in North suicide. It was also one of the Stevenson called for an accessible underneath the cur- leader Dr Martin Luther phis. Shortly after the shot Hollywood. oldest in the UK. The prison inquiry into the number of sui- rent buildings. The now dis- King Jnr at the Lorraine was fired, witnesses saw Ray was a category B/C adult male cides which had occurred at used platform 8 at the station, Motel in Memphis Ten- fleeing from a rooming house On March 5, 1968, Ray under- prison, located in Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Prison. This came masked from the opposite nessee on the 4th of April across the street from the went a facial reconstruction, in Shropshire. It was decom- after 3 inmates had hanged platform by a high wall, was 1968. Ray was remanded motel; he had been renting a mainly changing the shape of missioned in March 2013 and themselves at the jail in 2 used for transporting prison- room in the house at the time. to HMP Brixton to await his nose, performed by physi- is now open to the public and weeks. ers between 1868 and World A package was abandoned extradition to the United cian Russell Hadley. On March among the ‘most haunted’ War I. A bust of prison reform- close to the site that included States. 18, 1968, Ray left Los Angeles British prisons. A report in 2005 named a rifle and binoculars, both er John Howard is above the and began a cross-country Shrewsbury prison as the found with Ray’s main entrance to the prison. Ray committed a variety of drive to Atlanta, Georgia. The original prison has been most overcrowded in England fingerprints. The street leading up to the crimes prior to the murder of on the same site since 1793, and Wales. In August 2008 a prison from the main road is King. Ray’s first conviction for being constructed by Thomas further report stated that the also named aft er him. criminal activity, a burglary Ray fled to Atlanta in his Telford to plans presented by prison had 178 places in use Ray killed civil white Ford Mustang, driving but held 326 inmates - an over- in California, came in 1949. In Shrewsbury architect John In January 2013, it was eleven hours. He picked up crowding rate of 183%. A 1952, he served two years for rights activist Hiram Haycock. The present announced that the prison his belongings and fled north report in June 2012 by the Prison the armed robbery of a taxi prison building was built in was scheduled for closure. The Martin Luther King to Canada, arriving in Toronto Reform Trust awarded driver in Illinois. In 1955, Ray 1877 and also took female con- last inmates were transferred three days later, where he hid Shrewsbury second place in was convicted of mail fraud Jr with a single victs up until 1922. Between from Shrewsbury to other pris- for over a month and acquired England and Wales for over- after stealing money orders in 1902 and 1961, seven men were ons on 27 February 2013, shot fired from his a Canadian passport under hanged for murder at the pris- crowding, holding 326 prison- Hannibal Missouri, then forg- ahead of its closure in March. ing them to take a trip to Flor- Remington rifle. the false name of Ramon on. Executions took place at ers in space designed for 170 ida. He served four years in George Sneyd. He left Toronto Leavenworth Prison. In 1959, in late May on a flight to Eng- land. He stayed briefly in Lis- Ray was caught stealing $120 Arriving in Atlanta on March bon, Portugal, and returned FREE in an armed robbery of a St 24, 1968, Ray checked into a to London. QUOTES 41 Louis Kroger store. Ray was rooming house. He bought a sentenced to twenty years in map of the city. FBI agents At the airport, officials no- prison for repeated offenses. later found this map when POCA cases ticed that Ray carried another completed in 2019 He escaped from the Missouri they searched the room in passport under a second PAY YOUR POCA State Penitentiary in 1967 by which he was staying in At- name. The UK quickly extra- Do you need money to pay hiding in a truck transporting lanta. On the map, the loca- dited Ray to Tennessee, where bread from the prison tions of the church and for your con scation? he was charged with King’s £ bakery. residence of Martin Luther murder. He confessed to the LETS GET THE CPS OFF YOUR BACK King Jr. were circled. crime on March 10, 1969, his No Upfront Following his escape, Ray and reduce your sentence Fee REQUIRED 41st birthday, and after plead- stayed on the move through- Ray was soon on the road ing guilty he was sentenced out the United States and Can- again and drove his Mustang 01992 676605 to 99 years in prison. Ray died ada. He then drove to Mexico, to Birmingham, Alabama. of liver failure 29 years after stopping in Acapulco, before There, on March 30, 1968, he @ [email protected] his arrest. Still until this day settling down in Puerto Val- bought a Remington .30.06- his motive for the killing is Bridge Finance Direct, Prince of Wales House, larta on October 19, 1967. Ray calibre rifle and a box of 20 unknown. 3 Bluecoats Avenue, Hertford SG14 1PB Five Star Reviews returned to the United States, cartridges from the 46 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 Finding a Good Read A regular column to help you find a good The Reader read even if you can’t get to the library yet

is such a peaceful, calming image. I live in the Sarah Turvey Childhood in Suburbia: If this is a Man: Primo Levi’s middle of a city and there is always a back- Colin Grant’s memoir of grow- haunting account of his sur- ground hum of traffic noise, the voices of peo- ing up as a child of the Win- vival in Auschwitz and what ple, the sound of sirens, so the dream of a drush generation it cost him garden away from the noise and bustle is one Biography I come back to time and time again. Your idea The Louder I Musicians of a place to escape to may be very different, and memoir Will Sing, A Stormzy: Rise Up. we all have our own calm place. Story of Rac- ‘The way we should ism, Riots and Keith Richards: Life ‘And I shall have some peace there’. When we take life is to ensure Redemption: read this as a group, people talked about the Lee Law- Amy Winehouse: subject of word ‘peace’ here and what peace means to that if a biography is rence’s mem- several biographies, includ- them. It certainly suggests an escape from the ever written about us, oir tells the story of the police ing ones by both her father external noises all around us, but for some Ways to escape it’s a bloody good read’ shooting of his mother when and her mother people it conjured up the idea of a deeper, he was eleven and his deter- The effects of the pandemic on inner peace too. ‘Peace comes dropping slow’. mination to bring it to light Pati Smith: Just Kids and M Shared Reading groups in prisons I can almost feel myself calming down, This month we’re browsing Train the shelves for good stories and probation hostels breathing more deeply as I read this line. I In Order to Live: Yeonmi could sit and repeat it to myself over and over about real people. The great Park’s horrifying account of Bob Marley: biography by again, like a mantra. How does it make you thing about biographies and her childhood in North Korea Colin Grant, I&I: The Natural Melissa feel? memoirs is that libraries are and her struggle to escape Mystics: Marley, Tosh and full of them and there are so Wailer Everything seems perfect here: many different kinds - from My Name is Why: Lemn Sis- Barack Obama’s inspirational Despite the title of this piece, I’m not going to ‘midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple say’s searing story of his Spies and adventurers Dreams from My Father to Mr shed any light here on digging tunnels, scaling glow’ childhood in the care system Ben Macintyre is the king of walls or stowing away in laundry wagons. It’s Nice - Howard Marks’ aston- and his eventual triumph spy biographers. His books not really my area of expertise you may not be ishing story of a drug-dealing Could any real place be so beautiful? When over it include The Spy and the Trai- surprised to hear! But the past year has left career and 43 aliases. we read this, some people in the group thought tor, Agent Zigzag, Double most of us feeling a need to escape - from the that Innisfree was a real place, maybe some- I Know Why the Caged Bird Cross and Agent Sonya place where we are maybe, but also from the Below are just some of the where remembered from childhood. Others Sings: Maya Angelou’s mem- people we are with, and even from ourselves categories you could ask for, thought that it was an idealised, imaginary oir of her black girlhood in the Prisoners of Honour: David at times. I discovered at a pretty early age that along with a few authors and place. How does it strike you? racist American South of the Levering Lewis tells the story books could offer me this. Mostly as a child I titles for each one. 1930s of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish would disappear in books to other worlds, army officer falsely convicted It’s certainly a place to escape to, whatever the Comedians where adventures were thrilling but never ter- Politicians & public figures for spying against France in rifying. I could imagine being part of some- time of day, or night: Billy Connolly: Tall Tales and ‘I will arise and go now, for always night and day Barack Obama: Dreams from the 1890s and sent to the nothing bigger, braver, more exciting, and in my Wee Stories and lots of My Father, A Promised Land torious Devil’s Island prison imagination I was always so much more heroic I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by others the shore’ off the coast of French Guiana than in real life. Nelson Mandela, Long Walk in South America Dawn French: Dear Fatty to Freedom This poem by W.B. Yeats conjures up for me Again this feels very soothing and calm, the water lapping by the shore. And it’s a lake, so Wild: Cheryl Strayed’s lone that sense of escape, but of a gentler sort, to a Romesh Ran- Sonia Purnell, Just Boris, A not the crash of waves on a beach, but a soft, walk across eleven hundred place of peace, beauty and calm: ganathan: Tale of Blond Ambition miles of the west coast of gentle sound - the sort of sound, almost hyp- Straight Outta notic, that could lull you to sleep. It’s quite a America in search of herself Crawley and As Michelle Obama, Becoming contrast to the reality of the roadway or the The Lake Isle of Innisfree Good as It Gets: Into the Wild: pavements grey. Life Lessons The Autobiography of Mal- I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, Jon Krakauer’s from a Reluc- com X account of the And a small cabin build there, of clay and This sound of lapping water is heard in ‘the tant Adult pull of the wattles made; deep heart’s core’. What, I wonder, does it feel Prison memoirs American wil- Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for like to hear something in your heart’s core, Spike Milligan: Seven books The Sun Does Shine: An- derness and the honey-bee, rather than with your ears? For me it feels very of memoir, including Adolf thony Ray Hinton’s story of 29 what it cost one And live alone in the bee-loud glade. personal and quite profound. Hitler: My Part in His years on Death Row for a young man Downfall crime he didn’t commit and And I shall have some peace there, for Wherever your place of escape is, I hope that how he not only survived but peace comes dropping slow, Calling book reviewers this poem brings you the same sense of peace Growing up triumphed over it If you’ve read a good book Dropping from the veils of the morning to and calm that we felt when we read it together Born a Crime, Stories from a where the cricket sings; recently send a review in - in a Shared Reading group. South African Childhood: Orange is the New Black: There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a no more than 100 words and Trevor Noah’s fierce and Piper Kerman’s account of her purple glow, mark it ‘Finding a Good funny account of growing up time in a US women’s prison And evening full of the linnet’s wings. Read’. We’ll print the best Melissa is a group leader with The Reader as a mixed-race child during which became a bigtime Net- ones. the twilight of apartheid flix hit I will arise and go now, for always night www.thereader.org.uk and day For over a decade The Reader has been run- Educated: Tara Westover’s A Sense of Freedom: Jimmy I hear lake water lapping with low sounds ning Shared Reading groups in prisons, secure story of growing up in a sur- Boyle’s experience of growing by the shore; units and Approved Premises. Each week the vivalist Mormon family and up in the gangland violence While I stand on the roadway, or on the Reader Leader brings in a short story, a book her fight for education and of Gorbals, his imprisonment pavements grey, extract or a poem and these are read aloud escape for murder and a rehabilita- I hear it in the deep heart’s core. and discussed within the group. Everyone is tion programme that saved Prison Reading Groups (PRG) welcome to read, or to reflect quietly, and to A Life Like Other People’s: him was created in 1999 to set up, share any thoughts or feelings they may have Alan Bennett’s brilliant ac- support and fund informal Like so many poems, it takes time for different about the reading. No pressure, no judgment. count of his family, by turns In the Belly of the Beast: Jack reading groups in prisons. We thoughts and feelings to emerge. That makes it sound a bit sombre and serious hilarious and Henry Abbott’s letters to now support more than 60 perhaps, but there are always a few laughs heart-breaking writer Norman Mailer about groups in over 45 prisons I love the bee-loud glade. I can almost hear the along the way - it’s all about enjoying the lit- his life in a US maximum se- nationwide. PRG is part of bees buzzing around, collecting pollen and it erature together. Bageye at the Wheel, A 1970s curity prison Give a Book. Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 47

Hey Dad I hope you have a Jerelle: “I’d say jump in and get involved, no doubt.” great Fathers Day I wish you love, stay safe Robo

Happy Fathers Day, wish you was here, i miss you from big man Jón I Love You

Hi Ellie, Frankie, Summer, Teddi, I know I’ve been a rubbish Dad through all the jail I’ve done, I promise to make things better once I come home. Love Dad. X

Jonathan, Thank you for being an amazing dad and for all of your love & support. You’re always in our hearts, Love Thomas & Cassie xxx

Dad, happy Father’s Day to amazing Dad, I love you & goes on you get a bit more miss you so much. Please stay comfortable. There are a lot of To a special dad, thank you for Mahooooosive hugs. Love strong love always T & Cassie prisoners that listen to NPR, for always being there YOU you always Grace & Bobby xx Street Heat so you want your energy to ARE AWESOME! Lots of love Big shout out to Robbie. resonate with them. I try to Jolene xxx To Our Hero, Happy Father’s Thanks for always being there Jerelle shares his experience working keep my energy up rather Day! We all love and miss regardless of your situation. with National Prison Radio than down. I also found it Dad , love you all the world you! Love from Kai, Esme, Love you always Kayleff x hard listening back to audio to the moon and stars and tin Cairo and Taio xxxx of myself speaking if I’m A couple of people I was shar- of spaghetti. Big hugs kisses, honest. Don’t know where I would be ing a cell with told me about Kaidy & Oscar Xxx Happy fathers Day Best dad Dad without your support. the radio. When I heard there in the world we love and miss What’s been a highlight for Hope you have a good day. was a prison radio, I thought Dad, happy Father’s Day to you so much Ella Evie Bobby you? All my love, Andrew XxX ‘that’s something I want to get amazing Dad, I love you & & Teddy x involved in. I want to go for miss you so much. Please stay Regular listeners of the Street There have been a few stand- Happy Father’s Day Dad, we that straight away’. strong love always T & Cassie Dad i love you so much and Heat show will be familiar out moments but the whole love and miss you so much, you're the best Dad in the with its presenter, Jerelle. He experience in general. I con- love your boys, Brandon, Kyle How do you remember feeling Happy Daddy's Day, we miss whole universe, i won't forget first got involved with Na- tinue to learn as I go along. and Joshua xx after your first couple of ses- you so much, see you soon you Baba tional Prison Radio when he I’ve enjoyed interviewing UK sions in the studio? was serving time in HMP artists on the show. My inter- Brixton. view style is to talk to people I’ve always said it’s like a like it’s a normal conversa- We can help you with all sense of escapism when BEING ON YOUR We caught up with him to find tion. I like to bounce off peo- you’re in there. It’s like you Criminal and Prison Law cases out more about his experi- ple naturally. SIDE IS ONE THING. ence of presenting and pro- forget you’re in jail. Because of the setup and because of FIGHTING YOUR CRIMINAL LAW ducing radio. What’s the experience of the people who make us feel working with National Prison CORNER IS ANOTHER. • Police Interview Assistance a certain way. It’s not until Can you tell us about what you Radio meant to you you leave at the end of free WE DO BOTH. do on National Prison Radio? personally? • Magistrates Court flow, and you’re heading back to your cell, that the depres- • Crown Court Advocacy I present the Street Heat I’m just grateful for the oppor- sion comes back in. I was in show, which comes out every tunity. I’ve come out of jail • Defending false allegations that studio every day. Thursday. I also create the and there’s a pandemic. The • Miscarriage of Justice production for the show, world is pretty much up in the Can you explain more about which means everything air. I’m grateful to have a • Court of Appeal Applications what’s involved with produc- from the pre-production, the sense of purpose and employing a radio show? What are post-production and making ment, and to be doing some- • CCRC Applications some of the skills you’ve sure the music is right for the thing that I like. show and for the listeners. learned? We will always assess if you are eligible PRISON LAW What would you say to some- for legal aid. If you are not eligible for In my instance, in the pre-pro- How long have you been work- one reading this or who listens • Independent Adjudications duction stage I find the tracks legal aid we o er a ordable xed prices. ing with National Prison Radio? to you on Street Heat who I want to play in the two-hour Mark Newby, Hollie Alcock and Nick • Parole Board Hearings wants to get involved with Na- It’s been just over a year. I slot for the show. I put them Hayles are all Solicitor Advocates and tional Prison Radio? • IPP and Lifer reviews first worked with National all in order and make sure I will always reply to your letters and calls. get a good mix of genres. Prison Radio when I was in I’d say jump in and get in- • Pre Tari and Guittard Applications Once the tracks are in, that’s HMP Brixton. I didn’t get a volved, no doubt. No one’s when I’ll record my vocals or • Cat A reviews spot for the first few months judging you. From the people interviews with guests. Then because there was such a you work with to the people QualitySolicitors • HDC applications in the post-production stage high demand. But since I you’re putting it out there to. we go through and edit the Jordans • Sentence Calculation and Planning managed to secure a spot I’ve Good vibes, good energy, audio. That’s my favourite not turned back. Since I’ve good people. come out of jail and COVID’s part. hit I’ve managed to keep a spot on there. I now spend What’s been the most chal- For Life’s Important Moments about four or five hours a lenging thing you’ve learned? Led by Mark Newby, Solicitor Advocate with a strong record for quashing convictions week working on the show. Doncaster oﬃ ce: 01302 365 374 4 Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BP Coming out of my shell and To hear more of Jerelle you can actually putting my voice on catch him on National Prison www.qualitysolicitors.com/jordans What made you want to apply to work with National Prison something. At first I was a bit Radio’s Street Heat show, Radio? more reserved, but as time Thursdays at 8am and 9pm. 48 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

I would give to a client who is looking to lose Cell Workout weight and maintain/gain muscle. Simple movements and using only a towel for equipment, it’s designed to hit the whole body. Outside and fit in! This workout is good for a beginner as well as someone with intermediate experience of ex- Trainers around the country share a taste of their ercise. Repeat twice (or as many times as you can manage). I hope you enjoy it! training workouts - tips and tricks in abundance! Workout within a month I was back in for breaching my license. The drink and drugs were too much • Calf raises - 3 x 15 reps temptation and I didn’t realise I was an alco- holic/addict. After a few more prison stints I • Squats into lunges - 3 x 30 seconds (squat finally got myself into recovery in 2013 before 15 seconds) (Lunges-15 seconds each leg) my daughter was born. • Burpees - 3 x 10 reps Nowadays I work as a personal trainer and in the building trade. I attend regular meetings • Plank/active plank - 3 to keep me sober and on the right track. In the Casey McCann (hold for 30 seconds) last few years I’ve run marathons and ultra marathons and love being in a settled environ- • Press-ups - 3 x 10-15 reps My name is Casey McCann. As a keen body- ment with routine. My goals are to be the best (wide-mid-close hand position) builder for many years I have practiced vari- example for my daughter, my life now has a ous techniques along the way. I decided to go James Woodley - @jrwpt1 purpose. I like to try and help others as people • Pull-ups - 3 x 8 reps (overhand grip) into the fitness industry firstly, because it is freely helped me. If you are banged-up just my passion and secondly, because I under- I’m James from Birmingham. My background now in your pad give this work-out a blast! Stay • Towel curls - 3 x 8 reps. Roll up towel and focused and stay positive! stand the power of exercise for the mind, body place around a static unmovable object. in sport was not your usual mainstream stuff and soul. like football or basketball etc. - mine was Hold and lean back with your bodyweight skateboarding. From an 8 year-old kid I loved Workout for resistance (hammer grip on towel) I trained as a Personal Trainer for a living sev- it, up until I found drink and drugs; then I eral years ago and I now run my own com- loved those; which inevitably ended me up in • 20 min AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible) • Towel rowing - 3 x 8-10 reps pany, ‘Fettle Fitness’, working with clients jail when I was 21. I got two and a half years • 10x press-ups (low-med-high to hit the back/shoulders/ across London. I have helped my clients to for a wounding and that was the beginning of • 10x crunches rear delts again use your bodyweight achieve some amazing transformations along the end for me. Even though in jail I cleaned • 10x burpees angle for resistance) the way. myself up and got my thinking straight, my • 10x jumping lunges actions when I got out proved otherwise for • 10x squat jumps • Towel overhead extensions x3 I’m known for playing around with the speed (angle the towel around the bar slightly reps and tempo of my exercises as I have found My name is Jules and I am a gets the whole body moving. higher and fully extend the arms at top. it is the best way to stimulate growth. How- personal trainer and class in- Try committing yourself to Resistance by angle of body) structor based in London. I giving it a go ...and then see ever, this workout is a typical example of what gained my personal training where it leads you - a lifestyle qualification whilst in prison, with fitness starts with mov- and this is where I found my ing. Stay positive …stay smil- love for fitness too. I got a 5 ing … stay strong. You got year sentence and served two this! and a half years inside.

From the moment I went in, and given we were locked in Workout a lot, my body just wanted to Press-up move - so I did. I made a com- Air squat mitment to do 200 air squats CTF Burpee (chest to floor) and some press-ups in my cell every day and it all spiralled Perform 1 rep of each ex- from there - now I’m out here ercise, then 2 reps of in the real world doing what I each, then 3,4,5, up to 10. love! Thousands of people have now been heard. If you are feeling super-fit then work your way back The workout I am sharing is Jules - @jules_.fitness down to 1 again! If you were sexually abused as a child in England or Wales simple and effective, plus it and would like to tell the Truth Project, you can share what happened by writing to us. We encourage you to take part Jason Elliott Associates before the Truth Project concludes in October 2021. Specialists in Prison Law, Parole and Criminal Appeals We will send you more information and a form to help you share. Expert in release from custody Legal Aid available in suitable cases You can send your letter by post to:

- Please contact - FREEPOST IICSA Jason Elliott Associates Limited INDEPENDENT INQUIRY CONFIDENTIAL ACCESS 18 Albion House North Shields Tyne & Wear NE29 0DW 0191 447 4389 This means your letter will only be [email protected] opened by Inquiry staff. Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 49 Standing tall by lying down You’re never alone with chess William Roscoe The game of chess holds no that can be used and wielded The Prison Phoenix Trust grudges or resentments by any chess player with or- Of all board games ever cre- against its players or the op- dinary talent and gifts found Yoga isn’t all about leaping around or bend- 8. Roll onto your side and lie there for a min- ated, most people who play posing side, for when the bat- in every human being on ing yourself into strange shapes. Restorative ute or so. these games largely agree that tle has commenced and most earth, but which may be yoga enables your body and mind to heal it- chess is the most noble and of the two armies lay ex- dormant and resting. self, by feeling safe, supported and resting. 9. Gently sit up. fascinating. Chess is played hausted and defeated; check Try this supported upper back bend. It’s a around the world by millions mate is declared by the win- Chess can drive out other de- healing yoga posture that is especially help- 10. Notice how you feel, however that is. Just of people, from the beaches of ning side and chivalry re- sires picked up and learned ful if you tend to stoop forwards, or lack acknowledging it is healing in itself. Brazil to the gulags of Siberia; turns and both players shake outside such as alcohol, gam- confidence. from beneath the Great Wall hands. They very often then bling, drugs etc. and replaces Practice this posture on days when things of China to most prisons spend time in friendship dis- these with new found skills. You will need are getting on top of you or you’re feeling around the globe. cussing the game they have You will always find a friend • A yoga mat, towel or blanket to lie on; overwhelmed by people, problems or just played together and im- in chess and in playing the • A towel or thin blanket to roll up; feelings. Regardless of nationalities, parting tips and hints to their game, chess can give you • A pillow. chess has a language of its new friend. wings, enabling you to fly Expanding your chest helps you to feel safe own. The rules remain the and break free. and confident - ready to cope with anything. same, as do the movements, You are never alone with Try this standing up, or sitting down, when- and where parties come to- chess, for this game also has In life, as in chess, we must ever you need a boost. Lift up tall through gether to engage in combat, its own muse or Goddess and make decisions for which the top of your head. Draw your shoulders they communicate through she is called Caissa, the God- there are consequences, good back. Allow your chest to expand. the squares and pieces. dess of Chess. Caissa inspires and bad. Chess has the power creative artists; in Greek or to improve decision-making For millennia, Kings and war- Roman mythology a muse and to develop critical think- riors have studied chess; had nine inspirations associ- ing. Remember, THINK before Kings to pass laws and warri- ated with art and science. The you move, not MOVE then ors to plan engagements for it nine muses of the chess god- think; for on the chess board was borne of war and battles dess Caissa are Imagination, you will surely be found out. These will help you relax in the yoga of old. Mathematicians and Understanding, Confidence, position alchemists have searched its Accuracy, Caution, Courage, In the quiet of their cells, intrigues in the hope of find- Ambition, Patience and Mem- many prisoners come to re- ing solutions to conundrums ory. Apply these in your game gret the moves they have Getting into position and its secrets, whilst educa- and slowly but surely the re- made outside - to their sor- 1. Lay your yoga mat, a blanket or a towel on tionalists highly recommend sults will begin to show them- row; chess has taken people the ground. it as a great learner and stim- selves. Always remember that from purgatory to paradise ulant for the mind; in essence the Chess muse or Goddess and whilst in prison, has 2. Fold another blanket or towel into a strip, it is the most democratic of Caissa is there by your side, changed their thinking and about as wide as your foot is long. Have a games and teaches many im- weaving her spell and her social skills. It remains for pillow by you. portant life skills. encouragement. you to embrace its charms and for you to learn the mys- Chess can lift the heaviest of They are all excellent quali- teries. The Goddess Caissa hearts and can inspire the im- ties to include in your own awaits to give you her warm agination to fly as never be- personal development and it welcome and to cast her magic. fore, where all that matters in is through chess that such Once again, It’s Your Move! the world is the battle ahead skills can be developed and and the warriors face their heightened. Let time become William Roscoe is a prisoner opponents in equal measure your toy rather than your tor- and Chess enthusiast and ranks; like the first World mentor; as previously men- War trenches of the Somme or tioned, chess has a habit of 5asideCHESS are providing changing time itself and Write and tell us and if you’d Passchendaele, ready to let free chess sets to prisons. Write when playing the game it will like to try more, we will send you battle commence but remem- to: 5asideCHESS, Crossways bering in chivalry to shake change you for the better. House, Long Stanton Rd, 3. Lie down on your back. a free book and CD about yoga and meditation at - The PPT, PO hands in friendship prior to Oakington, Cambridge CB24 the engagement. Patience is a mighty weapon 3BB - [email protected] 4. Place your folded blanket or towel under- Box 328, Oxford OX2 7HF. You can also listen to our show, Free- neath your ribs and the lowest part of your NEWGEMA RECORDS shoulder blades. The tops of your shoulders dom Inside, on National Prison Radio at 3pm LOOK *STOP PRESS* NEW GEMA RECORDS ‘HOME’ CATALOGUE, #1 OUT NOW! and head rest on the floor. on Fridays and 8am and 5pm on Sundays, to practice along to and hear how it helps others 5. Notice how this feels. It might feel unu- with difficulty. sual but shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Your 2021! JUNE Send £2 to GEMA RECORDS, PO BOX 54, ribs and chest will be slightly raised and to receive your own OUT READING, BERKS, RG1 9JP your belly might feel exposed. Tel: 01189 842 444 email: [email protected] TurningPages catalogue with a £2 gift code. Alternatively, order online! #127 6. Adjust your support so you’re as comforta- MAIN ble as possible. Use your pillow, or some

clothing, under any part of your body that CATALOGUE, needs some extra padding. Prisoners who can read teach prisoners who can’t If it doesn’t feel good, in your body or mind, If you would like more information on how CATALOGUE, roll on to your side to gently bring yourself to become involved, as either a mentor or a MAIN MAIN out of the posture and you can sit back up or learner, contact the Shannon Trust #127 stand. facilitator in your prison (ask a Shannon Trust mentor who this is) or write to: NOW EVEN CHEAPER! NOW EVEN CHEAPER! OUT Stay in position Freepost SHANNON TRUST

or call: 0203 875 9311 4GB £169.95 £164.95 JUNE 2021! 7. Breathe easy. There is nothing demanded 4GB £159.95 £154.95 250GB £184.95 £179.95

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NEW GEMA RECORDS ‘HOME’ CATALOGUE, #1 OUT NOW! OUT #1 CATALOGUE, ‘HOME’ RECORDS GEMA NEW PRESS* *STOP ShannonTrust LOOK Coming out of the yoga pose RECORDS GEMA NEW 50 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

Looking Up

The ups, downs, challenges and triumphs of a prison leaver’s journey

Frank Cotton hard, words strangled in his throat. ‘I said… OK?’ Don’t Fear the Reaper ‘OK’ Jason replied, suddenly numb. Jesus… he could actually die, right here, surrounded by families and Dennis and Jason were sitting in the men walking dogs… park, a light wind rustling bushes around them, a few families playing The gunman nodded. ‘So, Jason Har- on the field opposite, bathed in af- bron; drug dealer; gangster; hard man ternoon sun. Joggers circled them, etcetera. Tell me, what would you do men with scrappy dogs shuffling by. if somebody hurt that daughter of © MW yours, eh?’ Jason’s heart missed a Dennis sighed. ‘I knew he’d be late. ‘Good. You made a few quid selling Fund. You’ll tell them you’re a re- ‘I’ll give you the money Jason, no beat. Sally… He began to sweat, arm- He’s probably watching us with bin- your pal that heroin. For that crime, formed man, and regret your previ- problem.’ pits sodden, a rank smell coming oculars from one of them bushes.’ I have decided your punishment.’ ous life of crime, and shake the Desk ‘No… thanks Dennis, I’ve got some from his shirt. Jason crossed his arms. ‘If he doesn’t Sergeant’s hand, and smile for the saved.’ turn up, will you tell me where to Dennis gasped. ‘For God’s sake man, camera. Got that?’ ‘It’s going to be embarrassing Jason. ‘I asked you a question.’ find him? I’ll just front him out, man haven’t you done enough…’ ‘Er… yeah… I think so…’ That bastard certainly knows people’s to man.’ ‘Don’t interrupt this hearing’, the ‘And if I don’t see that story in the weak spots. With me, my club, for you… Jason shrugged. ‘I suppose I’d do the gunman snapped, and Dennis local paper in the next two weeks, well, your reputation will be mud. same as what you’re doing. Punish Dennis scoffed. ‘No flower. He’s not clammed. you and I shall meet again, one more People will think you’ve turned snitch.’ whoever harmed her… except I never the sort to front out. It’d be curtains Jason lifted his hands ‘I’ll do what- time.’ Jason blinked and nodded. ‘As long as Sally is safe, I don’t care.’ hurt your daughter, you know that.’ for the pair of us. That man’s a time ever you want… just leave my daugh- What the hell… ‘Just say you’ve found religion, like ‘Aye… true enough, your pal con- bomb, let’s not be around when he ter alone…’ Harry Ramsden.’ fessed it all, and I believed him, goes off proper.’ The gunman’s face screwed into a The gunman turned, sniffed, and ‘Harry Ramsden is a fish and chip luckily for you, or you’d be in a fist, eyes blazing, his hand reaching jogged away. shop Dennis.’ wheelchair.’ Three joggers came by, one man under his shirt. ‘Oh. I think I’ll go to bed. Let’s keep pausing at a bench across the path. ‘You whaat? You think I’d hurt a Dennis gasped. ‘God, I think I wet this appallingly undignified episode The gunman spoke calmly, almost Wiry, medium-height, dressed in a child, eh, pal? Think I’m the same myself… what a fucking nut-job.’ to ourselves love, OK?’ politely, as if talking about the green T-shirt, shorts, Reeboks; aver- kind of low-life scum yiz are, eh? I Jason pulled himself up from the weather. Jason’s mouth was dry, age in every way, almost anonymous. should drop you on the spot!’ bench, his limbs like iron, adrenalin Jason nodded as Dennis staggered heart thudding, a hideous numbness He looked over at them, Jason catch- burning out all the energy in his upstairs. Three thousand quid; he’d in his body, as if paralysed. His life ing his eye. The man flapped his Jason’s legs turned to jelly, the gun- body. He felt faint, the sweat down have to borrow it from Sue… which hung by a thread, his crazed stalker T-shirt as if cooling himself down, man’s mouth quivering with psy- his spine suddenly making him meant by default he’d have to work only a trigger finger away. Jason revealing an automatic pistol tucked chotic hatred. ‘A child killer? That shiver. it off by doing gardening with her, licked his lips. ‘Why are you still fol- in his waistband. Jason froze. what you’re sayin, eh?’ ‘Let’s get the hell out of here Dennis, like it or not. He sighed, the sky dark- lowing me? I’ve done you no harm.’ ‘No… I never meant…’ before he changes his mind.’ ening, a single star just visible above The gunman sniffed. ‘Thing is … I ‘Sorry I’m late.’ Strong Scottish ac- ‘Shut it and listen. Here’s what you’re the trees. His stalker, once satisfied, don’t like injustice. Thugs getting cent … voice calm, quiet, measured. going to do. You’re going to visit the Back at Dennis’s house they would be out of his life for good, and away with what they do, like they’re ‘Before we start, be assured that if local Newspaper Office, and ask for drowned their waning terror in neat the loss of that weight was like step- untouchable. Do you think you’re you act foolishly I’ll kill the pair of a reporter to accompany you to the Bourbon, Dennis’s hand shaking as ping out of jail. untouchable, eh?’ yiz where you’re sitting, OK?’ Police Station. There, you’ll publicly he raised it, the faint beats of a hand over three thousand pounds as Grandfather clock in the hall Frank Cotton, a nom de plume, is a ‘No.’ Dennis balked, Jason swallowing a donation to the Police Benevolent strangely soothing. former resident of HMPPS

“R C MS LAW “ Have you got a problem with alcohol? CROWN COURT “Only YOU can decide” R v S and Others – Charged with Murder. All defen- If drinking has cost you more than money and dants found Not Guilty. R v W and Others – Charged with supply of drugs. you believe you may have a problem? Hung Jury. Discharged. We are here to help… R v B - Charged with Attempted Murder. Reduced to GBH following negotiation with CPS. Alcoholics Anonymous PAROLE HEARINGS LICENCE RECALL landline JM, BH, AL, AM, DC National Helpline: 0800 917 7650 Clients all released following Parole hearings. www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk APPEALS AGAINST CONVICTION/ SENTENCE • Receive phone calls from prisons 1st stage appeals undertaken on private client basis only. Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 Groups on your mobile CCRC REFERRALS throughout Great Britain, designed to help those • Only 10 pence per minute 2nd appeal attempts undertaken privately and some with a drinking problem. Through mutual Legal Aid. support, suﬀerers assist each other in coping • No credit check ADJUDICATIONS with their problem. There are no fees for mem- • No monthly bills FA - Client found Not Guilty following positive MTD. bership of Alcoholics Anonymous and anonymity • 100% pay as you go Murder, Drugs, Fraud? Facing serious criminal charges? is carefully preserved. Face them with the Legal Team that is right for you. MKS LAW - Suite 19, Unit 9 Liberty Calls will be kept strictly conﬁdential Centre, Wembley, HA0 1TX Tel: 020 8123 3404 Fax: 020 8181 6512 For more information: call costs instantly MKS LAW Solicitors PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, YORK YO1 7NJ Criminal Defence Lawyers More info? Telephone: 03333 706550 Legal Aid & Private Client Tel: 01904 644 026 email: [email protected] 020 8123 3404 - [email protected] - mslaw.co.uk Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 51

Time is like puddin Paul Rodgers - HMP Leicester

I’m livin’ life misunderstood All my boyz in the hood Fink dat I’m dun for good

£ It’s hard to explain ‘ow I’m clearin’ my name £ Rap Star of the Month £ An’ getting back in the game

Congratulations to this months winner who £ receives our £25 prize. £ I’m disputin’ these crimes With my rule 39s Lost boys I’m just bidin my time © Deposit Photos MC J.H.E - HMP Wymott Don’t believe all you read in the papers the truth will come out sooner or laterz It’s the incredible, here once again with amazing original The love of money hyper- rhyming Daniel Jankovic - HMP Highdown They tried to make circles fit into squares Once they tell you you’re guilty Flowing on the MIC, demanding respect, ride to the rhythm, They say the love of money is the root of all evil, but how can you teach that to all Nobody cares think quick and select of your people? With a pen in my hand, my words will collide, draw a line in This money thing, it only leads to destruction and that’s the whole reason why the Next fing, you’re on the meat wagon the sand, with my sword, pick ya side. whole world is full of corruption. All chained up like a mythical dragon You got to understand, you’re already sentenced before you even made a penny, Lost boys wont be sad that I said this, everybody Bagarang! because all you got on your mind is how to make that big belly. The screw is insistin’ I sit on ‘THE BOSS’ Wickedest business I ain’t pluggin’ nowt so I don’t give a toss All you think about is money, money, money, money, money, money. But it’s all about forgetting about the P’s and start thinking about the good times Minds in overdrive, blinded by the lights, burns so bright, like ‘Case you didn’t know, legal aid is useless and being set free. a delightful night My Barrister, fruitless Conviction was proofless Pray or sing-a-verse, memorise ya hymns, jah not want you You need to get your mindset out of the competition or ya mandem, man he know all ya sins. You need to stop thinking about all your reputation The prosecution was ruthless I’m on a level, my high score wont settle, I’ll take ya jewels You need to stop trying to get to that number 1 position Their claims were all truthless and gems, n’all ya precious metals. And that’s when you can evaluate every situation Now I’m spittin this muteless

Enough said about that, getting back to the blend, getting Now I’m talking to the people sitting in a prison, Makes me laugh if you’re guilty asked to attend, whilst setting the trend I know you’re thinking about them days and you’re reminiscing You get less time And if you say you ain’t guilty I’m the best dressed guest, in the North-West nest, stress test You’re thinking about all the things that you’re missing, You get hard time to ya chest, are the rest impressed And you’re thinking about all the things that you’re wishing They write thing about you like No fame from this rhyme, the climb is mine, line by line, Ma- You’re all thinking about that day when you’re going to get out ‘He’s in denial’ I ain’t in no river so take it off my file jestic is time! But I’m telling you, you need to get a job, find yourself a wife, have a kid and settle down I swore on The Lord and I told ‘em the truth You need to stop thinking about the money money money money money money Time is like puddin, in both is the proof. Hard Time I know how we all wish for a holiday in the Bahamas, but you have to understand the word karma Gary Anderson - HMP Edinburgh Dying If you don’t drop all of your problems and stop causing all them dramas, John Hinton - Rampton Hospital I hear you curse the junkie while it’s you that sells the product what do you think is going to happen to your karma You ask the corner girls 4 service then you call her a sl*t This anger builds up You call em all leech’s while your sipping on their blood Now that you have heard that the love of money is the root of all evil, you now Till I pop not give a f*ck Then behind your closed door your burning cause you’re rough have to try to teach that to all of your people. When life sucks Selfishness a cancer running through my halls People just seem Can’t do one on one as they not got the balls Never got the chance to shine To provoke me Cursing education, workers cause of anxious jealousy So I spit the rage unseen Not having and real courage to fit into society Liam Stewart - HMP Holme House I don’t mean to be obscene Constantly on repeat Watching Hollywood movies thinking it’s the way it is A life of deceit Spent most of life inside and it’s all the life there is Man I dunno where to start cuh when I lost lil bro I swear it tore me apart Knocked off my feet Get a grip, stupid, there’s two simple certainty’s Cuh I use to tell him if you do road man you’ve gotta move smart So I jump up beat you back But I guess he didn’t listen given the situation that we’re facing and I can’t One a liberation of sons and a tombstone cemetery With these words to keep my mind intact I don’t do ghosting, copycat, egomaniacs help thinking Cuz physical force I lack Cat got your tongue cause I ain’t talking smack If I never came jail maybe things would be different Stick my middle finger up Ha Ha ain’t that funny, I’m sick of being sick An I know momma blames me that’s why she’s been kinda distant, Going on like I don’t give a f*ck Me too, lost my family, 19 grow up super quick Man I’m wishing I could go back in time take his place and put him in mine Seems your broken records st st stuck Bullies, manipulators, script takers, read you like a paper yeah he’d be in jail but at least he’d be alive cuh he was too young when he died, You’ve been struck Don’t want to be your mate, see you later masturbator 18 years old he never got the chance to shine By lightening So yeah, I’m always quiet, don’t take this 4 daftness people keep saying time heals what reason cannot Nothing eats me up I don’t need a sharp stick to know who’s the sharpest but no amount of time could make this pain stop More than this rage I’m writing You should be more careful son, never say never so I’ve just got to make him proud and make it to the top Even though inside I’m dying You should leave me alone or mess with the devil. they say the good die young, I guess that’s why he’s lying in a box an I’m not. A part has already died So I’m fighting u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Rap Star of the Month’. An extra £10 bonus is now available, see page 54 for To stay alive details. Send entries to: Inside Time, Rap, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Try to keep rhymes under 300 words. When submit- I’ma spill this rage ting your work please include the following permission: ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate sites On a page and other publications as appropriate.’ By submitting your rhymes to Inside Time you are agreeing to our terms, to read them in full see the Inside Until I’ve aged Poetry pages in this issue. To the end of my days 52 Jailbreak // Inside Poetry www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

Star Poem of the Month Finally happy Congratulations to this months winner Aaron Clarke - HMP Guys Marsh who receives our £25 prize. Love’s always been a fundamental factor, for me cuz The prospect of return I’m a twisted character; I walk around talking to myself Yet never successfully gaining an answer to the gardens I’m dark inside, I’m dull, savagely honest, bitter and cold Philip Batten - HMP The Verne If you’re allergic to the truth then please read the words in bold

© Deposit Photos Turning pages, watching another chapter unfold Oh for a sight of the gardens I’ve been left on the side for so long I’m starting to grow mould And the smell of the rain wet paths Doing it alone The beauty of winter bedding Jermaine Joseph - HMP Dartmoor Moving my pieces square by square now you’re in checkmate The scent of the new mown grass I’m at a critical stage where your hate gives me the confidence to be great So you danced on the beaches alone To attract true fate, to walk barefoot straight For COVID has robbed us gardeners Never doubting the truth would arise Outta hell’s gate, I’ve finally got someone worthy to never want to raise the stakes, Of what we love best to do In its own time, in its own way To slow down and apply the brakes We gaze from our dusty cell windows Prompted, perhaps, by your faith and reticence I don’t care if they laugh at me, or up the ante, cuz I’m finally happy. With such very restricted views Evidenced by your footprints in the sand Round and about they tattoo the sands 82 Steps We long to don orange clobber The View To seize wheelbarrow and tools Denials only strengthen the power of submerged SMC - HMP Hewell Matt Smith - To hope that Michelle has plans ready truths HMP Northumberland That Craig’s not invented new rules Sitting on a bench nowhere very grand And then in the twilight dark I breathe in the fresh air as I look across the land Through the gap in the door The joy of our own bits of garden Down by the cove, sea-salt brushed The gently rolling meadow, trees blowing in the breeze The footsteps I hear All that labour of planting has grown Matted hair splashed by briny waters In life we all expect too much, this is enough for me The key in the lock The beds and flowers so healthy Invigorated, we admit the dusk in As the officers appear We’ll soon edge the borders alone Tonight, today, tomorrow - we let it in The smell of grass and wildflowers fill me with delight The water on the pathway is shining in the light I head to the yard We’re surrounded with natural beauty You know you must do it I think of all the things I’ve done and things I’d like to share The smell of fresh air Unaffected by man-made disease Or we must do it instead But not just at the moment, as I sit without a care Surrounded on all sides To rejoice in the health of spring flowers Under the sky, above the sea Fences reminding you’re there To drink in the colours at eid Sitting on a bench nowhere very grand Dance on the beaches alone I start to feel some love inside for all my fellow man We all walk in circles It’s so nice to be out Thank God for the strength of creation If never again As I sit here in the silence, I start to understand Dance as though you never will again This land that I now look upon is all part of God’s plan. Some groups, me alone Of this new beginning in spring 82 steps that I count Of the end of our long isolation If ever the shadows offered secrets…. And the pleasure our gardening brings. The unwritten code Tonight, the truth emerges. Of anti-clockwise rotation You can have the moon And keeping your distance John Harris - HMP Wakefield To avoid conversation Gangsterism Abdullah Yusuf - HMP Wandsworth You can have the moon, that lifeless satellite A lonely pursuit And you can look at your own life Of breathing in good air The ghostly moonlight will haunt your sleep For all those who have been infected with the disease of gangsterism And wondering if perhaps Tied up in perpetual regret as you sow those seeds That loved ones could share It has taken over your brain, penetrated through your cerebral cortex It has affected everything you do, from the way you speak to the way you move You can have the moon, that lifeless airless satellite Loved ones missed so much It controls how you think and even how not to think And feel so cold like the average moon temperature cold as ice Your stomach yearns in a knot You submit to all that it dictates Until you’ve seen the sun, you’ll always live by the moon While you pace out the steps It has redefined for you the definition of what is real and what is fake You’re wasting time lest you die too soon And consider your lot The worldly life is all that it encourages you to strive for You can have the moon unless you want to change A lot you’re at fault for The seeker of gwop, the hater of cops, tooled-up for your ops A note to self as it is to others held in chains Your crime and your fine Selling trash to those who have been infected with the disease of drugs Unlock the chains by letting go of the past, it is time So you pace out the steps The two go hand-in-hand, the forever vicious cycle To follow a new path away from a life of crime. In laps at a time. One cannot sustain itself without the other A truly global pandemic Ode to a friend From seeds that can only germinate in particular climates Hey little one Grown by simple farmers, employed by dealers who distribute it worldwide John Martin - HMP Gartree Peter Wood - HMP Hewell For the hood yute to get hold of some (Translation of a poem by And for the money, would even sell it to his own mum Arnulf Overland) Hey little one daddy’s still here Scum, I want none Being away from you is my biggest fear How can we move away from this corrupted way of life? I know I’m not there I know I’m not near There is a glee in life But you’re still here in my thoughts my little dear I know that things are tough, and we all want a piece of the pie Which can’t be turned to blight I’ll soon be home darling for a fresh start And it’s no surprise that this way of life attracts yutes from the hood That you please someone else I know that it’s tough because we’re apart Coming from nothing in terms of money, they see this way as good It is the only delight In the meantime, you’re still with me deep in my heart Not taking into account the consequences of such actions Hey little one please don’t ever be sad Money is the motivation, constantly seeking it for satisfaction There’s a misery in the world The best thing in my life is that I am your dad The gilts and glamour with that old crusty bird on paper is what attracts them Which no tears can bless Hey little one please forgive my mistakes Until they’re locked in that old crusty bird’s manor, sitting deep in contemplation That it was too late To make it up to you, I’ll do whatever it takes Hey little one just hold on a little while It was that life that took you in its arms and embraced you As you realised this But the love you get is not unconditional, nor is it negotiable You are the reason I’m still able to smile Hey little one please stay strong and don’t frown It will eat you up and spit you out in an instant No one can forever I’ll soon be home because time’s running down So many sad stories from the life on the road Stay at a grave in tears Hey little one I love you and I’ll shout it so loud Just remember, there’s always a choice to make that we all should know The day has many hours Because every day little one Have hope; follow this motto and JUST SAY NO! A year has many days You always make daddy proud! Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Inside Poetry 53

Key Worker: Game Play

Jason Adams - HMP Ashfield Impeach B. F. Thames - California State Prison, Solano, USA Whilst playing cards with my key worker He sent me off to make some tea Let’s just give it back But when I returned Because deep down I quickly learned We know that the heart of the attacks All the aces did hold he Are as American as apple pie Words bursting in air Whilst playing scrabble with my key worker Give proof that that flag is still there He sent me off to post a letter But when I came back Let’s just give it back Tiles I did lack Cultural appropriation is tactless appreciation And his words were significantly better But we stole it from them And somehow found a way to nullify © Deposit Photos Whilst playing Monopoly with my key worker Decorate, regenerate, then celebrate their pseudo-hate He sent me off to put out the trash (It’s really just fear…) But on my return Remind Me I was shocked to learn Let’s just give it back Robbie Ellis - HMP Littlehey He’d pocketed all the cash The fluidity of language is multi-purpose Not just for our benefit But certainly not just to hurt us Someone please remind me what it’s like again Whilst playing chess with my key worker To open and close your own door at will again He sent me off to the library to return a book Then…this “cancel culture” Eat with cutlery and crockery made of other than plastic again But when I came back With my eyes I did clap Designed to punish and censure individuals Or to be able to soak in my own bathtub again A new position my bishop and rook Highlights en masse that “we the people” Are we the hypercritical? Someone please remind me what it’s like again Whilst playing draughts with my key worker To travel on a train, bus or bike again He sent me off to see who was at the gate C’mon now, let’s just give it back - Just to jump in my car and drive through lashing rain again There was no one there You think we own that word because we’re black? Eating the takeaway I so crave once again And on my return I became aware You think that because so many use it as a salutation His kings now numbered eight It satisfies reparations Someone please remind me what it’s like again But maybe that’s goin’ too deep Meeting up and spending time with friends and family again Whilst playing darts with my key worker Tell me To watch the latest release at the big screen cinema again The yard he had to go and empty What’s the real efficacy Cracking a joke and having banter with others again When he came back in I pointed to the board with a grin Of proving versatility And shouted out loud … “One hundred and eighty!” Or tryna stop them from talkin’ like we… Someone please remind me what it’s like again Nah! To have a job and wage packet again Operating a bank account and accessing a cashpoint again This is not your life! We accept that you’re diggin’ our style and our lingo To just feel a valuable part of society again Our clothes and our fashion Alan Higgs - HMP Littlehey Our hair and our jingles Someone please remind me what it’s like again You examine and study, then scrutinize I don’t need an alarm, there’s no need to get up Being relaxed and following my hobbies again Every single part of our lives… There is no one to see, no place to be To shop in town whenever I wish again Our skin tones and our frames you synthesize And we’re okay with all that Having to choose and able to make choices again The worlds at a standstill, it’s like it’s on pause (Hell, maybe some of your best friends are actually black) There’s a reason, COVID’s the cause But as for that word … it never was ours Someone please remind me what it’s like again To use a smart phone, get online and be digital again Some say it’s Armageddon and do you know what? Y’all can have it back. Being able to wear my favourite togs again Some think it’s not real, but fake news it’s not Smelling that town and country air again Different countries have different ideals Guided By My Compass Different plans and different ‘what’s reals?’ Someone please remind me what it’s like again J.L.P.J. - HMP Dartmoor To listen to my back catalogue of tunes again Can’t buy everything, just essential stuff Watching TV with multiple channel choices again “But MY essentials different” that’s what they bluff! I will thread the needle of my moral compass Of simple chilling on my games console admiring graphics With the yarn of a thousand dreams again When asked “what most do you miss?” It’s a hug that’s at the top of the list And become the person I was born to be Not who they say I am - by any means Someone please remind me what it’s like again Many are dying, over 120,000 in the UK I will stand between the molten shadows of my past To feel my own mattress again Millions are praying, “please, take it away” Rest my head on a non-concrete pillow again And play whatever part the play of life has cast Having the comfort of carpet underfoot again They have a vaccine now, it’s rolling out With yielding sands’ consistency, I will admit my flaws Needles in arms and protection, no doubt And stand outside the doors of promise Can anyone remind me what it’s like again I will never pause- but keep on So roll on summer, we can all do our own thing To not suffer this crazy anxiety again Keep on to the end Relaxing, chatting, laughing, hugging Enjoying life free from mental anguish again My death or chance to shine To bring peace and liberty to my being again Whatever happens believe in this notion And guided by my compass Please remind me of what life’s really like once again. This is not your life, just a temporary situation. Seek the treasure hard to find. u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Star Poem of the Month’. To qualify By submitting your poems to Inside Time you are agreeing that they can be published in any of our for a prize, poems should not have won a prize in any other competition or been published previously. ‘not for profit links’, these include the newspaper, website and any forthcoming books. You are also Send entries to: Inside Time, Poetry, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. giving permission for Inside Time to use their discretion in allowing other organisations to reproduce An extra £10 bonus is now available, see page 54 for details. this work if considered appropriate, unless you have clearly stated that you do not want this to happen. Any work reproduced in other publications will be on a ‘not for profit’ basis. Please note It is very important that you ensure the following details are on all paperwork sent to Inside poems for publication may be edited. When submitting your work please include the following Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON NUMBER, PRISON AND DOB. Failure to do so will prevent us permission: ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate sites responding to you and your submission being withheld from publication. and other publications as appropriate.’ 54 Jailbreak // Prize Winning Competitions www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

Read all about it! The online support Caption Competition community for family & friends who have a loved one in prison Last Months £25 Winner A £25 prize is on offer for the best caption or 1. Who presents ITV’s Tipping Point? Kevin Kane HMP Grendon speech bubble to this month’s picture. 2. Who is the new Doctor Who? Proud sponsors of Inside Time’s 3. Which postponed football championship PRIZE quiz ‘Read all about it!’ starts on the 11th of June 2021? We have over 3000 4. Which EastEnders character is highlighting members using Prison Chat UK schizophrenia? (PCUK) who offer support and 5. Which number issue is this month’s Inside advice to those outside prison. Time paper? 6. What is the national animal of Scotland? To find out more... see our advert on the back page 7. What is Google? 8. Which footballer ended up winning this Last Months Winners We’ve stopped you season’s Premier League Golden Boot? R Day HMP Rye Hill (£25) sir because we believe you Thomas Smyth HMP Northumberland (£5) 9. Which date is Father’s Day this year? are driving under the influence Stephen Ling HMP Stafford (£5) 10. What is the capital of Wales? See box to the right for details of how to enter of Haribo

Answers to last months News Quiz: 1. 2, 2. Vernon Kay, 3. Leicester City and Chelsea, 4. Prince Closing date for all competitions is 18/6/21 Philip, 5. Joe Lycett, 6. Wednesday, May 12, 7. Bat, 8. Emerald, 9. Lee Mack and David Mitchell, 10. 8

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

The first three names to be drawn with all-correct answers (or nearest) 10. Who first journeyed to Santiago nearly 60 years ago with a group of student friends? entry on a separate sheet will receive a £25 cash prize. There will also be two £5 runner up prizes. 11. At which prison did staff confiscate 653 mobile phones over a 15 month period? of paper. Make sure your Extra £10 bonus available, see advert below for details 12. In March this year, there were how many IPP prisoners still awaiting their initial release despite being at least 10 years past their tariff? 1. Who says ‘getting out is important. Staying out is important. Knowing yourself NAME, NUMBER, 13. The next issue of Inside Time is due in the week commencing what date? and your detrimental impulses: that’s paramount’? 14. Which professor says the polygraph doesn’t work; and people can be taught PRISON AND DOB is on 2. Who says ‘when you have a loving upbringing and a loving extended family, it to lie effectively on a polygraph? provides you with an inner strength’? 15. Who was sent to a Concentration Camp then executed by a shot to the back all sheets. Failure to do so 3. The book ‘Mr Nice’ is whose astonishing story of a drug-dealing career and 43 aliases? of her head in February 1945? 4. Who says ‘they’re just kids … not a million miles away from mine. It’s not fair will invalidate your entry. and it’s not right? Answers to Last Month’s Inside Knowledge Prize Quiz 1. Sid Arter, 2. National Prison 5. How many cases has the CCRC sent to the Appeal Court since the beginning of 2021? Radio, 3. HMP Leeds, 4. Lennie Harris, 5. Week commencing 31st May, 6. 37 per cent, 6. Which former prisoner died on 25 March 1899? 7. Nick London, 8. Steve Gillen, 9. 31st August 2021, 10. Mark Pearson, 11. HMP Featherstone, 12. David James Edwards, 13. Eric McGraw, 14. Jon Snow, 15. Mohammed, Post to: ‘Jailbreak’. Inside 7. How much was Jason ordered to publicly hand over as a donation to the Police Benevolent Fund? The three £25 Prize winners are: Time, Botley Mills, Botley, 8. After a spate of overdoses in its custody suites, which Constabulary now have Joshua Barker - HMP Stocken, Chris Caughlan - HMP Risley, naloxone readily available there? Megan Madden - HMP Styal + EXTRA £10 BONUS PRIZE see advert below Southampton, Hampshire 9. Who says the Prison Service ‘just weren’t ready’ when the pandemic struck and The £5 runner up prizes go to: SO30 2GB. worksheets were printed off as a stopgap measure? Joanne Metcalf HMP Low Newton, Stephen Cardwell HMP Thorncross Answers to last months quizzes CRISS CROSS HONEYCOMB © Deposit Photos Extra £10 bonus available for the Star CATCHPHRASE WORD MORPH GEFBADCHI4 3 1 6 1. He’s Larger Than Life SHARP 2 6 4 Letter, Star Poem and Star Rap plus the 2. Little did I Know SHARE 8 7 2 outright winners of the Inside Knowledge 3. Count Your Blessings SHARK 9 2 4. I’m in Trouble SHARD 2 9 8 7 quiz. Just for helping us to monitor our 5. Don’t Bet on It CHARD 3 4 A charity providing expert service. 6. Hand it Over Now 6 2 3 1 8 7 and legal advice to prisoners

5 2 9 1 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. To qualify you must add to the bottom of your entry: QUICK CROSSWORD Daily Sudoku: Fri 2-Apr-2021 medium who claim they are innocent. 1. The date this month’s copy of Inside Time was Across: 1 Barrow. ANAGRAM SQUARE SUDOKU 4 Porch. 7 Fair-minded. If that’s you, please write to us at: available on the wings or in the library. 8 Toil. 9 Risks. 11 Pilgrim. 7 9 2 4 3 5 8 1 6 1 F EA ST One Business Village, West Dock Street, 2. Tell us if there was an advertising leaflet enclosed. 13 Polecat. 15 Finds. 1 3 5 2 8 6 7 4 9 17 Dear. 18 Aristocrat. 2 A NGER 6 4 8 1 7 9 2 5 3 Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire HU3 4HH Not all prisons will have leaflets but we need to 20 Tenor. 21 Oppose. confirm which ones did. If there was, give the 3 N OSEY 8 5 9 7 4 3 1 6 2 or email: [email protected] 2 6 4 9 1 8 5 3 7 name of the firm(s) if not, write ‘NO LEAFLETS’. Down: 1 Big top. 4 C ANDY www.insidejustice.co.uk 2 Real. 3 Warship. 4 Prior. 3 7 1 6 5 2 4 9 8 5 Y EA ST Reg Charity No: 1178336 5 Red. 6 Hides. 7 Fill in. 9 8 6 5 2 4 3 7 1 As a thank you for your help these winners will 10 Sachet. 12 Morocco. 4 1 3 8 6 7 9 2 5 14 Thrice. 15 Feast.

http://www.dailysudoku.com/ HAVE YOU SUFFERED FROM POOR WOUND CARE MANAGEMENT IN RESPECT OF  Suffering from poor ULCERS OR PRESSURE SORES? management or treatment can lead to months of suffering and could even have devastating You could be entitled to tens of consequences such as an thousands of pounds in compensation. amputation. Brayford Solicitors specialise in cases surrounding “Brayford Solicitors helped me to secure a £700,000 wound care and have represented settlement for my medical negligence case. I would highly Clients who have poor underlying health conditions, making them recommend Brayford Solicitors services to anybody who even more vulnerable. needs legal help”

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 The prison service has a duty of care to keep you safe from any acts of violence or attacks. If you have been receiving threats of violence (which you reported to the prison), yet you still suffer an assault by a £21,500 fellow inmate, then you may be entitled to compensation. Write to COMPENSATION us today to see if you may have a for an assault by a fellow inmate. possible claim for compensation.

MAKE A CLAIM TODAY! NO WIN - NO FEE

Please send an e-mail to [email protected] or write to us with your Prison Number, Name and This month’s challenge Prison Establishment and provide brief details of your Claim type only, such as “Medical Negligence” “Dental Negligence” “Assault Claim” “Slip/Trip/bunkbed fall” “Prison Transport Accident Claim” or other brief details A red house is made from red bricks. A blue house is of the Claim and we will get a tailored Questionnaire for further details sent and a Freepost envelope for you to made from blue bricks. A yellow house is made from send this back to us. yellow bricks. What is a green house made from?

FREEPOST RSSU-GCXH-SJLG, Brayford Solicitors, 5-7 Hartshill Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1QH.  0800 145 5105  [email protected] Last Months Answer Short.  www.brayfordsolicitors.co.uk

Last Months Answer Glass. Just for Fun 56 Jailbreak // www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021

Say what? Anagram Square Criss Cross Do you know? “Worcestershire”. “Choir”. “Sixth”. For some, these words may seem relatively normal Rearrange the letters in each row to form a word. The first and everyday - but to others, letter from each word, reading they represent an unrivalled down, will spell the mystery linguistic challenge. Users of keyword. the online social platform Reddit have been submitting 1 RTOCA what they consider to be “the hardest English word to pro- 2 UTFIR nounce”. The message thread has become a fount of diffi- 3 ATSET cult vocabulary, with users from across the world sharing 4 REBME their favourites and personal What would happen if the earth suddenly stopped spinning? experiences. 5 YEDAR First of all, let’s imagine the rotation stops in one second. At the equator, it’s like being in a car that was moving at 1,038 miles Here are the top 10: per hour and hitting the brakes. If you are in a building you’ll be 10 - Rural thrown into the closest eastward wall and experience 47 times 1 9 - Otorhinolaryngologist the gravitational acceleration of our planet. The good news is 8 - Colonel that this might not kill you. But everything else will. 2 7 - Penguin 3 LETTER TOR SHIFT OPTION 7 LETTER 6 - Sixth ARM TWO STOOD PREFIX DONKEYS The Earth might be still but everything else will continue to 3 5 - Isthmus BAT YOU TINNY PREPAY IMPLORE move at exactly the same speed the Earth was spinning before. 4 - Anemone DUO TOXIC SADIST PARVENU This includes the atmosphere and all of the oceans. The winds 4 3 - Squirrel EAR 5 LETTER VESTS SUNTAN STADIUM alone would be four times faster and stronger than the fastest 2 - Choir NET FOUND TUXEDO wind ever recorded 253 mph. And then you’ll experience a 5 1 - Worcestershire NOR LITRE 6 LETTER VETOES 9 LETTER huge tsunami wave, which will destroy anything the winds OFT PRAWN ASSUME CONDENSED didn’t (which may not be much). Thanks to Ben Bryant HMP LEFTOVERS Doncaster. If you fancy com- The extent of the damage will obviously be more devastating the piling an Anagram Square for Letterbox closer you are to the equator but in the long run, being near the us please just send it in 5 x 5 poles won’t save you either. Due to its rotation, the Earth bulges squares, complete with answers in the middle, so the poles are about 13 miles closer to the centre shown on a grid. If we use it we Cross out all of the letters that appear more than once and the will send you £5 as a thank remaining letters will spell out a word. What is it? of the Earth than the equator. Without the rotation, the oceans will migrate towards the poles - where the gravity is strongest - you! Remember to include your creating, respectively, devastating Earthquakes, one very large name, number, prison and megacontinent across the equator, and two separate oceans. DOB.

The Earth would experience a “day” every year, so by going Mountains of space dust fall Boggle around it would be possible to simulate regular day/night cycle. on Earth each year This gentle rain of space dust But things won’t be too rosy in the long run. A non-rotating Discover as many words as consists of bits of comets and Earth will not have a magnetic field, as the liquid core of our possible in the box. A word asteroids, a total of 4,700 planet would also be stationary. Without the magnetic field, the can only be formed if each tonnes, far outweighing few living creatures that could have survived such cataclysmic letter is side-by-side, above larger meteorites that hit the changes would eventually succumb to the radiation. IFL Science or below, or on the diagonal planet. Only about nine with the next, and no letter tonnes of larger space rocks Why was it called the ‘Dark position can be used more land on Earth annually. De- Ages’? than once in any given word. spite the large quantities, The early Middle Ages or Write your words on a piece it’s hard to detect space dust ‘dark ages’ occurred between of paper and try to beat your or track its annual accumula- the 5th and 10th centuries. cell mate! Words of the Month • HYPEGIAPHOBIA - the fear The term refers to the per- tion in most places due to of responsibility. ceived lack of culture and sci- precipitation that washes entific advancements dust away. And in most G I H W M • ADORKABLE - socially • NUDNIK - (Yiddish) - an compared to those of the Were the first living things places, dust originating on awkward in a way regarded aggressively boring person, a Roman Empire. Whereas the plants or animals? Earth swamps dust from A H R P I as appealing or endearing. nagger or pesterer. Roman historians kept de- Earth used to be very differ- space. Because much of the • BUNDESLIGAHÅR - the tailed records of their pro- ent to all the life we see today. space rock that crashes R W Q C P Danish for ‘mullet’, meaning • LOGANAMNOSIS - an gresses, little was thought to It’s believed the very first through Earth’s atmosphere ‘the hair of a German football obsession with remembering have been written down dur- forms were microbial mats burns up, the researchers es- A G U O A player’. the specific word you’ve for- ing this time. Information was called ’stromatolites’ (pic- timated the volume of dust in gotten. shared through song and epic tured) rocky structures created space that would result in R Z B M H • GOOGLEGANGER - a per- storytelling which was lost in by living microorganisms 3.4 that flux on the planet’s sur- son with the same name as • CONTRASUGGESTIBLE - the mists of time - therefore billion years ago. Plant spe- face. They gauged that about you who appears in search someone who is likely to it is said to be a dark period cies like algae showed up 13,600 tonnes of space dust Word Wheel results when you try to respond to any suggestion by in history. How It Works next, followed by animals. must initially enter the atmosphere each year, mean- Google yourself. doing the exact opposite. magazine How It Works magazine Find as many words as possible ing only about a third of it using the letters in the wheel. Would we still have dinosaurs if an asteroid hadn’t hit the reaches the ground. Under- Each word must use the hub Vintage Corner Earth 66 million years ago? standing the flux of extrater- letter and at least 2 others. Palaeontologists have argued the dinosaurs were already in de- restrial material to Earth is The Canon Pocketronic cline long before the asteroid hit Earth and would therefore important for many fields Calculator was first released have died out irrespective of a meteorite strike but recent re- of astrophysics and geophys- in1970 for the princely sum of search suggests otherwise. These creatures had already been ics because these space rocks S I £247. The massive price tag highly adaptable throughout 160 million years of climate may have brought many ele- might have been off-putting change and therefore had further evolutionary potential. ments to the planet. Some T M to many, but the ability to Global warming instigated an expanded rainforest which theories hold that elements L add, subtract, multiply and would’ve sped up the breeding process of the longnecked di- and molecules originating E B divide with a digital box of would drop and calculators nosaurs - as a result the species probably would have de- from space rocks may have tricks was a technological would become a common creased in size while mammal like creatures were already been crucial to the early de- O P marvel at the time. In the sight in schools, colleges and developing before the asteroid strike so they would’ve contin- velopment of life on Earth. years that followed, prices office buildings across the land. ued to do so alongside the dinosaurs. How It Works magazine How It Works magazine Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 57

June Births The path to success Fun Facts 1 June 1926 Marilyn Monroe - Actress. 9 7 6 1 7 • The designer of the Spitfire, Died: August 5, 1962 (aged 36) R.J. Mitchell, wasn’t a fan of its name: ‘It’s just the sort of 7 June 1958 8 8 3 6 7 bloody silly name they would ‘Prince’ Rogers Nelson choose.’ Singer. Died: April 21, 2016 9 4 9 5 5 (aged 57) • After the dinosaur-killing meteorite struck Earth 65 10 June 1921 7 2 6 7 8 million years ago, it rained Prince Philip - Duke of glass in North America. Edinburgh. Died: April 9, 5 7 4 7 6 • Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber 2021 (aged 99) from Return of the Jedi spent Start at the bottom left square 14 June 1928 two weeks in space on the and move up, down, left or right Che Guevara - Argentine shuttle Discovery in 2007. until you reach the finish. Add the Revolutionary. Died: October numbers as you go. Can you • Worker ants take about 250 9, 1967 (aged 39) make exactly 55? naps per day, but each nap only lasts a minute. GEF BAD CHI • Aztec mothers who died in childbirth were regarded as Using the letters G,E,F,B,A,D,C,H & I fill in the highly as warriors who died blank squares. Each letter A-I must appear in battle. only once in each line column and 3x3 grid. • Tall people are more prone to cancer because they have more cells. • Pakistan’s name is an altered form of the name ‘PAKSTAN’, Neil Speed is a which was coined in 1933 as a former prisoner combination of the names of who came up the five regions it was with the concept thought to include: Punjab, of GEF BAD CHI Afghan province, Kashmir, whilst in prison. Sindh, and balochisTAN. GEF BAD CHI by • The inventor of the Pringles Neil Speed is can had his cremated ashes published by buried inside one. Xlibris. £12.35 • Yuri Gagarin’s historical first space flight ended with him Catchphrase ejecting from the capsule after re-entry and landing in The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, a potato field hundreds of place, or thing that each square is meant to represent. miles away from the intended landing site. He had to borrow a horse and cart to get to © MW Released life sentenced prisoner the nearest telephone. • In 2009, a South African IT DAVIES & JONES company showed that it was See our 25 times faster to send a 4GB SOLICITORS page in the SD card 50 miles by carrier pigeon than it was to use the Specialising in ‘Jailbreak’ section country’s national internet Criminal Defence and provider Telkom. Prison Law THE PRISON • An earthworm can live for eight years. O f f e r i n g PHOENIX TRUST • Pro snooker player Bill N a t i o n w i d e S e r v i c e Werbeniuk could only play Head doing you in? when drunk, so was able to Just for laughs • All Criminal Court Proceedings offset the cost of beer against Stressed out? his income tax. • Parole Applications • Albert Einstein was a genius and worthy of praise and study. Can’t sleep? • If all the T-Rex that ever His brother Frank was an absolute monster. • Licence Recall existed were brought back to Simple yoga and life, there would be around • What did the doe say when she came out of the forest? • Appeals meditation practice, one T-Rex for every three I’ll never do that for two bucks again. • Adjudications working with silence and the humans. • People in Dubai wouldn’t understand the humour in the • The editors for the first Flintstones, but I know people in Abu Dhabi do. Contact breath, might just transform Oxford English Dictionary • Can we ban “yo momma” jokes from this paper? They’re old, David Rees or Simon Palmer your life in more ways than thought they would finish it stupid and have been done by literally everyone hundreds of Davies & Jones you think ... Interested? in a decade; after five years times ... Just like yo mamma. they were only up to the 32 The Parade, Roath, Write to The Prison Phoenix Trust • My boss arrived at work today in a brand new Ferrari. I said ‘wow, word ‘ant’. P.O. Box 328, Oxford, OX2 7HF. that’s an amazing car!’ He said ‘If you work hard, put all your Cardiff, CF24 3AD • The French didn’t officially hours in and strive for excellence, I’ll get another one next year.’ Tel: 029 2046 5296 have a word for ‘French kiss- We’d love to hear from you anytime and have ing’ until 2014, when the • Yesterday I paid a stranger to knock me unconscious, shove a several free books and CDs, which could or 24 Hour Emergency Number: word ‘galocher’ entered the foreign object up my ass and film the whole thing. Or as my 079 7096 9357 help you build and maintain a daily practice. Doctor insists on calling it, a colonoscopy. dictionary. 58 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 In this month... Number Search Did I say that? Number Search – David Morris HMP Altcourse

3 June 1989 3 2 6 7 1 9 6 3 4 2 10,000 Chinese soldiers are blocked by 100,000 1 1 2 2 3 4 9 7 1 9 citizens in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, protecting students demonstrating for democracy. But 4 3 8 9 4 7 1 3 0 7 the horror would not take a firm grip until 8 9 0 4 4 0 9 0 2 6 nightfall. Throughout the early hours of June 4 soldiers beat, bayoneted, and shot protesters. 1 7 2 6 2 7 5 6 0 2 “Bashir’s forged bank Many were crushed to death as tanks drove over statements were never “Can I give you lunch once “If I go tomorrow I’ll be 9 6 9 1 6 8 4 2 3 1 them. No one knows how many people died in connected in any way to the budget is done? Love DC.” grateful for three years the Tiananmen Square Massacre. The official 2 4 7 8 8 1 2 7 0 4 Panorama and Princess Former PM David Cameron’s extra I had.” Chinese Government figure is 241, but other Diana.” texts to government officials Sir Alex Ferguson who estimates range from 800 to 4,000 deaths. 0 1 6 2 0 2 1 9 4 9 BBC statement in 1996 and ministers about collapsed survived a brain haemor- finance company he worked rhage in 2018. 1 9 9 9 8 7 6 4 6 8 12 June 1942 - now retracted after and lobbied for. 1942 Anne Frank gets her diary as a birthday shocking review findings. 6 5 7 0 2 1 3 9 7 6 present in Amsterdam. The entries she would 1122349, 2139768, 213976, 2139764, 2021, go on to make in it would make her tragically 1122349, 2139768, 213976, 2139764, 2021, 19998764, 729461829 19998764, 729461829, 1020304, 947078, 168 short life an inspiration to millions. Her first 1020304, 947078, 168 words, written on that day, were: “I hope I shall Thanks to David Morris HMP Altcourse for compiling be able to confide in you completely, as I have this Number Search. If you fancy compiling one never been able to do in anyone before, and I please send in max 10 x 10 grid complete with hope that you will be a great support and answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will send “How did you allow yourself you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your comfort to me.” “It’s a mix between the to do a TV interview looking name, number, prison and DOB. like Gandalf?” 18 June 1815 Truman Show and living in Alistair Campbell quizzing his Battle of Waterloo; Napoleon and France a Zoo.” “I just said ‘Google me’.” old boss Tony Blair over his Sudoku // Easy - give it a go! defeated by British forces and Prussian troops. Prince Harry on his life in Spice Girl Mel C using her fame lockdown mullet hairstyle. After more than a decade of dominating the the Royal Family. to get her through customs. European continent, the French Emperor 3 2 5 Napoleon Bonaparte had been defeated at Inside Chess Leipzig in 1813 and was later exiled to the 8 7 6 3 2 island of Elba. This triumphant arrangement by Carl Portman did not last long: Napoleon quickly escaped, 7 1 2 8 3 starting what was known as the Hundred Days, The greatest quote I ever heard about chess was 6 3 5 where he assumed control of France once this: ‘You must take your opponent into a deep, more. Hearing the news, his adversaries rushed dark forest where 2+2=5 and the path leading 5 4 1 8 9 together an army and went to confront him at out is only wide enough for one.’ This was said the town of Waterloo in Belgium. The coalition by one Mikhail Tal. He led an extraordinary life 4 1 5 armies, controlled by the Duke of Wellington for where illness followed him wherever he went. the British and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher He was born in Riga, Latvia in 1936 and died at 3 9 7 6 4 for the Prussians, crushed Napoleon in the the comparatively young age of fifty-five. Born battle. When he returned to Paris, the country with a claw hand, and having had a kidney re- 2 6 7 1 9 had turned against him, and so he abdicated moved, Tal still chain-smoked and drank like a

5 6 8 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. for a second and final time, decisively ending fish. Yet his chess was full of dazzling sacrifices 1 the Napoleonic era. He was later exiled to the and mesmerising combinations. He actually Daily Sudoku: Tue 4-May-2021 easy island of St. Helena in the Atlantic, where he became World Chess Champion in 1960 at the A B C D E F G H Word Morph died (having possibly been murdered) in 1821. age of 23, defeating the monster that was Mikhail Botvinnik, yet he lost that title to the same man Can you morph one word into another by just 25 June 1630 on f6. All is not lost however. How are you going a year later. He was known as the magician from changing one letter at a time? It isn’t quite as The fork was introduced to American dining by to continue to emerge victorious? The first correct Riga and his book: ‘The life and games of Mikhail easy3 as2 you 6think!8 9 1 4 5 7 Governor Winthrop. You may think the fork has answer drawn wins a chess magazine. Tal’ remains a classic. been with us forever but it was slow to catch 5 8 7 4 ORDER6 3 1 2 9 on in Europe, the UK and then be taken to the Write to me with your answer, care of The English Even as world champion, Tal had no airs and Americas. The fork was introduced to Europe in Chess Federation (ECF) at The Watch Oak, Chain graces. He played purely for the love of the game 4 1 9 2 7 5 6 8 3 the 10th century by Theophanu Byzantine wife Lane, Battle, East Sussex TN33 OYD. Please note and would just as readily play an amateur in a of Emperor Otto the 2nd. It made its way to Italy that you should always write to me at the ECF 2 9 8 6 3 7 5 1 4 coffee shop as he would the world’s top players. by the 11th century and had become popular not via Inside Time. Bear in mind that with Covid- Even when he was in hospital, he would spend amongst merchants by the 14th. When the fork 19 restrictions, mail may take longer. Also, please 7 4 5 1 2 8 3 9 6 his time playing chess and the doctors left him was first introduced as an eating implement it include your prison number and if you can, the alone on more than one occasion which enabled 6 3 1 9 5 4 8 7 2 was normal for people to have their own knife date and what months puzzle you are him to ‘escape’ his hospital bed and go out to ELVES and fork made which would be kept in a special entering. play chess at some club. What a remarkable 9 7 3 5 8 6 2 4 1 box called a cadena, whenever someone threw a character Tal was. If you can access some of his dinner party or a feast all the guests would bring The answer to May’s puzzle was 1…Nf2+ 2.Ke1 games, you will benefit greatly from playing Dear8 6 Editor4 7 1 2 9 3 5 their own cadena’s to eat with. This custom was Nd3++ 3. Kd1 (if he goes to f1 it will be mate on through them. I am not promising that any of us f2) 3…Qe1+ 4.Nxe1 Nf2# A beautiful smothered then introduced to France in the entourage of 1 5 2 3 4 9 7 6 8 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2021. All rights reserved. can understand what he was doing though. mate. The winner will be announced. “Don’t throw away your old socks with holes Catherine de’Medici. Forks, however, never inDaily the Sudoku: toe. Simply Tue 4-May-2021 cut off the whole toe, turneasy really caught on in Britain. Whilst our European The position this month would see Tal licking his the sock around and sew at the other end. Hey cousins were tucking in with their new eating April’s winner was Andris from HMP Oakwood. lips. You are White to play. You are a whole rook presto! A new sock.” Alan, HMP Berwyn irons the British simply laughed at this ‘feminine down and even worse, your own rook is attacked affectation’ of the Italians, British men would “Graffiti artists, stop being arrestedhttp://www.dailysudoku.com/ by scrawl- eat with their fingers and were proud! What’s ing a picture of a heart and the initials ‘NHS’ There Are Others You Must and thoughtless and they more, even the church was against the use of Quotes next to all your tags.” Peter, Bristol Read First, Books You Want always know what they’re forks (despite them being in the Bible). Some to Own So They’ll Be Handy doing. Inside, they look just “Why do we say elephants never forget? writers for the Roman Catholic Church declared “Your body is not a temple, Just in Case, Books You like they always have. Like Surely it must be wives. I’ve yet to hear an ele- it an excessive delicacy, God in his wisdom had it’s an amusement park. Need to Go with Other they did when they were your phant give me earache over something I said provided us with natural forks, in our fingers, Enjoy the ride. ANTHONY ” Books on Your Shelves” age. Truth is, there aren’t any or did 15 years ago” Mike, Plymouth and it would be an insult to him to substitute BOURDAIN ITALO CALVINO grown-ups.” NEIL GAIMAN them for these metallic devices. Eventually we “Have any Inside Time readers lost a pigeon? caught on around about the 18th century “Sections in the bookstore: Only one has been hanging outside my cell “Grown-ups don’t look like “Age is something that doesn’t about the same time that the curved, four Books You Haven’t Read, window for a couple of days, it’s grey in colour grown-ups on the inside matter, unless you are a pronged variety became popular after its Books You Needn’t Read, with a shiny neck and walks with a limp?” either. Outside, they’re big cheese.” LUIS BUÑUEL development in Germany. Books You Mean to Read But Dave HMP Dumfries Insidetime June 2021 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 59

The joke’s on you! WordsearchJailbreak – June 2021 // Authors Would you believe it? Wordsearch Authors – Careen Cullen HMP Eastwood Park • Jesus walks into a bar. He sees a Russian man M A R K T H O M P S O N L E D O P S E X with a glass of water. Jesus asks “My son, are A N G H R F E H Z X A S S J D F C E J L you a believer?” The Russian replies “No.” With R F S J I E L C J K R J D A A G T N R M a wave of his hands, Jesus changes it to a glass T G T M C H D P R D R A F M V P S U P W of wine. “Well my son, do you believe now?” I O E V H I Q Y M W B M O E E U E O C S The Russian frowns and shakes his head. N O P R A W A Z A X L T N S P X W S A T The next day, Jesus comes into the bar and A Z H U R E L R F H N E U P E C P D G E sees the same man. “My son, are you a believer yet?” The Russian replies “No.” Jesus waves his C T E F D N D A H L O B N A L V B R F S An iron lung and a steely determination hands and behold! The glass again is changed O X N G M Z X A S P K M Q T Z S T A B S Meet Paul Alexander, otherwise known as ‘The Sticky situation to wine. “Well my son, now you surely believe?” L J K R O W L I N G E C P T E E Q W C G Man in the Iron Lung’. He’s paralysed from the Becky, from Essex, was left The Russian frowns and shakes his head. E L I C N A E F M B D N L E R F D O L E neck down and hasn’t been able to breathe on ‘holding back the tears’ after On the third day, Jesus enters the bar and H A N D T P N L V O R S B R P S T H W R his own since 1952. At the age of six, Paul spotting what she thought was approaches the Russian. “My son, are you a V N G A A R I W H O D O E S E M A R K R contracted the poliovirus and over the following a hole in the roof of her son’s believer yet?” C K B H N V K C Y T Z Q W O K D R A Z I five days he ‘lost everything’. Paul couldn’t move mouth. She said: “I tried to The Russian looks up “If I say I believe, will you S J O V A K E S T A V K O N D I Z M B T or breathe and was rushed to the hospital where touch it but he just screamed just leave my vodka alone today?” B M K L R P L W N L R I C L N A P C N S he was pronounced dead, before a doctor at me. I’m shaking, sweating D S K M I T K O E P M K A T E K R A Y E quickly performed a tracheostomy. He was then and holding back the tears.” A • Donald Trump, walking and arguing with a A P U S Q Z R Z R T B O B B I E I L S N placed into the iron lung and fought tirelessly terrified Becky rang her mum critic, stops a random person in the street to V X R B W A E M K M R S R I W T Q A U O until 18 months later he left the hospital to go for advice who told her to ring ask their opinion on the matter at hand. home in Dallas. When asked what he did all day, 111, however, her dad B E N A A R O N O V I T C H C A M N E R Trump: “Sir, maybe you can settle something he replied: “Well, the same thing everybody suggested she take the for us; what do YOU think of how I performed BEN AARONOVITCH, DAN BROWN, DAVE PELZER, HOWARD SOUNES, else does. I wake up, brush my teeth, wash my youngster straight to A&E. as president of the United States?” BENJ K ROWLING,AARONOVITCH, J RDAN WARD, BROWN, JAMES DAVE PELZER, PATTERSON, HOWARD SOUNES KATE ,KRAY, J K ROWLING MARK face, shave, have breakfast. I just needed a little When she arrived at the Random Guy: “Monumental” JTHOMPSON, R WARD, JAMES PATTERSON MARTINA, KATE COLE, KRAY ,MO MARK HAYDER, THOMPSON RICHARD, MARTINA COLE MONTANARI, bit of help.” After finishing school, Paul then ROALD DAHL, STEPHEN KING, TESS GERRITSEN hospital she explained the Trump: “Thank you sir, you’ve been very help- MO HAYDER, RICHARD MONTANARI, ROALD DAHL, STEPHEN KING, went on to spend the next two years trying to situation to reception and it ful!” (To the Critic) “See?! What did I tell you?” Thanks to Careen Cullen HMP Eastwood Park for compiling this persuade the college to let him attend after TESS GERRITSEN was suggested that her baby Critic: “Uhhhhh...that guy was Jamaican.” Wordsearch. If you fancy compiling one for us please send in max 20 x they said he was ‘too crippled’ in the end was immediately see a specialist. 20 grid complete with answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will finally accepted. Unbelievably, Paul went on to Becky said: “One nurse said let send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your name, number, • I was at a job interview when the manager pass the bar and became a lawyer and says he me just get my pen torch and prison and DOB. handed me his laptop and said “I want you to was a ‘pretty damn good one’. From then he have a look”. She said, “That’s try to sell this to me.” went on to write a book with just his mouth a sticker”. Me being an idiot So I put it under my arm, walked out of the which he wanted to do to ‘inspire people’. He told her, ‘No look that’s a hole’. Quick Crossword building, and went home. went on to say: “No matter where you’re from “She put her finger in his mouth or what your past is, or the challenges that you In the evening he called me and said “Bring my and hooked it out. I laughed, could be facing, you can truly do anything. was shaking and so embar- laptop back here right now!” You’ve just got to set your mind to it and work rassed.” Although Becky was I said “£200 and it’s yours.” hard. My story is an example of why your past left red-faced by the incident or even disability does not have to define your she said it did give the medical • A drunk staggers out of a bar and into a future.” Lad Bible staff a laugh. Lad Bible nearby cathedral. He eventually stumbles his way down the aisle “Ladies and gentle... Um...” and into a confessional. After a lengthy silence, London North Eastern Railway the priest asks, “May I help you, my son?” “I has apologised after one of its dunno” comes the drunk’s voice from behind conductors greeted passengers the partition. “You got any toilet paper on your by saying “good afternoon side?” ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.” A rail workers’ union rep • I was showing my friend my new golf ball. who was on the train and “It’s impossible to lose,” I said. “If you hit it into identifies as non-binary the rough it sends out a GPS signal so you can complained about the use of track it down.” “That’s great,” he replied, “but the phrase. The passenger, who That’s why they’re called fish fingers what happens if you hit it into the water?” goes by the name of Laurence, Suzie Quintal and her husband Nathan Reeves “Simple. The ball floats to the surface and said on Twitter: “Train managers were going for a swim off the coast of Norfolk tracks its way back toward you and you just should not be using language Island (a tiny Australian island) where they scoop it back out.” “Brilliant!” he said, “Where like this. ‘Good afternoon were visiting family in January, when Nathan did you get it?” “I found it.” ladies and gentlemen, boys realised his wedding ring was missing. All hope Across Down and girls...’ so as a non binary was lost until in May local snorkeller Susan • A Collie was talking about how hard he person this announcement Prior spotted the missing ring lodged around works on the farm where he lives. 1 Completely ordinary (3-8) 1 Shirt-like garment (6) doesn’t actually apply to me the body of a mullet fish. She said she’d heard A nearby sheep piped up ‘YOU don’t work 7 Cook in hot water (4) 2 Oesophagus (6) so I won’t listen.” A represent- that a couple had lost their wedding band hard, all you do is boss US around.’ ‘WHAT DID 8 Brutish people (7) 3 Hypnotic state (6) ative of the train company earlier this year and miraculously was able to YOU SAY’ shouted the collie. ‘You herd me’ the 9 ___ Deighton, author (3) 4 Sound (5) replied: “I’m really sorry to see track them down on a community Facebook sheep replied. 10 Mistake (5) 5 Rearranged word (7) this, Laurence, our Train page. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Prior 11 Kitchen device (6) 6 Ruin (7) Managers should not be using said the sight of the fish trapped in the ring was 13 Proper or fitting (6) 11 Former Pakistani capital (7) language like this, and I thank • John asks his wife, Mary, what she wants to ‘gut-wrenching’. She said she’d seen other fish 16 Circular (5) 12 Musical instrument (7) you for bringing it to my celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. 18 Lyric poem (3) 13 Light cake (6) attention. But many criticised caught in plastic rings but to see one weighed “Would you like a new Mink Coat?” he asks. 19 Army officer (7) 14 Nevertheless (4,2) LNER for their apology and said down by metal was truly worrying. People are “Not really,” says Mary. 20 Short pointed metal pin (4) 15 Woman’s public lavatory (6) that nothing was wrong with now trying to source nets, some have got scuba “Well how about a new Mercedes sports car?” 21 Within a vein (11) 17 _____Ross, singer (5) the friendly greeting, including gear. The team in the glass bottom boats are says John. Tory MP Mark Jenkinson, he going to have a look - Norfolk’s really good like “No,” she responds. said: “You’d be forgiven for that.’ Mrs Quintal said she just ‘spun out’ after “What about a new vacation home in the thinking this Train Manager had hearing Ms Prior had found the ring five country?” he suggests. The Last Word: unleashed a tirade of abuse. months later. ‘It doesn’t worry my husband, he She again rejects his offer with a, “No thanks.” “Everyone believes in human rights, their own...” He’d actually said ‘Good doesn’t understand all the fuss. I’m just worried Frustrated he finally asks, “Well what would Baroness Shami Chakrabarti afternoon ladies and gentle- about the poor little fish.’ Mrs Quintal and her you like for your anniversary?” men, boys and girls.’ Identify husband have been unable to return to Norfolk “John, I’d like a divorce,” answers Mary. however you like, but can we Island and are now anxiously waiting to hear if John thinks for a moment and replies “Sorry Next issue week commencing 28th June stop this nonsense?” Joe.co.uk their ring has been retrieved. dear, I wasn’t planning to spend that much.” 60 Jailbreak // National Prison Radio www.insidetime.org Insidetime June 2021 National Prison Radio is available in prisons across June 2021 England and Wales, and HMP Grampian in Scotland. What’s on National Prison Radio // June 2021 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 yourRadio? remote control. your remote control.

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07:00 Love Bug 17:00 Deja Vu Inside Love Bug Free Freedom Write to the (or local Classic tracks Music Write to the Inside ones you love Flow Porridge shows) and oldies Artist profiles ones you love Yoga and from HMP Lady meditation The world’s first national breakfast show for people in prison. Peterborough Unchained With daily NPR Reflections from the major faiths. brings the inspiration. 18:00 Brixton 08:00 Bob Decibel StreetNPR The Freedom NPR Talk Make the most of your time. Calling Inside and The finest HeatRap Rock News and Beyond dance Show Show NPR NPR Talk New NPR requests Reggae music from Special Helping you Chapters Friday from HMP The best Turn it up Real talk. make the Brixton. and around the Two hours hip-hop, loud. Join Unknown Sophie Don’t just do most of your kicks off the dancehall world, direct of new grime and the Rock by Guvna B You bring to your ears. British music The best rap, Love Bug your time, use time behind weekend. 09:00 classics. R&B with Show your time. bars. the flow. from Jamz hip-hop,Jerelle. grime Family. Supernova and R&B with Jerelle. 19:00 The Bob and The Request Show Rock Beyond 10:00 Sunday Show Service To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at: Reggae and Prayers National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF Join the dancehall Family and Friends Request Show every Wednesday and Thursday: Rock classics. for all 20:00 Show Christians www.nationalprisonradio.com family. 11:00 warm up 21:00 Free NPR StreetNPR Decibel Inside Heat Porridge Flow Fresh Rap The finest Music Another chance to hear this morning’s show. Two hours Show dance from HMP of the The best music Two hours Peterborough 12:00 NPR NPR Talk New NPR NPR Talk freshest Thehip-hop, best from of new (or local Special See 18:00 Chapters Friday 22:00 Deja Vu new music. hip-hop,grime and rap, around the British Love Bug shows) See 18:00 See 18:00 Classic tracks If it’s fresh, grimeR&B withand world, music Write to the With Lady and oldies we’ve got it. direct to from Jamz ones you Unchained R&BJerelle. 13:00 Friday with Jerelle. your ears. Supernova love. Reflection The Request Show The Request Show 23:00 Books Unlocked This month: The Unlikely Pilgrimage To hear your song on NPR, write to us at: Write of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce 14:00 National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF to us at: NPR Write to National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF for a free copy. Your loved-ones can send shouts at nationalprisonradio.com National Friday Prison 23:30 Music and advice to help you sleep Radio, Freedom Books safe and sound through the night. 15:00 HMP Dream Time Inside Unlocked NPR Fresh Brixton, A repeat of Two hours of the freshest music. London the week’s National Prison Radio is your place for information SW2 book 16:00 5XF readings and inspiration to help you in prison. Hourly news, and updates from prisons across the country.

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