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No More Kids at Feltham

No More Kids at Feltham

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Out with the old and in “Maybe I’m not this guy, “The more I can do in with the new. Inside maybe I can be someone else Scotland the better, I love it the National Newspaper for Prisoners & Detainees Time goes to Number 10! instead of who I’m pretend- up there.” LJ Flanders ing to be.” Michael Maisey a voice for prisoners since  Comment // pages 32-33 Comment // page 25 Scottish Focus // page 26 August 2019 / Issue No. 242 / www.insidetime.org / A ‘not for profit’ publication/ ISSN 1743-7342 SCOTTISH PRISONS INSPECTOR 20 // PPO INTERVIEW 30 // NPR SURVEY INSIDE An average of 60,000 copies distributed monthly Independently verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations NO MORE KIDS AT FELTHAM

YOI Children’s Unit issued with ● Violent incidents Urgent Notification Protocol up by 45% since Jan 2019; ● 40% of children 54 said they had felt unsafe; Cut, style, sliding to success!

● Self-harm Once a prisoner, Mark Maciver (above) a.k.a. SliderCuts is now a celebrity barber, Insta- ‘tripled’ since last gram star and author. He has been cutting hair for 15 years, building up SliderCuts in inspection. Hackney into one of ’s best known barber shops. His famous clientele include boxer Anthony Joshua, NBA star LeBron James and musicians and Tinie Tempah.

Inside Time report concerning,” Argar said: “As by around 150% since Janu- an immediate response, and ary. Use of force by staff had STOP PRESS! NEW PRISONS MINISTER LUCY FRAZER 14 in addition to work already risen to very high levels: 74% Following the recent inspec- under way, we have taken the of children reported they had tion of the Children’s Unit at decision to stop placing young been physically restrained at Feltham A, HM Chief Inspec- people there temporarily to Feltham A and there had been tor of Prisons, Peter Clarke, provide space for staff to over 700 incidents in the last MICHAEL PURDON SOLICITOR said there has been an, “Ex- make improvements.” six months. Fewer than one in traordinary collapse in safety five children felt cared for by and care.” He said inspectors Feltham A had previously staff, less than half felt most SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED AN found very high levels of vio- been subject to a full inspec- staff treated them with re- lence, between boys and tion in January 2019. The re- spect, and only 45% reported against staff, high use of staff port on that inspection, there was a member of staff EXPERT force, poor care, long periods published in early June 2019, they could turn to for help. of lock-up in cells and escalat- warned of deterioration in ing self-harm. He has now safety and care after a period PAROLE - RECALL invoked the Urgent Notifica- of drift. Mr Clarke also took tion Protocol, whereby the the unusual step, based on Justice Secretary has four intelligence from a number of PRE-TARIFF REVIEWS weeks to respond publicly sources about Feltham A, of with an action plan to im- announcing that the Inspec- prove the conditions. torate would return to the CAT A REVIEWS-TARIFF REVIEWS children’s unit in early July to Peter Clarke: “There inspect both Feltham A and clearly needs to be a new Feltham B, the linked prison approach.” for 18-21 year-olds. The Urgent NATIONWIDE SERVICE Notification only relates to A third of children said they Founding members, serving for 3 years as Feltham A, the Children’s were out of their cells for Unit. fewer than two hours during Chair and Deputy Chair of the Association the week; at the weekend this of Prison Lawyers Edward Argar: “Deeply As part of the notification, figure rose to nearly disappointing and Clarke told outgoing Justice three-quarters. “There clearly concerning.” Secretary David Gauke that needs to be a new approach,” CALL US: 0191 232 1006 the number of violent inci- said Clarke, “which looks Justice Minister Edward Argar dents had risen by 45% since fundamentally to change be- VISIT: purdonlaw.co.uk EMAIL: [email protected] MP then announced that no January 2019, though the haviour and goes beyond more children will be sent to number of children held had merely trying to contain vio- LONDON: 7 New Square, Lincolns Inn, Feltham for the time being. fallen. The number of assaults lence through ever more re- London, WC2C 3QS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) Describing the notification as against staff, some of which strictive security and “deeply disappointing and were very serious, had risen separation.” NEWCASTLE: Wards Buildings, 31-39 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 1EW NEWS FLASH! Capital punishment on post-Brexit agenda? 12 2 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime August 2019 Red pill, or blue pill? insidetime Get a grip Mailbites a voice for prisoners since 1990 Ian Scott - HMP Rye Hill Barney Crawler - HMP Featherstone Swaleside plastics the national newspaper for prisoners published by In response to the Inside Time report (July issue) on offender In response to a letter from Louis Burdett - HMP Swaleside Inside Time Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of treatment programmes. Consider; allegedly you are ill and Grant Stanley, titled ‘Fiddler The New Bridge Foundation, founded in 1956 to require treatment. The ‘treatment’ offered has NO scientific In this prison the governors are directly going create links between the offender and the community. on the roof’ (June issue), he evidence that it is effective. It MAY work. However, there is against the Tory pledge to cut single-use tells us that a career crimi- evidence that it can make you worse. Would you take it? plastics. There are around 1200 prisoners here Inside Time is wholly responsible for its editorial nal with 50 convictions for and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday they content. Comments or complaints should be robbery, burglary, drug-re- There is a vast number of prisoners who, as a part of rehabili- give us 1 plastic-bag for meals and tea-packs. directed to the publisher and not to New Bridge. lated offences and, now, tation, are forced into ‘therapy/treatment’ as a condition So, times that by 3 and you get 3,600 plastic sexual offences (given the Board of Directors (objective) of their sentence-plan. The completion of offend- bags given out here per day. I believe prisons fact that he is in Whatton) ing behaviour programmes is crucial to a parole sentence should be setting an example and using Trevor Grove Former Editor Sunday Telegraph, found himself on the roof prisoner’s ability to progress, so as to be able to demonstrate paper-bags. I would love to hear what the Journalist, Writer and former Magistrate. causing thousands of to the Parole Board that he/she is suitable for release. It is not Environment Secretary has to say about this, Dr Peter Bennett Trustee, New Bridge pounds worth of damage - uncommon for completion of such courses to be regarded as because prison authorities are going against Foundation and former Governor of HMP Grendon all because ‘no one is listen- Geoff Hughes Former Governor of HMP Belmarsh a requirement for release. his pledge. Plastics affect every living thing on ing to his cries for help’. John D Roberts Former Company Chairman and this beautiful planet. We only have one planet, Managing Director employing former prisoners Rehabbing criminals is very big business. There is money to so it is up to all of us to look after it. This individual is clearly not Louise Shorter CEO Inside Justice and former be made. Serious money. Resulting in massive public ex- producer BBC Rough Justice worthy to be on the streets penditure on programmes and risk-assessment methods that Alistair H E Smith BSc FCA Chartered Accountant, and I believe that taxpayer’s Prison language are not effective, but which make some people a great deal of Trustee and Treasurer, New Bridge Foundation money is being put to good Bruce Child - HMP The Verne money. So, why worry about effectiveness when there’s use by keeping him in money to be made? There is one phrase that, for me, sums up the The insideteam prison. The public do not prison system - Incentives and Earned want the dangers posed by Treatment programmes are poorly evaluated. Professionals Privileges (IEP). When I first came into prison I this man with so many crim- have a vested interest in them: doing very well financially saw many notices, for example - ‘Feeding of inal offences. Did he ever with today’s miscegenation between law and psychology. pigeons will result in an IEP’, so I was made stop and think about the Notwithstanding the offending behaviour industry’s spurious aware that the breaking of any rule in prison cries of help from his vic- claims of treatment effect, the public are fooled into the pos- could be ‘rewarded’ by the issuing of an IEP. tims? This was no ‘embar- So, of course, I had to discover exactly what Erwin James John Roberts Rachel sibilities, desperate for answers to impossible ‘psycho’-questions. rassing lack of security’, it the letters of this punishment, IEP, stood for. It Editor in Chief Publisher Billington OBE was someone showing his Prisoners are unwillingly coerced into treatment and there is turns out that it stands for ‘Incentives and and Director Associate Editor true colours, no doubt it was strong evidence to show that it makes you worse. All to sat- Earned Privileges’! Such is the madness of because he got told ‘No’ isfy the Parole Board’s desire for risk-reduction. There are im- prison language and the prison system itself. from someone in authority plications for how we arrive at parole decisions, if there is, and got the hump. Fine him essentially, no relationship between a prisoner’s actual risk for the damage and add an- Not the CCRC level and the risk allegedly posed after treatment. If there is other 5-years to his sen- T Beebe - HMP Bure no proof that a programme works, then there should be no tence, that might teach him Noel Smith Paul Sullivan David Roberts lawful basis for denying parole on the grounds that they I am responding to two pieces in the May Commissioning Editorial to man-up and behave Operations hadn’t done the programme. issue - Chris R - HMP Glenochil and Gerard Editor Assistant Manager himself. Sinclair from SCCRC. My personal dealings with the CCRC and the feedback from other inmates whom I contacted, was, as Chris wrote, they appear to only take a brief look at your case and if it is not straightforward then they do not take up the challenge. Historic Colin Matthews Justine Best Carla Rowe cases seem to be totally taboo and are not Layout and Head of Admin Assistant even considered, yet again, people like myself Design Administration are left to rot in prison. The need for someone to take on cases that are obviously miscarriag- es of justice is desperately required, but this is not going to be the CCRC. The general opinion amongst the many prisoners I have spoken to about the CCRC seems to be ‘don’t waste your Gary Bultitude John Bowers Louise Van time and build your hopes up for nothing’. Website Design Proof Reading Mechelen Westminster Commission on Miscarriages and Advertising Accounts of Justice page 34 Correspondence Supervisor

Inside Time Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Telephone: 01489 795945 [email protected] / www.insidetime.org The emailaprisoner service Facebook: InsideTime / : @InsideTimeUK allows family, friends, legal Subscribe professionals and organisations a quick, efficient, secure way to Inside Time is distributed free of charge send a message to a recipient in throughout the UK prison estate. It is available to prison from any device and any other readers via a postal subscription service. location. Many prisons also SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES operate the reply and photo £35 per annum with concessions available see attachment service. website for details or [email protected] Available in 100%of UK Disclaimer prisons. Views expressed in Inside Time are those of the Emailaprisoner is now authors and not necessarily representative of those held by Inside Time or the New Bridge Foundation. Available on the App Store. If you wish to reproduce or publish any of the content in Inside Time, you should first contact us 03333 70 65 50 for written permission. Full terms & conditions can for further details or visit: be found on the website. Write to: • 13 St.John Street MANCHESTER M3 4DQ Inside Time is a not for profit publication. • 15 Old Bailey LONDON EC4M 7EF www.emailaprisoner.com Insidetime August 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 3

Star Letter of the Month Warnings from probation Mailbag 2-11 Congratulations to this months winner “When the 99 who receives our £25 prize Name withheld - HMP Birmingham years are up I’m staggering down I have been recalled to prison for breaking my license condi- to reception and Page 4 Thanks for caring tions by getting 3 warnings. But, who checks the warnings demanding my given out in order to make sure that they are fair and just? For release”. Name withheld - HMP Peterborough Newsround 12-17 (Mother & Baby Unit) example, one of my warnings was for misusing medication. I’m on several different forms of medication for an illness. I You denied me “Thanks for the fun place!” “ I was recently reading the June issue of asked Probation the name of the drug that I was allegedly a fair trial when Inside Time, and I was immediately im- misusing? I was told that Probation had received a confiden- the world was pressed by the article titled ‘Fun time for Fantastic play-area tial phone-call to say I was misusing my medication. They watching.” kids at Bronzefi eld’. SLKids have really done Page 15 did not know the name of the drug I was supposedly misus- a great job with the Playfi eld, it looks Simone - HMP Bronzefield Comment 18-37 absolutely great. I am a resident here in the ing, nor the amount, nor when. Mother & Baby Unit and we are in dire need I’ve come to Bronzefi eld aft er a terrible “I might live ten of something similar. I have written out experience. Part of the ordeal nearly resulted How is this fair? Since when were secret phone-calls from more years at letters to a large number of UK companies in me losing my baby to the social services. anonymous sources grounds for putting me back in prison for least - as there is asking for donations, but I was not allowed Luckily, I have the support of my wonderful years. At least in court you are allowed to question your ac- still much I want to send them as it apparently breaks ‘prison family who stepped in to take him. He has cuser, but Probation do not seem to observe that legal nicety. Page 20 to accomplish.” since been coming to see me and is doing mail rules’. Information 38-44 well. When I walked into the visiting hall Answer provided HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and saw the fantastic new space they have “For me, education Our unit lacks clean, well-kept and usable Perhaps it will help if I make it clear that the test for recall does built for children, I was overjoyed. And when means knowl- toys and all I want is for a company that not require the criminal standard of evidence. It is based on the my son arrived his eyes lit up and he ran edge, credibility, cares, like SLKids obviously does, to see if Offender Manager’s professional judgement as to whether, on the opportunity and anything can be done for the children here. onto the mat to play with the wooden balance of probabilities, the reported behaviour has taken place. most of all hope.” It is sad that there are babies in prison, they play-modules. He also sat down at the table, Page 40 moving the chair by himself, with a big grin deserve the best and I know our unit Legal 45-49 Manager, Geminie, thinks the same. on his face. Then he was joined by another If you wish to make a formal complaint about this matter, as- child and they both happily continued to suming you have not already done so, you will need to contact “Can I take action Although I will never see or use their carefully- explore the play area. They had a splendid the relevant probation service directly. You can find the contact against the prison designed space, please send SLKids my time, my mum even joined in with them. The details of each CRC and NPS Division on the gov.uk website for failing to escort greatest thanks for caring about children that theme of this new play area is brilliant. It is a using the following link: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ me to Court?” Page 49 come into contact with prisons and for trying great space and we love it. Thank you to all probation-directory. to make the experience better for them. who worked on the project. Jailbreak 50-64 If you are still not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint “So please tell me Mental following the completion of the local process, you can request why? Why did he We are all equal that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman consider reviewing have to die? Don’t your complaint. You can visit the PPO website: www.ppo.gov.uk/ Scott Finnie - HMP Inverness Health bullies tell me no crap I for more information, or write to them at: Third Floor, 10 South Page 55 don’t wanna hear Tim Lewis - HMP Cardiff Colonnade, London E14 4PU. I am a prisoner, but in the outside world I am a wealthy entre- no lie!” preneur/business-owner and manage a homeless charity. I am writing about our being I have, literally, stumbled from a privileged lifestyle into a here for punishment for our highly controlled and restricted regime. All of life’s bells and crimes, but is it written whistles are no more, and my nightly dinners at the Balmoral anywhere in the rule book Officially Hotel are just a distant memory. stating that people who have the LARGEST mental health problems prison law should be ‘singled out and provider in “I’m left with the haunting memories of living in a the Country victimised’? Also, it seems if carefree world.” you’re quiet, do courses, The National Prison Law Specialists give negative tests, then So, as one can imagine, life literally went from fantastic to staff feel they can take out Trusted by more prisoners in England and Wales simply horrifying. Though being stripped back to the absolute their stresses upon you than any other Solicitors. minimum of luxuries, I’ve come to appreciate the simplest of because mentally you are in items that I have, right down to this pen I hold and the last no shape to defend yourself With Experts across the Country, sugar sachet sitting between the bars of my window. I’m and you won’t defend we can represent you in ANY PRISON. learning to make limited funds go further. I’m sharing my yourself as you want to surroundings with people I would normally hide from and I progress to D-cat to make Call our dedicated team on 0115 986 0983 can actually say it has taught me to understand and appreci- things easier for yourself. or write to us at: ate individuals so much more, and no matter how rich or poor, So, is it fair that we have to FREEPOST RTAB-BATB-HGAU or what crime you have been accused of, we are all equal here. let staff treat us like this? Carringtons Solicitors, Nottingham NG2 2JR.

Contributing to Mailbag www.carringtons-solicitors.co.uk If you would like to contribute to Mailbag, please send your letters to the address on the left. It is very important that you ensure the following details are on all paperwork sent to Inside Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON NUMBER & PRISON. Our Expert team of over 40 specialist advisors Failure to do so will prevent us responding to you and your submission being withheld from publication. Please note letters for publication may be edited. have a wealth of experience to offer you including: ‘Mailbag’, • Parole Board Reviews • Category A Review Inside Time, We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include Botley Mills, your DOB on your entries. • Recall to Prison • Minimum Term Reviews Botley, • Police Interviews • Sentence Planning Boards Southampton, To avoid any possible misunderstanding, if you have a query and for whatever • Independent Adjudication Hearings • Re-Categorisation Hampshire reason do not wish your letter to be published in Inside Time or appear on the SO30 2GB. website, or yourself to be identified, please make this clear. • Governor Adjudications • Transfer • HDC “Tagging” & Sentence Calculation • Close Supervision Centre Review We advise that wherever possible, when sending original documents such as legal papers, you send photocopies as we are unable to accept liability if they are lost. for immediate FREE advice We may need to forward your letter and/or documents to Prison Service HQ or call us at the local rate on another appropriate body for comment or advice, therefore only send informa- 08454 750 650 tion you are willing to have forwarded on your behalf.

Carrington Advert 155x130 09.2018.indd 1 23/10/2018 12:37 4 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime August 2019

On the Wire the University of Toronto is a leading researcher in this area and has shown that paedophilia can be determined in utero (before birth). Stupid question The choice lies in whether to act out on these Martyn Burke - HMP Garth desires.

In June’s issue in Mailbites, I read a letter called There is help on the outside now, and by ‘Paedophobia’ and I wonder why the writer request on the inside too. StopSO (Specialist would ask such a stupid question? He asked Treatment Organisation for Perpetrators and - ‘Why do people hate paedophiles?’ - but I Survivors of Sexual Offences) aims at think he should have asked - ‘Why don’t more STOPPING THE FIRST OFFENCE. To offer people hate paedophiles?’. treatment after a child has been abused or indecent images viewed online is too late. People hate them because of the crimes they StopSO seek to encourage people struggling commit, and rightly so. Paedophilia is not a with inappropriate sexual thoughts to contact disease, it is a choice. You use your brain to them BEFORE a crime has been committed. make a choice and then act in a horrible manner. Also, there are currently many more They will also work with people who have paedophiles in our prisons than there are committed a sexual offence(s), this may be murderers, so what does that tell you about when they are released from prison. For some, paedophiles? They are a stain on our society. therapy is aimed at strategies to control the Why defend people who would gleefully hurt impulses, for others childhood or early trauma an innocent child or woman? may have ‘pushed’ that person towards “It was a long wait – but I’m worth it” paedophilia and therapy can help them to © Andy Aitchison / doctored image Everyone in prison should be entitled to help change this. Age shall not weary me! and I believe there are courses that paedo- philes can do, both in and out of prison. The Editorial note Brent Healey - HMP Garth whole of the writer’s statement is ridiculous, See Chalk and Cheese by Juliet Grayson Chair and he deserves all of the backlash he gets. and Co-founder of StopSO page 23. Whoever was it said that us IPPs do not have a release date? Speak for yourselves, because as You consciously made a choice and illness has far as I know my date is only 99-years away, and I have plans to live till I’m at least 137. So, if nothing to do with it. Pull the other one you are an IPP and, like me, you’re fed-up with Probation, Parole Boards and all the bollocks that goes along with this sentence then sack the courses off and join me in my quest to live a Craig Halliday - HMP Ashfield Really? very long life. Then, when the 99-years are up I’m grabbing my bags and staggering off down I write due to reading the mailbag titled to reception and demanding my release. See you in the year 2109! Name withheld - HMP Send ‘Paedophobia’ in the June issue, and being I am disgusted at the letter from ‘Name wound-up by it. The writer states that people withheld’ at HMP Littlehey defending paedo- do not have a choice who you find attractive, What about Incorrect calculations philes (June issue). I know everyone should be but, even if that is correct, if you find a child or equality? able to have their say in a prison newspaper, a baby attractive then you need to give your Gene Gibson - former prisoner but I feel that it should not have been head a wobble. Realise that what you are Alistair Goldie - HMP Lewes published. doing, and thinking, is completely wrong and I’m an ex prisoner who is out on licence finishing a 31-year put all those thoughts out of your head. I am having a problem with sentence for drug trafficking offences. The writer asks, ‘Why do people hate paedo- the MoJ and the prison. I philes?’ Really? Blatantly you are one, and your The writer continues - ‘What help is there for have been told that I have to Whilst in prison, my assets were sold, and the proceeds paid letter reeks of you not taking responsibility for you?’ - well, there is the Lucy Faithfull choose other products / into my confiscation order, to part satisfy the same. Once your actions. Blaming mental-health or the Foundation, for a start. They will discuss your meal options on the menu if money was paid into the confiscation order office at the mag- government for not helping helps you shift the thought-process and, hopefully, sort your I do not want to eat chicken, istrate’s court, they would ask the prison to remit the days blame from you and the damage you have head out. If that is unsuccessful, then pop beef or lamb. This is because from my confiscation order sentence, that were commensu- done. You decided to ‘scratch that itch’, a down to your GP, explain the situation and ask I do not want to eat halal rate to the money that was paid into the court. euphemism for abusing an innocent child. You for anti-libidinal medication. Any doctor meat. Why should I be forced did that, no-one made you. The damage hearing your thoughts should give this The prisons have all been calculating the sentences wrongly people like you have caused will last a lifetime. to go without and only medication to you. choose fish, pork products, since at least 2001, when my confiscation order was final- It is easy for people like you to say, ‘Everyone’s ised. I argued with the prison service about it for years. I did committed a crime’, but, here’s a fact for you vegan and vegetarian foods, But, even if you couldn’t help finding a child or why? this by way of the prison Request/Complaint procedure. - most of the women in prison have been baby attractive it doesn’t mean you have to abused by someone like you. They can never search for vile images online or offend against forget. The victims never get over it. I want to make it clear that I “My complaint was rejected, appealed, then a child. How this writer can compare offend- am not or do not want to get ing against a child as ‘scratching an itch’ is rejected again. Then followed a Judicial Review, I accept the fact that I am in prison and that I rid of halal meat products. I absolutely nonsensical. One is getting rid of an which I lost. I appealed the decision at the Court of broke the law, so maybe it’s about time that just want to know why I am itch, the other is creating misery for a child, you did. And, while you are at it, accept that not allowed non-halal Appeal, which also failed. Finally, I took the case for, potentially, the rest of their lives. They will no-one will like people like you because your chicken, beef and lamb relive the abuse forever. Simply because to the Supreme Court and actually won my case.” kind have affected everyone in one way or products. As a pagan I feel someone couldn’t control their vile urges. another. that I am being religiously They ruled that the Prison Service and the Ministry of Justice discriminated against. If had been using a calculation that was fundamentally wrong. Sexual offending against children is not due to they can supply halal and The result of the Supreme Court ruling means that I have not Help, if you want it a mental-illness and people who advocate kosher foods, then why can’t been given the correct amount of days back, for money paid From a reader of ‘Inside Time’ that are just using mental-illness as an excuse they supply non-halal? into the court. I read with interest two letters in the last two to justify their behaviour and minimise their responsibility. Next they will be asking for issues of ‘Inside Time’. In the May issue I am sure that I am not the The Prison Service had been unlawfully detaining me due to sex-offences to have a defence of appeared ‘I am a paedophile’ and in June only person in the prison their wrong calculations. I am now in the process of obtain- ‘Paedophobia’. In the former the prisoner diminished-responsibility. estate who does not want to ing compensation for my unlawful detention, from the Minis- bravely told us that he was a non-offending eat halal and kosher meat try of Justice. They had also been adding interest to the paedophile and, despite talking about this to Hiding those urges and offences from family products. Why should I be original court order amount, and then taking that into con- Probation etc. found that there was a lack of and friends, as the writer suggests that most denied the right to have sideration, before remitting the days. help available; in the second letter, the point people do is the wrong thing to do. Talking non-halal. I would like to was made that ‘you don’t choose who you find about it and trying to get help by actively know how other prisoners Any prisoner who had money paid into a confiscation order, attractive’ and mentioned the ‘fear of getting seeking options is the way to stop more kids feel about this as I know I’m whilst serving a sentence, and had days remitted to him/her, lynched’ if one speaks out about these feelings. being abused, not blaming mental-health. not alone on this matter. has a claim for compensation. Either write to me or reply to Society are yet to acknowledge that paedo- Editorial note the paper. So much for I hope that this letter alerts the thousands of prisoners who philia (or paedo-sexuality) can be a person’s The Lucy Faithfull Foundation can be found equality - if there is such a have been unlawfully detained, by the miscalculation of fate and this is not a choice for some. It’s a at Nightingale House, 46-48 East St, Epsom word floating through the their sentence, that they now have a clear case for heavy dark secret to keep. Dr James Cantor of KT17 1HQ or Phone: 01372 847160 prison system. compensation. Sean was working in the workshop without having been given any training when he fell and broke his left wrist. Our solicitors helped him claim £5,000.

Sean slipped on some loose plastic while breaking up window frames in the prison workshop. He landed on his left arm, breaking his left wrist. At the time of the accident, Sean was not wearing any Personal Protection Equipment and the trainers he was wearing were unsuitable for the area and the job he was doing. He’d also not been given any training or guidance from the prison staff about keeping the floor clear in the area he was working in.

His wrist injury caused Sean pain and discomfort for almost three years. The team at Prison Injury Lawyers helped him claim £5,000 in compensation for his injuries

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InsideTime_July_PIL.indd 1 25/07/2019 15:56 6 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime August 2019 At what cost? Rolling the Spice dice DHL Family ties? No longer important Name withheld - Name withheld - HMP Stocken Rampton Hospital Daniel Sullivan - HMP Parc alternatives Since arriving in jail just over 4-months ago, my first time, I By now the vast majority of prisoners have witnessed or ex- Alan Mutch - HMP Elmley I’ve heard from staff and have heard many times how the prison system ‘strives’ to perienced the effects of Spice-use within prisons. I am sure patients that prisoners After being messed about, support individuals to ‘maintain family ties’ in order to re- that people in almost every prison would agree that Spice is transferred under section yet again, by DHL I have de- duce the chance of reoffending. However, I do not see any quite literally easier to obtain than a copy of Inside Time. For real evidence of this. Being in a category C prison, there are 47/49 of the mental health cided to write to you about this reason, I strongly believe that people need to be re- no in-cell telephones (only for the new wing for Enhanced act 1983, as amended in some possible alternatives minded more often of the serious health risks of using this prisoners that recently opened) and only a limited number of 2007, known as ‘prison on how we could get our highly-addictive substance. phones on the wing. When these phones break down, there is transfers’ are being sent canteen each week. We are never any care or urgency from staff to get them fixed. For back to prison aft er they often charged for items that I have been in custody for 12-months here at Parc and, in that some of us, those phone calls can make a huge difference, have completed their we do not get. I was charged time, I am aware of at least 3 Spice-related deaths in this but the prison system seem ignorant to that fact. You can be treatment. for Heinz tomato ketchup prison, and a large number of ambulance call-outs, includ- held in a Category B prison and have an in-cell telephone, ing cases where prisoners have fallen into comas. Sadly, this but received the happy but not here in a category C prison - where is the progression I know it may sound very shopper brand instead, and cynical, but I can’t help is happening every day across the prison system. and reward here? this is a regular occurrence thinking it’s more of a that happens to most fi nancial decision as Before I came into prison I had never smoked Spice, but I was My girlfriend is a foreign national who has struggled to get a prisoners. opposed to a clinical one. a frequent cannabis user. After I arrived here I was told that visa for the UK, and when I ask to be able to phone Immigration Let’s look at the fi gures, it Spice is similar to cannabis and produced a similar high. As I for advice on these issues I am told ‘It is not their concern be- costs an estimated £200- was missing cannabis I decided to try Spice. Within a few “One alternative is to cause it is not my case’. So, where is the support to maintain 250,000 per patient per a days I found myself to be heavily addicted and I really strug- do away with DHL and family ties? I do not have the luxury of seeing my girlfriend and only get to talk to her for a few minutes on the phone as year as opposed to the gled to kick the habit. Three-months later I died as a result of for the prison to run its prison cost of £30-80,000 a Spice overdose. I am otherwise a fit and healthy 29-year-old calls cost in excess of £1 per minute. It is about time the depending on what security with no health conditions, therefore, this incident was en- own canteen shop.” prison system stopped paying lip-service to their mission level is required. tirely due to my Spice use. Luckily, I was resuscitated by par- statements. amedics with the use of a defibrillator after my heart had This would open up lots of I believe everyone is entitled stopped twice. opportunities for the prison How much for air and water? to treatment, however, I and prisoners alike. To start believe that if a prisoner I have to admit, I am aware of how lucky I am to still be alive with, the prison could buy Michael Clarke - HMP Moorland relapses in prison its and I am thankful to every single person that contributed to everything from a whole- counterproductive aft er saler, making it cheaper for saving my life. Obviously, I no longer smoke Spice and I feel Recently I was transferred from Stafford to here. They are years of treatment in a happy to be past that low point in my life. Lesson learned - prisoners and enabling the both black & white prisons (i.e., run by the government). In hospital environment to Spice is nothing like cannabis. prison to make a small profit. keep them in a prison which Stafford we used to be issued (free of charge) portions of mar- is probably very likely to be For those who are new to prison - ‘Don’t roll those dice, stay The shop could be open every garine and salt-sachets, but here we have to buy these items aggravating any mental away from Spice’. day with red band prisoners from the canteen. I would like to know why? Why such dis- illness / disorder. This only running it. Everyday shops parity of rules between two prisons both run by the same or- continues the revolving door For those who smoke Spice - ‘Kick the habit, before the habit could also reduce the risk of ganisation? Surely the prison must supply us with essentials of prison - hospital - repeat. kicks you’. running up debts as it would such as salt and margarine? Next, they’ll be charging us for be easy to see how much air and water! someone has in their spends as well as helping reduce Briefing & Correspondence Team HMPPS response Child Abuse. Helping victims achieve justice. borrowing items of canteen We have contacted Moorland and can confirm that, as indicated and paying back double. This also might reduce vio- by the prisoner, it does not issue salt sachets or margarine to Lambeth Council Redress Scheme lence and make prison a far prisoners. As I hope he will understand, prisons are required to more settled place to be. manage an efficient budget for the provision of everyday items to prisoners and, in this case, there is no financial resource to Lambeth Council has set up a scheme to compensate people who, After speaking with several provide these items free of charge. Following advice received as children, were abused or feared abuse at a Lambeth children’s other prisoners, I’m sure from the catering manager at HMP Stafford, we also under- home and/or Shirley Oaks Primary School. there would be no problem stand that they no longer issue salt sachets for the same reason, or resentment about prison though they do issue margarine on request. Both salt and authorities making a small The scheme allows people to make claims for compensation even margarine are available to purchase at no higher than the profit if it was benefiting if the abuse they suffered took place many years ago. recommended retail price on the prisoner national product list, prisoners. however it is for each prison governor to decide which products Our specialist Abuse Solicitors have a proven track record in Editorial note to make available. The Governor is responsible for ensuring handling child abuse claims. This was the system before that items chosen by prisoners are compliant with local privatisation. security restrictions, and suitable for the regime. If you would like to find out if you’re eligible to make a claim under the scheme, please contact our Abuse Solicitors for more Stevens So lic itors GRAHAM & CO information. Incorporating Rose, Williams & Partners CRIMINAL SOLICITORS Criminal Litigation & Advocacy Specialists PRISON LAW Applications to the redress scheme close on 1st January 2020. Prison Law Experts Adjudications Home Detention Curfew Please contact Legal Aid Available Complete Confidentiality Oral Hearings Prison Visits Andrew Mandleberg, CRIMINAL DEFENCE Recall Michelle Patterson or Harpreet Jhawar Confiscation Crown Court Representation for Fraud T. 0808 239 8516 • Parole Applications • Lifer Panels Assault/ Drug Cases APPEALS SIMPSON [email protected] • Adjudications • Licence Recall INCLUDING SOPO VARIATIONS AND DISCHARGES MILLAR CCRC Applications The open lawyers • All criminal proceedings & appeals POCA Appeals and enforcement. simpsonmillar.co.uk | abuselaw.co.uk FUNDING Union House, Uttoxeter Road, Legal Aid Available on permitted services Longton, Stoke on Trent ST3 1NX Fixed Fees Available © Simpson Millar LLP, 100 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0PG. Simpson Millar LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales: No OC313936. Registered office 21-27 St Paul’s Street, Leeds, LS1 0845 095 0011 CONTACTUS 2JG. A list of members in available from our registered office. We use the term ‘partner’ to refer to an employee (local rate) of equivalent standing to that of a partner in a partnership. Members of the Law Society’s Personal Injury and 01227 918436 Clinical Negligence Panels. A list of our offices can be found at www.simpsonmillar.co.uk. Authorised and Agency work undertaken [email protected] Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Registration No. 424940. 24 hour Emergency Helpline 07659 111000 34 MORTIMER STREET, HERNE BAY, KENT CT6 5PH Insidetime August 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 7 Cat A - unofficial death sentence? Rehabilitation, Exiled Innovations The Magical Unicorn - HMP Full Sutton or lack of A prisoner’s mother Name withheld - HMP Rochester Tim Lewis - HMP Cardiff Is being a category A prisoner an unofficial death sentence? I am writing in response to As I travel from C cat to C cat as an exiled Ford resident I am It would appear it brings a lesser right of access to healthcare. In today’s society, where the the Inside Time June letter, bemused by the amount of faces I recognise from my time at The following story might sound familiar to some readers. government keeps talking regarding Innovation of Jus- Ford. They have all been cut adrift for various reasons and about ‘equal rights’-this and tice. My son is also serving a each has a story to tell. What I find more intriguing is the I had an appointment at an outside hospital secretly can- ‘rehabilitation’-that, why do lengthy sentence for a crime amount of people who got the boot without an adjudication that he vehemently denies, celled by Security. Despite the doctor’s orders, Security over- they think its ok to release a or a chance to defend themselves and with nothing on their and I have had a similar ex- ruled him because they did not consider the appointment young woman, with mental NOMIS to shed light as to how their fate was decided. Do perience to the letter-writer necessary based on the risk assessment provided. That is the health problems, into to- day’s horrific homelessness second-chances and rehabilitation mean nothing within that regarding the ‘justice sys- exact response I got to my complaint, and, presumably, the society amongst all the vio- establishment? tem’, false accusations and professional medical opinion of the Security Department of lence, drugs and everything disclosure issues. this prison, who have the collective medical expertise of a else which we recognise I am one of those ‘martyrs’ who find themselves milkman. comes with being homeless “ I have also felt tremendous with just a £46 discharge in this position and I want people to know what support from Innovation of “I’m sure their explanation is code for - ‘we’re more grant and their wits to rely Ford is really like, the grass isn’t always greener.” Justice. They understand upon. and help people locked in than happy to collect the £40k a year for you these seemingly hopeless I am finally back in an establishment where I am a name and being a category A, but don’t ask us to actually do I, myself, suffer with mental and awful situations. Pris- not just a number, unlike at Ford. The staff here care about oners, their families and anything for that money’.” health and can only just make it on the streets, so my success. If you can complete ROTL’s from your C cat friends have immense mental what chance do women prison, then I encourage you to think hard about staying pressures put on them due to My medical condition is not going to kill me, but that’s not have, with no help? Let’s get there until the end of your sentence. miscarriages of justice. the point, and the story isn’t about me. A fellow category A it right here, we think our prisoner told me that he had hospital appointments repeat- government is despicable I worked hard to get my D cat, I proved I was committed to not People don’t seem to realise edly cancelled at HMP Whitemoor, including a potentially with all their bullsh*t talk of reoffending and with the prospect of a good future, my family that anyone can end up in life or death situation. On one occasion, which he is happy rehabilitation when all they were once again proud of me. Instead, the system has failed these situations; it can hap- pen to them or someone they for me to tell you about, Security burst into his cell the morn- have to do is provide us with me. What is most heart-breaking are the lads who fought hard know. Once you are in this ing of the appointment claiming he had a mobile-phone. So, accommodation which gives to overcome their demons and wean themselves off Spice and situation it is almost impos- as they were searching, his appointment had to be cancelled. us a solid foundation for us other narcotics to obtain their D cat status, only to fall back sible to get out and there is to at least try and get our down the rabbit-hole after being kicked out of Ford for no lives on track. always a legacy from a A member of staff who was due to be on the escort confessed solid reason. What will happen to those who have fallen foul wrong conviction. I really to him that he had been told the day before that the appoint- of Ford? Will we be in that ever-growing statistic of reoffending? appreciate Innovation of Jus- ment would be cancelled. tice and the other organisa- All I can say to others who are truly committed to change is, tions which are trying to put Another prisoner told me that Full Sutton’s Security Depart- don’t give up, no matter what you come up against. Stay right and/or stop these ment tried to convince a doctor that his low blood-pressure strong and never forget that there are people out there who wrongful convictions from was ‘being faked with yoga’. The doctor knew this to be im- don’t want you to succeed. occurring. possible and overruled them and saved the prisoner’s life.

Like the guys I mention above, I face a wait of many months before I can get another appointment. But, with cancellations by Security now so common it is impossible to avoid the thought that people might be dying down to Security restric- WILSONS AUCTIONS © Deposit Photos tions. How many? Who knows? Is it even legal for Security to overrule doctors? I would like to know what the rules are sur- “The world we live in WE CAN SELL YOUR ASSETS rounding this. today means no house, · Do you have an outstanding confiscation order? Wreck of a prison equals no job, no · Would you like a free valuation and a no obligation stability and few quote to sell your assets for the highest price? D McEvoy - HMP Exeter opportunities.” I am writing in the hope that the MoJ will be shamed into action I’m currently doing three- WILSONS AUCTIONS CAN HELP because this prison is a dilapidated wreck. We have lost our years and five-months and As the sole agent for over 40 law enforcement agencies, Wilsons Auctions specialises library due to a contaminated roof-collapse. We have no gym- it’s my family who are suf- in selling assets that are subject to confiscation proceedings, often in sensitive nasium because the floor has fallen through. We rarely get fering. In my case my fiancé circumstances. We are the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland clean socks or boxers (and I’m the kit-man) and we run out of has been struggling since I and with 80 years of experience, we can sell assets worldwide. toilet rolls a couple of times a week, yet, we have 6 governors! got arrested seven-months ago and has been shoplift- If you go into McDonalds and your burger has no bun or the ing just so she could come to toilets have no loo-roll, then one of the managers would be jail where she feels safe. held accountable for what went wrong. Not so, in the prison What kind of society are we system. It’s disgusting that we are forced to live in such dirty, living in where a young squalid conditions, with no gym or library, yet this place can woman has to suffer be- Jewellery Cars Property All Assets afford to pay 6 governors to oversee such a spectacular failure. cause of her partner’s mis- takes and if you looked into “Why don’t the MoJ sack at least one of the this you will find my case is For more information governors and buy some kit instead?” not the only one. FREEPHONE 0300 124 0438

One more thing, we cannot help but notice that the best The government need to Simply provide us with the following Name Solicitor (if any) maintained buildings in the prison are the industry shops, wake up and smell the details and we can do the rest! Prison / Prison Number Your Asset Details which make money for the prison. If the floor or ceilings fell in gravy, coz if they really did these shops they would be fixed, pronto. Shame on this place. investigate the results it would be frightening, and Trench Lock 2, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5YL Can the MoJ confirm what we are told when we ask - when they wonder why we always can we expect a gym or library fit for purpose? We are told say ‘f*ck the system’, when www.wilsonsauctions.com ‘it will be years’? Even the staff are embarrassed by the lack they use fancy words like of kit and the state of the amenities here. This place is a com- ‘rehabilitation’ just to get Northern Ireland | England | Republic of Ireland | Scotland | Wales plete failure on every level. votes. I rest my case. 8 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime August 2019

be conditional on Enhanced/good behaviour Time for time together? Cat A health? and should be introduced as part of a Surveying healthy relationship course and/or via the Name supplied Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme Is it legal for the Security Department of a prison to cancel (IEP) as an incentive. It was also suggested failure hospital appointments for Category A prisoners? On what that PFVs would mostly benefit long-term Name withheld - medical knowledge do they do this? prisoners, ranging from those serving over HMP Wormwood Scrubs 4-years up to lifers. Strip-searching, screen- Staff Officer to the Executive Director Long Term and ing and risk-assessments of prisoner and vis- High Security Estate response itor would be required and could include I read with interest the item As defined in Prison Service Instruction (PSI) 09/2015 The liaising with social services and probation. in your April issue regarding Identification, Initial Categorisation and Management of Surveying. Prior to my Potential and Provisional Category A / Restricted Status Prisoners, Other interesting suggestions from both pris- conviction in 2015 I was a a Category A prisoner is a prisoner whose escape would be oners and staff were that prisoners and their member of The Chartered In- highly dangerous to the public, the police or the security of the

© Deposit Photos families could fund and sustain PFVs. Pris- stitute of Building and hold State, and for whom the aim must be to make escape impossi- oners currently raise a lot of money for char- a 2:1 in Quantity Surveying. ble. For this reason, any external movement of a Category A Result of conjugal ity and also contribute towards family-days. Joining the Royal Institute of prisoner, including those for medical reasons, must be carefully Patrolling officers and OSGs could carry out Chartered Surveyors is the risk assessed and planned in order to guarantee the safety of visits research the spontaneous checks, which would mean main goal otherwise you are the public. Such escorts must be authorised in writing by the that additional staff would not be required. earning an average wage Governor and the Long-Term High Security Estate (LTHSE) Carl Gordon - HMP Coldingley until you are chartered. Category A Team, as stated in PSI 09/2013 Security and Various possible negatives were highlighted, Management of Category A Prisoners - External Movements and will only be authorised in the event that appropriate In the February 2019 issue of Inside Time, some of which could be overcome by the The trouble is that the man- medical care cannot be provided on site by the establishment. I had an article titled ‘Conjugal Visits’. In it above. This included costs, risk of harm to agers can decide who to sign I asked for prisoner contributions regarding visitors, increased contraband, the ‘Daily off or what gifts they want In the event that an establishment should latterly receive ‘Private Family Visits’ (PFVs) - negatives, Mail’, and unwanted/unplanned pregnan- you to buy them to get it intelligence which suggests the security of an escort has been positives and how these might be introduced cies. However, there were far more positives signed off. Having spent compromised, it is legal and appropriate for that prison’s into UK prisons. Firstly, I would like to thank highlighted by ALL responding groups. This about £2000 in Chartership Security Department to rearrange the escort, in line with their everyone who contributed, particularly Doug included: Improved family-ties, especially fees the RICS admitted they remit that the escape of a Category A prisoner must be made Plumpton for his detailed and insightful letter, for children, reduced prison violence due to would not let me pass with impossible. However, the establishment will always honour the new incentive, improving custodial be- some of which did go into my dissertation. an “un-spent” conviction. their duty of care to the prisoner and if a medical threat to life haviour hence helping to rehabilitate prison- is ascertained by the establishment’s Healthcare Department or I thought I would share my findings, some The process is so complicated ers and reduce reoffending. PFVs could also General Practitioner, this would be considered an exceptional very much expected and some not so much. that no one in the industry help improve mental-health, reduce prisoner circumstance and the escort would proceed with police assistance. admits to understanding it suicides, both of which are an increasing The majority of my research was focussed anymore and there are so On the wider issue of matters of public health, the Ministry of around HMP Coldingley. The Number One problem within the UK prison system. many routes, competencies Justice is not responsible for the commissioning of healthcare Governor was nice enough to allow me to in- and variations I ran up a services in public prisons and this is the responsibility of NHS terview and survey her staff, other prisoners It is clear from my research, both from what I debt of £50,000 but I kept England and the Welsh Government. The commitment to and various members of the public (who carried out in Coldingley and the academic getting dismissed for the working with health and justice partners is set out in the were related to prisoners or staff). As ex- literature, which consisted of studies from National Partnership Agreement for Prison Healthcare in most pathetic reasons. pected, of the 29 prisoners interviewed and all over the world, that PFVs have far more England, which was published in April 2018 and is available surveyed, all were for PFVs being introduced. positives than negatives. There is a strong for the public to view through the Government website (www. correlation between countries/states that So now I don’t have to worry gov.uk). Prisoners do however receive the same healthcare and about those RICS signatures, “18 of the 20 staff were in favour, offer some form of PFVs and lower reoffend- treatment as anyone outside of the prison. It is left to NHS ing rates. I must say that Rory Stewart MP all I have to worry about is clinicians/practitioners to use their professional judgement on which was quite a surprise.” was making some good changes for the my small limited company a case by case basis based on equity of care provided to the prison system, but there is so much more our which I use as a freelancer, general population and with patient confidentiality. Her 35 of the 40 members of the public were in government could be doing to actually help I just wish I had thought of it Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is committed favour of PFVs being introduced. However, rehabilitate prisoners; and introducing PFVs years ago before I developed through the National Partnership Agreement to safeguarding most if not all respondents said PFVs should is one of the many initiatives that could help. mental health problems. the public health of those in prison. Nirinder Dhillon Nationwide coverage Peer & Co. have 15 years experience Experienced Prison & Criminal with DETENTION, BAIL and Expert Legal Advice When You Need It Most Defence Solicitor DEPORTATION cases and Removal Cases Parole Reviews Isn’t it time you choose the right Independent Adjudications legal team? Call or write now! Category A reviews BAIL applications & representation at the Pre-Tariff & Tariff Reviews POCA Immigration Tribunal Re-categorisation Solicitor, Lauren Bowkett, and her specialist DEPORTATIONS – Appeal the deportation HDC “Tagging” team are here to help you: Criminal appeals decision and fullrepresentation at the • Challenge confiscation orders Police interviews Immigration Courts • Reduce confiscation orders All criminal matters Temporary Admissions • Defend enforcement proceedings Section 120 Notices and Responses Legal Aid available • International asset recovery Detention and Release (Fixed fee options also available) • POCA conveyancing Prison and Detention Centre Legal visits 07539 406 411 FREE INITIAL PHONE CONSULTATION AVAILABLE Address: Freepost POCA Write to: London: 0207 1833 706 (No other address details or stamp required) Birmingham: 0121 5540565 Call: Nirinder Dhillon Watford: 01923 901150 0113 224 7807 PO Box 666 Emergency 24/7: 07833675415 Email: Birmingham 420 Witton Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 6PP [email protected] Egham, TW20 2DW London-Watford 1st Floor, 26 Station Rd, Watford WD17 1JU Insidetime August 2019 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 9

Strange environ- MG6D - Mailbites ment, strange situations Fair play? hidden Sean Parker - HMP Dartmoor Mark Wrightwick - HMP The Verne Great to hear in the news about Sally Challen’s reduction of evidence conviction from murder to manslaughter and subsequent It is quite often a first response Bartle Frere - HMP Littlehey release. In the spirit of fair play, I’m now looking forward to to let a situation define us hearing the same due process applied in equivalency to around and our actions. Something I The May issue of Inside Time 1500 men currently incarcerated for the same crime. have found helpful in prison carried the front-page head- Editorial note: is to keep in mind the fact line ‘failure to disclose evi- Sally Challen was convicted of murdering her husband with a that I don’t have to let a situ- dence routine and deliberate’ “Why not use cardboard” hammer. She appealed her conviction after ‘Coercive and ation define me. I am not which described how police controlling behaviour’ became a criminal offence under the perfect; no one is. I do try and prosecutors are using 2015 Serious Crime Act. practising ‘being me’. How wasteful the confidential MG6D Andy C - HMP Littlehey schedule of sensitive mate- Coercive Control and the Sally Challen Case page 48 “Prison is not a natural rial to hide from the defence, evidence that is unhelpful to environment and many I am sure that to many people in prison, worrying about the A wide berth? environment and the planet we live on is probably the last the prosecution’s case. of the situations in prison Name withheld - HMP Berwyn thing on their minds. We all have much bigger personal issues are unusual to people.” to face than worry about that, surely? However, having “In criminal investiga- I am currently serving my sentence on the ‘pseudo’-veterans watched some of the recent excellent programmes on TV wing here at Berwyn. It is a sad fact that there are now more I have found that my first re- about climate change and the ‘war on plastic’, I couldn’t help tions, unused evidence VPs and Spice addicts than veterans on this wing. If you are a action is not always the best but look on in horror at what is happening. is listed, and is passed to veteran with a diagnosed medical condition caused by your way to be. Now, I pause and service days, like me with PTSD from serving in Iraq, then I think, because others act in the defence. However, It was after this that I really started to notice just how waste- implore you to give this prison and its so-called veterans wing a ways that make them look ful the prison is and how needlessly polluting it is. It has got there is also a schedule, wide berth. Within half-an-hour of being here I lost my medical either foolish or stupid. Our to the point where I have now started to try to engage staff in known as MG6D, single-cell status and half of my meds for being a veteran. If you response does not need to be dealing with the problem. Here are just a few of the things are crazy enough to come here as a veteran, then make sure the same. which the defence do that I have noticed and tried to challenge: you have plenty of vapes as it is going to cost you to bribe the not get to see.” Spice addicts out of your cell. We’ve been thrown to the wolves. Think about the way you act 1) Security highlighting. These powerful lights on the exer- in prison, other people often cise-yard are obviously on a timer, which means that the This should only be used to have quite complex thoughts Why no refund? lights are coming on prison-wide at 4pm, despite the fact that itemise evidence that is to be too. The next time someone it is mid-summer with gloriously long nights. The prison HFW - HMP Swansea withheld from disclosure on jumps the queue in front of could save a lot of money by using these lights appropriately. the grounds of public interest Here at Swansea we can order daily newspapers, but, when you in the dinner-line, think, 2) Plastic from the kitchens. Everything we get is wrapped in immunity. Circumstances in ordering we have to do agree to do so at our ‘own risk’. So, if don’t react, don’t say any- single-use plastic. Why not use cardboard? the paper does not turn up we don’t get our money back. As far thing, they have a need or which evidence may be as I’m concerned this is theft, pure and simple. Of course, they feeling of entitlement that’s 3) Plastic from the canteen. Canteen is delivered in heat-sealed withheld on the grounds of get away with it as we have to sign the waiver or get no paper at driving them. Obviously, all plastic-bags. My big problem is with things that come dou- public interest immunity are all. I don’t really understand why we cannot have our money prisoners are equal and so- ble-wrapped in plastic. For instance, why do my purchased outlined in PACE and also back if the paper does not turn up. Surely, we have paid for it? cial etiquette says we should biro pens have to be individually wrapped in their own plas- appear in chapter 12 of Why is it ok not to give me my money back? join a line of people and wait tic bags? Why do bananas, which come in plastic already, Archbold. our turn. The person that have to be put into another plastic-bag? Such concealment is only Paying for poor service jumps the line is finding 4) Plastic from the stores. How come we are given J-Cloths, which Name withheld prison difficult and this is a are made from plastic? Surely there is an alternative? Also, allowed if disclosure would form of bullying. Bullying is single plastic sachets of shampoo, why not just give us a bottle? pose a ‘risk of serious preju- I would like to complain, with reference to a prisoner in a response of someone who dice to an important public Thameside. He orders daily newspapers to be delivered but is feels crap about themselves, The prison system is short of money and I can’t help but interest’ and is intended to not always getting them. The reason being that they can only so they want others to feel think that by changing some of these things money could be protect such things as the deliver them to the main gate. The prison staff then take over less important, they want to saved. It is not enough to say ‘We have a recycling plant’ as a identities of undercover po- from there. When he does receive them, it is late in the drag others lower than they lot of that plastic ends up in places like the jungles of Malaysia. lice officers, covert surveil- afternoon. I wonder if other prisoners elsewhere are treated are feeling in an attempt to lance techniques etc. It is the same. As he is paying for this I think it is diabolical. make themselves feel better. I would love to see the prisons innovating on this matter, important to note that the having things like solar panels on the roofs, grey-water recy- defence never get to see the Next time someone jumps cling and replacing bulbs with low-power LED bulbs. Al- MG6D schedule and so are Justice for veterans the queue, feel sorry for though we are in prison, we are still on this planet and this is not even aware of the exist- Joss Alexander - HMP Ashfield them, not angry. a problem for us all to get involved in sorting. ence of any items listed. If the UK prides itself on, and salutes, the military veterans of this country and profess to have the deepest respect for those Dr Anton van Dellen CANTERS CRIME It is clear that many items of who lost their lives 75-years ago, then where is the UK’s respect Harry O’Sullivan We are a friendly rm, with solicitors and legally evidence are ending up con- and honour for those veterans languishing in prison for crimes Challenge Your Sentence quali ed sta who are experts in their particular cealed, when they clearly they didn’t commit? Where was the fight for their justice? Some Instruct direct access barristers areas of law should not be. Denying a de- of them may die in prison due to their age. Shame on the UK fendant access to such evi- government. Detailed knowledge of sentencing AREAS OF WORK legislation and procedure dence is likely to lead to an LICENSE RECALL PAROLE REVIEWS unfair trial and may even re- Change on plastic needed Advice on and representation in IPP REVIEWS ADJUDICATIONS sult in a wrongful convic- Symon Rockfellows - HMP Whatton appeal against sentence Other Prison Law issues considered tion. This continuing It is amazing that every time the press or the programmes on Challenges to type and length of but payment may be on a private fee basis practice is nothing less than TV talk about the amount of plastic waste outside, no one even sentence and other orders All areas of Criminal work including Police officially-sanctioned perver- mentions prisons as one of the worst offenders. All our tea Representation in appeals to the Interviews/ Court Appearances sion of the course of justice Crown Court and Court of Appeal packs come in plastic bags 7 days a week. Times that by 840 and I would urge your read- inmates and, at Whatton alone, that is over 305,000 bags used Very competitive fee structure CONTACT US ers to petition their MP’s for 0151 239 1020 every year. Also, the vegans get their milk, Marmite, cereal Call Mike Johnson on 020 7427 7173 it to be stamped out and for packs in a plastic bag and our rich tea biscuits come in another [email protected] [email protected] any wrongful convictions plastic bag, all of which are not recycled but they all could be. Goldsmith Chambers, Goldsmith Building, 24 DALE STREET , LIVERPOOL L2 5RL that have resulted to be Come on government, do your bit to save the whales and other Temple, London EC4Y 7BL addressed. beautiful creatures. 10 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime August 2019

Mailbites Where’s the mail? There Newest Pathetic Stunt (NPS) Dean Holford - HMP Hewell Mark Helland - HMP Hull Healthcare worries is a way Clive Broughton - HMP The Verne I am currently un-convicted and on remand. Many prisoners over the past few years I would like to say how helpful Inside Time Ray Collins - would have come across New Psychoactive My experience of the healthcare department in this prison has has been to me since I have been here. I HMP Swaleside not been a very good one. Prisoners are waiting hours for would also like to ask if tampering with the Substances (NPS) or as it is commonly medical care, in one case a guy with a broken ankle had to wait known ‘Spice’. When I came to prison in Feb- Royal Mail is still a criminal offence? I be- I always read Inside Time for 17-hours before he could get to a hospital for treatment. I lieve it is, and that you can be sent to prison every month and in June’s ruary, I had no idea what NPS was, but dur- commented that surely one of the healthcare workers could for it, but it would seem that it is fine for the issue something was really ing the next three months I would learn how have made the decision to take him to the hospital but was told staff of this prison. bugging me, about the EDS its impacted on my life. by staff that there are no healthcare workers on duty during the sentence letter from ‘Dennis evening or overnight. This shocked me as I suffer from long- My girlfriend writes to me most days, but I Lee HMP Long Lartin’. I am term health conditions - angina and breathing problems. I have never get my mail on the day it gets here. It all started a few weeks into my stay at doing a sentence of 13-years to ask why there is no 24-hour medical cover here? What When they give me my mail it is in bundles Hull. Having not received any mail or photo- with a 5-year extended de- happens if I have a bad asthma attack and there is no health- of two or three letters, all of which were graphs of my children, which my partner terminate sentence (EDS) care worker on duty? posted on different days. I have to ask why had sent, I wrote to security and complained which I am happy to say I my girlfriend is wasting her money on First am 5-years into. On the day trying to track down my missing mail. After Class stamps when the prison are giving me Thank you, Tax Academy of my sentence the judge a couple of weeks, I was informed there was a third-class service? How are we supposed Adam Wardrop - HMP Portland agreed with Probation and no mail/ photos addressed to me in Hull and to be keeping family ties when our incoming I am writing to thank Inside Time for leading me to the Tax mail is being left in post-rooms until they put me under the dangerous it must be an external problem. Given my Academy and a man by the name of Paul Retout. I am normally can be bothered to deliver it? I’m not sure the act and gave me 5-years ex- previous experience with security in other a self-employed builder, but my last two years out were very Queen would be impressed by what this tended because she told me I establishments I complained and after much need to be ‘supervised more fractured work-wise, and my taxes and self-assessment got out prison does to hold up her mail either. persistence, and as if by magic, I was in- of hand. I had a hell of a lot of arguing with HMRC, they wanted within the community’. Also, we have not been issued with our O/Ls formed I had mail, no mention of photos but a lot of money out of me in fines. Enter Paul Retout, who not (Ordinary Letters) for the past 5-weeks. only sorted out all of my tax issues but also got me a tax rebate, I have to do two-thirds of the it was a start. I then asked for the mail to be which is none too shabby and makes my release a whole lot Editorial note 13-years, so, 8-years and returned to me, but I was told it had tested easier now I have a few quid in the bank. I would recommend Postal Services Act 2000 8-months and my first pa- positive for NPS which I knew not to be true anyone who has any sort of tax issues to get in contact with the Page 84 Interfering with the mail: general. role is 2022, and if I get re- and, lo and behold, when it was tested again Tax Academy and if they can possibly help you they will. Thank fused, then it’s every it was negative. I was promised the mail you to Paul for all his help. (1) A person commits an offence if, without 12-months, which could lead reasonable excuse, he— would be returned to me along with the Cellstudy in association with the Tax Academy page 41 to 13-years in prison and (a) intentionally delays or opens a postal Comp 1 but this has been rumbling on for only 5-years on licence. So packet in the course of its transmission by Spray and pray how is that a long period of over three-months now and seems no closer post, or (b)intentionally opens a mail-bag. to being resolved. Alan Mutch - HMP Elmley supervision within the com- (2) Subsections (2) to (5) of section 83 apply to munity? But judges don’t see I fully agree with BH of HMP Littlehey (January issue) about the subsection (1) above as they apply to subsection this and are being misled by “In that time, I know I have been introduction of Pava spray into prisons, it is a disaster waiting to (1) of that section. Probation. happen. On my houseblock I would estimate that 40% of staff sent photographs, birthday cards, (3) A person commits an offence if, intending have less than one-year of experience. This combined with the But there is light at the end dangerously low number of staff already on the wing, will make to act to a person’s detriment and without legal mail and postal orders but reasonable excuse, he opens a postal packet of the tunnel. 2-years before a tenuous situation become even worse. As it stands, there are your parole hearing you are have received none of these.” barely enough officers to cope with one violent incident. If two which he knows, or reasonably suspects has eligible for D-cat and that violent incidents were to happen at the same time on the same been incorrectly delivered to him. will guarantee your release. All this has taken a massive toll on my emo- houseblock, it would leave them badly understaffed and unable (4) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 83 (so far Because you are in the com- tional and mental health which has also led to cope. With Pava spray available it is likely to be used, and in as they relate to the opening of postal pack- munity and working so you these types of incidents it would be like pouring petrol onto a to the breakdown of my relationship. What ets) apply to subsection (3) above as they will no longer be high risk. fire. The introduction of this chemical agent could possibly turn happened to the “we encourage inmates to apply to subsection (1) of that section. It’s up to the prison to give a run-of-the-mill incident into something far worse. maintain family ties” line they insist is the (5) A person who commits an offence under you D-cat so make sure you mainstay of prison life? The irony being, subsection (1) or (3) shall be liable on summary have done your sentence Historical or diabolical? conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on plan and level one’s in I have never touched Spice, but this R Bagnall - HMP Littlehey the standard scale or to imprisonment for a maths and English and no experience is pushing me closer… NPS, New There are many people in prison for historical crimes, mainly term not exceeding six months or to both. nicking’s. Problems Sure…. sex-crimes, that took place many years ago. Some insist on their innocence and some are convicted on no solid evidence, only The risk of D cat the word of their accuser. How is it then, that an MP (or a lot No association more than one) can admit using illegal Class A drugs in the Josh - HMP Nottingham Mad E - HMYOI Aylesbury relatively recent past and then get away with it? Without so much as a sniff (pardon the pun) of police interest or even an I am an IPP prisoner who is 15-years in on an 18-month tariff Recently, Aylesbury went into special measures, shipping out official caution? This is, is it not, a historical crime? Once again, and I would like to give all people serving this sentence a lit- half of the prison with a promise of a better regime. Well, as different laws for people with power and money. Once again, tle insight about the risks around going to D cat. usual, it was all lies, and the new regime is the same, if not the law is an ass. Diabolical. worse. A lot of us are still in our cells for over 23-hours a day. I was transferred to Sudbury in April 2017 after doing all my I need help offending behaviour programmes, which we all now have on Exercise is never the full half-hour and when we get showers our sentence-plans. I believe I went above and beyond what we get told to be quick - 10 minutes only. We only come out to Name withheld - HMP Isle of Wight was expected of me. get hot meals which takes 10-15 minutes max and there is no Since my arrival at this establishment, which is an altogether association Monday to Thursday. Saturday and Sunday, we ‘house of horrors’, the mental health in-reach team have totally In cat D prisons you get to go home and to get a job outside are meant to get double association morning and afternoon, let me down given the intricate complexities of my mental with decent pay, but we are heavily monitored every time we but we don’t as there are always staff shortages, so we just health condition/ diagnosis. I am numb with the dawning go through the gate. I went home for the day and when I get one hour. apprehension that things are not right. I am left to simply ‘get came back to the prison they found £50 in my pocket. As a on’ in this place without so much as a weekly check-in with an result of this I was shipped out. I arrived here after 2-years in I have asked officers why this is, and they say staff shortages in-reach worker. This is ignorance! The only encounter with a cat D prison, and my head was wrecked. I asked my proba- as well but they all agree it’s wrong and a lot of the officers mental health I had was, to say the least, like being subject to tion officer why I had been shipped out and her response was that have been around for a long time have started to disap- an ‘inquisition’. Lots of questions and to cap it off what is the - ‘On the grounds of suspected illicit drug-dealing’. This is pear. Luckily, I am 21 soon and I get transferred to an adult problem? Well excuse me, love, haven’t you read my notes? outrageous as I have no previous for drug offences. jail, where I can finally focus on my sentence and going Presumably I am meant to be bouncing off the walls etc in home. They are due to start shipping people back here soon, order to get a flicker of concern by those individuals who took So, just heed my warning that you will have to be a model but if you’re 18-21 and just got over a 4-year sentence refuse an oath to treat not perpetuate the patients suffering. prisoner to maintain cat D status. Stay strong. Aylesbury bro. YOU WALKED INTO A CUPBOARD DOOR... ?! IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN PRISON SPEAK UP! YOU COULD HAVE A CLAIM FOR 1000S OF POUNDS.

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IT_First Personal Injury_July.indd 1 25/07/2019 15:11 12 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 More help for released prisoners

The Ministry of Justice has announced a new partnership to help former prisoners improve their chances of gaining employment. Both the MoJ and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have pledged to improve “Yes or no Boris?” support for people leaving prison. Former Prisons Minister Robert Buckland and Minister PM fails to rule out Death for Family Support, Housing and Child Penalty Maintenance, Will Quince, have committed to work together to improve people’s In July the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn transition from custody to the community. asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “Given his first appointment is the Home Secretary The National Partnership Agreement sets out - the first Home Secretary in a generation to how the departments will jointly drive support the death penalty - can the Prime rehabilitation and reduce reoffending. This Minister assure the House now that his “We like it so much most of us are staying” includes: government has no plans to bring back capital • Ensuring prisoners have proper access to punishment to this country?” In his seven- the right training and support during their minute response the PM refused to rule it out. Unlocked Graduates graduate time in custody; • Providing access to bank accounts and ID so Time to go off the row… The first group of officers who entered the service through the Unlocked Graduates Scheme former prisoners can apply for jobs more easily; have graduated. 36 new staff, who spent two years on the scheme attended a special Downing • Streamlining the resettlement process; Street reception. Working with experienced prison staff, the Unlocked officers were challenged • Reviewing the support provided through to identify positive changes they could implement while also integrating as dynamic officers on the grant given to people leaving custody. the wings. Meaningful changes that the graduates have brought about range from revamping the induction process at HMP Brixton to changing how medicines are dispensed at HMP The DWP and MoJ are also exploring ways to Wandsworth. The scheme has been so successful that it will now place officers in several prisons improve the prisoner benefit claim process around Manchester from September 2019, in addition to prisons in London and the south east. - ensuring they have timely access to Parting shots… page 32 financial support on release through advance Death penalty reinstated Government respond to report Howard League payments where needed. in US federal cases Former Prisons Minister Robert Buckland said: into abuse of children in custody On the same day in the United States, for the message “By working together, we can ensure offend- first time in twenty years, the Trump ers leaving prison have the support they need The Government have responded to inquiry for new PM administration brought back the death to turn their backs on crime for good.” into the sexual abuse of children in custody. They say: “The penalty for federal crimes and directed the Robert Buckland QC now Justice Secretary findings in this report are shocking. Protecting the safety and Following the appointment Federal Bureau of Prisons to schedule the see page 32 welfare of children in the care of the state is our top priority. of Boris Johnson as Prime executions of five Death Row prisoners. No child should be subject to the abuse identified in the Minister the Howard League report. We are taking comprehensive measures to eradicate called on him to make prison all forms of abuse and we act promptly and firmly when safety and fairness a key abuse is suspected, reported or proven.” priority. Frances Crook, No Chief Executive of the Upfront The independent review panel said they consider the use of Howard League for Penal Fee REQUIRED pain compliance techniques should be seen as a form of child Reform, said: “Every nine abuse, and that it is likely to contribute to a culture of minutes, someone in prison violence, which may increase the risk of child sexual abuse. hurts themselves. This is a They recommended that the Ministry of Justice prohibits the truly shocking statistic. If the We are specialists in raising finance quickly to pay outstanding use of pain compliance techniques by withdrawing all policy new Prime Minister was in permitting its use, and setting out that this practice is any doubt about the urgent confiscation and other types of enforcement orders. prohibited by way of regulation. need to improve safety in prisons, today’s figures must DO YOU NEED MONEY TO PAY YOUR CONFISCATION? The Ministry of Justice say: “Separately to this report, we have surely alert him to the scale conducted a review into safeguarding in the youth secure of the task at hand. Turning estate, we have commissioned an independent review of Our efficient and helpful team can explore the possibility of releasing this around will require real pain-inducing restraint techniques and we are implementing money from property and other assets in the UK held or jointly held by focus, and for that reason it a significant programme of workforce reform. But we is welcome that the former you to settle your order and preserve your property. recognise further action is needed and the Inquiry’s recom- prisons minister Robert mendations are, therefore, very helpful in helping us to shape Buckland has been promoted Our team works with experts who have extensive knowedge of such our future work. to the role of Secretary of orders and who can provide realistic solutions to you whilst liaising “We recognise the importance of demonstrating the right State for Justice, to provide directly with your case lawyer and family members to achieve values and having a specialist skillset when working with continuity, expertise and this, or alternatively you can contact us directly. vulnerable and complex children in a secure environment. commitment to reform. That is why we are implementing an ambitious workforce reform programme that provides significantly more advanced “The Ministry of Justice has training for frontline staff and applies new childcentric published a raft of research recruitment and assessment processes. These measures will showing how to reduce further ensure staff are appropriately screened and trained to violence, conflict and work with vulnerable children and are better equipped to reoffending. Simple measures, address safeguarding concerns.” like making sure people get a decent diet and exercise, can £ The independent panel noted that the prison instruction (PSI be done immediately. There 2012-08) what mandates how to maintain a secure and safe is clear evidence that gross TIMELESS No Upfront FIVE environment had expired and recommended a new instruc- overcrowding must be dealt PROCESS Fee REQUIRED STAR REVIEWS tion is published to provide clear guidance on how custodial with to embed safety and institutions must respond to allegations of child sexual abuse. decency, and that means @ [email protected] 01992 568820 This should include a requirement for all allegations to be reducing the use of prison. referred to a child protection professional who is independent They know what to do, now Bridge Finance Direct, Prince of Wales House, 3 Bluecoats Avenue, Hertford SG14 1PB of the institution. is the time to do it.” Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Newsround 13

Looking No body - Too unduly lenient? Newsbites Back... The Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme, which no release allows members of the public to complain Police pay for domestic abuse cats through the Inside about sentences they think should be An embarrassed Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has had to explain why her office made an £11,000 Time archives There have been a number of new laws reviewed, has been criticised for being too donation to local cat rescue charity Paws Protect. She said: passed and called after victims of crimes. restrictive. Around a third of complaints are August 2007 “This isn’t for looking after cats, per se. This was specifically for There will soon be a new one - Helen’s Law as rejected because they fall out of the scope of a piece of work they are doing called Paws Protect. Domestic former justice secretary David Gauke has the scheme which limits what offences are abuse victims will often not leave their abusive partners - and announced that a new law will be created in included. there are many reasons why - because they are worried about England and Wales whereby anyone Figures obtained by the BBC under Freedom their pet. An abusive partner will use a pet, very often a cat or a convicted of killing somebody, whose body of Information laws show the unduly lenient dog, as a means of coercive control over that partner. ‘If you has not been recovered, will not be released sentence scheme received requests to increase leave me I will kill your pet’, is a blunt way of putting it. If there unless they tell where the body is hidden. 3,499 crown court sentences in England and is a victim who comes to the notice of the authorities who has a David Gauke said: Wales between 2015 and 2018. Only 643 of pet and they are worried about leaving the cat behind in the these ended up at the Court of Appeal with home with their abusive partner, then Cats Protection will “Helen’s Law will mean that the 478, 14% of the total, resulting in harsher come and scoop that cat up and find a loving family for the cat Parole Board must consider this punishments. About a third of all requests, to leave with for however long it is needed.” 1,148, were dismissed outright because the Not the Ombudsman’s cruelty when reviewing an offender’s fault crimes committed were not eligible for review Scotland prison crisis “I have read over the past few suitability for release, which could - something critics say has to change. Increasing prisoner numbers is putting the Scottish Prison months of prisoners com- see them facing longer behind bars.” Service (SPS) in crisis. In January 2018 the population stood at plaining that the Prisons & Under the scheme, reviews are limited to around 7,400; last month it reached a record 8,200. This is murder, rape, robbery, some child sex crimes Probation Ombudsman The law will be named after Helen McCourt who despite the new presumption against short sentences and its and child cruelty, some serious fraud, some sometimes takes months over was murdered in 1988 and a man convicted extension to sentences of 12 months or less. The SPS has been serious drug crimes, some terror-related and above the normal 12 weeks of her killing. Despite his conviction, the man putting bunk beds in single cells and calling them ‘contingency offences, crimes committed because of a to resolve complaints sent by accused of her murder maintains his cells’ and has bought additional places in Scotland’s private victim’s race or religion. prisoners after exhausting the innocence. He was jailed for life in 1989 with prisons. A prisoner, recently released from HMP Edinburgh, internal complaints system. In told : “With the increased numbers we were a 16-year tariff. Nearly 600,000 people signed Lyndon Harris, from Oxford University’s the past four years I have had locked up nearly 24/7 and that’s what sends people nuts, when a petition for the new law after it was revealed Centre for Criminology, said the scheme to go to the Ombudsman they are locked up in four walls.” Complaints have been made he may soon be considered for release. should cover all serious crimes to increase because establishments failed that the current situation means there is no focus on rehabilita- The Ministry of Justice says that Parole Board public confidence in the justice system. A to resolve complaints at tion and prisons are just focused on safety and security. guidance is already clear that prisoners who government spokeswoman told the BBC: stages one, two or three.” Families are finding it difficult as prisoners are shuffled around withhold information could face longer “There will be a range within which a judge Mailbag - HMP Kingston prisons to make space. PPO page 30 imprisonment, but the new law will, for the might sentence reasonably - and in the vast first time, make it a legal requirement to majority of cases judges get it right. The Scottish Focus pages 26-27 consider this when making a decision on Controlling the masses unduly lenient sentence scheme is available whether to release a person. to ensure that the Court of Appeal can review £5million prison competition “To the vast majority of the Helen’s Law could keep the cases where there may have been a gross Labour’s shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon has criticised public the term ‘prison’ wrongfully convicted in jail page 34 error in the sentencing decision.” the government for spending £5million on a ‘competition’ to indicates loss of freedom. win contracts worth billions of pounds to run new private However to those who have prisons. Burgon described it as a “complete waste of money”. first hand experience of the He said: “The millions wasted on this private prison ‘competi- prison system, be they tion’ should be put to much better use by investing in crime members of staff or offenders, prevention and on rehabilitation to keep us all safer. This is a the term ‘prison’ represents complete waste of money, especially at a time of record cuts to far more than loss of freedom. the Ministry of Justice budget.” The public sector is banned It portrays visions of violence, from bidding to run the new prisons despite the poor track corruption, sadistic personas, unjustified accusations, record of private companies. 20% of UK prisoners are held in punishments, futility, despair private prisons, that is more than any other country except and more...” Prison Law Experts / Legal 500 Recommendation Australia. Mailbag - HMP Cookham Wood Coronation Street jail blunder Nationwide Coverage - in-house video link facilities available Coronation Street viewers were quick to respond, last month, Jurors ‘lenient towards when two of the characters, David and Nick were arrested and ethnic minorities’ jailed for breaking a bail condition that forbade them to meet. “Jurors of all races are more Specialist advice on Eagle-eyed viewers queried whether one would be sleeping in lenient to ethnic minority a cell in his suit, whilst others questioned whether the two defendants in court in an parole reviews police interviews could walk about freely and meet in a cell to chat, when they attempt to compensate for were forbidden to meet. perceived bias in the criminal recalls criminal appeals justice system, according to a Our team of specialists can o er Ministry of Justice report. extradition adjudications free advice and assistance in Black and ethnic minority relation to Legally Aided issues, jurors are significantly less criminal defence con scation & including: likely to convict a black or proceeds of crime Asian defendant than a white Lifer/IPP Parole Board Reviews (Pre/Post Tari ) defendant in certain cases. .” Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers Recalls Newsround Independent Adjudications Category A Reviews The Inspector Calls Contact our Prison Law Department We can also o er competitive xed fees for matters “In the inspectorate’s view which are not currently covered by Legal Aid such as: Whatton, a category C training prison, remained a Sentence planning/calculations reasonably safe prison, with 01904 431421 Challenging Licence Conditions Re-categorisation improved facilities for new [email protected] Accessing O ending Behaviour Programmes arrivals and first days in custody and a new segrega- Howard and Byrne Contact us today: Address: tion unit. Use of force was Chestnut Court, 148 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3EB T: 01752 600833 Genesis O ce 6, 235 Union Street rare and prisoner discipline @: o [email protected] Plymouth, Devon PL1 3HN arrangements were good.” 14 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

Children criminalised Disclosure Newsbites rules relaxed The Howard League say children’s homes in New prisons minister parts of England are calling the police as Ex-offenders striving to turn many as 200 times a year, putting children in Barrister Lucy Frazer their lives around through (left) has been residential care in danger of being criminal- work will be backed by new ised. The charity has analysed data provided promoted into the legislation changing what by police forces, who between them received ministerial role left they must disclose to almost 23,000 call-outs from children’s vacant by Robert employers. Some sentences homes in 2018. The figures show that while Buckland QC’s of over four years will no some homes do not call the police at all, elevation to Lord longer have to be disclosed others pick up the phone again and again. Chancellor and Justice to employers after a speci- Secretary. As Minister “Jeremy, honestly, it wasn’t me…” The Howard League sent Freedom of © Deposit Photos Information Act requests to all police forces fied period of time has of State at the Ministry in England and Wales, asking for data for passed - this does not of Justice she takes on Lies, damned lies, and polygraphs call-outs from children’s homes; twenty-six include life, or serious the prisons and probation portfolio, along forces provided data. sexual, violent or terrorism with sentencing, extremism and electronic Following the row over the use of so-called lie detectors on offences. Many crimes monitoring. She was previously solicitor the Jeremy Kyle television show, where a participant killed committed by people when general, a post she had held since May. himself after failing the test, appearing before a parliamenta- they were children will also ry enquiry the shows producer admitted they had no idea how not need to be revealed. In Release errors accurate such tests were. So the BBC’s Reality Check Team, addition to the rule change The Ministry of Justice has admitted that more last month, took a long hard look at the so-called lie detectors for longer sentences over than one prisoner every week is released by which are also used on some released prisoners. The biggest four years, the period of time mistake. Last year there were 66 wrong users of polygraphs in the UK are the Probation Service, who for which shorter sentences releases, some of people convicted of serious have used them since 2007, and since 2014 released prisoners and community sentences violent or sexual crimes. Whilst most return to can have mandatory polygraph testing as a licence condition. have to be revealed to prison without problems the Victims’ Rights employers will be scaled Campaign are up-in-arms, saying: “There The detectors work by measuring body responses to questions back - the exact time lines needs to be an urgent inquiry to see if any and the polygraph industry claim an 80-90% accuracy, have not yet been set. The members of the public have been put at risk. however the American Psychological Association advises that “I wasn’t born bad” new rules will not apply to It is of extreme concern to victims that some people should “remain sceptical about any conclusion wrung © Deposit Photos those wishing to work with who have been released were in for sexual or from a polygraph”. The main group tested in the UK is people The Howard League has published a report children or vulnerable violent offences. It is almost certain a function convicted of sexual offences. Failure at a test can lead to ‘Know your numbers’: Using data to monitor of too few staff to administer the system.” further investigations and even recall but released prisoners people. Former Secretary of and address criminalisation, a briefing aimed Prison unions say the problems are caused by cannot use positive results for their own cases, and the tests State for Justice, David at ending the criminalisation of children in shortages of qualified staff. are not recognised in our courts. Since February 2018, the BBC Gauke, said: “The responsi- residential care. Frances Crook, Chief report that 166 people convicted of sexual offences had been bility, structure and support Executive of the Howard League for Penal Increases to Victim Surcharge recalled after failing the tests. provided by regular work is Reform, said: “A child living in residential an essential component of There have been changes to the ‘Victim care has more often than not experienced a Surcharge’ which will come into effect for There are plans to possibly extend their UK use into domestic effective rehabilitation, range of problems early in life, from acute offences committed on or after 28 June 2019. violence and asylum cases. Police are now using polygraphs something which benefits us family stress to abuse and neglect. These The Victim Surcharge was introduced in 2007 in some cases to ‘assist’ their investigations, but those results all by reducing reoffending children need nurture and support, not as a flat rate of £15 for only those who cannot be used in courts, the BBC report. Michelle Skeer, the and cutting the cost of crime. repeated contact with the police and received a fine. It has since then been National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead on managing sexual That’s why we are introduc- criminalisation. But our research shows that expanded to apply to all sentences people offenders, said: “Work is currently ongoing to understand the ing reforms to break barriers some children’s homes are picking up the receive from the courts, the amount varying benefits of polygraph within policing and whether its use faced by ex-offenders who phone again and again over matters that depending on the severity of the sentence. could be expanded in the future. Findings from the research genuinely want to turn their would never involve the police if they The surcharge has now been increased for will be evaluated this year.” lives around through happened in a family home.” Acknowledgement: BBC employment.” each sentence by up to a maximum of £11.

The Johnson Partnership HCA Our dedicatedSolicitors prison law team have years of experience representing prisoners and fighting for their rights. consultancy Our team ensure all prisoners nationwide can have the best representation available. When prison sentence is only part of your We have specialist and expert knowledge in the areas of punishment. You need to protect your family parole board proceedings, adjudications and other areas You have a dilemma. You’re stuck in prison yet you have such as HDC and re-categorisation. to arrange your finances to repay a Proceeds of Crime On a legal aid basis we can represent clients for: Order and ensure that all your family bills are met. It Adjudication Before The Judge Licence Recalls seems an impossible task but help is available. Lifer/IPP Reviews Judicial Reviews Cat A Reviews Pre Tarriff Reviews Oral Hearings By using forensic accountants, HCA Consultancy, we not We are also able to represent prison law clients on a only make sure you repay only what is required but we number of other prisons law matters for which can also help with your finances. If your home is under legal aid is not available which include: threat we can help you arrange property sales or equity release so your family’s needs are met without Challenging License Conditions additional pressure on you or them. Adjudications Before The Governor Contact Us For A Quote We work alongside your legal advisors or we can recommend professionals who are experts in this field. Prison Law Department Often we can also help in obtaining funds for your case. Our service is unique. An initial consultation with one of Call 0115 9419141 our specialist consultants is free. But time is of the 24 Hours a day essence. You need to move quickly. 7 days a week Call us today for a meeting. There is no commitment on Nottingham Office J your part but we can relieve the pressure on you and Cannon Courtyeard P your family. Off Long Row Nottingham, NG1 6JE Email us on: [email protected] [email protected] Call us on: 07469 859 854 available 24/7 OFFICES NATIONWIDE 69 Ringley Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 7LH Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Newsround 15

Tortuous state Citizenship denied World prison review One in every 10 Russians has A study by the National Council of Justice (CNJ) found out that experienced torture at the 80 percent of all prisoners, estimated at 797,000, have no hands of law enforcement, essential documents required for the exercise of citizenship. according to a poll by Levada The CNJ regards an employment booklet, identity card, birth Center, which was commis- certificate, voter’s card, and Individual Tax Registry (CPF) as essential documents. According to the council, the absence of sioned by the UN-affiliated these documents is detrimental to prisoners. Without a CPF, for Committee Against Torture. instance, even if there is a school within the penitentiary unit, They found that 60 percent of the prisoner cannot enroll. The lack of an ID card (RG) pre- Russians view torture under cludes obtaining the public health system card. Moreover, the any circumstances as not employment booklet is crucial for the detainee to reconcile his allowed, while 30 percent activity while in the work release system, which hinders social Death by time approve of it in specific cases, reintegration. The Justice stressed that even today, the number including against a serious of prisoners who work or study does not exceed 30 percent of El Chapo sentenced to life in prison criminal or to help save a life. the prison population — according to technicians of the CNJ, 15 The Mexican drug lord known as “El Chapo” percent study, and 17 percent work. Jake with his handler, Sergeant Quinton Jones was sentenced in July to life in prison plus Of those who claimed to have thirty years at a hearing where he accused the experienced torture, 75 RIP Jake US government of corruption and of torturing percent said it was aimed at Keys to the city Chainsaw rampage A drugs dog has died after collapsing following him during his confinement. El Chapo, whose humiliating or intimidating Brazil’s prisons are notorious Dozens of inmates armed a cell search at a prison in Alabama. Jake, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois, died after real name is Joaquin Guzman Loera, also was them. “A significant propor- for overcrowding and violence. with chainsaws have stormed locating some drugs that turned out to be ordered to forfeit $12.6 billion during his tion of people perceive Now, one facility is trying a a youth prison after escaping synthetic marijuana which is believed to have sentencing in US District Court in New York. courts and law enforcement new and rather novel ap- their cells and overwhelming been laced with rat poison. Despite being He was sent to the ADX federal maximum agencies as a system that proach. Officials are giving the the guards. Several inmates treated at a veterinary facility and appearing security prison in Colorado, known as the keys to the prisoners. The have been stabbed as the protects mainly the interests to recover briefly, he died. In a statement, prison, run by the Christian rioters allegedly targeted “Alcatraz of the Rockies”, where he will spend of the authorities or groups Alabama Department of Corrections Association for the Protection known sex offenders at the the rest of his days. Upon sentencing El Chapo close to it,” the report says. Commissioner Jeff Dunn said: “Jake’s heroism and Assistance to Convicts, in said: “Since the government will send me to a The poll comes amid Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.” partnership with the state. jail where my name will not ever be heard increased scrutiny over Centre, near Sydney, Here, there’s paid work or again, I take this opportunity to say: There was Russia’s treatment of prison- Australia. Somehow the Sri Lanka hires new hangman no justice here. I drink unsanitary water, no air “labour therapy” for all rioters got their hands on ers following several Sri Lanka is preparing to hang people for or sunlight, and the air pumped in makes my inmates, decent food and chainsaws and used them to high-profile cases which have serious drug offences and, as it plans the ears and throat hurt. In order to sleep, I put lodging, virtually no violence cut through cell bars and free shed light on the use of executions, it has had to find its first hangman toilet paper in my ears. My wife has not been and no armed guards at all. fellow inmates. Police torture by police. It also in four decades. Executions were ended in allowed to visit, and I can’t hug my daughters. The prison is mostly managed Superintendent John Gralton 1976, but now President Maithripala Sirisena comes after United Nations This has been psychological, emotional and by the inmates themselves. said five injured inmates were has announced they will begin again, with four human rights investigators mental torture 24 hours a day. My case was The program serves as an taken to hospitals and one men lined up for the rope. Rape, drug stained and you denied me a fair trial when called on Russia last year to example that solutions to was in intensive care.In trafficking and murder are all punishable by the world was watching. What happened here halt frequent torture of Brazil’s prison problems may Australia, inmates found the death penalty in Sri Lanka and the in the US is not better than any other corrupt detainees and prosecute be found though an openness guilty of rioting could face up President hopes the executions will go some country.” perpetrators. to out-of-the-box thinking. to 15 years in prison. Metro way to improve his public popularity. Specialists in Prison Law

• Cat A Reviews • Pre-tariff Reviews • Adjudications • Recall • Sentence Calculation • Re-categorisation • HDC • Parole

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Good Prison News Newsbites

Armed man demands entry to Hull A man armed with a knife turned up outside Hull Combined Court and demanded to be let in. Despite being drunk and high on drugs, the man failed to get his wish, he was ordered to carry out 15 weeks rehabilitation requirement and attend a 33-week long probation course.

Bristol governor move Steve Cross, the governor of Bristol, a prison described as ‘shocking and unfit for purpose’ by prison inspectors is to leave the prison and move to a new post. The Ministry of Justice Blooming path to wellness says his transfer elsewhere has nothing to do Credit: HMP Rye Hill with problems at the prison.

‘A safe space to get well’ Fingerprint meds on the Island At HMP Isle of Wight, an automatic drug An organic gardening programme run by charity Garden Organic has helped dispensing unit has been installed which uses cut drug test failure rates from 30% to nearly zero in one year. The charity and secure fingerprint technology to automatically G4S Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team (DART) worked together to provide a deliver medication to prisoners. It is on trial substance intervention programme. At Rye Hill a commissioned report as well until October. The Ministry of Justice says that as prisoner feedback found the Master Gardener program led to a range of not only can this system increase flexibility, positive outcomes that include: improved self-esteem and self-control, better allowing prisoners improved access to medicines, health and wellbeing, a shared community and improved communication it can also improve security when multiple among prisoners who work toward a common goal, and behaviour changes prisoners receive their medication at one time. inside and outside the prison. Saved for art’s sake First secure school Rye Hill attributes the success of the program to its unique combination of Credit: Isle of Man prison The UK’s first ‘secure school’, Medway Secure traditional drug rehabilitation therapy and the creation of shared organic Training Centre, is to be run by the Oasis garden spaces, designed and planted entirely by the prisoners. Steve Blinded by the colour Charitable Trust and will open late next year. Thomson, Garden Organic’s Operations Manager, said: “During the time Rev. Steve Chalke, Oasis founder and leader, inmates have been working on the organic garden at HMP Rye Hill, almost all An exhibition of art by prisoners at the Isle of Man Prison has said the Trust believes in second chances and have passed the MDT, which is a significant improvement over the 30 percent gone on display at a special exhibition called “Rolling Back that a ‘challenging and redemptive environ- failure rate from the beginning of the program. Giving ownership of the Home”. It features a collection of uniquely painted roller ment’ would be provided for young offenders. gardens to the inmates creates a sense of responsibility. It provides a space blinds. They were created by prisoners under the guidance of He said: “Our emphasis will be wholly on where inmates can reflect on their rehabilitation and therapy sessions while painter Michael Starkey and art teacher Angela Patchett rehabilitation and restoration rather than they participate in meaningful, purposeful therapeutic activities in their (pictured). The blinds were destined to be thrown away until retribution. From the very beginning of their organic garden. At its heart, it is a safe space.” they were offered to Michael to use for an art project. stay with us, we will work with them to begin to prepare for their resettlement back into the community to make an ongoing positive Contraband watch contribution to society in the future.”

Cereal drug record Highland prison saga continues The biggest spice haul in UK history was The saga of the ‘stop-go’ new Highlands Prison, discovered hidden in two cells at Holme in Inverness, took a new turn last month when House last month. The haul of over 6kg of Scottish prison bosses admitted there is no spice, worth £750,000, was stashed in money currently available to build the Cappuccino, Oats-so-Simple and £80million new prison. The money problems Weetabix boxes. There were also 156 stem from a decision to prioritise building a tablets of Oxandrolone, which is a class C replacement for Barlinnie. Outline planning Your Prison Injury Specialists drug. Four women and five men were permission was granted in 2017 to build a new arrested as part of the operation. HMP Highland next to the city’s largest retail park, with work initially due to begin in 2018 More drugs and finished by 2020. Since then the completion Specialist prison crime detectives are date has been constantly shifted backwards. investigating after a package containing Medical Negligence drugs and mobile phones worth £50,000 No early wake-ups was thrown into the grounds of Wealstun. Staff at Tinsley House Immigration Removal The package included a number of smaller Centre (IRC) have been told not to wake packages containing around 1,000 pills, detainees before the 8am roll call. Residents believed to be Class A and B drugs, 40 had complained about unnecessary distur- sheets of A4 paper thought to be soaked bance to their sleep. G4S responded to say Accident Claims in Spice, a bottle of yellow liquid thought that residents were woken up to check they to be Spice, steroids, needles and syring- were OK. The Independent Monitoring Board es, 12 mobile phones, phone chargers, at the facility said disturbance to residents was SIM cards and pouches of tobacco. a ‘disproportionate interference with their privacy and natural sleeping patterns’. Phones for you Assault Claims A delivery lorry heading for HMP Lewes It’s Kosher - I am Jewish was found to contain 41 hidden mobile The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) says it has phones. The lorry was stopped inside the saved nearly £100,000 by clamping down on prison when sniffer dogs indicated there prisoners who claim to be Jewish in order to may be illicit cargo. As well as the phones, get better, Kosher, food. The tightening up of Call us: 0161 429 8383 / Freephone: 0800 387 967 staff found SIM cards, cannabis, nearly rules follows an inspection of HMP Edinburgh. 500 ounces of tobacco and bottles of a Originally, Scotland had only 9 registered liquid containing spice. Two men were Jewish prisoners but following an episode of arrested and police are carrying out an the Netflix series ‘Orange is the New Black’, Write to us: Prudential Buildings, 63 St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1DH investigation. where prisoners converted to get better food, the numbers escalated. Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Newsround // Local Prison News 17

Nottingham IMB watch Newsbites ‘failed to learn’ Prison ‘falling apart’ ‘Savoy of Slammers’ An inquest has severely The IMB at Lincoln say, in The Sun newspaper is up in arms because it says prisoners at criticised HMP Nottingham their latest report, that the Leyhill get to enjoy guided nature walks, karaoke sessions, after a man with a known prison is ‘falling apart’. history of mental problems bingo, cooker classes - and are even allowed to grow their own and self-harm killed himself They say: “As in the flowers to brighten up their cells. The newspaper expresses in 2017 after staff ignored his previous year, we are horror at prisoners, at the open prison, doing embroidery emergency cell bell for 40 concerned about the classes and making matchstick models. The prison, according to minutes. He was the second extremely tardy manner The Sun is set in 135 acres of ornamental gardens with three of five men to die at the Brighter visits in which the numerous tennis courts as well as football and hockey pitches, a bowling prison in just one month. Credit: HMP Humber repair and maintenance green and volleyball court. According to the Sun the prison is jobs across the establish- known as the ‘Savoy of Slammers’. “At the inquest, a Spraying local culture ment are dealt with.” Despite ‘through the gate’ NIPS new book policy prison officer accepted HMP Humber decided their visit hall looked too sterile so they work from charity Shelter, A change in policy by the Northern Ireland Prison Service he had been ‘pottering enlisted the help of Spray Creative to liven it up with images three in ten prisoners (NIPS) means that books about terrorism will no longer be around the office’ of local heritage. Based in East Yorkshire, Spray Creative leave Lincoln homeless. create their artworks with aerosol paints. banned at Maghaberry. Last month NIPS said, in lifting the ban, rather than answering As well as a 49% increase in self-harm the IMB say that it was not proportionate. They said it was a changing and the emergency bell.” Jebb Avenue has never seen anything like it they are concerned with learning organisation and that new procedures were in place: access problems for “Books and other reading material will now be permitted unless Evidence was also heard that disabled prisoners. They they overtly promote or encourage the commissioning of the emergency cell bell on say: “Whilst acknowledg- criminal acts or otherwise break the law. Decisions will be the induction wing was ing that the building taken on behalf of the governor of each prison, with a review regularly taped over by staff structure does not lend process available at headquarters.” to muffle the sound. At the itself to easy access for inquest the current gover- prisoners who have nor, Phil Novis, said he Virtual reality at Nottingham mobility difficulties, or accepted that the prison had A number of tabloid newspapers carried ‘exclusive’ stories last been in crisis and had failed are wheelchair bound, the month that prisoners were being given virtual reality (VR) the man but when asked three lifts that would holidays to places like the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier whether what the Prison assist movement are often Reef and Peru’s Inca ruins. The Mirror reports one prisoner as Inspectorate described as the out of use.” saying: “I’ve been in jail 12 years and today has been one of the “shocking” failure to learn best days. I haven’t felt like a prisoner today.” As would be lessons from previous Fun at Brixton prison! Violence ‘too high’ expected, the two-month trial at HMP Nottingham to reward tragedies contributed to the The Independent good behaviour is being criticised. Victims’ rights campaigner Monitoring Board at death, he denied it. On 26th of July HMP Brixton marked its 200th anniversary Harry Fletcher told the Mirror: “Victims will be astonished and Norwich is pressing the with their first ever street party right outside the prison on insulted that prisoners are being rewarded with VR goggles.” Jebb Avenue! Stalls included hair braiding, face painting and prison managers to come Polmont food supplied by the prison’s famous Bad Boys Bakery. Chris up with a solution to the Bullseye at Grendon Impney, author of The House on the Hill: Brixton, London’s high levels of violence at to get in-cell oldest prison, was there to sign copies of his book at the stall the prison. In their latest The Daily Mirror is criticising a scheme at HMP Grendon that provided by his publisher Tangerine Press. Even the Cell report they say levels of allows prisoners to play darts. They have a competition and can phones Workout crew had a stall. The free party was to illuminate the violence against prisoners win biscuits. In the ‘exclusive’ story, the Mirror says a prisoner great work that happens in the often hidden world of prison and staff have been rising who acts as ‘entertainment rep’ is given £5 a week for prizes. As The Scottish Government and highlight the men resident in Brixton, who are a frequently and reaching record well as the darts contest he has also organised pool competi- have asked the Scottish forgotten part of the community on the outside. numbers. The IMB say: tion and a Who Wants to be a Millionaire quiz. A Prison Service Prison Service to start a pilot “staff respond swiftly and spokesman told the paper: “Grendon is one of the highest-rated of in-cell telephones for professionally to the prisons and unpaid roles help with prisoners’ rehabilitation, young people at Polmont. It regular violent incidents reducing the risk of them reoffending when released.” is part of a series of measures Your Rights Our Responsibility fuelled by bullying, A journey through the therapy looking glass page 22 to improve the mental health drugs, debt and gang-re- of prisoners under 18 and lated issues, but too often will include the banning of Visitors targeted officers themselves are routine strip searching for �� ���������� �� ������ ���� �� ���� ����� ��������� �� Police have been targeting visitors to Lowdham Grange. We specialise in Prison Law, we also offer expertise in Public threatened and attacked.” such prisoners. The pilot will Law, Mental ��������Health and ������� Actions ��� Against ����������� Public Authorities Together with prison staff they have targeted visitors over a two Despite the violence they be reviewed after one year �� ����� ��������� �� ���������� � ������ ������� �������� week period and say they have seized drugs and weapons that say that prisoners receive and comes after a recom- �������� ������� ����� ������� ��� ��� ���� ����� ���� were destined for the prison. mendation from HM fair treatment; Norwich is Inspectorate of Prisons for We provide legal aid servicesPrison in Law : We offer competitive committed to humane IPP's - Recall - AdjudicationsFixed - Parole Fees: Dutch say Liverpool is OK Scotland following the • Parole Hearings treatment of all prisoners, • Adjudications • Re-categorisation but decency continues to Following the postponement of some extradition requests from recent self-inflicted deaths of Public Law matters • SentenceHuman calculations Rights Act - Prison Conditions Holland because court officials there feared their citizens two prisoners. • Sentence planning be undermined by • LicenceJudicial recalls Review - Prison Decisions and Policy would be held in inhumane conditions following the negative • Governor substandard Scottish justice secretary • Pre-Tariff & Tariff ReviewsMental Healthadjudications accommodation. reports about conditions in HMP Liverpool, Dutch judges have Humza Yousaf said: “At • ChallengesTransfers toto ParoleHospital Board - Representations • ����������� for Patients ���� now said that they are happy with conditions within the prison. decisions Detained under the Mental assessmentsHealth Act Since the reports, which included infestations of rats and present, prisoners in • Cat A Review Boards Problems continue Scotland can access tele- Actions Against Authorities• ��� ������ In their latest annual cockroaches, there has been major work to improve conditions. • Challenges to Close Supervision • Segregation phones in communal areas CentreChallenging and Separation the Police Centres - Prison - Local Authority report, the Independent Abuse Cases - Inquests• Transfers at certain times only. In-cell Monitoring Board at Empty cells for extremists �� ����� ���� ���� ��� ���� ������������� ����������� phones have the potential to Lewes have reported The special ‘separation centres’ or prisons within prisons, contribute to prisoners’ andWe Asylum. offer fixed fees in HDC, Recategorisation and all �� ����� ���� ���� �� ��� ����������� �������� significant rises in launched in 2017 to prevent extremist prisoners from trying to wellbeing by making family Prison Law matters. We have Legal Representatives who speak Lithuanian and self-harm and violence. radicalise other prisoners, are being underused amid claims contact significantly easier. We have Legal Representatives who speak Lithuanian and Bengali and canSpanish assist you. and can assist you. They also complain of that they discriminate against Muslims. The Ministry of Justice They also have the benefit of poor accommodation and improving access to national For more information, please contact estimate that up to 1,000 current prisoners are a risk because of easy availability of drugs. helpline services and Kathryn Reece-Thomas or Sara Watson extremist views but, as of March 2019, there were just 223 Incidents of violence technology can offer the T: 0203 841 8580 people in prison for terror related offences. The special centres increased by 68% last potential to develop tele- ReeceThomasWatson, 758 H olloway Road, are located at Frankland, Full Sutton and Woodhill - Woodhill year and there were 579 health services and supports ,VOLQJWRQ/RQGRQ1-)b special unit is said to be empty whereas the other two, capable instances of self-harm. for well-being in prisons.” of holding up to eight, are reportedly just half-full. 18 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

all agreed Larkin was using the shock value of the ‘f’ word to make a serious point.

As well as ‘This Be The Verse’ we read several longer, more complicated poems, not only analysing the meaning and the rhythms but the rhyming scheme, which always turned out to be far more complicated than at first sight. ‘Church Going’ is based round a nar- rative of the poet visiting an old church where there is no service, and meditating on why he is there and what it means to him. It has seven long verses and most of us Page turners took a turn at reading. The Photograph: Martin Godwin for the Guardian the Martin Godwin for Photograph: general view was that Larkin was an atheist but, as Terry put it, ‘He’s looking for some- thing’ and Kenny added, Reading is the answer ‘Some churches have the feel- ing of faith.’ I think we all Verses and prose bring prison readers together approved of the last lines:

… someone will forever be Month by Month surprising A group at Thameside, reading Penguin Little Black Classics

A hunger in himself to be more © PRG serious, suggested, very high. It’s also They fuck you up, your mum And gravitating with it to this There are no best discussion going and good fun. and dad. ground, that the group remembers Rachel Billington They may not mean to, but Which he once heard, was boxes to be ticked, with most enjoyment. Prison Reading Groups was they do. proper to grow wise in, tests to be taken founded by Sarah Turvey and They fill you with the faults If only that so many dead lie PRIZE: A book of his or her I’ve been addicted to books Jenny Hartley in 1999 and for they had round. or diplomas to own choice for each member. since I could first pick out some years now has reported And add some extra, just for words. No junkie welcomes to Inside Time every other you. In the course of the session, be won, but the Do send nominations and his next fix more than I do. month from one of their groups. Anthony read us his own rewards are, as I’ve supporting statements and C.S. Lewis, author of The So some of you may already One of his best known poems, poem: ‘The Place’ and I en- get your group noticed! Lion, the Witch and the Ward- know about them or indeed ‘This Be The Verse’ opens like couraged him to send it in to already suggested, that and reflects both his bril- robe, wrote that no cup of tea be a member of a group. At Inside Time. We were all im- very high. It’s also Deadline for submissions: Au- liance and his dour take on could be too big nor book too present PRG run fifty-two pressed when Graham identi- gust 15 to [email protected] the world and its inhabitants. long. I agree, except that I’d groups in forty-two prisons. fied it as written in good fun. There were twelve men in the scale down on the tea. When Three thousand books were amphibrachic mode, with a In addition there will be three group and most had a view. I travel, I always carry at least read by eleven hundred pris- touch of a limerick metre, as dark place every time’ further awards decided by the Kenny said it was ‘catchy’, three books, one to read, the oners in 2018. In 2017 they Steve pointed out. By the end summed up by Anthony as PRG/GAB team: Steve said it was written like ‘Very negative.’ second in case I finish the joined with the charity ‘Give of the morning I felt much a nursery rhyme and Sean closer to getting the point of . Outstanding librarian: Be- first, and the third in case I a Book’ and have extended suspected ‘He must have been Larkin, even if I agreed with My final response was to turn cause they are extraordinary lose the second. At the age of their work to support family young when he wrote it.’ We Sean that ‘He takes us to a to a book of Larkin’s poems and at the centre of everything about ten, during the empty reading initiatives in more wastes of school holidays, I the moment I reached home. in prison. than fifty prisons. Prison Reading Groups mis- realised that reading was the Rachel with volunteer, Graham Coster sion accomplished! So this is . Outstanding volunteer: answer to boredom, loneli- Now, in another new venture a good place to launch the Because they bring in the out- ness, sorrow, pain, hunger to mark PRG’s 20th birthday, new Prison Reading Groups side world with such energis- and just about any of the ills they are announcing annual awards: ing enthusiasm. of life. Instead, my narrow awards for the men and view widened to a world women who join their groups There are five categories this . Outstanding prison con- teeming with drama and ad- and the volunteers who make year: tact: Making a PRG group or a venture. As writer George R.R. it all possible. But before I re- . Outstanding member: to Family Day happen takes de- Martin wittily put it, ‘A reader port on the details of that, I’m be nominated by the group termination and commitment lives a thousand lives before going to write my own report facilitator in a statement of up that goes well above and be- he dies. The man who never of a group I joined last month to 100 words. This could be yond. This is a chance to rec- reads lives one.’ He or she in the excellent library at the member who never misses ognise it. may also become a writer, as HMP Thameside. As chance a meeting and has always I have. would have it, it was an unu- read the book, or the one Winners will be announced at sual format because we were who’s able to get things going the Reading in Prison event at I mention this to explain my discussing the works of the and keep people involved, or the University of Roehampton particular interest in Prison poet, Philip Larkin, rather the one who’s made most on September 6th. If you have Reading Groups (PRG) which than any particular book. strides in terms of confidence not yet registered, you can brings books into prison and Volunteer Graham Coster had or reading pleasure or reading sign here. www.eventbrite. organises discussion groups brought along copies of a se- out of the comfort zone. com/e/reading-in-prison-day- hosted by a volunteer from lection of poetry and we im- 2019-registration-63981293772 outside. These are not part of mediately got going with our PRIZE: 3 books of the winner’s choice. Finally, if your prison doesn’t an educational programme, views. although many things will be yet have a reading group, en- . Best book discussion: to courage the librarian to have learned. There are no boxes to Philip Larkin is not one of my be nominated by the group in a look at the PRG website be ticked, tests to be taken or favourite poets, which doesn’t a statement up to 100 words. www.prisonreadinggroups. diplomas to be won, but the mean I don’t admire his facil- It might not be the best book org.uk or contact info@prg. rewards are, as I’ve already ity with words.

© PRG but it’s the one that got the org.uk Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 19

wonder if this is an intentional pen- to the Internet. The three pages of alty imposed by the award-winning the text are stapled - paper clips are prison architects. forbidden. I have yet to understand Why I go into prison why staples are OK while paper clips French language classes are taught are not. A number of prison rules Lisbon dreams bring cheer to the prisoner and the volunteer twice a week in a state-financed pro- escape my understanding. The text gram with paid teachers, not volun- in the NY Times article is not easy, connections to prisons either. I had prison. I know my students have com- teers. English is not part of the official we advance slowly through it. Ximena Escobar program. I assume this is because de Nogales never even visited one. In addition, mitted crimes, not one of them has the official language in Geneva is claimed to be innocent. I also know English is not an official Swiss lan- Forget Lisbon as the budget capital French and while I speak the lan- they are more than their worst acts. guage. The majority of prisoners in of Europe. Yes, the seafood is still Switzerland are foreigners, most are With hindsight, I’d say it was a mid- guage, I did not see myself writing We are not defined by our best (relatively) cheap, as is the wine. The sent back to their home countries life crisis. For months I had been in French, let alone facilitating a achievements, nor by our greatest old canary-yellow trams still rattle when released. Many foreign convicts carrying myself to work in an auto- writing course in French. I decided moral failures. I still don’t have my along steep hills, and you’ll never pay are banned from the Swiss territory mated routine. I felt just like the coat that the second best to my ‘writing writing club but it may come about more than a euro and small change for at least five years after release. I brought to the office every day - hung club behind bars’ project would be one day. for a pastéis de nata, the classic All this makes English popular - in- on its hook, devoid of life … simply to teach English in a prison. I wrote Portuguese pastry. mates are more likely to use English present. I had lost all interest in the to several prisons offering my ser- We are not defined rather than French as a foreign lan- job and in my career. I knew I needed vices. The tradition of volunteering As he reads the article out loud, I feel guage once they return home. to leave in order to inhale life back is less rooted here than it is in the UK. by our best achievements every reference to his home town into me. And so I quit my job at an They wrote back saying there was transports him to Lisbon. His eyes nor by our greatest On the first day of classes, while wait- investment fund and walked away ‘no vacancy for a volunteer’. Vacancy? shine, a smile appears on his face ing for a student, I looked out the from a six-digit salary and luxurious I offered to work for free! After much moral failures. and lingers. He savours the words window that overlooks the patio. A offices in the old town of Geneva. A frustration going back and forth, I and they sound beautiful in his na- guard entered the classroom and few months later, and after many eventually learnt of an organization Every Wednesday I bike to the prison, tive tongue … pastéis de nata, sar- interrupted my reverie. “Don’t ever security checks, I was volunteering that ran volunteer courses in jails located close to the French border. I dinhas, petiscos, Belém, Praça do forget you are in prison” he said. “You as an English teacher at a high secu- and they accepted me. enter the imposing grey four-story Comércio. are never as vulnerable as when you rity male prison. The contrast could building behind barbed wire and pa- feel safe.” not have been greater. It is now al- I have been asked, and I have often tiently begin my entrance procedure. Our class ends. As AD stands to leave, most a year since I started there. I questioned myself, why give your Accompanied by a prison guard, we he says: ‘I am not in jail when I am The first time I saw AD, he told me have recovered my energy, I feel time to criminals when there are cross fourteen doors to reach the pris- with you’. he would relocate to Portugal when awake, engaged and grateful. While many volunteer opportunities to help on classroom. I see eight students released. He wanted to work in the I am also back working part-time, society’s victims? Perhaps it was every week, individually. The room, I am done teaching for today. I am tourism sector in Lisbon. We had fun my volunteer activity has become the sheer curiosity, a perverse search for like the entire prison, is modern, ven- outside the prison, ready to enjoy the writing his CV as a tourist guide in main source of my inspiration. otherness. It is a space that ‘good’ tilated, well-equipped, sparsely fur- Lisbon: ‘I seek an opportunity in the freedom of the wind biking home citizens rarely enter, probably the nished. It has two floor-to-ceiling tourism sector where I can make use through parks and along the lake. I It came to me almost in the form of least scrutinised of our institutions. windows overlooking a guarded, of my language skills and my sales- am smiling, energized and a dream during those days of detach- I wanted to challenge my prejudices, small exercise patio where from 10:30 man’s experience’. grateful. ment at work; I would run a writing test the limits of my tolerance. I have to 11:30 men are outdoors for exactly Recently, I brought AD an article from club in prison. Never mind that I had had many enrichening encounters one hour a day. From October to May, the New York Times, ‘36 hours in Ximena Escobar de Nogales no credentials for this. I had no and insightful conversations in the sun does not enter the patio. I Lisbon’. Prisoners don’t have access is a volunteer in a Swiss prison

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pressures of overcrowding. It Scotland, the equivalent of Wendy also means long-term prison- the PQC (UK’s Department of Sinclair-Gieben ers having to share wings Health Promoting Quality with short-term prisoners, Care programme), we go which they are desperately through all the concerns, and “I’m in the middle of review- trying to resolve, but it’s not they’re very responsive. ing the whole inspection pro- easy when space is at a cess. We do have return minimum. I saw a concern about the inspections, so they know we prison food budget being re- The drug problem is more duced and I’ve raised that are coming back in six Terry wows the crowds in Llangollen! months, nine months, a year under control than England with the chief executive of the or whatever. The reality is was at the same stage when Scottish Prison Service and that there is nineteen of us NPS (Spice) hit. That was a he said that as far as he was For the past week I have been in Wales presiding that go in, and despite the game changer for England. It aware, there was no national at the International Musical Eisteddfod. smell of new paint and all the hasn’t, as yet, been a game directive to reduce the budget. Terry Waite CBE (Eisteddfod is the Welsh word for gathering or rest of it – we do a vast changer here, but its still very Our independent prison mon- meeting). Following World War Two the resi- amount of focus work before early days. One of the things itors are in prisons every dents of a small town in North Wales, called we go in, we do it with all the that strikes me is that when week, the complaints they An active mind Llangollen, decided that they had had enough different cohorts of prisoners, NPS first hit, people didn’t tend to hear are what we call of war and conflict and so in 1947 they decided know the right dosage, and so progression - not being able we have focus groups with Since last writing to you through Inside Time, to invite choirs from across the world to come you have people getting very to get on the offender behav- the staff, with the partners. I have finally reached the grand old age of to their town and to take part in a festival of We also have independent ill. Of course the difference iour programmes to qualify music and the performing arts. When I was between the psychoactive for parole, that’s a biggie. Not eighty! I have to confess that I do get more tired prison monitors who go in invited to become President I declined as I said substances and other sub- being able to get previously than I used to, but my mind refuses to believe every week to the prison – that I was not Welsh. They replied that this was stances is that people who prescribed drugs. They don’t that the main part of my life is now over. I have one of the focus groups is to the ‘International’ Festival and they wanted a meet with them and get their deal with them, nurses and tend to mention the food. no intention of heading for the retirement home staff, are also affected. What just yet and will continue working for as long President with an understanding of the world sense of how the prison is beyond the British Isles and so I accepted. For doing. They’re volunteers. we’re seeing is that the dos- There have been improve- as I can. the past 13 years I have spent a week in The difference between them age is becoming different, so ments in the Scottish system Llangollen and have met choirs and performers and the IMB in England and people who were requiring in recent years. I was here in When I was in captivity, many years ago, I was from as far apart as New Zealand and Norway, Wales is they come under me. hospital treatment are now 2006 and it’s had a quantum afraid that as I was kept in strict solitary con- not. It has meant the impact leap since then. Its really re- finement I would lose my sanity and fall into Canada and Sri Lanka. The great thing about The first thing that concerns of it has not been as severe as search driven, enlightened serious mental illness. My way of coping with this festival is that young people are given an me is the rising prison popu- in England. regimes, leading edge impres- that was to keep my mind active and try and opportunity to compete and to join others lation. In the last year the sive trying to get as many exercise my brain as best I could. I had no books whom, for political or religious reasons, they population has risen to the Prison health is a big issue for people into single cells as or papers for years; in fact there was no com- would not talk to back home. It’s a great week us. Healthcare in Scotland is possible. Plus the introduc- scale of a large prison – ap- munication at all with the outside world and where, using the language of music, new friend- wholly NHS. Scotland has a tion of throughcare support proximately 700 extra prison- precious little with my captors. I exercised my ships are formed. Despite the internet and problem recruiting and that’s officers who take prisoners ers from where we were a year brain by writing in my head; later it was given mobile phone (which makes it simple to talk replicated in prisons. It’s a out, sort out housing etc. But ago, with no additional ca- the title ‘Taken on Trust’. When eventually I to someone on the other side of the world in a pacity, and no obvious sign of real difficulty getting mental you have a stark choice when matter of moments) there is no substitute for a health staff. There are all you have an extra 700 prison- was released after almost five years I settled relief in the very near future. face to face meeting. Back home, when religious sorts of reasons why. Other ers - you stop as many coming down and put what I had written on paper. I At the moment there is a pre- difference or political disputes separate com- issues, there is no electronic or you build more didn’t use a computer or even a typewriter but sumption against sentences munities, those boundaries can be crossed at prescribing, so a prisoner in accommodation. an ordinary pen and ink. I wanted to be able of under 12 months; but it’s Llangollen. only a presumption. There is Aberdeen, moved to Perth – to write directly what I had captured in my a considerable number of the GP at Perth might not pre- What we want is for people to mind during those solitary years. Music is playing an increasingly important part prisoners serving three scribe the same thing as the go back outside as responsi- of life in some prisons in the UK. If you get an months or under. But it’s not GP in Aberdeen did. If you’ve ble citizens. If you think like I write this as there will be some readers of this going to be a hundred per got used to a drug and you’re that, you can address the defi- column who feel that their life is rapidly ebbing opportunity to, you might want to have a go. I cent at resolving the prob- comfortable with it, then it’s cit that brought them into away. Day after day the routine continues. It’s have met prisoners who had never sung in their lems, and at the same time taken off you; it can cause prison, whether its literacy no wonder to me that some prisoners seek relief life but joined a group in prison and before Scotland has changed the unnecessary stress. But all and numeracy, debt, or legal from the tedium by taking to drugs. I am not long they were performing before an invited automatic release at the half- my concerns about health- problems, mental health is- going to lecture anyone about this, but common audience. What I am trying to say is look for way point, although the im- care are being taken very sues, drug or alcohol abuse. sense will tell you that the drug route is a sure every opportunity you can find to develop seriously. The vast majority of people pact of that hasn’t actually hit way to disaster. You need to keep your body, yourself in ways that are constructive. Believe don’t want to be in prison. So yet. as well as your mind, in as good a shape as you me, life goes by more quickly than you can I am finding that my recom- let’s help them not be.” possible if you are going to get some enjoyment imagine. Looking back, I can’t believe that I mendations after an inspec- It’s a fairly enlightened prison out of life. There is a growing body of evidence shall never see 80 again but I press on with the regime that Scotland has - the tion are being respected, very In July 2018 Wendy Sin- which suggests that even the use of the milder hope that I might live ten more years at least majority of prisoners have much so. We find the prison, clair-Gieben began her ap- forms of narcotic can lead to mental problems - as there is still much I want to accomplish. single cells and considerable when we are there, is very re- pointment as HM Chief sponsive. If we’ve found that in later life. As for more powerful drugs, well access to fairly innovative, Inspector of Prisons for Scot- Keep well…until next month Terry Waite leading edge activities – es- the drug door wasn’t working land, the first woman ap- they are certainly killers. pecially for young people. But properly, or the food was pointed to the role. Following that inevitably is reduced coming up too early and get- her first year in post, she In this column I constantly urge readers to Terry Waite was a successful hostage negoti- when you have 700 extra peo- ting cold or whatever, they’ve agreed to speak to Inside make use of what facilities there are inside to ator before he himself was held captive in ple in and so much more pres- responded immediately. I Time about what she has keep your mind active. I know all about the Beirut for 1763 days between 1987 and 1991; sure. People are now having meet with the executive of found so far in the Scottish cuts and the effect they are having but even so the first four years were spent in solitary to share cells because of the Health Improvement prison system. there are opportunities available. Go for them. confinement. · Poor Medical Treatment? · Missed or delayed diagnosis? · Inadequate dental treatment? · Injury after a Slip, Trip or Fall? DON’T GAMBLE With Your Case

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him and he discovered he needed to have a possibly from the advice of With a greater inclusion of major operation. He sat in his garden thinking lawyers or one another, but these interventions by trained about things and realised he had never felt so with little relief for Chris’s practitioners, perhaps Ray, Vi, low, when he remembered his dad’s envelopes. family. Chris’s siblings Louis, Amanda He went inside the house and found his old and Philip - in addition to the jacket and there in the pocket were the two Ray and Vi were sat watching others affected by these trag- envelopes. He took one out and opened it in in front of me. When given the edies, could go some way to eager anticipation of what it might say. Written opportunity at the end of the lightening such a burden on in the scrawled hand of his father were the production, I asked them both the victims. Eventually, I hope, words: ‘This will pass’! The man sat and what it is, if anything, they this could prevent the revolv- © Deposit Photos thought about this and it indeed offered him would do to change the sys- ing door of repeat offending some comfort. However, three months later he Sid Arter tem. They both stood up from for those (like me) who never had successfully had treatment and was fully where they were sitting and properly considered our vic- recovered, an old business partner asked him walked to opposite ends of the tims until too late. Two envelopes to join his company and he got a better job than stage. They went on to describe he had before; and a wonderful woman had © Fotolia.com the drive to the hospital, the The production was slickly put come into his life. A man lay on his death bed and as the end Nathan Joshua investigation, family liaisons, together. It had moments of approached his only son came to say goodbye. lawyers and investigating of- Years went by and he sat one day in his new such sadness and horror, but The man had lived well and welcomed the end ficers and how there was so garden - he had moved into this splendid new finished with hope. Hope that of his life as he was now very old and not in much support they did not home and was now the owner of a big successful The Listening in fact some people, as a result the best of health. His son was sad but was able have a moment to think. company and able to help many other people of getting involved with restor- to tell his dad how much he loved him and to Room However, as soon as the case get good work and he and his new partner had ative justice, find the experi- thank him for all the support and help he had three beautiful children. What could be better, concluded at the Old Bailey, ence life changing. given as a father. The old man reached under Recently, we had a theatre he thought; and then he remembered what his the support that had been his pillow and pulled out two envelopes and production come to Grendon. father had said and went to the kitchen where there suddenly disappeared. Last year I contacted my gave them to his son. “These will guide you Not an ordinary play either. It hanging behind the door was his old jacket. They sat there in their house, Offender Supervisor with the through life without me. When you hit rock tackled three crimes, all com- He took the second envelope from the pocket the job completed in the au- intention of meeting the vic- bottom and fear there is no longer any point to mitted by people under the age and opened it in eager anticipation of what it thorities’ eyes; and yet they tims of my robberies. I could life - open an envelope for guidance and when of 21. It showed a journey might say. Written in the scrawled hand of his were so far from the truth. For not have predicted how mov- you hit the heights of success open one!” through Murder, Violence, father were the words: ‘This will pass’! Ray and Vi it didn’t feel like ing just the initial interview Puzzled by this gesture, the man put the en- Love, Loss, Hate and justice. The boys had not told velopes in his pocket and soon after, his father would be with the people at He smiled and went back to his new garden Forgiveness. the truth. “They didn’t explain died. The son was busy arranging and leading Restorative Justice. It got me with a clear understanding of the way things to us why they had killed our thinking, honestly, about the celebration of his father’s life and forgot Ray and Vi Donovan are the always were and always will be - ever changing, son” Vi said. The system did what I had done, how I could the two envelopes. central contributors. At 3.30 as they will be in all our lives. not include them in the process have possibly affected my vic- am on 26th May 2001, their son - not really. If the system could tims and that I was truly ready Many years later, the man found himself des- Christopher lost his life after just get out of the way and to face the people I had robbed titute! His business had collapsed, his wife left Sid Arter is a teacher and entertainer teenagers he did not know allow a greater intervention in their places’ of work. killed him. They left him for through restorative justice, Unfortunately, my victims dead in a road after beating perhaps the devastation of were not traceable. him. A car came over the hill such a tragic situation could Nevertheless, I still experi- and ran his limp body over, at best be lessened, if only a enced a sense of responsibility believing it was just a pile of little. far beyond the lengthy sen- rags in the road. What followed tence I have served. were scenes of absolute dev- astation, frustration, anguish, For Ray and I cannot possibly put into anger, deep resentment and Vi it didn’t feel like words the strength Ray and Vi hate - then remarkably, even- show every time they walk into tually, having decided to meet justice. The boys (both victims and perpetrator), had not told the a prison to share their story a journey of forgiveness began. with us. I gave Ray a huge hug, truth. “They didn’t and told them I give their son The Listening Room depicts explain to us why a nod when I walk into my the idea of restorative justice group and see Chris’s smile on through meetings; where the they had killed our our wall. Chris was a truly in- actors relay the real life dia- son” Vi said. The nocent victim of crime, a crime logue of interviews. From the for which he paid the untimely start, they warned how the system did not and ultimate price. His parents piece would ‘blow our minds’ include them in also stand proud in the display - and it succeeded. This pro- on our wall describing the duction brought home with the process - not foundation they set up in such ferocity, many truths really. Chris’s name (The Chris about life, loss and my own Donovan Foundation). behaviour I hadn’t thoroughly Restorative Justice is some- thing seriously worth consid- considered before. Essentially, Restorative Justice ering across the system - it is a different type of justice. It might surprise. Or as Vi quite Once Chris’s killers had been puts the victims at the centre aptly put it, “Forgiveness is convicted and were brought to of the process. Not based on not about letting people off the justice (I use the term loosely), punishment but healing the hook - I still get angry on Ray and Vi described there harm caused. Of course, Chris being an emptiness come over deserved justice, and the Birthdays, Christmas etc - it’s them of what to do now. The young men went to prison for about getting free”, and that lads had lied, argued and the devastation their actions for me is the difference. seemed very evasive during caused. But as Ray explained the court case, showing what on the day of sentence when appeared to be little or no re- he saw the boys’ families cry- Nathan Joshua, a nom de morse for the terrible crime ing, “they all lost a son that plume, is a resident of HMP ›› Registered with EMAP ‹‹ they had committed. This was day.” Grendon Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 23

increased interest in children. paedophiles. Prof Klaus Beier Over 1,400 incidents of child There is a spectrum - at one of the Dunkelfeld project in sexual abuse happen each end is the adult who will Germany found in a study of day, often by friends or family Chalk and Cheese never be sexually interested child molesters, that “….60% of the abused and occasion- in a child. At the other, the [were] non-paedophilic of- ally by a stranger. By accept- The difference between attraction and offending adult who is exclusively at- fenders, for whom the sexual ance of paedosexuality as a tracted to children and who abuse of the child serves as a sexual orientation, the level Juliet Grayson between 1% and 5%. Hebep- - desiring the same amount of can only be supported by de- surrogate for a sexual rela- of protection of our children hilia and ephebophilia tend sex as other people - but com- veloping and strengthening tionship with partners of sim- will increase as those af- to be included in the overar- mit to never to harming a coping mechanisms. Along ilar age”. The Prevention flicted can seek the support The general perceptions ching term of paedophilia, child. They do not have phys- the scale we hit the nature Project Dunkelfeld provides they so badly need and we about paedophilia do not but are in fact different and ical contacts and do not view versus nurture argument. services to those wanting to can stop that first offence. match the facts. Having met refer to sexual attraction to child pornography. Many with paedophilic ten- control their sexual urges to- clients who have been sexu- pubescent and post pubes- dencies have suffered some wards children and receives ally abused during child- cent adolescents respectively. form of trauma around the €5 million from the German Many interpret Juliet Grayson is Chair and hood, I am too aware of the Paedophilia refers to those age of 8 or 9 years in boys and government each year. In Ger- Co-founder of StopSO horrific consequences. My who are solely attracted to, or the term paedo- 7 or 8 years in girls. This has many it is illegal for a thera- [email protected] passion is to Stop the First more attracted to pre-pubes- phile to mean child affected their sexual develop- pist to break confidentiality cent children than adults. ment and psychotherapy may under any circumstances, Offence, to prevent this harm, *StopSO (Specialist Treatment Some are not attracted at all molester, which is help to modify their desires. even if a crime has been com- to educate about paedophilia Organisation for the Perpetra- to adults. Some who view themselves as mitted. In the UK disclosure and how to protect our chil- very far from the tors and Survivors of Sexual exclusive paedophiles dis- is mandatory for those work- dren from sexual abuse. Offences) is a Registered Char- cover in therapy that a sup- ing in the NHS, but for thera- Many interpret the term pae- truth. For this ity (1170470). They have over pressed trauma or event in pists working in private Paedophilia is now accepted dophile to mean child mo- 200 therapists throughout the reason, the term practice there is no legal re- as a sexual orientation. Dr lester, which is very far from childhood has led them to this, country who are trained or in James Cantor of the Univer- the truth. For this reason, the ‘paedosexual’ is and healing this can modify quirement to disclose - training. StopSO offers therapy sity of Toronto has used MRI term ‘paedosexual’ is gaining gaining popularity, their age of attraction. though many will feel that in the community to people scans to look at how the brain popularity, because it is a sex- they need to disclose due to who have committed a sexual is wired and says “Paedophilia ual orientation rather than a because it is a Sometimes a person may have ethical reasons. offence, and those who have not is something that we are es- choice. sexual orientation suppressed any paedophilic but worry they might. When sentially born with, does not tendencies but an addiction In an online survey of people funds allow, cost of treatment appear to change over time and Many paedophiles control rather than a to legal pornography has led contacting *StopSO 51% knew may be subsidised. Since June it is as core to our being as any their sexual urges and never choice. to viewing increasingly dar- that they had inappropriate 2013 over 3,500 people have other sexual orientation is”. harm a child. They are re- ing images to the point where sexual thoughts or behaviour contacted StopSO for help; ferred to as non-offending the line is crossed to illegal by the age of 16 years and 72% 61% had issues connected to The estimated number of men paedophiles. They feel the images of children. Those ar- by the age of 25 years. In the child sexual abuse. No govern- in the UK with a sexual interest stigma, and many keep their Non-exclusive paedophiles rested for this offence are over UK therapy has to be paid for ment funding is received by in children is 750,000 - that is dark secret - fearing a lack of have a sexual interest in both 200 times more likely to com- by the individual and govern- StopSO. StopSO has occasionally just over 2% of the male pop- acceptance. Coping with this children and adults. In this mit suicide than members of ment funding for StopSO is been asked to work with people ulation. It could be higher. A may lead to substance misuse group, psychotherapy can the general public. not available. in prison. www.stopso.org.uk range of studies have sug- and attempted suicide. They help and may uncover some [email protected] gested that the number is have a normal sex drive trauma which has led to the Not all child molesters are Everyone needs to be vigilant. Tel: 07473 299 883.

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In March 2018, a smoking ban was introduced across prisons How to get tough on knife crime in the South West. In April that year, as the last of the tobacco The Jailhouse Moose - HMP Erlestoke of the great train robbery had been armed with ran out, people began smoking hammers and cudgels and were handed 30-year NPS in home-made pipes. sentences. Later that month we experi- There is no such thing as an original idea. enced the first Spice-related According to the German philosopher Manheim If the courts no longer drew a distinction be- death. … ‘It is incorrect to say that the single individual tween weapons that were used in the commis- thinks. Rather it is more correct to insist that sion of a crime, was there any point carrying a In the 13 months since the in- he participates in thinking further what other stick if an armed robber was going to get 30 troduction of the smoking ban men have thought before him.’ years anyway; why not carry a gun? we, as a community, have en- dured 5 Spice-related deaths. Is it realistic, therefore, to think that increasing In the years after the great train robbery the Bad choice of drug… It is easy to dismiss this num- © Deposit Photos sentences for those that carry knives will have number of firearms used in robberies climbed ber as a simple statistic, but it any significant impact on the number of youths steadily. So, in answer to my earlier question, goes so much deeper than that. killed on the UK’s city streets? If we examine increasing sentences for those that carry knives All of these men were sons to our history and apply Manheim’s principle, we will certainly have an impact on the numbers Devil’s Advocate now grief-stricken parents; can find a parallel - the great train robbery in of youths killed on the UK’s city streets. It is husbands or boyfriends to 1963. likely that more will be shot and killed rather David Gamble - HMP Guys maintain their drug use or drug grieving wives or girlfriends than stabbed and killed. Marsh sales in prison. People coming and, for 3 of those dead men After this landmark crime, the sentences that to prison for minor offences who had children, their kids were handed down to the perpetrators were The way to tackle knife crime is not to sentence were being released back into will grow up without them. The intended to make an example of them; to serve the perpetrators, but to teach them another way I served my first prison sen- society with serious opiate average age of those who lost as a deterrent to others that might commit such tences in the 1980s. The ma- addictions, which led to the their lives here was just 27. and give them an opportunity to do something jority of the small percentage creation of more and more a brazen armed robbery. The establishment else. Believing it is normal to carry and even were declaring that anybody stealing £2.6 mil- of prisoners who used drugs victims. I recently attended a remem- use a knife in a UK city is anathema to the ma- lion would face 30 years in jail. But the criminal back then smoked cannabis brance service for a friend here jority of UK citizens. But there is a hardened fraternity drew a different message. and statistically violence, debt Once ingested, heroin remains and found myself over- minority that have become desensitised to this and self-harm were lower dur- in the body for up to 5 days. whelmed. Not just by the need- way of life. Their radicalisation has occurred Prior to the great train robbery there had been ing that period than at any Statistically speaking, this less loss of life but by the rev- in the void between their lack of opportunity a hierarchy of severity within each crime. An other time since. Those on the short detection period makes elation that without changes and rising expectations. It’s just as much a armed robbery committed with a firearm would periphery who did actually heroin six times less risky to to the current system, more threat to society as any fascist right-wing move- attract a far longer sentence than one committed use heroin or barbiturates at use than cannabis so, despite lives will be lost or ment or Islamic extremism. The way to tackle that time were regarded with with a pickaxe handle. The robbers of the day MDT, heroin remained the destroyed. any radicalisation is to challenge the twisted suspicion and found them- drug of choice for many. This would weigh up the risk and reward of their ideology. Locking up the individual perpetra- selves ostracised by ‘regular’ crime and go armed appropriately. But a dan- remained the case until 2015, I began by talking about the tors merely creates vacancies for new inmates. gerous precedent was set when the ringleaders when New Psychoactive 1980s, and, given what we recruits. Substances (NPS) appeared. know about heroin destroying Once smoked, cannabis re- lives, the likelihood of heroin mains detectable in the body NPS, at that time, was not crim- addiction leading to further for approximately 30 days. To inalised in society and for 2 offending and what we now combat the misuse of cannabis years there was no way to de- Shaw and Co Solicitors know about NPS killing hun- in the prison system, some tect it through MDT. NPS dreds, is it finally time to relax bright spark thought up quickly took over as the ‘drug Personal Injury Compensation Experts the rules on cannabis use in Mandatory Drug Testing of choice’ in most prisons. NPS prisons so that those ‘choos- (MDT). As opiates can be has now been responsible for Over 20 years experience in personal injury compensation claims ing’ to use drugs can at least flushed through the body with many deaths both in prison do so without wrecking or los- water over a couple of days, and outside. This number If you have had ing lives? many drug-users began to take would be significantly higher heroin. Consequently, heroin were it not for the actions of BAD DENTAL TREATMENT fast became the drug of choice prison officers, healthcare I understand there will be re- in prison. staff and paramedics sistance, but I’ll wager that nationwide. prison governors would prefer BAD MEDICAL CARE This heroin use led to year- giving flexibility to cannabis upon-year increases in vio- I arrived at Guys Marsh in users than having to console AN ACCIDENT lence and bullying across the October 2016 and for 18 victim’s families during UK’s prisons as people did months, despite the preva- Coroner’s Inquests in the what they had to do to lence of NPS here, no one died. future. Call Chris or Sharon anbout your claim PURCELL PARKER Dedicated Prison Lawyers For You FREEPHONE 0800 389 1590 Solicitors Over 60 years’ combined experience BIRMINGHAM’S TOP or email us at [email protected] PRISON LAWYERS IPP & Lifer Parole Reviews Licence Recalls Licence Recalls Shaw and Co Solicitors Ltd Prisoner Adjudications Independent Adjudications IPP & Lifer Parole Three Indian Kings House HDC Sentence Calculations Sentence Calculations 31 The Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3DE Re - Categorisation Criminal Defence Work Call now to speak with: Call Stephanie Brownlees today on your call is con dential and your claim for compensation will be Tiernan Davis, Sadie Rice or Jan Arkwright 01902 275 042 represented on a strictly no win, no fee basis. Purcell Parker Solicitors 204 - 206 Corporation Street Birmingham B4 6QB West Midlands House, Gipsy Lane, 0121 236 9781 Willenhall WV13 2HA NO WIN NO FEE Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 25

grab what I wanted and leg it. when the recruiting officer eventually I started my own So, after watching that film I heard of my previous he basi- business. I used all the stuff I just wanted a gun so bad, cally laughed and said that it learned on the streets, all the thinking that I could get all was not even worth my while hustling and started doing the money from the till and no filling out the paperwork. I well. Which goes to show…I one could stop me. didn’t want to go back to didn’t have the education or crime but there wasn’t a lot of good start, so if I can do it So, did you get a gun? choice for me. then anyone in prison can. It takes grit and determination. Sort of. Remember, I was a kid A lot of the stuff you learn on in Isleworth, I didn’t have any I thought the street and in prison can contacts for a gun, so I even- ‘Fuck! Maybe I’m be channelled to good things. tually got hold of a replica I then went back to Feltham gun, which I carried all of the not this guy, maybe to give a talk on succeeding, time. It gave me a feeling of I can be someone then I went around a lot of control and I liked having it prisons trying to encourage around me, it gave me confi- else instead of who others. I ended up getting an dence. I had an argument I’m pretending to award from the Metropolitan with my mum over money for Police, the Community Safety a haircut and, almost on the be’. Hero Award for giving up my spur of the moment, I commit- free time to talk to prisoners. ted an armed robbery on a What made you change in the shop quite close to where I end? How did the book come about? lived and got caught on CCTV Michael Maisey shares his journey of truth and grassed up by a fella I All my mates were dealing Well, I’m good friends with © Inside Time knew who had seen me taking crack and heroin, so I got into the actor Tom Hardy, and he my mask off outside the shop. that, but I loved my own sup- was always asking me when I So, now I was nicked at the ply too much. When I was 18 was writing a book about my The boy with the gun age of 15 for armed robbery. I was a fully-blown junkie, I life, and then with the award went back to Feltham and was I thought ‘Okay’. I got an Which prison were you sent to? put on a detox wing. I was in agent and the book deal. I Troubled kid dared to change his life… and won such a bad way that I actually didn’t really have an educa- Feltham Young Offenders. I tried to hang myself. Luckily, tion, the only subject I was Feltham Young Offenders drinking alcohol and getting lived close by and had always a guard saw me hanging and good at was English and that institute. into trouble. Fighting, scrap- been threatened with it, we got the door open and cut me was because I had a great Noel Smith ping and robbing people. had all heard the stories about down. I was very close to English teacher. I’ve got no Despite his difficult and trau- Then when I was 15, I commit- that place. I didn’t actually death. They got in touch with qualifications, no GCE’s, matising upbringing, Michael ted an armed robbery on a get jailed for the robbery, but my mum and she came to see nothing. On one of the hottest days of was smart enough to realise local newsagent. I was in a gang fight where me. By this time she was a the year I arrived at the of- the damage he was doing to somebody got pretty badly street-drinker. But she told What was the SAS training like? fices of publisher Pan-Mac- himself and others and de- stabbed in the throat. We all me that she had signed up for millan in Kings Cross, A lot of the stuff cided to change his life. These got pulled in for it and me and AA and had been clean for It was filmed in the Andes, in London, to meet and inter- days, though still in his thir- you learn on the my mate got done for at- 3-months. I just burst into Chile. It was brutal, really view Michael Maisey. Ex- ties, Michael owns an estate tempted murder and re- tears in the visiting room. tough, they ‘beast’ you every armed robber, ex-prisoner street and in prison agency in London, he gives manded to Feltham. I was in And it was at that moment day. But I loved it and I’d do it and recovering drug-user and up his time to talk to young- can be channelled there for 6-months on remand that something changed in- again. alcoholic, Michael greeted me sters about avoiding a life of before I got bailed. Prison was side me. I thought ‘Fuck! with a firm handshake and crime and, last year, he ap- to good things. a big surprise - the first thing Maybe I’m not this guy, What message would you give the open face of someone who peared on the show I kicked off about having to be maybe I can be someone else to our readers? has been through a personal ‘Who Dares Wins’, where he Why armed robbery? strip-searched. I was excited instead of who I’m pretending hell but is finally at peace was put through the brutal at first about being in prison, to be’. A door opened a little The biggest difficulty I found with the world. His first book SAS test. As he himself re- Well, believe it or not, I saw a thinking it would give me bit. I went to my first AA meet- was getting out and going - Young Offender - has just marked; ‘I’m a sucker for pun- film called Menace to Society, street cred but that soon wore ing when I got out. It took me back to the same situation come out and is set to become ishment’. I spoke to Michael and what really hooked me off and I hated prison eventu- until my 20s to get completely you ended up in trouble from. a best-seller. It details the about his life. was when one of the charac- ally. When I did get out of clear of drink, drugs and Try and move to a new com- abuse he suffered as a child ters went into a shop to buy prison I did not want to go crime. I’ve now been sober for munity. Don’t give up - change (from an uncle), coping with So, how did you get into crime something and got accused of back, but every time I applied over 11-years. is possible, look at me. an alcoholic mother and an in the first place? stealing from the shop, so he for a job and they saw my pre- absent heroin-addicted fa- pulled a gun out of his waist- vious I got nothing. I tried What happened next? Young Offender by Michael ther; how he drifted into I think I was probably about band and shot the shop- joining a frontline infantry Maisey. Published by Pan drugs and alcohol at the age 12 when I got in with some keeper. I was always stealing unit, thinking my previous I took shitty little jobs, then I Macmillan. of 12 and went on to commit older kids - that’s when I re- stuff from shops, but I wasn’t wouldn’t matter if I was going got my driver’s licence, then I ISBN-13: 978-1529005479 an armed robbery at the age ally started taking drugs, furtive about it, I used to just to be cannon-fodder, but got a better job and… Price: £5.62 (Amazon) of 15 before spending time in

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Within a few weeks of registering my interest in educa- in the USA and Canada earlier tion, I was given a straightforward test to assess my literacy this year. Even from the con- and numeracy skills. After this I was offered a range of classes versation we have over the which I could register for dependent on spaces. These included phone, his energy and enthu- Spanish, History, English, ICT an Art. In addition, Open Uni- siasm is impossible to ignore versity courses could be applied for if you’d completed a Higher and it’s easy to see how his lived experience would reso- in Communication. nate with those on the inside. Almost all levels were catered for and there was a good range Asked what advice he would of topics. This was positive, as gaining qualifications can only give to someone reading this enhance wellbeing and positivity in a prison and a person, as from prison, LJ said: “Write well as being beneficial when looking for employment upon yourself a realistic routine LJ lifting bodies and spirits release. that caters to the timetable of the prison you are in and ab- solutely stick to it. Where pos- I undertook many courses with varied levels of success. How- LJ conquers Scotland! sible, do a cardio routine in ever, as I moved through the prison system I’ve found the choice the morning, maybe an hour and quality of education on offer has diminished. which boosts the heart rate Cell Workouts set Scottish prisons on fire and really helps the mental The contract to run education changed in 2017 (reported on in part - releasing the happy Rachelle Cobain difference in the quality of because he didn’t know what the Scottish Inside Time supplement in January 2018) with some hormones are better than any facilities too. He said: “The exercises worked particular of the education staff (who had worked for the previous pro- medication the doctor can gyms in Scotland are hands- muscle groups or what food vider) moving on or changing jobs within the education depart- prescribe you.” LJ Flanders is a long-time down the best I’ve seen; the served up in the prison can- ment. This change in providers coincided with my move to the friend and contributor to In- sports halls, the spring teen was going to provide the LJ’s ambition shows no signs Open Estate at HMP Castle Huntly. As at all my previous prisons, side Time since launching his weights, the equipment. most nutrition. of slowing down as he sets his I looked at engaging with education. I registered for several self-published book, ‘Cell When you put that down in an sights on further work in Scot- courses from the choices available (ICT, Art, Numeracy). How- Workout’ in 2015. Just four old Victorian jail in London Once he gained his qualifica- land. He is in talks with Street years prior, he was serving a they just don’t have space and tions in Pentonville he was ever, I found that the courses were aimed at those with the Soccer Scotland, the Scottish 14 month prison sentence in infrastructure for it. Those able to provide workout lowest levels of skills. Prison Service and the HMPs Pentonville, Brixton newer purpose-built prisons schedules and advice to other Prince’s Trust in Scotland to and Highpoint - where the in- in Scotland do seem to be able inmates and soon came the The highest level available was comparable to a standard level find ways of giving ex-offend- spiration for the book first to provide those facilities.” ‘light bulb’ moment. “The ers a second chance and gain (SQA level 4 or 5). Having studied at university level at a closed took hold. He spends a lot of prison, this felt like a backward step. In the end I was left stud- time in prison but nowadays They were ying ICT at SQA Level 3. All of the positivity and willingness to it’s by invitation and as a fit- learn from my previous experiences was lost. After a few weeks ness instructor/motivational fantastic and you speaker. More recently he’s can see they are I became disillusioned and stopped attending education. I don’t been in Scotland, at HMP know why the further you go into your prison sentence the less Shotts, to deliver a workshop all working hard to importance is placed on education. on how to stay fit and active make their time in prison, helping improve the It appears a paradox that this is the case. Whilst in closed mental and physical health of more meaningful. conditions there were at least eight people studying at univer- prisoners. The more I can do sity level; in the open estate there were none. “The rapport that I have seen in Scotland the It’s true that once people get to Castle Huntly they can go out in Scotland is massive be- better, I love it up on work placements. In reality, the work is menial and labour tween the inmates and the We all sweat together! officers. I’ve been to HMP Ed- there. intensive (golf courses and charity shops). Whilst it may be inburgh, HMYOI Polmont, possible to attend college or university while in the open estate, employment in the fitness HMP Shotts and HMP Ad- Having never stepped foot in guys started to ask me for in- industry. LJ will also be visit- at the time of writing there is no placement for either. diewell and the relationships a gym before he went inside, dividual cell workouts and I ing HMP Grampian in mid-No- seem to be close because how did LJ end up writing Cell thought if everyone is asking vember for another Cell It seems to me education should build on earlier good work and there’s a real community Workout? for the same thing there must Workout workshop. foundations. If a person has standard grades then progression there, maybe because every- be some book where you can to higher levels should be a realistic possibility. It doesn’t make one is quite local. You don’t He tells me: “When I first went find it all. I was going to the If you are a prisoner or ex-of- get that in London”, he away I had my phone taken prison library or getting any sense that the closer you are to being released, and the fender interested in working laughs. “They were fantastic off me, I didn’t have a clock or books sent in to me but none further you get in your education, you are stalled or regressed in the fitness industry or want and you can see they are all even a remote for the TV. You of them were exactly what I in what you can study. The courses and options available at the to find out more about the Cell working hard to make their didn’t know what time of day was looking for. All the nutri- Workout workshops contact start of a sentence appear reduced as you come to the time more meaningful. The it was and you don’t have a tion plans you couldn’t follow LJ via www.cell-workout.com end of your sentence. more I can do in Scotland the job, so I was climbing the because you can’t get the food better, I love it up there”. walls and wanted to do some- in prison, the exercises relied Prison learner *Photos of LJ Flanders at HMP thing that would tire me out”. on weights or special equip- Addiewell in Scotland during It’s not just the apparent ca- ment we didn’t have access to. The Inside Time team want to hear about your experience one of his Cell Workout Work- maraderie that sets Scotland He admits that his first at- of prison education in Scotland for future in focus reporting. shops, provided by and used apart; LJ has noticed a real tempts at workouts were poor “I asked family members to Write to us at the usual address. with permission of LJ . Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment // Scottish Focus 27 Journey of hope Drugs, trauma and prison

Before I could understand what prison or get any support in any issues they might was, and got my sentence of 15 years, have. One of the other problems is that a lot of I used to take drugs. I used heroin, smoked people who killed, or caused harm to others, opium and sometimes I took pills. But I used are still grieving. They grieve, too! And that’s to go cold turkey; it was one extreme to the not taken into account. So, they are in a serious other for me. When I went in, I didn’t take any mental state, most people are. It’s very diffi- because I wanted to know exactly what was cult, especially for young people, to deal with happening to me, because it was confusing, that experience. It’s so difficult that some fearful, and challenging. It was challenging might attempt suicide and drugs is their short- in every degree. I needed to meet the challenge time relief. They get hooked into it because in order to survive, that’s how I felt. they’ve got trauma they carry and don’t know what to do with it, and on the other side they Bars no barrier to great sounds It is much easier to take drugs in prison than have the system and their new, bleak environ- © Andy Aitchison outside, and it is much easier to get on drugs ment. All they know is that they are terrified than get off drugs there. You’ve got so much about their condition and they need something stimuli outside to keep you concentrated on, to get away from it for a moment. Change is in the air but in prison all of that is denied you. And you have a very limited view of the world and a It’s not programmes we need, but a particu- Prison radio around the world very limited capacity, because they take this larly personal emphasis on support. It’s not a from you. They take charge of practically group thing. The experience of both crime and Judit Hajdu trained not only inmates but quality studio awaits guards everything and getting through the sentence punishment is very personal and very private. prison officers in radio pro- and prisoners alike to pro- takes so long that a lot of people will fall to We need personal help. And I think a prisoner duction and all their pro- duce high calibre shows drug taking. It’s difficult, very difficult, not to or any man who could be trusted by others “Our radio is destined to be grammes are born out of a broadcast to prisoners and a take drugs, because there’s still the trauma, could be used to assist another individual successful. We know exactly collaboration between pris- local radio station. the difficulties people carry with them. These through the terrifying experience he’s what people want to hear be- oners and officers. Their pro- can force them to a world of escapism, so they enduring. cause we’re one of them.” grammes target officers as In Hungary, second-hand are looking for a moment of peace or joy or Tamás is one of the radio pro- well as prisoners. equipment donated by volun- hope and they live for that moment. My message to the people in prison? I would ducers of Bars FM, the Hun- teers served as a basis for say to them, get a principle that’s yours. Keep garian prison radio and he was In Sweden, Radio Fri used to radio production in three It’s very easy to get hold of drugs in prison. All it, nurture it, assist your mind to accept the speaking not long after the broadcast to people outside prisons, with programmes kinds, whatever you are looking for you’ll get things you are carrying. Take a look at them launch of the station in Vác prison. Young offenders in available to prisoners. In an it or someone will get it for you. You just have bit by bit. Don’t go hurting yourself, take your penitentiary, and he was right. state care shared their stories environment where other pro- to find the right person, but it’s easy enough. time, this is a long journey. And when you get that were then produced by grams or activities are sparse, ahead, you’ll be astounded by the transforma- The success of the prison radio radio professionals and made and prisoners have very little I would say that to limit drug taking in prison, tion in your life. No matter where you are, keep stations lies not only in the fact public to a wider audience. chance for quality education, you would need to focus on people early in the that principle of yours and nurture it that these are community ra- The aim of the program was radio presented valuable in- process. The problem is that people can sit for like a child. dios in the truest sense of the to build bridges between vul- formation and a grain of weeks before they get a job, get into education A Listener and Carer word, but that they give voice nerable young people and self-esteem to fight the feeling to the alternative stories in others. For the young people, of being lost and forgotten. figures of hope such as Mu- prison. They also provide pre- it seemed very important to Whatever the focus and the hammad Ali and Martin Lu- cious information to prisoners, share their stories, to make background, all these radio ther King, and sang along to which is nowhere else to be themselves understood and stations share a restorative Ben E. King’s ‘Stand by Me’. found, much like Inside Time. family members were regular take on crime. In their guide- This was all enthusiastically listeners which meant build- lines, they make sure victims’ received by a crowd made up The world’s first national ing other crucial bridges. The feelings and interests are re- of students, social workers prison radio station was set initiators of the program were spected; whether they can and researchers, among oth- up in the UK ten years ago and careful never to ‘sell out’ the actually listen to the pro- ers, all of different ages and has been broadcasting to youngsters, even though their grams or not. Prisoners’ crea- origins. most prisons of the country 24 stories were often very tempt- tivity is nurtured and the hours a day, 7 days a week via ing to mass media outlets. notion of providing for the The show was serious, but in-cell TV. They wanted them to speak Co-directors of Polmont Youth Theatre’s Footsteps On The Moon, community is a strong incen- also tinged with humour and Rosie Reid, left, and Gudrun Soley Sigurdardottir, work with actors.

for themselves and not filter Terris Gordon credit: Photo tive, as is the recognition of filled with emotion. In the If not national, prison radio their meanings through even the imprisoned having end, the subtle lights of the stations can be found in a lot journalism. a need to be heard and under- stage and the energy of the of countries and they are all stood. Radio programmes One small step… room almost made us, the au- slightly different in their ap- Another Scandinavian coun- broadcasting to listeners out- dience, forget that we were in proaches. However, they all try, Norway, found yet another side of prison serve an impor- Footsteps on the Moon brings inspiration a prison. The venue was not tell stories of life in or after focus. The weekly program of tant humanising aim that the focus. Rather, the focus prison in ways that are unique RøverRadion (Robber radio) counteract the image propa- Alice Le Dizes achieve? The actors showed was internal: what it means to in their honesty and detail. is broadcast both for prison- gated by the tabloids and vulnerability in their perfor- be a better man, a better The stories they broadcast are ers and outsiders. They pro- bring people who offended mances; all of them challeng- person. not contaminated by the hun- duce programs that help closer to the communities On the 4th July, Polmont ing the stereotypical image of ger of mass media. listeners appreciate the crea- Youth Theatre performed male offenders. Right at the they come from. It is not usual to enter a prison tivity of prisoners in more Footsteps on the Moon at Pol- start, the fourth wall was bro- in order to attend an artistic In Trinidad and Tobago’s than one way. Creative writ- Most of the examples de- mont Young Offenders Institu- ken with ease when the young event. Places of confinement maximum security prison, ing, poetry and music are fea- scribed were supported by tion. The theatre group, performers engaged in a con- are typically associated with the exciting feature of the tured along with programs National Prison Radio that comprising inmates of the versation with the public. imagery of violence and dis- radio station is that they giving away the tricks of the many readers of Inside Time YOI, was set up in February cipline beloved by the main- broadcast live. All other trade of crime - the idea here know and appreciate as its this year to encourage social Members of the audience stream media. However, prison radio programmes are being that listeners can un- programme is printed on the rehabilitation. were asked about their vision projects like this have been pre-recorded and have to be derstand how best to protect journal’s back page. Although of the future, what changed developed for years now in approved by the prison au- themselves against it. At they broadcast in England As the title suggests, the play their life, and what has in- the United States, and now in thorities. The founders of Halden prison, which is either and Wales, the prisons of engaged with different sub- spired them. It was a moment Scotland thanks to Glass Per- R.I.S.E. Maximum Radio (Re- called the most humane or Scotland are not entirely jects such as dreams, change of reflection for the public, habilitating Inmates Seeking the most luxurious prison, without radio. Stay tuned to and hope. After all, if there are encouraging us to realise that formance, the National Thea- Empowerment), however, depending on the leaning of learn about them in the next footsteps on the moon, why we indeed have a lot in com- tre of Scotland and the took a different route: they the journalist, a professional Scottish edition (November). limit what you want to mon. Later, they called upon Scottish Prison Service. 28 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 Inside Voices The consequences of abuse

Owen Davies - former prisoner detriment of others, is emotion- I suffered enormously from al abuse. Seldom will anyone low self-esteem. I never felt good admit to such an inherent flaw enough to love or be loved or Sadly, in the world, abuse ex- in their character. The abused associate love with sex. I de- ists. In abuse, there must be cannot lie to the detriment of veloped an enormous capacity an abuser and an abused. others, as it cannot be a feature to fail and get hurt in relation- Emotional abuse is often over- of their character. If they lie, ships, and people took advan- looked in deference to the to the detriment of others, they tage of that, which resulted in more obvious physical abuses, are no longer the abused, they me killing a man, a stranger I but emotional abuse can be are abusers themselves. The didn’t even speak to. There was just as damaging to the abused. abused may lie, but they will be no diminished responsibility, harmless lies that are the con- yet the frustration and anger Not everyone who is abused sequence of low self-esteem. building up over a long period becomes an abuser themselves of time, the abuse I suffered in and there are reasons for that. I was abused as a child and as my life, led directly to the mur- People are different. The an adult, but I’ve never, to any der. I was given a life sentence. Unconditional love abused respond to abuse in extent, become an abuser my- © Deposit Photos different ways, depending on self. My sister is an emotional All you hear about regarding the type of people they are. Not abuser. Always critical, always sentencing is a demand from everyone who has been abused dismissive, always dishonest, the public for stiffer sentenc- will be honest in admitting the always angry, her whole life ing. In my view, it should be abuse. They feel responsible, is built on abuse. In my last going the other way. The desire Pets in our lives though they are not. They feel year at university (when I was to abuse others or commit vi- guilty, though they are not. 21), I got High Distinctions for olent offences doesn’t come Animals … ‘the heart of the world’ For many, sadly, it is seen as a few essays. I took them home from nowhere. It comes from a weakness to admit that you at the end of the year and the person we are and the per- I think we can learn really important things have been a victim of abuse. showed my mother. My mother son we are comes entirely from about ourselves, about life and loving, and Or they may not even be aware was proud of me and was read- our experience and our genes. of it. It may have happened Rev. Sharon Grenham-Thompson even find a reason for being through animals. ing them. My sister was home It is not our fault. The abused Yes, even if it’s as seemingly insignificant as when they were a baby, but too. She took the essays from are incapable of choosing. keeping fish! I remember working on an ul- their behaviour as an adult is my mother, tore them up and Abuse is the cause of a lot of still affected by it. In 2016, Pope Francis wrote that he thinks an- tra-high security wing a few years ago, and threw them in the bin. My crime and diminished respon- mother wasn’t allowed to be sibility is not offered. We don’t imals go to heaven. I certainly hope that some- the men there had a fish tank, for which they The emotional abusers are proud of me. That’s one exam- choose to be abused any more how, someday, I’ll meet up again with a whole were responsible. Those fish brought routine very rarely honest in admitting ple of many emotional abuses than we choose the conse- assortment of beloved cats, dogs and furry into a very restrictive life; they brought mean- their wrong. Lying, to the I endured. quences of abuse. friends that I’ve known and loved. There’s ing and activity on those down days when all something wonderful about having a pet. you want to do is stay in bed - after all, they Often an animal can be a best friend: a com- still need feeding; and they brought beauty, forting, calming presence, who loves you no colour, and even entertainment. matter what. Even if said pet wears feathers or scales rather than fur, there’s something Looking after animals can teach us about re- life-affirming about caring for one of God’s sponsibility and patience and communica- National Prison Law Solicitors creatures. tion. Having a pet can enhance our mental www.instalaw.co.uk The whole ‘do animals go to heaven’ debate health, even our physical health, and I would stems from some folks’ idea that animals don’t suggest our spiritual wellbeing too. Because have souls. But when I’m really down, or dis- caring for a creature may develop into one of We have over 30 Prison Law Experts who can help you with: tressed, my cocker spaniel Bruce knows exactly the strongest relationships we’ll ever know, what to do - snuggle up and put his heavy head and help us catch a glimpse of ourselves as • Parole Board oral hearings • Breach of Data Protection on my arm, looking at me with those deep brown people who can love … and be loved in return. • Paper Parole Reviews • False Imprisonment eyes until I feel better. He ‘gets it’ more instinc- Who doesn’t want that? tively than many humans. No soul? Ha! Ha! • Recalls • Independent Adjudications • Judicial Review • Private cases (Transfer/HDC) Although pets aren’t a feature in the Bible (and The Rev. Sharon Grenham-Thompson is a for- •- MandatoryPersonal LifersInjury/Workplace accidents + more in fact, in most of the biblical cultures, dogs mer prison chaplain. were considered unclean and disgusting) there are plenty of positive references to animals. In Forensic Accountants Call us today for free advice on: 01782 560 155 the creation myths in the book of Genesis, God with over creates the earth, sky, sea, and then ‘every 20 Years Experience Nottingham office: Instalaw, 4th Floor Parliament House, living creature that moves, of every kind, with 42 - 46 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AG which the waters swarm, and every winged • Proceeds of Crime & Confiscation bird of every kind … and the wild animals of • Money Laundering • Tax Investigations the earth … and the cattle … and everything • Fees with Legal Aid Funding Staffordshire office: Instalaw, 2nd Floor Copthall House, King Street, that creeps upon the earth. And God saw that • Ex-Serious Fraud Office Forensic Accountant Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1UE “The case settled very favourably thanks in large it was good’. This was well before the humans measure to your report. It is not often that one were made! finds an expert who is so thorough” Client Benefit Amount Riley Moss Benefit Shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year by the Law Society Ok so it’s just a story - a way of explaining the Mr M £783,000 £6,000 Mr D £1,176,000 £18,000 start of everything - but it shows animals at Mr A £2,040,000 £77,000 Winners of Client Care Initiative of the Year 2019 the very heart of God’s world, and they’re de- Contact Waseem Yasin or John Rafferty for scribed as ‘very good’. 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Advertorial The links between violence to animals and human violence identified that most serial killers In the United States, watching horseracing would then have a history of animal abuse and make somebody become involved in consider that animal abuse can be an law enforcement agen- violent crime. But we are interested indicator of future violent offending. cies have identified that in whether activities like these and This is often referred to as the ‘Pro- exposure to animal use and abuse gression Thesis’, which essentially most serial killers have a impact on attitudes towards animals argues that some people start by history of animal abuse and if so, whether that impact makes abusing small animals, progress onto any difference in involvement in harming slightly larger animals and and consider that other activities. eventually escalate to human vio- animal abuse can be lence. However, this basic idea of This study has been commissioned animal harm leading to human harm an indicator of future by the League Against Cruel Sports is often overstated and the strength (LACS), but we are independent re- and certainty of the link between an- violent offending. searchers. As such, we are seeking a imal abuse and human violence re- wide range of views to help in this quires cautious consideration. There of or participation in violence. We research. The study has been are many reasons why children and are also looking at a wide range of granted ethical approval by Middle- adolescents, for example, may harm activities that might be called ani- sex University’s School of Law ethics animals - including curiosity, bore- mal abuse, including different types committee and Northumbria Univer- dom, peer-pressure and even fear of of harm caused to animals in the sity’s Social Sciences Ethics Commit- animals. Not all of these reasons home, such as cruelty to or neglect tee. LACS staff are not involved in would indicate that someone will go any data collection or analysis. on to become involved in other vio- of a family pet, or other animals in lent activities. While the link be- or around the home. We are also in- This stage of the research consists of tween harming animals and human terested in whether or not involve- a survey that can be freely com- violence is widely acknowledged, ment or participation in sporting or pleted online or we can provide and supported by the evidence of entertainment activities involving

© Deposit Photos paper copies of the survey. We also some research studies, it must be ac- animals has an effect on a person’s hope to either conduct some focus cepted that animal abuse does not perceptions or participation in vio- Readers of Inside Time are on the extent to which exposure to groups or to talk to people about automatically escalate into violent lent activities. Some researchers animal abuse is an indicator of, or a their views at a later stage. The sur- invited to participate in a behaviour towards humans. have suggested, for example, that factor in causing, subsequent human vey can be found at the following survey run by Dr Angus violence. We encourage offenders witnessing activities like bull-fight- link: https://sprc.eu.qualtrics.com/ Nurse from Middlesex and ex-offenders to participate in Our research looks at exposure to ing can have the effect of making animal abuse as a factor in other vi- people accept that violence towards jfe/form/SV_6qVigP7j5kRO0YJ University and Dr Tanya providing their views, which will greatly contribute to understanding olence. Other studies have looked at animals is not serious. The idea is If you would like to take part in a Wyatt from Northumbria these possible connections. individuals (or groups) who have di- that the ‘spectacle’ of bull-fighting focus group, share your views with rectly engaged in animal abuse and makes the harm caused to the ani- University. one of us, or are interested in this Policymakers and the scientific and then go on to be directly involved in mal more acceptable. At a much research, you are also welcome to law enforcement communities have violence involving humans. But our lower level, we could ask whether We are currently conducting a re- contact either Dr Angus Nurse increasingly accepted the idea of a study is concerned with the effects of watching horseracing, where ani- search study into the links between ([email protected]) or Dr Tanya link between cruelty to animals and exposure to animal abuse. We are mals are pushed to their limits, is animal abuse (violence, hurt or Wyatt (tanya.wyatt@northumbria. harm towards animals) and human later ‘violent’ behaviour. At its most examining, whether or not seeing, part of making the use of animals for ac.uk). Please see advert below for violence. The research is particu- basic level, in the United States, law witnessing or being around animal human entertainment acceptable. It more information. larly interested in examining views enforcement agencies have abuse impacts on the understanding is probably a stretch to suggest that Exposure to Animal Abuse Interested in taking part in research about the links between animal abuse and human violence?

Willing to exchange letters about your experiences of exposure to animal abuse and harm?

This research has ethical approval from Middlesex University and Northumbria University and we would be interested in your views.

Contact Angus Nurse, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, Hendon NW4 4BT 30 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

don’t know how it feels at the other Cuffed. Cat C prisoner? Singled Cuffed. end, but we sometimes produce a Prison leavers join PPO! twenty-five page report in response How closely do you look at the quality to a complaint, whereas actually of the responses to complaints? somebody just wants to know that Ombudsman discusses processes, plans for improvements in the they’ve had a fair hearing, and want I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the us to give them an answer. We’ve quality of the replies that people get. complaints system with Inside Time - and why it was crucial to em- made it a bit too process driven and Some are really good. Many of them ploy people who have been to prison in order to assess complaint not enough focus on the end result are not good enough. So we’re doing and the outcome. So we are doing some pilots around how we can im- responses more effectively. some pilots with Governors and prove the processes, but we’re also prison group Directors. We’re doing importantly going out and talking to What brought you to the role as PPO? Sue McAllister: “Most one for example in the north mid- the people that complain. Susan- of our complaints are lands region around property com- nah, who is the deputy for com- My last job was working in Northern about property” plaints. Can we reduce the need for plaints, is in HMP Whitemoor today Ireland. I left that in 2016. I’d gone complaints to come to us by getting talking to a group. And we’ve been over to implement a reform pro- them dealt with at the proper level out to other prisons. We’re using the gramme and completed what I set – because I know this from working Prisoner Policy Network, Prison Re- out to do. We had a very clearly de- in prisons that most complaints can form Trust initiative – and crucially fined reform programme based on be dealt with by the SO. That’s the we are about to recruit people from forty-four recommendations, so it person that understands. I think prison who are about to be released was very much about delivering there are too many phases. Some- into our complaints team. We need that. But I knew it was time after four times it’s too easy to say, ‘oh, we’ll to have more people in our team who and a half years; time for somebody send it to the next level’. have experienced prison. It’s obvi- else to come in and take it to the next ous the people who have experience stage, because I’m a big believer you What are the majority of the com- making complaints in prison, who can stay too long doing one thing. So plaints you receive? know how it feels, should be part of I wasn’t working, and I was ap- our team. My view is we should have proached and asked whether I was Most of our complaints are about people who have worked in prisons, interested in having my name put property. We know for example the we should have people who have forward for this job. So I just put my contract for the inter-prison trans- been in prison and we should have name forward, really with no expec- fers actually specifies how many people who are very good at doing tation that I would be selected. I had bags of property people can take on the civil servant role. To get that my interview by Skype when I was a van when they move from one skills mix we need all sorts of peo- on holiday in Corfu, which was quite prison to another. We went and ple. The prison leavers will be work- a surreal experience. I’d had contact spoke to the contractors to see what ing on the complaints assessment with the Ombudsman throughout deliver better outcomes in prisons was allowed on the van and it’s still What I hope to team, dealing with the complaints my Prison Service career. and the other services. So fewer two bags of property. Now I under- as they come in. It’s part of an estab- deaths, better end of life care for achieve is to get more stand there are limits to how much lished scheme called ‘Going For- What do you hope to achieve? those deaths that are not preventa- traction and effect property you can take on a van, but ble – and fairer prisons – prisons if you’ve been in prison for a long ward into Employment’ which is run Well Nigel, before me (Nigel New- that are genuinely fair in that there change in a way that I time, and you have twenty bags, just by the Cabinet Office. There are peo- comen) did lots of really good stuff is more procedural fairness. But im- the practicalities of getting those ple who have been recruited from around improving timeliness and portantly that the people making think perhaps we other eighteen bags to you – we are prison in other government depart- speeding up reports going out – and the complaints have got more con- haven’t focused on. understanding that that’s what’s ments. We’re also working with obviously at the same time the de- fidence in the system; so safer fairer stopping the property system work- some academics to help us under- mand went up, as sadly the number prisons. complaints sitting in a cupboard not ing properly. stand what are the barriers that are of deaths and the number of com- being dealt with because there’s so preventing leading to change. So plaints went up. So my sense when Inside Time receives many letters many coming in. Trying to under- We also make a lot of recommenda- what are the barriers, is it culture, is I came in was that the outputs were critical of the Comp system. Forms stand why we are getting so many - is tions in our death in custody reports it process, resources? Once we un- very strong, so there is a team of very go missing, responses take too long, it because the systems in prisons are about inappropriate use of restraints derstand what the obstacles are we knowledgeable and experienced in- or often not at all. How confident are not good enough at dealing with on people who are terminally ill, at can help the Prison Service and so vestigators on both sides of the you in the current system? them, and I think there is some of the end of their life. We make the on to dismantle them. house who produce a lot of reports. that. I think the system is over com- recommendations based on case- They do them on time. But my sense We don’t get many complaints from plicated. We’ve been talking to other law and the policy and the Prison is that they don’t have the impact women, or young people. So there Ombudsmen. We’ve rejoined the Om- Service accepts that. But how do we Sue McAllister CB came out of retire- they should have, and they don’t is something going on there. It’s not budsman association, because there then make that officer who is dis- ment last October to become Prisons actually deliver better outcomes in because they haven’t got anything are quite a lot of common issues. charging the escort , how do we and Probation Ombudsman. She has the way that they should. So what I to complain about. There are some There are all sorts of Ombudsmen out make him confident enough to say I governed a number of prisons, in- hope to achieve is to get more trac- housekeeping things that we are there who deal with complaints, don’t need to restrain this person cluding Onley and Gartree. In 2012 tion and effect change in a way that doing that make a difference. We’re looking at what we can learn from because the law and the policy al- she was appointed head of the North- I think perhaps we haven’t focused getting rid of the backlog. I came them about speeding things up, and lows me to do it – when all the cul- ern Ireland Prison Service and stayed on. In terms of doing our bit to into a significant backlog of be more proportionate. I mean, I ture says, Cat B prisoner? Double for four and a half years. MASZ PROBLEM Z Why go it alone? Jason Elliott Associates “Locked in here all day; you don’t turn criminals into citizens by treating them this way” Specialists in Prison Law, Parole and Criminal Appeals PICIEM? - with kind permission from Billy Bragg We can attend prisons in Northern England Expert in release from custody ANONIMOWI ALKOHOLICY MOGA but also offer a nationwide service.

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the general population. There are an estimated 3.5 During World War II, the million Romani speakers Nazis embarked on a sys- Whether it’s at school in so- in Europe and a further tematic genocide of the cial care or prison, Gypsies 500,000 globally. This Romani, a process known and Travellers have a cultural makes Romani the second in Romani as the Pora- need to tell and listen to sto- largest minority language jmos. Romanies were ries, it’s a way of working in Europe, behind marked for extermination through your problems, con- Catalan. and sentenced to forced necting and reconnecting labour and imprisonment with your culture and making in concentration camps. As someone who has worked sense of the world around They were often killed on in a range of communities, you. and as a global campaigner sight, especially by the for men’s health improve- Einsatzgruppen (Death Noun. Gypsy (plural Gyp- ment, I knew this on an intel- Squads) on the Eastern sies) A member of the lectual level, but during a Front. The total number of Romani people or one of recent visit to a prison where victims has been esti- the sub-groups (Roma, I shared stories with a group mated at between 220,000 Sinti, Romanichal, etc). A of Gypsy and Traveller prison- and 1,500,000. member of other nomadic ers it very much made real the peoples, not only of the whether you have an educa- genuine need for Gypsy and Romani people; a tion or not it doesn’t remove Traveller people to express Traveller. the need or desire to practice themselves and communicate your cultural beliefs and so- through story. cial mores. There are things prisons can “Once upon a time…” do to address this - in the first It’s good to talk, but for no- Photograph: Courtesy Child’s Play International Ltd Many musical instru- instance make sure all staff madic people it’s even better ments like violins and gui- are aware of the history and to tell and listen to stories. tars are said to have complexity of Travelling cul- originated from the Rom- tures and the fact that Gyp- What’s the story? ani. Also, many dances sies and Irish Travellers are such as the Flamenco of recognised ethnic minorities, Spain and Oriental dances with a 500-year history in this of Egypt are also said to country. And for the prison- have originated from the ers, creating regular opportu- Richard O’Neill is a writer, he Romani. nities for Gypsies and grew up telling stories within Gypsy glory the strong oral tradition of a Travellers to share their sto- ries and cultural food would Gypsy community. Now he’s Particularly as a nomadic per- publishing them in book form, Richard O’Neill Whilst an increasing number We know from other nomadic be hugely beneficial. son if you are prevented from because he wants to reflect his of young people from the communities around the or lose the ability to express People might ask why don’t culture in a positive way communities have had the world who are forcibly settled yourself fully through story, Since Gypsies and Travellers luxury of being able to attend that being removed from their Gypsies and Travellers stop and you can’t do it in written Yokki and the Parno Gry and first came to England and school, many have not, due to extended group has a huge travelling and get a main- form, I believe this brings a Ossiri and the Bala Mengro by Scotland, in the 16th century, a whole raft of issues - the main negative impact on their men- stream education? Many very dangerous form of Richard O’Neill and Katharine it’s clear that storytelling one being a lack of caravan tal health, alternatively being have, but many haven’t, isolation. Quarmby are published by was, and has continued to be, sites. For those without formal able to share stories and com- being bullied at school just Child’s Play, for £5.99 each. A an integral part of their cul- education, storytelling plays municate in your own lan- one reason given for missing Gypsy, Traveller and Roma page from Yokki and the Parno ture and a much-prized skill an even greater part in their guage and own cultural style education, being constantly men are up to six times more Gry. Photograph: Courtesy they used frequently as news lives - particularly in commu- has huge positive benefits. moved on from temporary likely to commit suicide than Child’s Play International Ltd distributors and entertainers. nication and socialisation. stopping places another, but

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think it’s a great initiative,” prison system. Lack of access he said. “I’m hugely im- to computers and digital tech- pressed by their enthusiasm, nology is leaving many prison their engagement with the leavers de-skilled in a job job. They’ve clearly benefited market that increasingly re- greatly from the experience. quires even basic digital They’ve had experiences that knowledge. “I am in favour of their friends would never that,” he said. I thought he have had. It’s such an inter- would be, yet the government esting but challenging job had only recently pulled a and can be very rewarding.” designated £80m budget to roll out the programme across I asked him how important he the estate. “There are a num- thought education was in ber of competing priorities in prison? “I think it’s really im- terms of funding. But I would portant,” he said, “I made one like to see that happen. The of my priorities, when I issue is about the technology started last year, getting out and about the resources. I our education and employ- think it is all part of ensuring ment strategy. I know there is that one, prisoners are ready still more to do, there are still to be integrated, and there are challenges - we need to en- efficiency savings, there are sure that prisoners get more ways we can ensure that time time focused on education.” in prisons is spent the best But what about work skills way possible. We can use and training? “Absolutely,” prison staff time in the best he said, “It’s got to be focused way possible. Returning to on employment. I brought Unlocked Graduates, they can EJ, right, in the garden of number 10 this to the job having previ- be poster boys or poster girls with Inside Time fan David Gauke MP

© Inside Time ously been in the Department for prison staff.” The danger, for Work and Pensions. But a I say, is that they are only focus on employment, be- committed to two years of ser- cause if we want people to vice and then move on to Parting shots… leave prison and go on and other careers. “I’ve just been contribute to society, and not talking to a group of Unlocked Former Justice Secretary calls for commit more offences, creat- Grads and the vast majority of successor to have ‘courage’ and end ing more victims, then we them plan on staying with the need to get them into work. Prison Service, which was sentences of six months or less We know at the moment that really encouraging.” New Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP: “There is still much to do” we have a thriving jobs mar- will be pursued with persis- ket, but we’re not getting as Farewell tence and determination and many ex-offenders into work Since it was so unlikely he’d courage. And that will help that we should be doing.” So still be in office in the next Erwin James deliver a safer and more civi- what’s the plan? I asked. Is couple of weeks there was lit- lised society.” the government really com- tle point in prolonging our mitted to rehabilitation in conversation with regard to Opening shots! Former Justice Secretary David Gauke told an audience The MoJ research, published prisons? “Oh absolutely, this how he planned to fix the shortly before he left office last month, showed the esti- is the key - if we are to reduce problems of violence, drugs New Justice Secretary concurs with the old and calls for ‘smart’ that new government re- mated cost of reoffending is the number of victims then and self-harm that is the bane search showed that around more than £18.1bn a year in we need to reduce reoffend- of the prison system. It sentencing, gives his thoughts on improving prison officer two-thirds of offenders on England and Wales, which ing. To do that we have to seemed a shame he would not training, IPPs and his plan to complete a prison Parkrun prison terms of less than 12 covers the costs to victims, make sure that while people be able to put into practice the months would reoffend, com- police and wider public ser- are in prison they get the hopes he’d outlined in his last vices. The data shows that Once a judge concurred with his predeces- pared with a third of those Congratulating the Grads! given a court order. He said 64% of offenders released Given his staunchly vocal sor that short prison sen- the findings had reinforced from custody between April support for new Prime Minis- tences should all but be his view that moving away and June 2017 after a short ter Boris Johnson during his abolished? Did he think it from terms of up to six months custodial sentence of less election campaign, I had a might mean we were becom- would deliver change. He said than 12 months reoffended hunch that the new man in ing ‘soft’ on crime? “No, it’s this could be done by intro- within a year - almost double charge of the Ministry of Jus- not about that. It should be ducing a bar to prevent the the 34% rate for those on a tice would be Robert Buck- about being smart. I think the courts using short sentences court order, such as a commu- land MP. He was made Lord ‘tough, soft’ language is re- or at least a presumption nity sentence or suspended Chancellor and Secretary of dundant. We should talk against using them - as had prison term. As well as saving State for Justice on 24 July. about being smart. Having been done in Scotland for society money, he said aban- Before he became Prisons said that, you know that my terms of up to 12 months. doning short sentences would Minister last May he’d served experience was as a sentencer lead to, “thousands fewer ac- as Solicitor General. Buck- as well - having sat as a judge. Evidence-led approach tual victims,” and “safer land practised as a barrister When Brian Leveson retired “I believe the approach that streets and safer in Wales from 1992 to 2010, (Sir Brian Leveson, former I’ve set out in the last 18 communities.” specialising in criminal law. President of the Queen’s months - is one that is most © Inside Time He was appointed a Recorder Bench Division) he was asked likely to be effective in reduc- Great initiative skills to help them get a job speech in office. It seemed so in 2009, sitting as a part-time about this, and I tend to agree ing reoffending and therefore Just days before he was re- when they leave. I think there obvious he’d enjoyed his time Judge in the Crown Court and with Sir Brian in that I don’t reducing crime,” he said. “I placed by former Prisons Min- has been a change in public as Justice Secretary? “It’s a became a QC when he was think judges want to use am aware that it is an ap- ister Robert Buckland, (see opinion. I think there is a rec- fabulous job. It’s been a really appointed Solicitor General in short-term sentences because proach that will not have uni- opposite) he had invited me to ognition that if we want to exciting eighteen months. It’s 2014. When we met at his of- they know the evidence is versal support, but I have 10 Downing Street where the keep crime down, the system been a department, notwith- fice in MoJ headquarters in that reoffending rates are far taken great encouragement first cohort of Unlocked Grads can’t just be about punish- standing the challenges, London’s Petty France he was too high - because the prisons from the widespread support were celebrating their gradu- ment but also must be about Brexit, the fact that money is still serving out his last few have no time with which to for an evidence-led, rehabili- ation. After he’d given a rehabilitation.” still tight, it’s still possible to days as Prisons Minister. work with offenders who are tative and humane agenda. It speech congratulating the do things.” The good news is on short sentences. But, there is my hope that in the years Grads he agreed to a chat. He Digitisation that his successor has made it End to short sentences? are going to be occasions - lets ahead it is an approach that was clearly hugely supportive I asked him about the pro- clear that he is committed to The first thing I wanted to say you’ve got repeated of the Grads initiative. “I gramme of digitisation in the trying to do the same things. know was whether he breaches and the breaches are Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 33

with offenders on the causes Prison officers they do so much work to avert the unintended consequences lot. My thinking is that if peo- of their offending. In very many of the problems from that that might mean for the ple are given support that is many cases there will be an are forgotten public developing and of course so system, because as a principle needed to ensure they get addiction issue. So what we servants and I much support.” But you did we don’t legislate retrospec- through the drugs problem or need to do is address the ad- lose many experienced of- tively when it comes to crim- whatever it might be that is diction. Because if you ad- think probation ficers after the budget cuts inal sentencing. Because if you preventing their eligibility for dress the root cause, then over the last few years and start doing that, you’re inter- parole, then that’s what we you’re solving the problem. officers are too. many of the new young of- fering with the judicial process, need to be doing.” And that’s smart justice.” ficers have struggled through you’re really allowing the Ex- serious professional officers the lack of guidance and sup- ecutive to put it’s own view in Keen runner Deaths in prison by introducing a more sub- port experienced officers substitution to that of the ju- The most recent Prisons In- stantial training programme were able to give. “I think diciary. And I think therefore spectorate report described for new officers? Currently the with inexperienced officers it we have to be very careful.” the rates of suicide and self- training time for new officers does bring challenges. I harm in our prisons ‘a scan- is around eight weeks, would say this - I think hav- Embarrassing dal’. What does he plan on whereas in Norway the train- ing a new cohort in also helps But it is embarrassing surely doing to bring the rates down? ing lasts for three years, to create a fresh outlook. And that we have people in prison “Well first of all, one death in degree level with a heavy em- that’s not necessarily a bad on a sentence that has been those circumstances is too phasis on social work. That’s thing. I found that in the Un- abolished and that the Euro- many. It is something that I why I suggest further that locked Graduate scheme you pean Court of Human Rights Parkrunning am deeply concerned about. I Norway has one of the lowest get this sort of freshness, ruled was ‘unlawful’ over six A keen runner, Buckland re- get a large number of recom- reoffending rates in Europe as which I think is welcome. It years ago? “I was on the Bill cently took part in the increas- mendations each year about opposed to ours, which is injects even more energy into Committee that abolished ingly popular fitness craze of the various tragedies that among the highest. “I think the system. I think that is a IPPs, you know I’ve worked Parkrun which took place in happen. So what we are doing it’s a very interesting model. good thing for fellow officers with the system, and repre- his constituency of Swindon. now is bringing them to- Obviously the scale that they and also for prisoners.” sented prisoners who have The activity is spreading gether. We’ve got a lot of in- have is different from ours. had IPPs. I always thought it throughout the prison sys- formation that we need to (With a population of 4m, IPPs was a bizarre concept. It was tem. Does he have any plans look at in a thematic way, Norway has around 4,000 Has he been into his local proved to be bizarre, unrelia- to perhaps join in a prison rather than individual cases”. people in prison). But I think prison, Erlestoke? “I’ve not ble - not just for the prisoners, Parkrun? “I’d love to,” he says. Does he speak to Juliet Lyon, there are parallels. What I been into Erlestoke yet. I was but also the victims, because “We were thinking about Chair of the Independent Ad- would say is I think that I in Bullingdon the other day, there was no fixed release doing it this month, but vari- visory Panel on Deaths in want to get a balance here. which is one of my locals, date - no concept for eligibil- ous things have intervened.” Custody (IAP)? “I do. I speak Obviously I take your point some of the cluster in Buck- ity for parole at a particular That would be one way of to Juliet regularly. She was about skilling up and equip- inghamshire - then I was over date, which actually would be showing your commitment to here in my office only last ping up. I want to enhance the in Leyhill and Eastwood better for victims to come to improving the system, I say. week.” I understand, I say, professionalisation, not just Park, Exeter, Dartmoor. I’ve terms with. What we couldn’t “That is the plan and my pri- that people who cause harm of prison officers but also pro- been up to Manchester, so I’m do, as a matter of principle, vate office is going to come New Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP: “There is still much to do” and distress often have to go bation officers - because getting around.” I then asked was suddenly then just apply and run with me because I’ve Credit: MoJ to prison, even prisoners gen- they’re even more forgotten. him about the thorny issue of retrospectively [different sen- quite a few keen runners in IPPs. Isn’t it wrong that so tences], because as a concept erally agree on that. But while Prison officers are forgotten my private office, so we’ll come they are inside they have a many who are serving this that does create problems public servants and I think together, though I’ll slow right to be safe. “Well exactly. redundant sentence are stuck down the line. So what else probation officers are too.” them down, because I’m built The custody is the punish- in limbo years after their min- could be done for IPPs? Could for comfort not for speed.” ment. Everything else that Jailcraft imum term has expired? Are the test for parole be changed? Opening shots! flows from that should be there any plans for IPPs? “For Again we have to be very The public are rarely given We’ll have to wait and see if about rehabilitation. And it insights into the work of those cases, and there are a careful about that, because if he makes it now he’s been should be about purposeful prison officers, I say. “Ex- number of them, I’ve also got we change the test, what New Justice Secretary concurs with the old and calls for ‘smart’ promoted to the top justice activity and the sort of path- actly. Many probably think of a number of IPPers who are about the test for other types job. I hope he does. It would sentencing, gives his thoughts on improving prison officer way that frankly means the MacKay and Fletcher in ‘Por- in, and rightly so. I’ve got two of prisoners? This is not some- be a powerful demonstration prisoner that we release is ridge’ (1970s sit-com set in and a half thousand now, thing that is straightforward training, IPPs and his plan to complete a prison Parkrun of his commitment to change somebody who is going to be fictional Slade prison) instead that’s reduced from five, six or curable with a stroke of a the negative culture that has less likely to reoffend. There of the modern work they have thousand only a few years pen I’m afraid. So what we pervaded our prison’s wings is a lot of good work going on to do, the sophisticated range ago, I’ve got another thou- have to do is redouble our ef- If you address and landings. with training with regard to of skills they have to have. I sand on recall. So my view is forts. I am thinking about it a the root cause, then the ACCT. (To help identify wouldn’t want a system this, what we have to do is you’re solving the and care for prisoners at risk whereby we were delaying the work within the system to ac- of suicide or self-harm, the entry and progress of getting tually make sure that, problem. And that’s Prison Service uses a care prison officers into the ser- frankly, prisoners who should Justice Secretary Buckland’s planning system called ACCT vice because of a degree re- be applying (for parole) are ‘Keeping Safe’ message smart justice. -Assessment, Care in Custody, quirement. But opening up applying, and are in a better proven and also they are com- and Teamwork). We have got those opportunities in work I position to make those appli- I am really concerned about the rise in the levels mitting further offences, ten prisons who are testing think could really benefit, so cations - either for recategori- of self-harm in recent years and the number of judges are left with very little the improvements to that that there is a career progres- zation within the estate, or self-inflicted deaths in our prisons, and the Ministry of alternative. In those circum- now. So I’m taking a great in- sion path - a sense that prison release. Because there is no Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service are stances you still need the op- terest in how that is progress- officers who want to progress doubt in my mind that I’ve working hard to address this. We are currently updating tion of custody in my view. So ing. Its moving away from through the system have seen a number of IPPs who the ACCT process to ensure that anyone on an open ACCT rather than abolition, my obsessing with process to goals to aim for, so that we are have gone down to ‘D’ and gets the individualised care they need from all of the rele- view is that we look at it looking at the individual. And enhancing and increasing they’re not coping that well - vant teams across the prison. We are also increasing op- through the other end of the getting the agencies to work their sense of ‘jailcraft.’” It back into the secure estate portunities for friends and family to be involved in this telescope. And what we ac- around the individual, rather has to be that prison officers and they’re bouncing around. care. We are rolling out a keyworker programme, which knowledge freely is that the than expecting the individual who feel good about what I understand, I get the frustra- means that you will have a particular prison officer who range and quality of commu- to slot into the process. We are they do, the more likely that tion. On the other hand there will meet with you 1:1 regularly, and provide you with in- nity sentences have not been failing society when we are not they will have a more positive are a number of prisoners on formation and support. This could give you an opportu- as robust as they probably reducing the victims of crime” impact on the people they are IPP who nowadays would nity to talk through things that are concerning you, so should be. So working with in charge of? “We call it jail- probably have had an Ex- your keyworker can help to find a solution. We are cur- the Department of Health and Unlocking potential craft. And I get the concept of tended Determinate Sentence rently partnered with the Samaritans, who deliver the Lis- other departments in govern- We then discussed the merits jailcraft, it’s something that is (EDS), which may well mean teners scheme, and they are testing new ways to support ment, what I want to see is of the Unlocked Graduates a skill prison officers demon- a longer period inside, or anyone in prison following a serious incident. There is stronger and more robust programme. Like his prede- strate every day. It’s awful might have had a Discretion- still much to do, however, and we will continue to priori- mental health treatment re- cessor, he is a confirmed sup- that we have too many inci- ary Life Sentence for example. tise improving safety. If you have been affected by any of quirements, drug require- porter. But isn’t it time, I dences of violence against My difficulty is if I start chop- the topics covered in this interview, speak to a ments and alcohol suggested, that regular prison prison officers. It’s unaccept- ping and changing the law for member of staff, a Listener or call the Samaritans. requirements. To really work officers are given the status of able. But I tell you, I think this cohort, I’m worried about 34 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 Helen’s Law could keep the Westminster Commission wrongfully convicted in jail on Miscarriages of Justice Geir Madland “If I knew where the body was, I would never have done 16 years extra in prison, would I?” Had dealings with the CCRC? Then we would

Former Justice Secretary David Gauke has con- In 1999, together with Michael O’Brien, the man like to hear from you firmed that Helen’s Law will be adopted in challenged a ban on prisoners having access England and Wales, following a 4-year cam- to journalists, brought in by Michael Howard The Westminster Commission The Westminster Commission paign named after Helen McCourt, murdered in 1995 in response to a complaint from Marie on Miscarriages of Justice has is also very interested in how in 1988. “It’s hard to lose a loved one in any McCourt’s MP. Mrs McCourt argued that: been formed to investigate the exactly the CCRC deals with circumstances, but to have them murdered is “Prisoners should not have the privilege of ability of the criminal justice applicants, and how appli- horrific,” Ms McCourt’s mother Marie told BBC contact with journalists [to] publicise either system to identify and rectify cants feel about the process. Breakfast, “but then not to have their remains their cases, for monetary gain or to boost their miscarriages of justice. The By way of example, it would to be able to go and put flowers on, it’s a grief egos and self esteem.” Westminster Commission is be helpful to know the follow- that can’t come out of you. I could say I’ve had now gathering written evi- ing: How long did the CCRC a dripping tap on my head for the last 31 years. Lawyers for Jack Straw, then home secretary, dence. The Commission be- take to deal with your case? It’s far worse than that, it’s a pain in your heart argued that allowing prisoners visits from jour- lieves strongly that it is impor- Did the CCRC communicate that will never go.” nalists would harm prison discipline, and sto- tant to hear from people with with you regularly, and how ries related in the media would upset relatives lived experience of the did you feel about the level of The man convicted of the murder after blood of the crime victims. Criminal Cases Review communication? What was and an earring matching Helen’s were found Commission (CCRC) and the your impression of the process in his car boot, was sentenced to life imprison- I wrote to him, begging him criminal appeals system. For Miscarriages of - did you feel that you were ment with a minimum tariff of 16 years, has this reason, it welcomes con- involved and listened to? What never revealed the location of her remains, ‘please, please just tell me and tributions from prisoners and justice have a truly work did the CCRC do whilst consistently claiming he is innocent. you will not hear from me family members with experi- deciding your application -did Comparisons have been made with Ian Brady’s devastating conse- ence of CCRC applications. they interview you or other refusal to divulge the whereabouts of victim again’. I still hope he will remain quence for those witnesses; did it obtain new Keith Bennett. in prison until he tells me. The Commission has estab- who are convicted. expert evidence or similar, or lished the following terms of did the CCRC inform you of “I wrote to him, begging him ‘please, please I hope one day I will know. reference for its inquiry: It is vital the state this at all? Did the CCRC un- just tell me and you will not hear from me cover any new evidence or again’,” Mrs McCourt said of the man. “I still But, in an influential affidavit, solicitor Gareth does everything it Given that there are serious information, and if so was any hope he will remain in prison until he tells me. Peirce told the judges there was no legal aid for misgivings expressed in the can to prevent of that forwarded to you? I hope one day I will know.” investigations and more than 90% of applicants to the newly created Criminal Cases Review legal profession, and amongst them in the first commentators and academics, Please include any further MPs voted for the introduction of Helen’s Law Commission had no solicitor. Cases with the place. When mis- back in 2016 but, the following year, Justice best chance of being taken up by the CCRC were about the remit of the Criminal suggestions you have on how Minister Phillip Lee said such a move risked those which ‘arrive at the commission fully Cases Review Commission carriages do hap- the process might be improved creating ‘perverse incentives’ for murderers to researched and investigated with new evidence (CCRC) and its ability to deal for applicants. lie about burial places, causing further ‘un- compellingly presented’, and resources avail- with cases of miscarriages of pen the state has thinkable’ pain for victims’ families. able to television and the press provided the justice, the Commission will to ensure there are You should be careful not to best chance of discovering new evidence. inquire into: comment on matters currently The Ministry of Justice claims that guidance is quick and effective or soon to be before a UK court ‘already clear’ in that offenders who withhold The challenge succeeded, with Lord Steyn de- • The ability of the CCRC, as mechanisms in where comment could preju- information may be denied release but Helen’s termining that interviews with prisoners … “had currently set up, to deal effec- dice these matters. The Law will, for the first time, make it a legal re- served to identify and undo a substantial num- tively with alleged miscarriag- place to correct Commission’s intention is for quirement for the Parole Board to consider this ber of miscarriages of justice”. es of justice; them. Currently submissions to be published concealment. online. If you do not wish your The anguish of victims’ families is undeniable • Whether statutory or other those obligations submissions to be published, A Ministry of Justice spokesman added: “The but Helen’s Law will increase the injustice re- changes might be needed to aren’t being met. you must explain your reasons government is acting to acknowledge the par- ceived by anyone wrongfully convicted and assist the CCRC to carry out its for this. ticular anguish faced by families who do not genuinely continuing to maintain their inno- function, including; Barry Sheerman MP have the chance to lay their loved ones to rest.” cence. Only the real murderer knows the where- Please be aware that, while • The CCRC’s relationship with the Commission is looking for abouts of their victim’s remains. include a short introduction One of the first people to be convicted on DNA the Court of Appeal with par- evidence, it is unable to deal and your reason for submitting evidence in the absence of a body, the man is ticular reference to the current with individual cases or offer Geir Madland is a researcher for Inside Justice evidence, and (c) not exceed now on day release in readiness for his release test for referring cases to it (the specific support. a registered charity investigating potential the 3,000 words limit. after 30 years inside. He has previously stated: miscarriages of justice. ‘real possibility’ test); How to contribute What to include • The remit, composition, If you would like your impor- The Westminster Commission structure and funding of the tant experiences to be consid- is interested in knowing pre- CCRC; ered, and contribute to im- cisely what happens to appli- proving the appeals system, cants to the CCRC. It would • The extent to which the please post your responses to: therefore be useful to know CCRC’s role is hampered by APPEAL, The Green House, the history and outcome of NATIONWIDE PRISON COVERAGE failings or issues elsewhere in 244-254 Cambridge Heath Rd, your case. For example, please Our head o ce is based in the North West of England but we provide nationwide the criminal justice system; London, E2 9DA. If you have include details on what you coverage and due to the location of our sta we oer regular and consistent coverage and make recommendations. internet access, you can also were appealing (conviction or complete the questionnaire to the North West, Midlands, London, South West and North East England. sentence), the number of ap- If you have personal experi- online following the link titled plications you have made, • Parole paper reviews and oral hearings • Recall reviews and oral hearings ence of the CCRC, you can ‘Evidence questionnaire for whether you had previously • Removal from open conditions • Pre-Tariff reviews • Category A reviews contribute either by (1) writing prisoners and family mem- appealed to the Court of • Adjudications your own response or (2) com- bers’ at: https://appgmiscar- Appeal, and what legal rep- pleting a questionnaire. If riagesofjustice.wordpress.com For more information please contact Jeremy Pinson using the detials below. resentation or other assistance writing your own response you had. If you did not have rather than using the question- The deadline for responses assistance, why was this? On Freepost HOWARDS AND HENRYS naire, you should (a) state is Monday 30th September what grounds was your appli- clearly who you are, (b) 2019. 0161 872 9999 - [email protected] - howardssolicitors.co.uk cation decided? Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Comment 35

piano-string tight, cut the air in half, closing in round his massive bulk, “Hiya Sue, any luck?” She shrugged. Looking Up Jason quietly waiting for Dearden’s the smell of prison air filling the “Mebbe. Launderette’s after a response. The big man moved slowly room like stagnant water. He had left cleaner, Saturdays only though.” into the TV room, like a rogue planet the prison, but had dragged it be- “Aye… listen, there’s a new fella at drifting through a universe of its hind him like an invisible anchor, the Hostel. Best give him a wide The ups, downs, challenges and triumphs own, a massive body of dark energy grinding relentlessly in his wake. berth, yeah?” clouded with quiet danger. of a prison leaver’s journey “Oh?” Her eyes flashed, and Jay “Any sorts rahnd ere, Jay? Like, tasty knew he’d made a big mistake. Sue “You was in that riot at Frankland… birds what’re up for it?” Dearden’s craved danger, fed on it even, and Some drug dog got its canister bashed eyes flashed, the availability of he’d just pointed her way to a gigan- in…ha ha! Yeah… I remember. You tic ready-meal. was with Mickey Rourke’s mob… Jay. women nearby irresistible. Jason… yeah?” Dearden stepped “Seriously, Sue… he’s a decent fella, closer, his scarred right hand out- “Aye, a few. Best left alone at the Hostel though, Kevin, it’s not but he’s had a wild past, and he’s… stretched. “Call me Kevin.” Jason like…” Sue’s eyes were already scan- allowed.” gripped it - their handshake breaking ning the Hostel, appetite whetted. “Facking ‘ell, not allahd? Says fack- the tension, Jason relieved there’d be “Sue, please, are you listening?” She ing ‘oo? What’s facking wrong wiv no trouble between them. For the mo- smiled and kissed him on the cheek. ment, at least. “Allo Kevin, “bin a all of yaz? NOT FACKING ALLAHD! “You’re just like a big brother, Jay!” long time. Nice to see you made it MY FACKING ARSE!” she joked, smacking his bum patron- through.” isingly, leaving him standing as she Jason grimaced. Dearden spelt trou- sauntered off. Jesus! Dearden sniffed, eyeing up the hostel ble, there was no avoiding it. For TV room as he began to slowly circle, Jason, Overcourt Hostel was like Jason’s heart sank. He liked Sue… tugging off the lists of rules taped to passing Airport Customs before a more than liked her, he realised, the walls and letting them drop. trip abroad- you suffered the brief kicking himself for getting involved “Ow long you bin ‘ere then, Jay?” indignity of it because you had no again. His Uncle Frank was still right “About eight months.” choice. Kick up a fuss, you stayed about him, couldn’t resist a bit of “Facking ‘ell, ah come?” where you were. Or worse. danger himself. Jason turned to- “Single room flats are hard to get wards his long route to Fabkebabs and his grinding night shift washing round here Kevin, and us on licences “Listen Kevin, I’ve got to get to work, pans, a crescent moon stuck in a have to get homes in approved places, Catch you later, yeah?” chimney pot far ahead. With every so there’s loads stuck here. And the step away from Overcourt, his heart

© MW longer you stay, the harder it is to...” Jay left, gulping fresh air as he grew lighter. Work, home, family, “Any nonces ‘ere, Jay?” stepped into a clean evening breeze, were all his to reclaim. The Hostel “Only undercover ones.” the sound of city life rumbling in the Frank Cotton cropped head nearly touching the and its aimlessly circling shadows “Facking ‘ell.” near distance. He couldn’t stand an- top frame. Jason nodded reluctantly. must surely soon be behind him for “Best ignore all that shit, Kevin, other second indoors, the memory “Aye. We was in Wakefield block at good. everyone here’s keen to just…” of Wakefield block rising like body the same time, a few years back.” ‘This town aint big “Where’s the birds? I heard they was odour, the stink of piss, sweat and ‘ere as well.” White Windsor, the clanging cage Frank Cotton is a former enough for the both “Oh yeah?” Dearden’s eyes nar- resident of HMPPS rowed, Jason’s jaw tightening as he “Yeah… there’s a women’s block doors and exaggerated laughter of of us’ down that corridor.” bullying screws. He paused at the was sized up. Jason could have ex- If you are new to prison or have plained more, but to do so implied “Facking ‘ell. Birds and nonces in the ‘PR.VED P.EN.ISES’ sign at the gate, “Ere, don’t I know you?” Jason missed any previous episodes you he was answerable to the other fella, same gaff. Facking mad ‘ahse!” seeing Sue step off the bus, glad paused, Mad Dog Dearden glower- can ask somebody outside to visit and that would set up a power even to drink in the dusty diesel our website and download them or ing at him in the TV room doorway, Dearden paced in slow circles as if in boundary between them, with fumes of the double-decker. He contact Inside Time and request free shoulders brushing each jamb, close a block exercise yard, the walls Dearden as top dog. The tension, waved her over. copies.

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36 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

that terms of six months or less all too often, I believe, under- have education available, sup- Outside Voices are ‘long enough to damage valued by the prison authori- port in job seeking, restorative you and not long enough to ties who see it as a ‘soft’ option. justice, addiction treatment heal you’. One reason is that It is far from that. People stag- and mental health support; people, in particular young ger from their cells early in the plus proper counselling. Give people in prison for the first morning to attend classes the enthusiastic and talented time, lose their fear of being where highly motivated staff probation staff and those locked up. Once they have work to overcome the total working in the system help and been through it they know they failures of the school and adult resources as well as access to can cope. The deterrent of pris- services outside. I have met adult education courses for on has gone. people who learned to read their clients. and write in prison, which is Worse than that, they will have a wonderful achievement but So Stewart and Gauke saw this lost a lot of the things that were left me frustrated that schools and were courageous enough their anchors in life. They may have failed them. I have met to challenge the status quo, have lost their partners, com- people who have written mag- facing the usual press head- munication with their children nificent prose, poetry and rap lines in the usual places. Will and their parents, they will in prison but were considered their successors in a Johnson- have lost any job they had and failures outside. I have met led Government have the nous many go out without a home talented artists whose abilities or the guts? Or will the Johnson to which they can return be- were decried at school. populist leaning approach re- cause their rental property has “You catch them and bang them up, then what?” been lost. As Richard Lovelace “A person with nothing has nothing to lose” © Andy Aitchison wrote ‘Stone Walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage’ but they do make a tomb as hopes, aspirations, families Lost men of courage and life itself are buried. So many people leave prison hav- New ministers need to recognise complex causes of ing lost everything and with nothing at all left. And a person crime and act accordingly with nothing has nothing to lose and is therefore very dan- gerous. Whilst many prisoners Raymond Smith has been on the school role so No one in this study, learn to read and write that this false accounting ceas- or improve their education or es. Then perhaps resources process has actu- get training and go on courses, Two men who have contribut- can be channelled to allowing ally looked at the the reality of life outside is that ed considerably to a sensible everyone to meet their poten- they will find it so hard to get strategy for combating crime tial. And be in no doubt; the offender as an employment and will probably are former Justice Secretary number of exclusions is rising, end up back in exactly the po- David Gauke and former up 50% in three years, and individual and sition they were in the first Prisons Minister Rory Stewart. those getting special educa- tried to find out place; the same environment At the beginning of the year, tional support are seven times with the same temptations and great strides were being made more likely to be excluded; why they have choices. You catch them, bang in shaking up the prison sys- black Caribbean children and carried out this act them up, let them out with tem itself to ensure that it ac- those from low-income fami- nothing into the same environ- tually works to make certain lies three times more likely. in the first place. that those who have commit- ment as before and wonder Yet that is surely why they reoffend. Stewart ted crimes can change their Then there is the actual and Gauke recognised this and lives afterwards. Criminal Justice process. the most important wanted to deal with it. Someone commits a crime; the part of preventing These two men understood police investigate and find out They planned to abolish such that crime is complex. Take who it is; the Crown Prosecution re-offending, to short sentences for non-vio- the subject of our times, knife Service carries out the prose- lent offenders and replace © Andy Aitchison crime. No one can doubt how cution; a jury decide on guilt find out why a them with proper community serious this is. The press and and a Judge sentences. The person got into punishment and probationary short-sighted politicians sim- convicted person will perhaps support. At present close on The schools system is failing. turn to catch em, chain em, ply call for more police and end up in prison which will crime initially? 66% of those having been to It is leaving too many people chuck away the key style that tougher sentences for those keep them locked up, albeit prison for less than 12 months with no hope. However, an will earn him applause from caught with knives. Yes to offering some options for ed- faces all of those impacted. reoffend within a year. This expanded probation service, more police of course, the sta- ucation or even for work such They see their victims. They what seems to be his target would impact on around with access to other services, tistics show how the impact of as the kitchen, servery or laun- see their family and friends. audience in the party, the 30,000 people per year, so the can pick people up and put police cuts stopped the trend dry. No one in this process has All of these are hurt. All of these press and the country? If we savings from this would be them on track. in reductions in such crimes actually looked at the offender have suffered. The feeling of are serious about cutting crime around £600 million per and launched a surge around as an individual and tried to remorse within them, and it is we have to stop the causes by annum which should immedi- Then there are addictions, not 2014 when the cuts really bit find out why they have carried common amongst criminals giving people proper life ately be reinvested in a quality properly resolved in prison - but tough sentences are not out this act in the first place. no matter how ‘experienced’, chances. ‘Tough on crime, probation service, improved and where the savings of abol- the answer. We need to stop Yet that is surely the most im- is strong. But once they get into tough on the causes of crime’. young people, or anyone, from adult education for those in- ishing prison places can be portant part of preventing prison it is soon forgotten be- Now who said that? But that side prison and those on com- used along with quality mental feeling that carrying a knife is re-offending, to find out why cause the day to day slog of munity programmes, support health support. I have no idea is exactly what is needed and acceptable or even a person got into crime initial- just surviving and getting in job seeking, including coun- what percentage of people in it requires a vital multi-agency necessary. ly? We know what they did, through the monotony of the selling, those who find them- prison have such difficulties, approach that can be funded how they did it and probably day overtakes all else. A first selves persistently refused and to be honest many people from scrapping the clearly fail- The problem often starts at why they did it, but not why time prisoner soon exchanges work, and the very important enter prison with no mental ing short prison sentence cul- school, as so many young peo- they veered into criminality. their feelings of guilt for a feel- and very successful restorative health issues but gain them ture. Let us use that close on ple who are ‘difficult’ are ex- Surely that is a vital part of ing of resentment and survival. justice system. This latter is inside, but a tiny cell and 23 £600 million to actually cut cluded as schools chase higher ensuring they do not return to The other issue, and this was where people are confronted hours a day locked up will not back on crime and not pretend percentages of exam success, this lifestyle? uniquely recognised by Messrs with the impact of their crime solve anything. And the ser- the present system is actually and dumping those who will Gauke and Stewart, is that in meetings with their victims vices available due to lack of not achieve makes that per- Then there are the feelings of short term sentences, far from ever going to work. and in many cases their own resources is frankly pitiful. centage look better. There the convicted person. When being ‘short, sharp, shocks’ families to keep and build the Improving the services in pris- have been discussions about standing in the dock, a person are counter-productive, in fact feeling of guilt. on is one step, but outside for ensuring that such statistics just found guilty of a crime Mr Stewart is quoted as saying Raymond Smith is a former should reflect everyone who Education in prison is vital but those convicted but not caged resident of HMPPS HOWHOW AREARE YOU?YOU?

Asking someone if they need help could be what they need to KEEP GOING.

Remember you can speak to a Listener, ask for the Samaritans phone or call them on 0845 450 7797 at any time 38 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

DDN News Round-up Highest admissions Inside Drink & Drugs News Scotland has seen a fourfold increase in drug-related hospital Drink and Drugs News (DDN) is the monthly magazine for those working with drug Stubbed out stays in the last 20 years, Beverly Hills City Council in and alcohol clients, including in prisons. In a regular bi-monthly column, editor according to the latest figures California has voted unani- from the Scottish NHS. Rates Claire Brown looks at what’s been happening lately in the substance misuse field mously to prohibit the sale of have increased from 51 to 199 all tobacco products from Well, the best advice I can offer prison release and will help January 2021. Although hotels stays per 100,000 population, with a ‘sharper increase’ seen in Claire Brown you is don’t let your past define you get back on the ladder - will continue to be able to sell you and surround yourself often via their volunteering recent years. In 2017-18, there DDN Editor © Deposit Photos tobacco to guests, all other busi- with the right people. programmes to begin with. were more than 10,500 drug-re- Gambling gains nesses will be subject to the lated general acute hospital A compulsory levy should be ruling, making it the most This issue I’m going to start We work with many people Continuing my theme from stays in Scotland, the highest placed on the gambling industry restrictive tobacco ban in the with a ‘thank you’ for your who have had (often long and last time on the nature of US. figure since records began. letters. My last column seemed repetitive) prison careers and addiction, I will leave you with to support people with gambling to resonate with many of you, are now leaders, entrepre- some thoughts from Albert problems, according to a report Cocaine seizures in the BMJ. The paper also wants when I talked about the neurs and inspirational Yates in his recent DDN article: Europe is seeing record levels of seizures of cocaine, says the latest to see the 2005 Gambling Act recurring patterns associated figures in our sector. They ‘The Classical Greek philoso- EMCDDA European drug report. Both the number of seizures and revised and responsibility for with addiction - the feelings have drawn strength from peer phers tell us that if we are to the quantities seized are at record levels, with more than 140 tonnes of disconnection and about mentors - friends, colleagues, check unruly bodily senses gambling moved from the seized in 2017 - double the previous year’s total. Fifty-five new the search for purpose and acquaintances - and connected and realise the truth, we must Department for Digital, Culture, psychoactive substances (NPS) were also detected for the first time fulfilment. themselves to support turn to the soul. A soul that is Media and Sport (DCMS) to the networks. These might be fel- cared for will not deceive. It Department of Health and in 2018, bringing the total number being monitored by EMCDDA I will be using extracts from lowships such as AA and NA, will not engage in excessive Social Care (DHSC). There are to 730. your letters in DDN (unless you or local service user groups behaviour. Addiction is a currently 33m active online asked me not to) to help our that you can find through disorder of the soul - a disorder gambling accounts in Britain, Boozy Brits readers understand the issues treatment services, but in all that we can all succumb to if with the extent and cost of UK British people who drink get drunk more regularly than other you are working with. Many cases they are vital to making we care more for the body than gambling ‘significantly’ nationalities, according to the latest Global drug survey. Respondents underestimated. of you have made progress sure you are not alone with the soul.’ in the UK reported getting drunk 51 times a year, compared to an while working with prison your recovery plan. Young gamblers average of 33 times. Participants from other English-speaking drug and alcohol teams, but a He explores Socrates’ writings countries such as the US, Canada and Australia also reported getting common theme was the lack As far as the career path is and concludes that life is The country’s first NHS gambling drunk regularly - at 50, 48 and 47 times a year respectively - while of guidance, support and concerned, ask what employ- about balancing the elements clinic for children is to open this those in Chile reported getting drunk 16 times per year. direction after release, and the ment services are available to of the soul: ‘Appetite can year, NHS England has fear of relapse. you while you are in prison to develop to the point of excess, announced. According to the Is DDN in your library? help you into vocational not because the individual is Gambling Commission, around Your prison can receive monthly printed issues of DDN Some of you asked me for training, work experience, a moral failure, or is in the grip 55,000 children can be classed magazine free of charge by emailing [email protected]. advice on this and how to go apprenticeships and skills de- of a disease, but because they as having a gambling problem, DDN is also online at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com about getting training and velopment. If you want to work are human beings like the rest while 450,000 are regular work opportunities in the in the addictions sector, many of us. The development of an gamblers - a higher number Your letters, feedback and insights into addiction are very addiction sector, using your drug services are wholly sup- excessive appetite could than those who have drunk welcome. Please write to: Editor, DDN, Romney House, experience to help others. portive of the issues around happen to any one of us.’ alcohol or taken drugs. School Road, Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT.

Answers from the Bible Is heaven for good people ?

1 Most people will answer ‘yes’ to this collector (a ‘bad’ man). The Pharisees Heaven is for those who question (assuming they believe that were religious leaders who kept all the there is such a place as heaven). But you laws. The tax collectors were hated and cry out to God for mercy. will find a different answer in the Bible. despised because they were corrupt: Jesus explained that it was the tax some of the taxes they collected were for It has bad news for those who think they collector who got right with God. So, the their own pockets. The two men couldn’t are good but really good news for those Bible’s answer to this question? Heaven be more different. Here are their prayers. who know they are not. The Bible is full is for those who cry out to God for mercy. of good news for ‘bad’ people. The Pharisee: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, The Bible is full of good adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I If you know that you need New Life news for ‘bad’ people. fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ IfGod’s you know mercy that and you forgiveness, need God’splease mercy contact and us forgiveness, for a copy Jesus told a story of two men who went The tax collector (who could not even pleaseof our booklet,contact us New for Life.a copy up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee bring himself to look up to heaven): of our booklet, New Life. A look at the New Life (a ‘good’ man) and the other a tax ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ that Jesus offers 1 Luke 18:9-14

BeaconLight Trust, PO Box 91, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 9BA Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Information 39

Advertorial Preventing opioid overdose with Veterans in prison research The research will conclude with a written re- port and a launch event, disseminating the Take Home Naloxone - the facts findings and opportunities for involved part- Noel Smith ners to take the recommendations forward. Jo Ritchie something you can do about Take Home Naloxone, 2,273 This whole family approach will contribute this… kits were given to opioid users Barnardo’s NICCO (National Information Cen- towards improving outcomes for veterans in- leaving prison and the num- This article talks about an tre for Children of Offenders) is being funded volved in the criminal justice system and their You can save your own life, ber of opioid-related deaths initiative being pioneered by by the Forces In Mind Trust to conduct a needs families in the future. and that of others, using a dropped to 1,212, of which The Forward Trust to prevent assessment of veterans in custody, their fam- Take Home Naloxone kit 6.3% were in the first four overdose in opioid users re- ilies and their children. The research is taking place across the South Any opioid user at risk of weeks of release. The intro- turning to the community on West and West Midlands and we are looking overdose, as well as your fam- duction of giving out Take release from prison. Here is Inside Time spoke to Leonie Harvey-Rolfe, who to speak to: ily, friends and peers, can Home Naloxone kits was what you should know about is leading the project, and asked what they • Male veterans in custody or ex-offenders in obtain Take Home Naloxone therefore associated with a Take Home Naloxone - it were looking to achieve. She told us: ‘We are the community (released in the last 48 months) to save a life in an emergency. 36% reduction in opioid-re- could just save your life! hoping to draw all the experiences and the who are fathers; It is a prescription-only drug lated deaths in the first four research together, all the key-themes, to make • Partners/co-parents of veterans in custody/ that can reverse the effects of weeks of release from prison. Drug-related deaths are at recommendations in order to improve the min- ex-offenders; opioids such as heroin, mor- an all-time high imal services available and to raise the profile. • Children of veterans in custody/ex-offenders phine, buprenorphine, co- How The Forward Trust are More people are dying be- There are a lot of really good military charities (5yrs old and upwards). deine, methadone, opium, helping reduce deaths using cause of drugs than ever be- and organisations, but some ex-military per- *For veterans, partners/co-parents or children to pethidine and fentanyl by Take Home Naloxone fore in England and Wales, sonnel are reluctant to seek help. It is esti- participate, the children must be 18 years or under reversing the reduced breath- The Forward Trust started with 3,756 deaths in 2017. mated that ex-military personnel make up and have permitted contact with their father. ing rate caused by an opioid giving out the kits in HMP Over half of these deaths in- between 3 and 7% of the prison population, overdose and therefore pre- Lewes in 2018. Within a year volved an opioid overdose (for and they are the largest occupational group in You can participate via face-to-face/phone in- venting death. It does not af- of beginning the initiative, example, heroin). Deaths in- our prisons. Veterans in prison who wish to be terview or, for those in the community, anon- fect non-opioid drugs such as the number of opioid service volving fentanyl - a synthetic involved in this research can do so by contact- ymously online. All interviews will be crack cocaine, ecstasy and users at HMP Lewes who were opioid that is 50 times more ing their key-worker/VICS.’ conducted at your own pace and with your full cannabis (among others). released with a naloxone kit potent than heroin - rose by consent. No identifiable information (e.g. was 48%, which is four times 29% in 2017. This may be be- The project has been taking place in several of names) will be included in the final report. We The drug is supplied in a kit higher than the national cause it’s hard to tell from the prisons in the West Midlands and the will make any adjustments needed to reduce that includes a syringe pre- average. sight alone whether a batch of South-West, including Erlestoke, Feather- any concerns, e.g. having a support worker filled with naloxone and nee- heroin contains fentanyl and stone, Dartmoor and Parc, amongst others. present, conducting the interview over multi- dles. Once a needle has been The approach was then imple- heroin users may therefore be ple sessions or missing certain questions. twisted onto the syringe, it mented across our services in consuming fentanyl The intention of this work is to develop an can be injected into the mus- Kent and Surrey prisons. Na- unknowingly. understanding of the needs and experiences If you are interested in helping to improve ser- cle. It takes approximately tional Drug Treatment Moni- of the whole family unit. The work will be un- vices for veteran families involved in the crim- two to five minutes for nalox- toring System statistics show Death rates among prisoners dertaken alongside key public and third sector inal justice system, notify your key worker/ one to have an effect which that 42% of opioid service (especially those on post-re- organisations working with veterans and their VICs lead or contact Leonie directly on 07702 lasts for 20-30 minutes. More users across these eleven lease supervision) are many families prior to, during and post custody. 011050 or [email protected] than one dose can be given if prisons have been released times higher than in the gen- someone returns to an over- with Take Home Naloxone, eral population. There were dose state after the effects which is 30% higher than the 955 deaths of offenders in the have worn off. national average of 12% and community in England and is helping to save lives in the Wales in 2017/18. The kits work and have pre- community. DOES THE vented many deaths There is a big risk of over- already What can you do? dose on leaving prison In January 2011, Scottish pris- If you are offered Take Home TAXMAN OWE When you leave prison, you ons started handing out Take Naloxone on release from are at the highest risk of over- Home Naloxone to opioid-us- prison, and training on how dose and drug-related death ing prisoners on release. In to use the kits, make sure you YOU MONEY? in the first weeks following the three years before this, take it. You have the opportu- release. This is probably be- there were 1,970 opioid-re- nity to save a life. Free Four Year Tax Review cause you now have a re- lated deaths amongst ex-pris- duced tolerance to heroin, the oners in Scotland - 9.8% of drugs are more pure when Jo Ritchie is the Head of these were within the first TAX REFUND DUE? you get outside - compared to Communications at The four weeks of release. In the those that might be available Forward Trust. See advert first three years of giving out below TAX RETURN DUE? in prison. However, there is WORKED IN CONSTRUCTION (CIS) – TAX DEDUCTED?

Do you have problems with drugs or alcohol? FREE completion and filing of Tax Returns (including mutiple years) and FREE appeals against Tax Penalties. FREE Tax Support after release. If so, Forward could help The Forward Trust is a registered charity that supports people who have DON’T DELAY AND WRITE TO THE TAX ACADEMY™ issues with drugs and/or alcohol. No matter what substances you use, if THE TAX ACADEMY™ Include as much information as possible: you want support to reduce down or stop, we can help. Unit 4, Ffordd yr Onnen • Prison/Prison number Lon Parcwr Business Park • Your full name including middle name Ask your Drug and Alcohol Practitioner if Forward services are in your prison. If you want to enrol on Ruthin • Your date of birth one of our intensive, accredited programmes, but we aren’t in the prison you’re based in, you may be Denbighshire LL15 1NJ • National insurance number able to put in a request to transfer prisons. All transfer requests are subject to prison approval. • Employment history “Without the support of Forward and my loved ones I wouldn’t be here. I now see a 01824 704535 • Contact address/number on the outside future for myself, which I never used to.” Former Forward client [email protected] Please advise if you change Prisons after responding.

The Forward Trust, The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, London, SE11 5RR The Tax Academy CIC is a service exclusively for Prisoners and Ex- Offenders and was conceived by Tel: 020 3752 5560 Registered Charity No: 1001701 Paul Retout (a tax specialist and tax author) whilst running tax seminars in HMP Wandsworth and HMP Brixton. 40 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 Former prison learners speak at PET’s 30th birthday celebration

“In my Cat C everything changed. I could phone home and say to my Suzan Nabbanja: wrote to PET with the best letter Mum, ‘I’m not in prison, I’m at uni- “privileged” versity. It’s not Harvard, but my ad- you’ve ever had, because I knew I dress does start with an ‘H’ and the needed education in my life. Luck- Queen has put her stamp on it.’ ily, I got the funding and started a degree. I met Vilma, HMP Wymott’s “After four years I completed a di- education manager - she was lovely ploma in Psychology. I started to run and amazing and enthusiastic. She my business - Syrus Consultancy CIC wasn’t strict but her classroom - which is now 10 years of age. We didn’t have people messing around work in prisons and in Pupil Referral in it. Units and we own a music studio that Image: PET and Jessica Bernard. Jessica and PET Image: provides accredited courses for “I’m still doing my degree and I have young people. When I look at my “I’ve been privileged to visit so many about a year-and-a-half left of it. I’ve journey and I think about the organ- men and women in prison, and I’ve been out for two years now and the Chris Syrus: “I decided early on isations that really have helped me had the privilege of hearing their support I’ve got from PET - I can’t tell I wouldn’t be a reoffender” to be here today, the Prisoners’ Edu- stories and have been able to witness you. If I hadn’t had education I Image: PET and Jessica Bernard. Jessica and PET Image: cation Trust is right at the top.” their learning journeys and their would still have been causing chaos. Education provides that hope. achievements. I look forward to wit- I was a prolific offender, but through Suzan Nabbanja has worked full- nessing and being a part of the suc- education I learned about empathy, “I decided very early on I wouldn’t time for the charity for  years, cess stories that have yet to be about sympathy. be a reoffender - I would make my- making her our longest-serving written.” self and my family proud and I member of staff. She spoke about “Books changed my life. ‘Of Mice Former prison learners, staff, found- would dedicate my life to working what makes PET a special place to PET alumnus Paddy shared how he and Men’ taught me about feeling ers and supporters gathered in June with young people to prevent them work. found his way out of crime with the other people’s pain, which I’d never to celebrate PET’s 30th birthday and from making the same mistakes. The help of inspirational teachers and ever cared about before. To be a thief hear from people who have been at moment PET said yes [to supporting “I never could have imagined that I literature. you can’t care about people - I can’t the heart of our work. In the words me], it transformed me from a pris- would have stayed as long as I have. steal off you if I care about you. of one attendee, their stories were oner to a student. It now meant I But that’s what PET does - it doesn’t “I was a year into my life sentence - “Education changed my life. It’s “inspiring, thought-provoking and matter where you’re coming from and lost, lonely, distraught and broken. through PET, it’s through the Open humbling”. Here are some of the it doesn’t matter what you have done I went into a classroom and was University, it’s through teachers like highlights. It now meant I in the past; PET grabs you with both lucky that a stand-in teacher came hands. And it infects you with a mis- in on this day. She asked me to write Vilma - if it wasn’t for all of you I Funded by PET back in 2004, the could phone home and sion so great and with such strong something that meant something to would still be committing crime - so night’s co-host Chris Syrus BEM re- say to my Mum, ‘I’m not values that you cannot help but stay me, a nice memory. The memory was really from my heart, thank you.” flected on the journey he’s been on and get on with the work. of taking my kids to the lakes camp- since studying in prison. in prison, I’m at univer- ing. That was the first time I’d ever PET fund over 300 types of sity. It’s not Harvard, “PET may be small in comparison to connected with a piece of paper be- distance-learning courses. To “For me, education means knowl- other organisations, but we have very cause now all my emotions were on look at a full curriculum, or for edge, credibility, opportunity and but my address does long arms reaching prisons across there. I could see my children, feel more information about how to most of all hope. When you’re in an start with an ‘H’ and England, Wales and as far-reaching the mountains and feel the wind in apply, please speak to your old Victorian prison, locked away for as the Channel Islands and the Isle my face. That was the activator for prison’s Education Department. 24 hours a day with a thousand other the Queen has put her of Man. And we have an amazingly me - education - and the teachers You can also write to FREEPOST, Prisoners’ Education Trust. prisoners, what you need is hope. stamp on it.’ big heart. who were there.

does education mean to you?” Their messages touched on everything from mental health and Postcards from prison relationships to personal growth and employ- ASN LAW ment. For the next few months, we’ll be featur- SOLICITORS What does education mean to you? ing some of these messages, as chosen by two Anthony Stokoe Joel Binns In May’s edition of Inside Time, we announced celebrating our 30th anniversary. We asked of the competition’s judges - Erika Flowers and Rasheed Nujeerallee the names of the six talented prison artists people in prison to fill copies of the winning John Costi, both artists once funded by PET. Independent Prison Law who won our Paint-a-Postcard competition, entries with answers to the question: “What Expert since 1994 ‘People Before Profit’ Continuing the Fight and Challange Despite Legal Aid Cuts

Straight advice/representation for Male and Female Prisoners

Adjudications Lifer/IPP Specialist Recall Parole Judicial Reviews Mental Health Law Expert Human Rights - European & International

Cat A Reviews Pre-tariff Sift/Hearings

Suite 8, Vine House, 143 London Road, Kingston KT2 6NH 020 8549 4282 NATIONWIDE SERVICE Image: Rhian - HMP Send // Through the gate

Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Information 41

Advertorial cash or terminate the business. you money) as they well be struggling Cash flow tips for cash themselves and try to stretch ● Agree terms of payments with The importance of managing cash flow your payment terms. clients prior to supply of services; Cash flow Insufficient cash within a business is one of the primary reasons a business Is your business a seasonal ● Review your pricing structure, Cellstudy™ in association with the Tax Academy™ fails. There is an old saying ‘Turnover business? particularly against the costs is vanity BUT cash is reality.’ Cash flow is particularly important incurred in providing a service/ Paul Retout Positive cash flow for a seasonal business - those busi- product; Starting a business nesses that have a large fluctuation This is where more money is coming ● Obtain better deals with into the business than is being paid out. When preparing your Business Plan of business at different times of the suppliers and improved payment In the previous two articles I have it is very important to prepare a cash year, and it is important to reflect this terms; covered the ‘Profit and Loss Account’ Negative cash flow flow statement. There will normally within your Business Plan. ● and ‘Balance Sheet’. Cash flow is the This is simply where more money is be a cash requirement to ‘kick-start’ Get online banking! ‘glue’ that links these financial state- going out of the business than is com- your business, and this may take the Cash flow v income ● Control your trade debtors ments together. Cash flow is essen- ing in. In order to balance your cash form of funds introduced into the busi- Investors in your business care deeply - money owed to you - review tially the money that is flowing in and flow you may well have to borrow ness yourself or through third party about cash flow as it is the ‘life blood’ this list weekly; out of your business. funds and, for instance, use a bank funding such as banks. of the business. However, income and ● Review what your business overdraft. profit are based on accrual account- Cash in A High Street shop will be predomi- ing principles, which essentially owes to your suppliers/HMRC etc. to monitor your business Cash (cash/BACS payments/bank Insolvency nantly a cash business, but for instance smoothes out expenditure and outgoings; transfers etc.) comes from customers A business that typically cannot pay its a consultancy business may require matches income to when a product or clients who are buying your prod- creditors as they fall due (and typically you to invoice the client. It is impera- is sold or delivered. Due to Accounting ● Use weekly/monthly cash ucts or services. If customers don’t this will be employees and suppliers) tive that when you first engage with Standards this can mean that a com- flows to forecast cash demands; pay at the time of purchase, they will is insolvent. This is reflected typically clients you have Terms of Business pany’s net income or net earnings ● Keep up-to-date accounting represent money that is owed to the on the Balance Sheet when current between yourselves and that payment can be significantly different from records; business. In the Balance Sheet this is liabilities exceed current assets togeth- terms are properly annotated. the underlying cash flow. This is why known as a Trade Debtor/Account er with a negative Balance Sheet ‘foot- Cash Flow merits its own statement ● Remember … ‘no cash no receivable. It is important to monitor ing’. The decision for the business It is also important that you monitor alongside the Balance Sheet and business’. how long your customers/clients are owners is then very ’stark’ - find more your trade debtors (people that owe Profit and Loss Account. taking to pay, as this could have an Get your tax affairs in order adverse impact on your cash flow. XYZ Limited Cash Flow Statement (example) Twelve-month period pre-release

Cash out 5 April 2019 marked the end of an- Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 other tax year - 2018/19. Remember Cash is going out of your business in to contact The Tax Academy CIC to the form of payments for expenses Opening balance 1000 750 1250 2250 2250 4250 5250 5250 6250 6250 7250 review your tax affairs to ensure they (Profit and Loss Account), capital Cash injection 2000 are up-to-date. There is nothing worse equipment (balance sheet), loans than being released from prison and (balance sheet). Cash from Sales 1000 2750 2500 2000 2000 4000 4000 3000 3000 2000 2000 1000 finding that you have tax penalties Cash Payments 2000 3000 2000 1000 2000 2000 3000 3000 2000 2000 1000 2000 Net cash flow and tax debt that need to be resolved This is the difference between cash Net Cash Position 1000 750 1250 2250 2250 4250 5250 5250 6250 6250 7250 6250 with HMRC. in and cash out. See our main advert on page 39

Koestler Arts Call Out to Artists, Writers and Musicians in Prison

Whether you have entered the Koestler Awards before or have never heard of Koestler Arts, we would love to hear your feedback to help us develop our work. You can either: 1) Write to us/call us responding to the question: How could Koestler Arts better support your creative practice now and in the future? 2) Contact us to request a questionnaire. All feedback will be anonymised, read and considered and will help us develop our work to better support our entrants in the future. Write to: Fina, FREEPOST KOESTLER ARTS Call: 020 8740 0333

Please note ‘Koestler Arts’ in the new working name of the Koestler Trust. 42 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 ‘Getting it Right’ Inside Voices An evidence-led offender resettlement programme OASys … what’s the story? Martin Larbey Data Lab, the interventions that are most proven to reduce reoffending are firstly employment, Neil Wilder - HMP Risley work, health, drugs, alcohol Read it through carefully and secondly education and thirdly accommodation. etc., and you have the right make notes on everything you If you are a prisoner who is located in an estab- not to respond to any or all the feel is incorrect, inaccurate lishment in London or the Thames Valley and Your Resettlement Coordinator will work with The Offender Assessment questions if you so wish - you and speculation/subjective are due for release within the next few months, you to determine which modules you complete, System (OASys) is a risk and can also refuse the meeting. comments. Note what you then you might be interested in an innovative based on your individual support needs. If you assessment tool designed to want changing and the rea- prison-based resettlement programme called have been sentenced to less than four weeks in help prison and probation Many inmates sons why. In some cases it will ‘Getting it Right’. custody or are eligible for release on temporary manage offenders consist- be blatantly obvious what is licence or home detention curfew it is possible are unaware they ently and effectively (accord- wrong. My advice is that you Getting it Right is a programme that MTC, the to deliver modules to you in the community. ing to PSO2205). However, it are being assessed then write to your OMU or company which now runs London and Thames is apparent that the actual Probation to say you’ve read Valley Community Rehabilitation Companies, As part of the programme, you will complete a assessment and subsequent when they meet the assessment and found in- has brought across from the United States, Change Plan Journal which will give you an report is applied inconsist- their OMU and accuracies, discrepancies and where we run in a number of prisons. The pro- opportunity to explore your readiness to change ently, with many offenders items that need to be changed gramme recognises that many offenders need and to develop a personal relapse prevention feeling angry and betrayed at Probation as it is additional support to make a success of their plan. You will complete the journal in your own the sheer ineptitude. before you agree to the assess- move back into the community and Getting it time throughout the duration of the programme not made clear to ment as accurate and how do Right is designed to do exactly what its name and these will be used in supervision sessions Many complain of subjective them prior to, or at you suggest we proceed? If a suggests and help get the whole process of with your offender manager post-release. comments, made-up com- the start of the meeting is suggested, have resettlement right first time. ments, contradictions, boxes your notes ready and your Our experience from prisons in the US is that incorrectly ticked, incorrect meeting. copy of the assessment. Go The interventions that are completion of the programme is likely to in- factual information, unsub- through the points and make most proven to reduce reof- crease your chances of obtaining suitable ac- stantiated claims (by the as- Some weeks later you will re- detailed notes of what is commodation and sustainable employment on sessor) and wording (such as ceive a three/four page OASys agreed and what is not agreed; fending are firstly employment, your release. ‘in denial’) that could lead to assessment from your OMU, then ask for a new assessment secondly education and thirdly legal challenges for those which shows your sentence to be sent to you. If that doesn’t Getting it Right is available to all of the more maintaining innocence. plan, current and future objec- happen, you might want to accommodation. than 6,000 prisoners who reside in a London tives. This is a fraction of the instruct a solicitor and let them or Thames Valley resettlement prison and are Most offenders sentenced to full assessment (which is some handle everything. The programme is a flexible and offender-cen- managed by London or Thames Valley CRC, as twelve months or more must fifty-plus pages) but unless tred approach to resettlement. Typically deliv- well as those who are managed by the NPS, have an OASys assessment as you ask for it you won’t get it. I’m sure the OASys assessment ered in the last 12 weeks of custody, ‘Getting it when they become due for release. part of their induction process However you do need to see it, is being used properly by the Right’ modules address a number of primary because the details and scor- or within eight weeks of being vast majority of OMU/ offender resettlement pathways, including: Getting it Right is a voluntary programme which in custody. However, many ing (based on what you say in Probation, but not in all cases, relapse prevention, social support and treat- you should be invited to take part in prior to inmates are unaware they are the assessment meeting) in the not consistently, and not to ment needs, benefits advice and job hunting. your release, which means that you have to being assessed when they full OASys determines your high standards of quality. It’s choose whether to take part. If you would like meet their OMU and Probation risk (high, medium or low) The programme is part of the Through the Gate to take advantage of this but have not been as it is not made clear to them which may not be correct, as your responsibility to do some- offering, so the support is designed to continue invited, then don’t wait to be asked, but talk to prior to, or at the start of the assessors and supervisors are thing about this. If you don’t as you make your journey back into the commu- your Resettlement Coordinator about it. meeting. You are likely to be failing to thoroughly complete you may find things difficult nity. It includes the following modules, which asked about your offence, your and check content and quality during your sentence and can be customised to your own particular needs: family background, education, assure the assessment. when released on licence. Martin Larbey is Head of Custody at London CRC • Accommodation advice; • Employment retention and brokerage; • Financial advice; • Signposting services for sex workers and vic- Let down by your solicitor? tims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Research has identified a range of social factors Solicitors, like any other professionals, can make that are linked to reoffending after release from prison. These include accommodation and ETE mistakes and you may have suffered as a result. needs, and prisoners in the Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction survey said that addressing these were two key factors in helping them to Dillex Solicitors not reoffend. According to data from the Justice Specialist in Prison Law & Taylor 01324 Criminal Defence &Kelly 614015 Matters Appeals (All convictions & Sentences) Have you had a claim against your prison that you think has 15 years’ experience in assisting prisoners throughout CCRC & Judicial Reviews Scotland with prison law and parole matters. Parole, Adjudication been mishandled by your solicitor? This could be an injury Recognised by Chambers as one of the best human rights firms in Scotland. Recall & Re-categorisation claim, a failure to provide adequate medical care or an abuse of your human rights. If so, Jordans can consider if you have a We can assist you with: Police Station/Crown/ Magistrate Court Representations claim against your solicitor. Registered with All Parole Board proceedings (Tribunals/paper reviews) emailaprisoner Challenges to recall Confiscation/Forfeiture Prison disciplinary/orderly room issues Call our Professional Negligence Team free on: Do Not Hesitate To Contact Lucy Today Downgrade challenges Dillex Solicitors 03303001103 Progression 107b Ripple Rd, Barking IG11 7NY Internal prison disputes TEL: 02085913351 Write to: Falkirk Business Hub, 45 Vicar Street, (24H) 07572086247 Falkirk, FK1-1LL 7A Wellington Road East, Dewsbury, WF13 1HF Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Information 43 Offender Management in Custody Keeping Safe

Leigh Robson-Clark tion officer and his social support their commitment to HMP Ranby worker and arranging prison change. The key worker is phone calls for them to dis- there to help the men foster Keeping Safe - more cuss matters of urgency positive behaviours and The Offender Management in regarding his upcoming HDC engage in their rehabilitation. Custody (OMiC) is being date”. implemented in all prisons Some of the feedback in the important than ever and is designed to make pris- Another Key worker, Mr Hall, early days of our roll-out has ons safer, more rehabilitative commented that: “Generally been predominantly positive, despite these stark indicators of risk and vul- and provide a better environ- speaking, it is a great idea to with comments such as: nerability, of the 75,750 community orders ment for both prisoners and have a direct link with specif- “I see my key worker roughly made in courts in 2018, fewer than 1% (just 458) staff. The OMiC model started ic prisoners to try and direct Juliet Lyon CBE once a week and he always at HMP Ranby in January and help them maintain a included a mental health treatment require- asks if I’m OK or need anything 2019, so we are only 7 months positive state of mind and ment. As many readers know from July’s Inside and I’ve always been OK and New figures for soaring self-harm and a high in, but already we have start- focus on their release. Most of Time, the IAP has worked with the Magistrates never needed anything.” toll of self-inflicted deaths in prisons in ed to see the benefits to being the men are receptive to this Association (MA) to explore why so many peo- England and Wales means we must redouble able to deliver basic screen- and always have time to “I see him every week. He ple with serious mental health needs are still ing, sentence planning and engage with their key worker. always shows concern for my our efforts to keep people safe. being locked in bleak prison cells instead of key workers. The majority of their needs wellbeing and progression receiving treatment in the community. are concerning Cat D reviews, through my sentence.” Last week the Ministry of Justice published new Key workers are our residen- HDC etc., and many have Safety in Custody statistics and, for the first Last week, straight after the new Safety in tial members of staff who sup- things in place and know Although we do still get some time, the Office for National Statistics pub- Custody figures were published, the IAP and port, coach and guide prison- what they should be doing.” less happy prisoners: lished information on drug related deaths. New the MA released the results of our independent ers through their sentence. To ensure consistency and “I think they should be more figures reveal a shattering, worst ever total of survey of magistrates’ views on sentencing The focus of the key worker is standards, the Custodial available and offer more help 57,968 recorded incidents of self-harm in the powers and practice in relation to convicted to reduce the negative effects Managers check a percentage and support in trying to rein- year to March 2019 and a tragic 86 self-inflicted people with mental health conditions, learning of imprisonment and they are of entries every day to ensure tegrate us back into society. deaths in the year to June 2019. disabilities and other needs. The survey find- assigned 6 prisoners daily. the meetings are meaningful There is a lack of direction ings and recommendations show how active Prisoners will keep the same and supportive. and focus on important mat- These figures set out the scale of the challenge steps can be taken to keep people safe. The high key worker, who will meet ters.” facing the new Secretaries of State for Justice toll of deaths in custody can be avoided. It dam- with them weekly; providing I see my key and Health, Robert Buckland QC MP and ages all those involved - from individual trag- consistency and allowing for As most people can appreci- Matthew Hancock MP, in order to meet their edies to bereaved families, sentencers who pass positive, supportive relation- worker roughly ate, change is difficult for duty to protect lives. judgment to staff who have a duty of care. There ships to form. During the once a week and most organisations but the are humane, professional solutions. This sur- meetings, the key workers main focus in all of this has vey and our recommendations set out how encourage men to ‘take own- One man wrote: ‘Jail is not he always asks if been the support and rehabil- improvements in communication and informa- ership’ of their progression itation of the men in their a mental hospital. Well it tion sharing, partnerships between health and plan and set achievable I’m OK or need care. The Offender justice and proper availability of mental health- goals, identifying any barri- shouldn’t be. But it is at anything and I’ve Management in Custody care across communities can save lives. ers or obstacles, and help model is in its infancy here at present.’ with solutions. The key work- always been OK Ranby, but we have already John Bache, National Chair of the Magistrates er provides updates on sen- started to see the benefits. and never needed So what can we, the Independent Advisory Association, said: ‘This report underlines the tence progression and follows Good relationships can only Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAP) and our need to have robust and effective community up the meetings by docu- anything. be formed if both parties are Keeping Safe partners Inside Time, Prison sentences available as an alternative to custo- menting the main points and willing to contribute. It’s so Radio and the Samaritans, do to help? highlighting any positive or The most rehabilitative fea- important that there is respect dy for vulnerable offenders in every area of the negative progress as a means ture to OMiC is the staff/pris- and trust in the relationships country, which is simply not the case at pres- Reeds are pleased to welcome 3 new Prison Law Consultants Just one example: in the Keeping Safe consul- of monitoring progression. oner relationships. Having a formed and that they are col- ent, as custody can bring disproportionate to their growing team: Sophie Ghashghaei-Pour, Nirinder tation you strongly recommended keeping key worker gives each prison- laboratively built to create risks of self-harm or suicide for these people. people who are mentally ill out of custody, not KeyDhillon worker Miss & Emma Hanks said: Gauden. er a familiar face in which to hope and opportunity. We all The MA has supported the recent Community “The positives for me about build trust, receive support in need to buy into this, as we using prison as a place of safety and instead Sentence Treatment Requirement pilots and seeingWe myhave men everyoffices week Nationwide is progressing and through we can their therefore truly believe provide this is the way making sure that people get the mental health- hopes to see this approach rolled out to all thatassistance I can keep their all overNomis thesentence, Country and withprovides our pris newest- forward offices - but dolocated understand care they need in the community. One man courts in the near future.’ updatedin Eastbourne, for any progress Catford oners and with Brighton. someone to listen that ‘one size does not fit all’ wrote: ‘Jail is not a mental hospital. Well it being made whilst in custody. to them. By having a key which is why they are careful- shouldn’t be. But it is at present.’ Justice Ministers have responded positively It helps them to remain posi- worker, they have someone to ly trying to tailor this to the already. Over the next few weeks we will follow tiveOur and seecommitment that we are work and- encourageservice tothem you, to identify does notneeds stop of whenthe men you at Ranby According to Ministry of Justice figures, 23% of up each recommendation and keep you up to ingleave towards the their dock. rehabilita Reeds- their solicitors own needs, are raise dedicated con- and to hopefully providing they will end men and 46% of women in custody have date with changes as they happen. In fact the tion.legal One ofexpertise the men I helped along withcerns unparalleledwith, and ultimately client upcare.This delivering somethingservice that attempted suicide at some point in their lives, IAP will audit progress of every recommenda- wasalso by contacting includes his issues proba- youhave maysomeone experience to consistently in custody.is brilliant. compared to 6% of the general population. Yet tion you made in the Keeping Safe report so that by the end of the summer we can all see what’s actually changed as a result of what you RTXS-CHLX-SYRC Reeds Solicitors - Offices Nationwide said back in October 2017. Plus what changes 403 Silbury Boulevard are still promised and need to be delivered Milton Keynes - MK9 2AH without further delay. Together we can and will keep people safe. We take pride in providing a Our Prison Law Team are able to offer advice and assistance full range of Full report can be found here: https://tinyurl. under the Legal Aid Scheme for the following issues: com/y34abkpg Criminal and Prison Law Determine/ IPP Recall Independent Adjudications Services. Juliet Lyon is Chair of the Independent Parole Sentence Calculations Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAP) FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT Our experienced Solicitors also offer competitive fixed fees Hannah Rumgay The IAP would like to thank everyone for general Prison Law matters including: who has written to us with such good, Re-categorisation Sentence Planning Pre-Tariff Sifts Prison Law Solicitor thoughtful advice on how to prevent Tates, 12 Park Place, Leeds LS1 2RU deaths in custody. What you say matters. Contact our team now by calling 01865 592670 or write to So do write to FREEPOST IAP and mark us using our Freepost address 0113 242 2290 your envelope ‘Confidential Access’. 44 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

The Inspector Calls that these new measures are an I have met painters At the press conference for the launch appropriate response to the difficul- he said: “Is it time, after years and ties that many prisons have experi- who had neither paint years and years of the same faults, enced in recent years. It is of course nor brushes, and clean- same mistakes, same admissions incumbent upon the prison service Prison suicide rate leading to self-inflicted deaths, for itself to respond positively to inspec- ers whose mops were there to be an independent external tions. For too many years this has inquiry into this whole subject? It is not happened consistently enough. bone-dry. Nevertheless, a ‘scandal’ no exaggeration to say it is a scandal. It is clear from the example of HMP they were recorded as People in the care of the state are Liverpool, among others, that the Prisons Inspector calls for public inquiry dying unnecessarily in preventable prison service has not always been being in employment. circumstances.” aware of where there are serious had been underestimated and as a problems and has not been able to Purposeful activity has always been result, many prisons were still suf- The Urgent Notification Protocol put in place measures to prevent the something that the Inspectorate fering from the debt, bullying and allowed the Inspectorate to write to decline of struggling prisons. On takes a particular interest in and in Paul Sullivan violence they generated. The the Justice Secretary about prisons some occasions the response has the latest report, Clarke again com- response to the deluge of drugs flow- which presented exceptional prob- been to place a struggling prison in ments on the problem. “I have been ing into many prisons in recent years lems and, in theory, the Minister pro- ‘special measures’, but I do not have very concerned to see the number of Following an eventful year for the has too often been slow and neither duced a series of measures to rectify confidence in that as a reliable prisons we inspected where there Chief Inspector of Prisons, with robust nor sophisticated.” the situation within weeks. This was means of driving improvement. The were simply not enough places pro- Urgent Notification Protocols sent followed by a special inspection visit inspection of HMP Lewes in January viding meaningful and purposeful Prison Inspectorate following five prison inspections, Bemoaning the lack of accountabil- to check on progress. 2019 found a prison that had been in activity. For instance, at HMP Peter Clarke, HM Chief Inspector of ity and poor response to inspection special measures for two years, and Chelmsford there were 300 unem- Prisons, has issued his annual recommendations which, he says, Following discussions with minis- yet had declined in no less than ployed prisoners, and at HMP High report for 2018-2019. Clarke sums up some prisons have not taken serious- Down, some 500 were unemployed his report in his opening para- ly: “Acting on our recommendations, … I have also seen prisons where Annual Report graphs: “The recent history of many and being held accountable for large numbers of prisoners are allo- prisons in England and Wales has doing so, should be a key feature of cated to wing work, as cleaners or been deeply troubling. We saw once prison leadership.” painters, sometimes without having more in 2018-19 (the fourth year on equipment to fulfil these tasks. I which I have reported) that far too He picks out for special mention have met painters who had neither many of our jails have been plagued Exeter, where staff ignored cell bells, paint nor brushes, and cleaners by drugs, violence, appalling living even when they were not busy; whose mops were bone-dry. conditions and a lack of access to Birmingham, where vulnerable pris- Nevertheless, they were recorded as meaningful rehabilitative activity. oners lived in ‘squalid cells’, a pris- being in employment.” Our inspections of HMPs Exeter, oner in a cell with a previous prison- Birmingham and Bedford showed er’s blood on the floor; and Bedford, Summing up his report, Clarke says: dramatically the need for urgent where despite five self-inflicted “This year has been one of unprece- improvement. Some others caused deaths the recommendations from dented challenge for the us great concern. Overall, levels of the Ombudsman had not been Inspectorate. We have been going self harm were disturbingly high implemented. He said: “More broad- through changes of a scale and com- and self-inflicted deaths tragically ly we found that, as in the previous plexity that we have never faced

Peter Clarke: “I’ve met painters with neither paint nor brushes” © Paul Sullivan increased by nearly one-fifth on the two years, recommendations made before, and at a pace that has been previous year.” by the PPO following a death had not Is it time, after years and years and years of hugely demanding, but entirely nec- been adequately addressed in about essary. The introduction of Urgent Despite the poor reports on many a third of prisons we inspected.” the same faults, same mistakes, same admissions Notifications and IRPs are an enor- prisons, Clarke has found some mous opportunity but are only hap- shining lights which he describes as Commenting on the deaths Clarke leading to self-inflicted deaths, is it time for there pening because of a vast amount of “demonstrably well run - safe, calm, says, in the report: “There had been to be an independent external inquiry into this hard work by many dedicated, expe- professional and caring.” It is the 83 self-inflicted deaths in male pris- rienced and skilful colleagues. To category B and C prisons, the ons in England and Wales in 2018-19, whole subject? It is no exaggeration to say it is a make that happen, we have had to ‘locals’, with a large throughput of an increase of 15% from 72 the pre- scandal. People in the care of the state are dying recruit, induct and deploy more new often vulnerable prisoners and what vious year. Levels of self-harm inspectors than ever before. We are Clarke describes as “worn-out fab- across all prisons continued to rise. unnecessarily in preventable circumstances. also reviewing the way we make rec- ric” where most problems arise. There were 45,310 reported incidents ommendations, changing how we Describing these establishments, he in 2018, an increase of 25% from ters, and following the implementa- three of our four healthy prison tests record and retain evidence, and says: “Staff shortages had been so 36,347 incidents in 2017. Self-harm tion of the Urgent Notification and failed to improve in the vital test reforming our internal governance acute that risks to both prisoners had increased in two-thirds of the Protocols, the Inspectorate got fund- of safety. Similarly, the special meas- arrangements.” and staff were often severe, and lev- adult male prisons we inspected this ing to introduce additional follow-up ures at HMP Bedford left me with els of all types of violence had year, and we made main recommen- inspections, the Independent Review little confidence that the prison The full report is available on the soared. Meanwhile, the appalling dations about serious deficiencies in of Progress, to check how prisons could improve, and the use of the Inspectorate website and can also be impact of illicit drugs, particularly suicide and self-harm prevention were responding to recommenda- Urgent Notification Protocol was downloaded from the Inside Time new psychoactive substances (NPS) measures at 14 of them.” tions. Clarke says: “I firmly believe inevitable.” website: www.tinyurl.com/y4g8efyv M c. IVOR . FARRELL Miscarriage of Justice? Northern Irish Solicitors ASHLEY SMITH & CO • Criminal Appeals (Sentence or Conviction) WE’RE HERE TO HELP Our experienced and dedicated team are specialists in • Parole Hearings Please call us on Appeals & CCRC Undertaking work for privately funded clients only. • Proceeds of Crime/Confiscation Hearings 028 9023 7053 or 028 9032 4565 • Police Interviews under PACE throughout or write to us at Parole Board Representation For both legally aided and privately funded clients NI and in Prisons 129 Springfield Road • All Criminal Defence Cases Belfast BT12 7AE All Prison Law matters including Independent Adjudications • Judicial Review & Human Rights Cases On behalf of privately funded clients. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!! In all privately funded matters we will quote you a reasonable fixed fee - staged where appropriate. • Family Law Professional and approachable we offer a Nationwide Service and accept agency work • Injury Claims within the Prison for Parole Board Representation. • Welfare Issues For a prompt response please write or call • Prison Visits Arranged within 24hrs Ashley Smith & Co, Criminal Defence Specialists

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Miscarriage of Justice? Contact ASHLEY SMITH & CO Our experienced and dedicated team are specialists in Appeals & CCRC Undertaking work for privately funded clients only. Parole Board Representation For both legally aided and privately funded clients All Prison Law matters including Independent Adjudications On behalf of privately funded clients. In all privately funded matters we will quote you a reasonable fixed fee - staged where appropriate. Professional and approachable we offer a Nationwide Service and accept agency work for Parole Board Representation. For a prompt response please write or call 0208 463 0099 Ashley Smith & Co Criminal Defence Specialists 4-6 Lee High Road London SE13 5LQ Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Legal 45

Advertorial The Parole Board Rules 2019 and Exclusion from Open Conditions Darryl Foster This means that something in the in the 21 day time-frame, the decision EXCLUSION FROM OPEN a placement in open conditions nec- process of the review must have been will be final. CONDITIONS essary; or wrong or that the way in which the • Placement in open conditions is There have been further changes to Parole Board reached their decision What about victims? The History absolutely necessary and the need a number of issues relating to the was incorrect. Victims and members of the public Open conditions can be seen as a for resettlement work cannot be met Parole process over recent months. can make a request to the Secretary significant milestone in the progress in a progressive regime in closed Two of the most significant changes Who does it apply to? of State for a decision to be reconsid- of prisoners as they seek their conditions; or include the introduction of the Parole The ability to challenge a Parole ered. The Secretary of State will take release back into the community. • Preventing a return to open condi- Board Rules 2019 and changes to the the views of the victim into account Category D prisons offer a less struc- tions would be manifestly unfair or policy of the Secretary of State to Board decision does not apply to all prisoners. It is limited to the following: when considering whether or not a tured regime in which prisoners are unjust. exclude prisoners from open condi- decision should be challenged. to take a greater level of ownership tions. Both are considered below: • Indeterminate sentence prisoners; • Extended sentence prisoners; over their time in custody. These The changes PAROLE BOARD RULES 2019 What could the outcome be? prisons have a lesser level of securi- • Certain determinate sentence pris- The policy as set out above create If a challenge to a decision of the ty and contain prisoners who are situations whereby indeterminate oners - here, initial release is at the The Parole Board Rules 2019 came Parole Board is successful, it will lead trusted to reside in such conditions. sentence prisoners who had been in discretion of the Parole Board. into effect on Monday 22nd July 2019, to a further review of the case, either custody for significant periods of the biggest change of the new Rules on the papers or at a hearing. If a Both determinate and indeterminate time were unable to demonstrate The ability to challenge decisions being the ability to apply for a Parole challenge is unsuccessful, the origi- sentence prisoners can progress to their manageability in the commu- Board decision to be reconsidered. also relates to prisoners serving any nal decision will still stand. open conditions. However, it is gen- nity by way of the phased release This means that there is now scope of the above sentences who are sub- erally seen as more of an important process offered by ROTL. This could to directly appeal to the Parole Board sequently recalled on licence and How do I apply? step for those prisoners who are serv- often create a situation where the following the issuing of a decision. considered for re-release by the Prisoners should obtain legal advice ing an indeterminate sentence and Parole Board were unable to direct Parole Board. on whether or not there are grounds those prisoners whose release is to the release of a prisoner as that pris- What are the criteria? to challenge a decision of the Parole be determined by the Parole Board. oner had not been tested in open In order to successfully challenge a Who can apply? Board. Should you have been through conditions due to a previous failing. decision of the Parole Board it must Only the prisoner or the Secretary of Parole without the benefit of legal For indeterminate sentence prison- be shown that the decision is either State can apply to challenge a deci- representation, legal aid is available, ers open conditions is the only envi- The new policy relates to procedurally unfair or that the deci- sion of the Parole Board. An applica- subject to means, to obtain advice on ronment in which release on tempo- Indeterminate Sentence prisoners sion is irrational. Simply disagreeing tion must be received within 21 days challenging a decision. This would rary licence can be enjoyed. It is only and confirms that they are ineligible with a decision is not sufficient of the decision being issued to all need to be done quickly; given the in a Category D prison that they can for a transfer to open conditions or grounds to challenge a decision. parties. If no challenge is made with- time limits to apply. experience supervised and then to engage in ROTL if, within two unsupervised release into the com- years prior to: munity, on a regular basis. It offers • The date of the next re-categorisa- a number of benefits, including tion decision, or assisting in resettlement, building • The target date for the next parole links with support networks as well hearing, or as the testing of risk. • The first date of the proposed ROTL, or In August 2014, the Secretary of • More than once during the current State introduced the ‘Release on sentence Temporary Licence (ROTL) Consolidated Interim Instructions’. They have: This document was ultimately incor- • Absconded from open conditions; porated into PSI 13/2015. The chang- and/or es introduced by the PSI included a • Failed to return from a period of prohibition on certain prisoners ROTL; and/or transferring to open conditions. • Been convicted of a criminal Prisoners who had done any of the offence that took place when they following during their current sen- were on ROTL; and/or tence would be ineligible for a trans- • Escaped or attempted to escape fer to open conditions or to under- from prison custody. take ROTL, save for in exceptional circumstances: With regards to the above, excep- tional circumstances still exist for • Absconded or attempted to abscond those not eligible for a transfer to Our open, friendly solicitors working from open conditions; and/or open conditions / ROTL. • Failed to return from a period of in Criminal Defence will help you with all ROTL; and/or What does this mean for me? • Been convicted of a criminal The above essentially enables those aspects of Prison Law including: offence that took place when they who may have been ineligible for a Licence recall • Adjudications were on ROTL; and/or transfer to open conditions, because • Escaped or attempted to escape of something which took place early Parole hearings • IPP queries from a prison or escort. on in their sentence, to now benefit from a transfer to open conditions. Judicial review • Sentence planning issues Whilst there were exceptional cir- This may assist in ultimate re-re- cumstances to the above, the criteria lease, particularly for those who are was narrow. Determinate sentence serving long sentences. prisoners did not have the benefit of Call us on 01865 518971 ‘exceptional circumstances’. Should you require any assistance, Indeterminate sentence prisoners please contact our Prison Law or visit www.hinesolicitors.com were required to be post-tariff and department at Hine Solicitors on: for the Secretary of State to feel that 0121 752 9350 or FREEPOST - RTZU the following criteria had been met: - GXKA - KSXG Hine Solicitors, 558 Road, Great Barr, • Significant progress had been Birmingham B42 1LR . made in reducing risk of harm and Oxford Freepost address risk of abscond such that a further FREEPOST RTHU - LEKE - HAZR abscond is very unlikely to occur; and Hine Solicitors | Seymour House • There are compelling circumstanc- Darryl Foster is a solicitor at Hine 285 Banbury Road | Oxford | OX2 7JF es beyond their control which makes Solicitors 46 Legal www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

Advertorial Progression Regimes Avoid the irreversible impact

PRISON ability to apply for ‘Internal Licenses’ for free REFORM Ryan Harman movement within the establishment (this is to of being wrongfully convicted TRUST Advice and Info Service Manager replicate ROTL for those who cannot access it otherwise and is therefore assessed using the David Wells happened a long time ago, interviewed and is under in- same criteria), and stage 3 you may get the and in some cases decades, vestigation should be in touch ability to apply for extended family visits in when there can be little extra- with the police at least fort- Prison Reform Trust has frequently highlighted less formal settings. Again, these are examples In the twenty plus years that neous evidence available nightly trying to find out if the barriers to progression experienced by based on the stages used at Warren Hill, and I have been a criminal de- other than the word of the charges are going to be indeterminate sentenced prisoners (ISPs), in- expectations and entitlements will differ in fence lawyer, I have repre- accuser, and little or no op- brought. No one wants to be formed in particular by the many IPPs and each regime. sented many clients who I portunity to test the com- Lifers who contact us. Whilst advocating on gate arrested, or charged near have felt have been wrongly plainant(s) given the passage to the end of their sentence. this a couple of years ago, we found ourselves Everyone participating in a Progression Re- arrested, wrongly prosecuted of time, must be very men- repeatedly pointed towards HMP Warren Hill gime should have a keyworker and will be and worse still, wrongfully tally tortuous indeed. Although it can be difficult to where they were piloting a whole prison ap- expected to engage with them regularly. Re- convicted. I have assisted transfer legal aid to new solic- proach to try to tackle some of these barriers. views to consider progression through the many of these inmates unfor- As with any profession, you itors, it can and does happen. This approach is called a ‘Progression Regime’ stages should take place every 3 months. To tunate enough to have found get good, bad and average. If It’s a reminder to inmates to and focusses on providing opportunities to progress you must complete an application themselves in this position, I was accused of a criminal get the right lawyer before demonstrate responsibility and independence about what you have done and how this links and I have been very success- offence, the first thing I would charge, or before legal aid is for those who were having difficulty to your progression and lowers your risk. Pro- ful over the years in overturn- do is get the right legal team progressing. gress is also linked to Enhanced Behaviour processed. Given how diffi- Monitoring (EBM). There is more information ing convictions and reducing behind me. There is a miscon- cult it is to overturn a convic- The need for such a provision is largely a result about EBM in the Enhanced behaviour moni- sentences. But the impact ception that after an initial tion, every inmate waiting to of an ill-conceived decision by former justice toring policy framework. upon those affected is always police interview, a suspect is see if charges will follow or secretary Chris Grayling to ban ISPs with a the same - sheer disbelief, un- obliged to stay with the law- awaiting trial should remind history of absconding from eligibility for tem- Progression Regimes have been developed for derstandable resentment and yer who was present for that themselves that you’ll only porary release. Something was therefore ISPs who are having difficulty progressing complete emotional and men- interview. That is not the case really get one chance to se- needed within closed prisons which mirrored through their sentence through usual routes. tal devastation. I cannot at all. Police interviews in cure an acquittal. If you want as closely as possible the opportunities which You will be eligible and should be considered think of many things that are prison are very common in- to avoid the often irreversible would have otherwise been available to this if you: worse than being sent to deed. Many inmates choose consequences of a wrongful group in open conditions. prison for a crime you didn’t not to be represented in inter- conviction then you need to • Are excluded from open conditions (e.g. due commit. view and this can be the first act. Don’t wait until it’s too to a history of abscond); Despite being the consequence of short-sighted of many mistakes a suspect late. Time and time again I get policy, the regime at Warren Hill has since • Have been recalled to prison following initial With some offences such as makes. If the police turn up written to with the person become a centre of innovation for those having release; petty theft, criminal damage, unannounced, as they often saying ‘If only I’d used you at difficulty in progressing their sentences. They • Are within two years of tariff expiry - though assault and the like, the tem- do, send them away. Inmates trial I might not be here.’ As have been praised in reports by both the In- be aware that post-tariff ISPs will take priority porary stigma of being con- are entitled to free and inde- flattering a comment as that spectorate and IMB. For 2016-2017 the IMB over pre-tariff, particularly those who have victed may be all you have to pendent advice. Make sure is, there are many occasions reported a success rate of 70% at parole hear- had two or more negative parole hearings. confront. Very soon, memo- you have it. when I cannot reverse the in- ings and in 2017-2018 they reported that of 130 ries fade and you just become justice that has occurred. residents that went through oral hearings, 79 As well as being eligible you must be consid- a statistic. In the cases which An inmate awaiting trial can of these were granted release under licence ered suitable. To be assessed as suitable, you don’t result in a custodial sen- get a very good indication of Don’t become just a govern- and another 26 were granted a move to an open must: tence, a convicted person is how his or her lawyer will ment statistic. Be proactive in prison. When we visited, the men we met were • Show you are willing to engage in the ap- more capable of moving on in deal with a case pretty your defence. My clients are positive about the approach and optimistic proach PR’s use - this requires high levels of life without external interfer- quickly. Has there been an all over the UK, and occasion- about their chances of release as a result of the personal responsibility, actively confronting ence or public scrutiny. But early visit in prison? Have let- ally overseas. I can help in- work they had undertaken there. offending-related behaviour, and taking ac- for other cases, particularly ters been sent setting out mates with the following: tion which will assist in your rehabilitation; for convicted sex offenders, what is happening? Have case Three more prisons have also opened Progres- • Have a recent record of good behaviour; and the stigma of being convicted papers been sent? Are tele- • Police interviews in prison; sion Regimes - Buckley Hall, Humber and may never be shaken. It has phone calls to the office being • Assistance after interviews • Be unlikely to pose any evident and signifi- Erlestoke - and now HMPPS has published never been easier to make a taken? Are you waiting for in prison; cant security risk, either to staff or other guidance in the form of the ‘Progression Re- complaint of a sexual nature. days or weeks without hear- • Avoiding gate arrest; prisoners. gimes Policy Framework’ to support this area Historic complaints are very ing a word? Are your lawyers • New charges/postal of work. The framework describes that the common indeed. It’s bad chasing witnesses, pursuing requisitions; If you are an ISP, eligibility and suitability for purpose of Progression Regimes is to ‘re-intro- enough being wrongly ac- lines of enquiry that can help • Crown Court trials; Progression Regimes should be considered by duce the responsibilities, tasks and routines cused of a recent complaint, demonstrate you are • Avoid wrongful conviction. your offender supervisor and offender man- associated with daily life in the community, to but being accused of an of- innocent? ager as part of the sentence planning progress. test prisoners’ readiness to respond appropri- fence or series of offences ately to the trust placed in them, and to ac- If a referral is made, staff at the Progression David Wells is a Senior which are said to have An inmate who has been tively pursue activities and relations which Regime may make further checks about your Partner, Wells Burcombe support rehabilitation’. suitability. Staff from the Progression Regime will make the final decision on whether to To achieve this, each Progression Regime has accept you or not. three stages of progression. Each stage places specific ‘expectations’ on you, which increase Due to the lower numbers of ISPs it would as you progress through the stages. The Policy apply to, Progression Regimes are not being Framework includes some examples of these run in women’s prisons, but a ‘Progression SOLICITORS based on those at Warren Hill. For example, at Approach’ can be taken in any women’s prison wellsburcombe stage 1 you might be expected to comply with to help reduce risks whilst in closed an induction assessment and develop an indi- conditions. LEGAL AID / PRIVATE REPRESENTATION / NATIONWIDE SERVICE vidual development plan, at stage 2 you might have to undertake peer mentoring training and Herts, Beds, Bucks, Essex London & Thames Valley, Appointment only You can contact the Prison Reform Trust’s advice at stage 3 you might be expected to act as a Kent, Surrey representative for external agencies and ac- team at FREEPOST ND6125 London EC1B 1PN. tively promote the progression regime ethos. Our free information line is open 3.30pm-5.30pm 5 Holywell Hill, St Albans, 4 Britannia Court, The Green 13 Halstead Road, on Monday and Thursday, and 10.30am- Hertfordshire AL1 1EU. West Drayton, Middlesex Wanstead, In return, each stage also comes with associ- 12.30pm on Wednesday. The number is 0808 Tel: 01727 840900 UB7 7PN. Tel: 01895 449288 London E11 2AY. ated ‘entitlements’ which increase through the 802 0060 and does not need to be put on your stages - for example, at stage 1 you may have pin. Please note, the above article focusses on access to a study area or virtual campus; stage prisons in England and Wales and may not apply www.wellsburcombe.co.uk 2 might include access to a shop onsite and the elsewhere. Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Legal 47

Advertorial RIPA s17 - the prohibition & asking questions that the defence were not in possession of cer- Section 17 prevents any questions being asked tain facts and materials which may have assist- FOREIGN INTERCEPTS about the lawfulness of an intercept operation. ed them in an application to exclude the mate- It is possible however to challenge whether the rial - i.e. even though it was admissible, to conditions are in place for a non-RIPA intercept exclude it anyway on grounds of fairness. This Challenging admissibility to become evidence, i.e. an overseas intercept is often the basis for any exclusion applications - is it really non-RIPA, if it is, then is the inter- - first submission: the material cannot be admit- inal investigations. It is not known what this ception lawful in human rights terms; was the ted, second; if it can, then it shouldn’t, applying will be replaced with when the UK exits the EU. foreign interception properly authorised, are s78 of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Jonathan Lennon Section 1(4) of RIPA applies to ‘international their systems human rights compliant etc etc? That second limb persuaded the Appeal Court and Aziz Rahman agreements’- e.g. the EU convention. It provides This was established in Att.-Gen.’s Reference that had the proper PII and disclosure provi- that where such an agreement is in place, the (No. 5 of 2002), 4 ALL ER 901. sions been applied as set out in R v H & C [2004] Home Secretary must not issue any request for 2 AC 134 (the authors acted for H in this leading It is well known that material gathered from assistance to another country without ‘lawful R v Herbert Austin & Ors [2009] EWCA Crim 1527, case) things may have been different. Therefore intercepted phone calls cannot become evi- authority’. Lawful authority here means the 23/7/09 is a case which is of interest. It was an the Court decided that the material ought to be dence in a criminal trial in this country. In fact Home Secretary must issue an interception war- appeal from Winchester Crown Court of defend- evaluated with that question in mind and that s17 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act rant under s5(1), prior to any request for mutual ants charged with drug trafficking offences. The evaluation would have to be carried out by a 2000 (“RIPA”) provides that it is unlawful even assistance. So if you are now awaiting trial in British authorities had been conducting surveil- Special Counsel instructed to review the mate- to ask questions in court about the existence of this country and the evidence is based upon lance on a suspect and were aware that he was rial and decide how much could be disclosed to intercept material. The reason is to avoid the material intercepted overseas in an EU country flying to Columbia. They informed the the defence so that they could ably put forward general public learning of the authorities’ capa- (and you were in that country at the time) the Columbian authorities, who also placed him their exclusion argument. bilities when it comes to interception. This pro- first question must be … ‘who ordered the inter- under surveillance. This surveillance included ception?’ … the British or the other State? hibition must surely end one of these days - phone intercepts. That material was provided to Jonathan Lennon is a Barrister specialising in seri- many prosecutors feel frustrated that they can- the British authorities. The Crown then applied ous and complex criminal defence cases at Interceptions abroad - initiated by the British not use such material; equally, many defend- to adduce the material before the jury at the Carmelite Chambers, London. He has extensive authorities ants feel that the Crown have in their possession subsequent trial. The defence resisted and relied experience in all aspects of financial and serious Say, for example, that the UK police are investi- material that may assist their defence. on expert evidence to suggest that the calls were crime and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He is gating a suspect who is a British national but actually intercepted in this country and not in ranked by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Ptnrs The starting point - RIPA based overseas in an EU country. The police Columbia (in which case s17 would apply). The specialist POCA and Financial Crime sections as a In fact RIPA does not prohibit all intercept mate- want to listen to his phone calls but need the Judge heard evidence on this topic and also ‘leading barrister’; ‘he is capable of grasping issues rial from disclosure and use. In 2006, a Turkish assistance of that country’s authorities. Then, heard from the Crown in a Public Interest at short notice despite voluminous and complex national was convicted as a ringleader in a huge in that case s1(4) applies and the first step is for Immunity application - i.e. where the defence obstacles’. ‘His easy-going manner makes him ‘people smuggling’ operation. The police had the police to get the Home Secretary to issue a are excluded from Court. This procedure formed popular with clients and juries. This is backed up intercept material from Belgium and the CPS warrant and then ask the Member State for assis- part of the challenge in the Court of Appeal. The with real determination’. (2019). made it known that the material could only have tance, as RIPA now specifically recognises the trial Judge found that the recordings were made been admissible because it was obtained by EU wide Convention on Mutual Assistance. in Columbia, not the UK, and ruled the material Aziz Rahman is a Solicitor-Advocate and Partner overseas law enforcement agencies. What then admissible, at the leading Criminal Defence firm Rahman is the law in this situation? Assuming though that RIPA is properly engaged, Ravelli Solicitors, specialising in Human Rights, because the British police had asked the over- The Appeal Court, having considered the PII Financial Crime and Large Scale Conspiracies/ Interception warrants seas EU State for help and did use the s5 warrant material, found that it would have made no dif- Serious crime. Rahman Ravelli are members of the The starting point is that under s1(1) of RIPA it procedure, then s17 is firmly engaged as well - in ference had the defence had sight of that mate- Specialist Fraud Panel and have recently been is an offence to intercept any telecommunica- fact s17(2)(b) specifically relates to international rial and therefore it would not have assisted in ranked by Legal 500 as an ‘excellent’ firm with tions or postal communications in the UK unless mutual assistance requests. Thus, it would be any s17 arguments. However, the Court found Aziz Rahman being described as ‘first class and it is done with ‘lawful authority’. ‘Lawful unlawful for that intercepted material to go very experienced’. authority’ requires (in most cases) that an inter- before the jury. It would be for intelligence pur- ception warrant is issued by the Home Secretary poses only. under s5 of the Act. Warrants however are not granted easily; the suspect’s right to privacy Interceptions abroad - initiated by an EU A leading firm under Article 8 of the European Convention on authority Human Rights has to be considered and the If, on the other hand, the British police have not offering the interference must be ‘proportionate’ and ‘nec- instigated the interception then RIPA might not essary’. This is a recognition of how serious the be relevant and s17 would not bite. This though strongest legal breach of privacy is; listening to ‘phone calls is does not mean that the material is automatical- representation clearly extremely intrusive and should never ly admissible as evidence; as some may think. become a matter of routine. There should at that stage be consideration given to legal argument for the exclusion of that to those being In R v P [2001] 2 WLR 463, the House of Lords material. This would be an enhanced version of investigated considered the predecessor to s17 of RIPA, s9 of the Aujila arguments mentioned above. For the Interception of Communications Act 1985 example, just because RIPA does not apply does or prosecuted (IOCA). It found that the 1985 Act applied only not mean the Human Rights Act does not apply to intercepts in the UK. The Court followed the - questions would arise such as why was the in serious and earlier case of R v Aujila, Times Law Reps, intercept authorised, is the procedure in the 24/11/97. In that case, the Dutch authorities authorising country compliant with the complex crime cases. intercepted calls between a person in this coun- Convention on Human Rights, and so on. try and a person in Holland, without the knowl- However, just because material is gained unlaw- edge of the British police. The Court found that fully does not mean it is inadmissible. the interception of calls by tapping a line in Unlawfully obtained material may be kept from Holland was not a breach of IOCA. The issue the jury, depending on the type of breach of the then for the Court was should the evidence be rules and the unfairness caused - only where s17 admitted, not can the evidence be admitted. The is involved is there a definitive stay on the use • Specialists in defending cases • Expertise in arguing admissibility of Court held that the trial Judge had to take into of intercept material. involving large-scale police operations. evidence, abuse of process, disclosure account the circumstances in which the mate- and public interest immunity. rial was obtained. That discretion included con- Furthermore, there are additional arguments • Experienced defenders in Regulation siderable weight to be attached to the suspect’s about voice attribution; voices are not like fin- of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) • Our reputation ensures the very best right to privacy as guaranteed by Article 8. All gerprints or DNA - it is an inexact science. In R cases involving informants, undercover experts represent our clients. these cases of course are pre-RIPA. Today, the v O’Doherty [2003] 1 Cr. App. R 5 it was held that, police, surveillance and interception of • We have helped shape the law. European Convention has fuller effect since in the present state of scientific knowledge, no communications. implementation, in October 2000, of the Human prosecution should be brought where the iden- Rights Act 1998. tification evidence relied solely on what is called the ‘auditory method’ (dialect/accent) of voice Roma House, 59 Pellon 36 Whitefriars 3 Brindley Place, Lane, Halifax, West Street, London, Birmingham, West Mutual assistance attribution, there should also be ‘acoustic anal- Yorkshire HX1 5BE EC4Y 8BQ Midlands, B1 2JB Since May 2000, the UK has been a party to the ysis’, unless the voices concerned all related to Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal a closed group of known individuals; see also Tel: 01422 346666 Tel: 0203 947 1539 Tel: 0121 206 2287 Matters between the Member States of the EU. R v Flynn & St. John [2008] 2 Cr. App. R (20) CA This requires EU States to co-operate with each - followed in Karsten v Wood Green Crown Court www.rahmanravelli.co.uk / [email protected] Nationwide Service other and provide assistance in respect of crim- [2014] EWHC 2900 (Admin). 48 Legal Insidetime August 2019 Coercive Control and the Sally Challen Case

In February 2019 a woman In Sally Challen’s case, when overturned and replaced (in Sally Challen’s legal team ar- case, questions about coercive called Sally Challen had her the Court of Appeal quashed his case without a retrial) with gued her appeal largely on the control are clearly relevant if conviction for murdering her her murder conviction they manslaughter on the grounds basis of new evidence from a a recognised mental health husband overturned in the decided that there should be of diminished responsibility. consultant forensic psychia- condition (such as those suf- Court of Appeal. It was the first a retrial. In June 2019, ahead Marine A was released from trist. That expert evidence was fered by Sally Challen at the time that expert evidence of the retrial, the Crown ac- prison shortly after. in relation to the diagnosis in time of the killing) was caused about the impact of ‘coercive cepted a plea of guilty to man- Sally Challen of personality or made worse by coercive control’ appears to have slaughter on the grounds of Mrs Challen’s was not a CCRC disorder and a severe mood controlling behaviour of the played a part in the Court of diminished responsibility; case, but it is one that we, and disorder, and on relevance of murder victim. Appeals coercive control in relation to Appeal quashing a Sally Challen was sentenced many others, have been a person who suffers from It may well be that there are conviction. to time already served and re- watching with great interest The Criminal Cases Review leased from prison. as it is the first case of its kind disorders. cases where the modern un- derstanding of the impact of Commission (CCRC) is the Coercive control is a type of where coercive control ap- It is clear from the Court of coercive controlling behaviour publicly funded body abusive behaviour that in- Diminished responsibility is pears to have played some role responsible for investigat- what is known as a partial de- in overturning a conviction. Appeal’s written judgments in - which is still a relatively new volves coercion, intimidation, the case that they overturned thing in law - sheds new light ing alleged miscarriages emotional manipulation, deg- fence to murder; it basically of justice in England and means that, because of other the conviction on the basis of on older murder cases where radation, isolation and Coercive control Wales. They are the only factors relating to the defend- the new diagnosis that Mrs a person has killed their abus- control. body with the power to ant’s state of mind at the time, is a type of abusive Challen was suffering from at er, by changing the under- send a case back to the they are only partly responsi- the time of the killing. The standing of that person’s men- Examples of coercive con- behaviour that courts for a second appeal. ble for the killing. It essentially judgment does not express any tal health at the time. trolling behaviour include: reduces a killing from murder involves coercion, view on whether they thought day-to-day control of who Sally Challen had been the It may be that there are cases In this regular column to manslaughter. The sentence victim of coercive controlling where diminished responsibil- they answer questions someone can see, how and is therefore usually quite a lot intimidation, behaviour by her husband or, ity was argued unsuccessfully about what they do and when they can see other people less and can come without the emotional manip- more widely about if she had, whether it dimin- at the trial or appeal and the and how they take part in nor- strict conditions that go with miscarriages of justice. ished her responsibility for previously unexplored area of mal daily life, isolating some- a life sentence for murder; like ulation, degrada- killing him – those would have coercive control could make one from their family and no opportunity for early re- The CCRC apologises tion, isolation and been questions for the jury had things look different now. friends, controlling their fi- lease and eventual release but is unable to answer the retrial taken place. nances, threatening or intim- only on life licence. You might control. questions relating to As always, criminal cases are idating them or using physical remember the case of individual cases. It seems that, in this case at what lawyers like to call ‘fact and sexual violence. Sally Alexander Blackman (aka That is why we at the CCRC are least, coercive control was rel- specific’, i.e. they are all dif- Challen had suffered years of Send your Appeal Marine A), where the CCRC keen to understand how the evant because it was combined ferent and depend on the spe- coercive controlling behaviour Queries to: ‘CCRC Q&A’ referred his murder conviction Court’s decision might have with an expert’s diagnosis of cific facts in each individual by her husband, but such abu- Inside Time, Botley Mills, on the basis that expert psy- an impact on other cases - of personality and mood disor- case. The Challen case was Botley, Southampton, sive behaviour is not restricted chiatric evidence suggested women or men - where coer- ders; it is clear that if coercive decided on its own very spe- Hampshire SO30 2GB. to husbands on wives or men diminished responsibility. His cive control may be relevant control had been the ground cific facts, so it does not pro- on women. murder conviction was to a conviction. In fact, we are of appeal by itself, the appeal vide a simple method for spot- looking back at a number of would have failed. ting other cases where the new old murder cases that we were and developing area of coer- unable to refer for appeal to So what does this mean for cive control might be check whether this develop- potential applicants to the relevant. ment might change anything. CCRC who believe that coer- We’re also interested in hear- cive control was a factor in the There is no doubt that the ing from men or women who circumstances in which they Court of Appeal’s judgment in have reason to think that ques- were convicted of murder? the Sally Challen case has for Wrongly convicted tions of coercive control may Well, it seems from the Sally now at least set a pretty high of a crime? be relevant to their own mur- Challen appeal judgment that bar for the potential impor- der convictions. it is unlikely the Court of tance of coercive control in Appeal will be quashing mur- murder cases. However, as you might expect der convictions because of with the criminal law, things coercive control alone. The key But at the CCRC we are fully are not as straightforward as issue in relation to diminished aware of the issues and inter- Lost your appeal? they might have seemed and responsibility remains the ested in hearing from women the question of how, or wheth- mental health of the applicant or men who have reason to er, coercive control might af- at the time of the killing. think that coercive control may fect the safety of a conviction be relevant to their own mur- is complicated. However, after Sally Challen’s der convictions. What next? ON YOUR SIDE The CCRC can look again Being on your side is one thing. Fighting your corner is another. We do both. If you think your conviction or sentence is wrong • Miscarriage of Justice experts • Defending false allegations • Crown Court advocacy apply to the CCRC • CCRC applications • Prison law specialists • Parole applications • IPP and Lifer reviews • Adjudications • Recalls • Sentence progression • It won’t cost anything • Your sentence can’t be increased if you apply We offer Legal Aid and Fixed Fees along with a nationwide service. • You don't need a lawyer to apply, but a good one For more information contact us using the details below. can help

You can get some more information and a copy of the CCRC's Easy Read application form by writing to us at Changing the way you see lawyers. 5 St Philip’s Place, Birmingham, B3 2PW. or calling 0121 233 1473 01302 365374 www.qualitysolicitors.com/jordans Prisoners in Scotland should contact; The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, 5th Floor, 4 Priory Place, Doncaster, DN1 1BP Portland House, 17 Renfi eld Street, Glasgow, G2 5AH. Phone: 0141 270 7030 Email: [email protected] Led by Mark Newby Solicitor Advocate with a relentless record of quashing convictions. Insidetime August 2019 ‘Legal’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Legal // Q&A 49

contacted the Citizens Advice PSI regarding extinguishing which includes an inventory Bureau for a debt relief order, civil liabilities whilst in custo- of a prisoner’s property. but this is now on hold due dy, I am not aware of anything to an on-going personal inju- that might assist. PSI 12/2011 provides informa- ry claim. Is there a way / Response by Stevens Solicitors tion relating to the possession method that I can get my See advert on page 6 of items in custody including debts written off? Is there a the need for property records PSI that is backed by HMP or to be maintained. the Governor? SR - HMP Anon Q During a cell search I was Prison Rule 43(5) allows for A You may be aware that fines found to have items that were the Governor to confiscate Prison Law & imposed in criminal proceed- not on my property card. items. Items should be allowed ings can be lodged with a view These were confiscated until to be held in possession, to be © Andy Aitchison Compensation to be written off but as far as I I could prove ownership of handed out to the prisoner or the GEOAmey/prison. Without Anon - HMP Humber am aware there is no parallel them. Some of the items were to be stored until the prisoner knowing the official reasons Hine Solicitors provision for civil debts. Given on me when I came through is released. Q Can I take action against for their refusal to transport Stevens Solicitors the amount involved, it may reception but were not put the prison for failing to escort you to Court, it is difficult to Jordans Solicitors be that one of your creditors on my property card. The The issue you have appears to me to Court? advise you any further at this Carringtons Solicitors will take proceedings for bank- other item was sent to me be addressed in Annex E of PSI stage. Please note that should Michael Jefferies Injury ruptcy. I have no information directly at the prison and 12/2011. It confirms that where A We write in relation to your you wish to look into taking Lawyers as to your overall financial given to me by the prison. an item is found in your pos- letter sent requesting advice civil proceedings, you can find position. session but is not on your prop- regarding taking action contact details of firms spe- I was placed on report for erty card, it must be added to against the GEOAmey/prison cialising in this area in Inside Answers to readers’ legal There are a number of agencies having these items and re- your property card and placed having failed to take you to Time. queries are given on a who will provide free assis- ceived a warning. I have pro- in local storage until your re- Court for your appeal hearing. strictly without liability tance in relation to debt man- vided evidence that they are lease. This takes place where We are sorry to hear about the Should you have any ques- basis. If you propose acting agement and it looks as though my items however this is not you make a claim to keep the difficulties you experienced tions once you have had a re- upon any of the opinions you have already used some being accepted. I have fol- item and no claim is made by with your previous solicitors sponse from your complaint, that appear, you must first of them. My advice in these lowed the complaints proce- another prisoner for the item. and the transport to Court. We or indeed any further queries, take legal advice. situations is always to go to dure and appealed but I still can see from reading your let- please do not hesitate to con- the Citizens Advice Bureau in do not have my items back. Send your Prison Law ter that you have followed the tact our offices. I would suggest that you put the first instance who have They have great sentimental Query (concise and clearly complaints procedure and in a further application, quot- Response by Hine Solicitors specialist debt knowledge. value. What else can I do to marked ‘Prison Law Query’) await a response; which we ing the relevant section of to: David Wells, Solicitor See advert on page 45 You say you have already been get them back? Annex E of PSI 12/2011. In those would have advised in the first in touch with them and I would c/o Inside Time, Botley instance. circumstances the item should Mills, Botley, Southampton, TS - HMP Dartmoor strongly recommend that you A Prison Rule 43(2) requires be placed into storage, assum- continue to do so. Hampshire SO30 2GB. We would advise you to chase that anything, other than cash, ing that no other prisoner QBefore coming into custody which is not allowed to be re- For a prompt response, up the outcome of the com- makes a claim for the item, I was dealing with various I ought to stress that I am a tained for a prisoner’s own readers are asked to send their plaint and depending on what pending your release. debts through a charity, how- prison lawyer and so not an personal use must be taken queries on white paper using it states, you may be able to Response by Hine Solicitors ever this account was closed expert in civil litigation, but in into the Governor’s custody. A black ink or typed if possible. take civil proceedings against See advert on page 45 due to my imprisonment. I relation to your query about a property card must be kept,

Fighting for the Rights of Vulnerable Immigration Detainees in Prison Vulnerable immigration detainees in prison are not given the same rights as those held in immigration removal centres. Duncan Lewis Solicitors are leading a challenge to address the Home Office’s failure to provide safeguards for potentially vulnerable immigration detainees held in the prison estate, which could find them unsuitable for detention. Solicitors Our Challenge Vulnerable detainees held in immigration removal centres can be identified Our specialist team of prison immigration solicitors are as unsuitable for detention under a Rule 35 assessment. This includes: currently bringing a judicial review on behalf of a claimant who was held under immigration powers in prison. Whilst in prison he disclosed that he was a victim of torture, but since there is no • Victims of torture obligation on medical staff to report torture or health concerns • Modern slavery victims to the Home Office, he remained in detention. • Victims of trafficking • Those with mental health problems We have submitted to the High Court that this is unlawful discrimination, as it breaches Article 14 of the European If you believe you fall under any of these categories, we want to hear from Convention on Human Rights and the Equality Act. you, as you may be eligible to join our challenge.

Contact our team to find out about our challenge and how we can represent you: 020 3114 1333* @ [email protected] Immigration Prisoners Team, Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, HA1 3BN *No matter where you are calling from England and Wales, we can assist you.

Interpreters Offices Available 8 all across England & Wales QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Jefferies Solicitors is a specialist have taken you off the medication. A. Yes, you can make a claim, as there Q. I injured my finger at the end of last personal injury law firm dedicated Pregabalin should only be prescribed was a delay in diagnosing your fracture year when it was trapped in my cell to helping you with accident for pain which is neuropathic in nature, for a substantial period. When you door. My finger was painful and swollen including diabetic neuropathy, nerve initially presented, it is likely that there claims, personal injury, industrial straight away and I had difficulty moving entrapment, spinal injuries, prolapsed would have been a lot of tissue swelling it. Healthcare said that I would have an diseases and medical negligence from a blow or blows to your face which discs and the likes. In addition, the urgent GP appointment. I was not seen compensation claims, including caused the fractures. You should have prison healthcare providers are expected by a GP for nearly two weeks and I was to follow the guidelines called “Safer been referred to see a Doctor urgently claims that have arisen from an then told that I needed an x-ray – I was Prescribing in Prisons” which also makes following your complaint of pain. incident in prison. referred to the Hospital for this but the clear that Pregabalin and Gabapentin Alternatively, you should have been x-ray was only completed nearly 3 weeks If you have suffered an accident or should not be considered as the first- referred for an x-ray earlier so that any later. The x-ray showed that my finger injury on the road, had an accident line painkiller for neuropathic pain due fractures could have been identified and dealt with as opposed to you suffering was fractured and I was referred back to or injury in a public place, been to their significant abuse potential and risk to individuals with substance from the pain for such a prolonged the Hospital Orthopaedic Department but injured as a result of medical misuse histories. On that basis, any claim period. It is important that you make I am yet to have an appointment despite malpractice or negligence or had in respect of the medication would, your claim within three years of your over 5 months having passed since my work-related accident while in unfortunately, be unlikely to succeed. date of knowledge. This is the time when original injury. I am left with a finger that prison, the expert solicitors at you were aware of the damage which has healed in an incorrect position and I was caused as a result of the delay in Jefferies can help you. Q. I have had an accident in prison that cannot use it properly. receiving the treatment. has resulted in my breaking my arm. The If you have been injured while in accident wasn’t my fault and I am in a A. Yes, you may be able to claim Q. Some of my inmates have been prison, contact our specialist injury lot of pain. When I told one of the prison for clinical negligence against the threatening me and I am very worried that lawyers to find out if you have officer’s I was going to claim, he told me Healthcare Department and potentially I am going to be attacked. I’ve told a wing that prisoners can’t claim compensation also against the Hospital. The member grounds to claim. officer about the threats but he hasn’t for personal injury. done anything about it and has said that of the Healthcare Department who Write to us at Jefferies Solicitors he’ll keep an eye on it. Is there anything assessed you at your initial attendance The prison officer is wrong. You have Limited, The Triangle, 8 Cross Street, A. else that I can do? should have carried out a thorough Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1EQ. the same rights as everyone else when it examination and taking into account comes to making a claim. The prison has A. Prisons have procedures to follow how the injury was caused, a fracture a duty to keep you reasonably safe while when it comes to these types of should have been suspected. You should you are in prison and there are specific Q. I had a broken ankle a few months situations. The officer should record all have been referred to the Hospital on an laws which apply to accidents in prison. before coming to prison. I had a cast but threats under their violence reduction urgent basis, where the fracture would didn’t need surgery. My ankle was still strategy documentation, it is not enough then have been diagnosed and treatment Q. I was assaulted whilst I was in prison very painful and I saw my doctor several for them simply to “keep an eye on provided immediately or arranged. times who put me on Pregabalin which and had multiple facial fractures. The it”. Put your complaint in writing on a Any surgical treatment would usually helped. When I arrived at Prison my prison did not take me for further COMP1 to formally make the complaint need to take place very soon after medication was stopped. The Prison say investigations for a month and a half and ask to see to see the safety officer the initial injury if it is to have a good there is a nationwide problem with certain despite me asking them on several as soon as possible. Keep all copies of chance of being successful. The delay in medications in prison. I feel I have been occasions and making complaints any complaints or other paperwork. This referring you to Hospital and the delays left suffering due to this and would like to that I was in pain. Due to the delay in is very important; if you are attacked it in appointments means that you may make a claim. them transferring me for further care, will be the only way to prove that the I cannot have surgery to correct the prison was aware of the threat to you. now be left either with a permanently A. In order to succeed with any claim we facial fractures. I now have permanent The prison would not be able to deny deformed and difficult-to-use finger must first prove that the care provided numbness in my face. I feel as though the that they were aware of the threats made or require more extensive treatment fell below an acceptable standard – prison did not listen to my requests until it towards you; instead, they would have to – you are therefore entitled to claim that is, no reasonable prison GP would was too late. Am I able to make a claim? show the steps they took to protect you. compensation.

Call: 0161 925 4155 I Click: jefferiessolicitors.com I Email: [email protected] The Triangle 8 Cross Street Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1EQ Michael Jefferies Injury Lawyers is a trading name of Jefferies Solicitors Limited, authorised and regulated by the SRA

Crossword

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1. Prog Rock band who are opposite to “No” 2. “Dark” American Rock Duo I 2. Band fronted by Damon Albarn 5. The “Rolling” Poet Laureate E

3. First name of the “Changes” singer 12. Famous for “Riders on the storm” ED I D L

DOORS

4. “Electric” Australian rock band 13. First half of Barry Gibb’s band name ELV

FALL POP

5. Children of the Grave 14. Swedish pop group YS RUCE

6. First name of the double denim singer 15. John Lydon’s current band E

7. Famous Christmas Rockers 16. Famous Reggae musician’s first name K H T B A S C L

BOBDYLAN K

8. Brother of Liam 17. Prestwich led punk band BOB

9. ...Zeppelin 18. The Stooges front man’s second name C C D C Y

10. Arch-rivals of another 90’s band 19. Jeff Lynne and his Orchestra SLASH D V D

ABBA

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BLA BEE 12. Replaced Ozzy in 1979 21. The King PIL

ideielAidd YOU WON’T SEE ANY SIGNS LIKE THIS IN PRISON...

...THAT’S WHY WE’RE HERE

When personal injury occurs in prison it is no less serious than when it occurs outside. In fact your rights are exactly the same. Sadly in prison you are more likely to suffer attacks from fellow inmates or even staff, not to mention the usual slips, trips, injuries at work and straight forward negligence. For these reasons only the best legal advice will do.

As one of the country’s leading personal injury lawyers we have been representing prisoners for many years winning claims from £100s to many £1000s all on a no win no fee basis.

THE WRITING MAY NOT BE ON THE WALL BUT OUR ABILITY TO DELIVER CERTAINLY IS... CALL NOW TO GET WHAT IS DUE TO YOU.

N ON I JUR IS Y R L P A W E Y H E

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Call: 0161 925 4155 I Click: jefferies-solicitors.com I email: [email protected] S

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write to us at: Jefferies Solicitors Limited I The Triangle I 8 Cross Street I Altrincham I Cheshire I WA14 1EQ N

ideiellAdSilidd 52 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

Wind Relieving Pose Yoga to Calm Down 5 breaths each side. Inside Voices

The Prison Phoenix Trust

Stress can really get on top of you, making you irritable, sleepless and unable to focus on anything. When you’re feel- Supported Bridge ing stressed out and just can’t relax or get your head together, 10 breaths (or as long as try this yoga routine. You will feel better and more at ease. As you like). you do the postures, really pay attention to your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths, and focus on the way the air feels as it flows in and out of you. Your breath is always there for you, giving you life and calming you down when you pay atten- tion to it. After you finish the routine, sit still for a couple of minutes and just notice how you feel as you continue to ob- serve your breath coming in and out. Know that you can al- ways come back to this place of calm whenever you need to.

Cow Breathe in. Flow with the breath 10 times.

Sitting as flagship of the Mediterranean Fleet. Sit upright, either on a pillow or on a chair or the Ships of War War was again declared in 1939, and in April edge of your bed. Focus on 1940, Warspite and nine destroyers caught a the smoothness and feel of German force of ten destroyers by surprise at Seated Side Stretch your natural breath, and S A Tyler - HMP Hull 5 breaths each side. Narvik and emerged the undisputed victors. A count each breath. Count destroyer has no armour worth speaking of and ten breaths, on the out- Following the piece on HMS Belfast written by a single, pulverising salvo from Warspite’s 15- breath, and then start Waving Hands Paul Sullivan in the April issue, Mr Sullivan inch guns had reduced one unfortunate German Lift your hands as you breathe again. Don’t worry if you ship to nothing in the blink of an eye. lose count, just start again very kindly invited me to pen a similar thumb- in and lower them as you nail sketch of a ship that, after such a long and breathe out. Repeat 10 times. at one. Do this for five Other battles followed; Warspite spent much minutes, gently bringing illustrious career, deserved better than to be sent for scrapping - HMS Warspite. of the war in the Mediterranean, and March Seated Twist your attention back to your 1941 saw her in company with two other heav- 5 breaths each side. breath if it wanders off, yweights, Barham and Valiant, in action against which is normal. Over time HMS Belfast has a fine war record and played a valuable part in allied naval operations of major units of the Italian fleet at the battle of you may wish to build up to Coupe Mattapan. The Italians lost the cruisers 25 minutes. World War 2. This, no doubt, influenced the decision to retain her as a museum ship, yet Zara, Pola, Fiume and two destroyers. British Warspite’s record is longer and greater. But losses were three killed, the aircrew of a torpedo before we ask why one should be saved and not bomber from the carrier HMS Formidable. If you want a the other, some definitions are necessary. Warspite’s big guns were often called upon to free book and provide allied ground forces with heavy fire Seated Forward Fold CD to help you Not every ship armed with guns and missiles Cat support. She did so during the invasion of Sicily 5 breaths, then cross your set up a regular is a ‘battleship’. A ship designed for combat is Breathe in July 1943, and again in September at Salerno. legs the other way and yoga and a ‘warship’. A battleship is a type of warship, out. She was damaged on a number of occasions by meditation typically a seagoing fortress armed with the repeat. German bombs, but as with Belfast, took part practice write to The Prison largest and most powerful guns available and in the bombardment of German positions during Phoenix Trust, PO Box 328, armoured as well as can be against the same. the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Oxford OX2 7HF. This means that they are big. Given that Warspite played a significant role 2019 SUMMER SUPPLEMENT CATALOGUE CATALOGUE SUPPLEMENT SUMMER 2019 2019 SUMMER SUPPLEMENT OUT NOW! “DIGGA D - OOUBLE TAP DIARIES” £11.50 Belfast is a light-cruiser of 11,000 tons or so, in two World Wars, and earned more battle but Warspite was a battleship pushing 35,000 honours than any other Royal Navy ship, the tons, the genuine article. The largest and most decision to have her scrapped in 1947 is akin powerful of this now long obsolete species of to having HMS Victory broken up and turned armoured mega-beast was the Japanese Yamoto, into a range of garden furniture. What were at over 70,000 tons. Size matters. However, they thinking? Warspite was constructed 30 years earlier, being launched in 1913. She was armed with eight Britain lost a number of major surface units 15-inch (380mm) guns in four turrets, each turret during World War 2. The Prince of Wales and fronted with a solid 13-inches (330mm) of ar- GAMES SALE NOW ON! Send a £2 payment to GEMA RECORDS, PO BOX 54, READING, BERKS, RG1 3SD to receive your own Repulse were lost to Japanese aircraft off - catalogue with a £2 voucher to use against your first order! Alternatively, ask a friend or relative to order mour. This is the same level of firepower as USS Singapore. Barham was torpedoed by a U-Boat Hood or the German Bismarck. Warspite’s sec- on our website where they can also sign up to our email mailing list and be kept up to date with offers! in the Med. Royal Oak was sunk while anchored ondary battery of twelve 6-inch (152mm) guns, in the supposedly safe haven of Scapa Flow by Boasting the exact same specification as the Xbox 360 ‘E’ console, we can introduce the cheaper and better value for for dealing with small, fast-moving targets, is Gunter Prien in U-47, with heavy loss of life. money Xbox 360 ‘S’ console, available to order now! We have experienced an overwhelming demand of Xbox 360 ‘E’ equal to the main armament of the Belfast. Hood was lost to the guns of Bismarck, with used bundles so have introduced this model as there are so many more of them available. Both of these used consoles even heavier loss of life. have had their WiFi component completely removed resulting in them not being able to access the internet. On May 31st, 1916, Warspite was part of the 5th - battle squadron at Jutland, where she took 15

GAMES SALE NOW ON! NOW SALE GAMES It is my humble opinion that the mighty and from from £159.95 £169.95 shell hits from German capital ships. It is per- imposing presence of HMS Warspite moored haps fortunate that the German battlecruisers along the Thames embankment would have + 2* FREE GAMES! + 2* FREE GAMES! were armed only with (relatively) lightweight been an unmissable memorial to the men who 11-inch (280mm) guns. Earlier in the battle, fought and died in those lost ships. With respect, 4GB £169.95 those same guns had proved devastatingly ef- Belfast is not Warspite - neither can financial 4GB £159.95 250GB £184.95 fective against British battle-cruisers lacking cost ever be a valid argument when thousands Warspite’s more substantial protection. of men made a sacrifice beyond monetary value.

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OOUBLE TAP DIARIES” £11.50 DIARIES” TAP OOUBLE - D “DIGGA 2019 SUMMER SUPPLEMENT OUT NOW! NOW! OUT SUPPLEMENT *[fromSUMMER a specific list]2019 After extensive modernisation between the Retaining HMS Warspite as a museum ship is

2019 SUMMER SUPPLEMENT CATALOGUE wars, Warspite returned to active service in 1937 the very least the MoD could have done. Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 53 On this day… August 15th 1969 Behind the gate The life and infamous times of Britain’s prisons: this month HMP Belmarsh

Noel Smith

Her Majesty’s Prison Belmarsh is a Category A, male, adult prison located at Thamesmead in South-East London. The prison holds Category A prisoners from all around the country, also cat- egory B remand and sen- reflection of our rapidly-changing times. Some tenced prisoners from London and against the Human 6-months after admitting to are hippies who feel alienated by a society and the surrounding area. Rights Act (A v Secretary of submitting 19 fake receipts of Woodstock steeped in materialism. The country is deep The prison has a Special State for the Home £12,900. He was sent to HMP into the controversial Vietnam War, a conflict Inside reporter Secure Unit which houses Department). The prison is Belmarsh and released aft er that many young people, including myself, Category A prisoners - both still oft en used to house those 6-weeks, having served time vehemently oppose. It is also the era of the sentenced and remand. suspected/convicted of ter- civil rights movement, a period of great unrest in both Belmarsh and HMP The Woodstock Music Festival began on Au- rorism-related charges. and protest. Woodstock is an opportunity for Brixton. He later told BBC gust 15, 1969, as I gathered, along with half a The prison was built on the people to escape into music and spread a mes- radio that … ‘Our prisons sim- million people waiting on a dairy farm in East site of the former Royal In 2009 builders discovered sage of unity and peace. ply aren’t fi t for service, they Bethel, New York, for the three-day music fes- Arsenal in Woolwich and an ancient timber structure are a national disgrace’. Of tival to start. Billed as “An Aquarian Experi- opened for its fi rst inmates in during the excavation of a Although the crowd at Woodstock have expe- HMP Belmarsh in particular, ence: 3 Days of Peace and Music,” but this April 1991. The unique selling prehistoric peat bog adjacent rienced bad weather, muddy conditions and a he said: ‘Anybody who’s massive concert didn’t come off without a point of this top-security pris- to the prison. The structure, lack of food, water and adequate sanitation, inside Belmarsh, you’ll fi nd hitch: last-minute venue changes, bad weather on was that it was built with which consisted of a timber the overall vibe is harmonious, some people that prisons are very over- and the hordes of attendees caused major a tunnel link to the nearby platform or trackway, was attribute the lack of violence to the large num- crowded, a lot of guys who are headaches. Still, despite; or because of; a lot Woolwich Crown Court, found at a depth of 4.7m and ber of psychedelic drugs being used. Others seriously unwell, a lot of very of sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll and rain, which led meaning that high-profile beneath two metres of peat believe hippies are simply living out their man- poor treatment and, as a to this young reporter having such a good time defendants could be brought and adjacent to an ancient tra of “making love, not war.” In fact, more result, 50% of all the people whilst trying to work. to the court directly from the river channel. It is believed than a few couples at Woodstock took that who leave our prisons go prison without the need of that such timber trackways straight out and commit new The Woodstock Music Festival is the brain- command literally and made love whenever expensive police escort vehi- were an important source of crimes. There’s no rehabilita- child of four men, all age 27 or younger, look- and wherever the mood hit. cles. Unfortunately, the pris- food for prehistoric people as tion. That’s the big problem. ing for an investment opportunity: John on has had a subsidence prob- they made it easier to cross Thirty-two musicians, a combination of local If you treat people in prison Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfeld and lem since day-one, meaning the boggy terrain. Mark and world-famous talent, performed at Wood- as sort of semi-animals, well, Michael Lang. The initial plan for Woodstock that the tunnel to the court Stevenson, Archaeological stock. Around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, when they emerge don’t be called for the event to be held at Howard Mills has been fl ooded on several Advisor at English Heritage, Richie Havens took to the stage and played a surprised if they don’t behave Industrial Park in Wallkill, New York. Wallkill occasions and is invariably said: ‘The discovery of the 45-minute set. Havens was followed by an un- like decent, upstanding citi- town officials got spooked, however, and unusable. earliest timber structures in scheduled blessing by yoga guru Sri Swami. zens.’ backed out of the deal, passing a law that elim- London is incredibly impor- The other performers on day one were: Bert inated any possibility of holding the concert During the years 2001 and tant. The timber structure is Sommer, Sweetwater, Melanie, Tim Hardin, Inmates at Belmarsh have on their turf. 2002, HMP Belmarsh was earlier in date than the earli- Ravi Shanker, Arlo Guthrie and Joan Baez. access to education, work- used to detain people indefi - est trackways excavated in Baez famously played the end of her set in a shops, two gyms, a sports- Finally, just a month ahead of the concert, nitely without charge or trial the Somerset Levels, includ- torrential downpour. Day one wrapped up 49-year-old dairy farmer Max Yasgur offered under Part 4 of the Anti- ing the famous ‘Sweet Track’ hall and a fitness room. A around 2:00 a.m. to rent them part of his land in the White Lake terrorism, Crime and Security to Glastonbury, which pro- Listener scheme operates at area of Bethel, New York, surrounded by the Act 2001. This led to the pris- vides some of the earliest the prison, which is for pris- Day two officially began around 12:15 p.m. Day verdant Catskill Mountains. With the concert on being tagged ‘Britain’s physical evidence for wood- oners who are at risk from two’s line-up was: Quill, Country Joe McDon- just a month away, the four frantic partners Guantanamo Bay’ by some working in England.’ suicide or self-harm. There is ald, John Sebastian, Keef Hartley Band, San- jumped at the opportunity and paid his asking sections of the tabloid press. also a support group for for- tana The Incredible Stringed Band, Canned price. The venue and talent secured, the part- It was eventually ruled, by In 2013, the former Labour MP eign national prisoners, pro- Heat, Mountain, The Grateful Dead, Creedence ners turned to logistics. Fencing, entrance Law Lords, that such impris- for Rotherham, Dennis viding advice on immigration Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin, Sly and the gates and ticket booths needed to be set up and onment was discriminatory MacShane, was jailed for law. a performers’ pavilion, concession stands, Family Stone, The Who and Jefferson Airplane. bathroom facilities and medical tents built. Day two ended around 9:45 a.m. Pickup & Scott cover the majority of But by the time people started arriving a cou- Day three began around 2:00 p.m. Joe Cocker was the first musician to perform. The remain- prisons in the South East including ple of days ahead of the concert, the fencing, but not limited to: HMP Bullingdon, gates and ticket booths still weren’t ready. ing line-up included: Country Joe and The Fish, Ten Years After, The Band, Johnny Win- HMYOI Aylesbury, HMP Woodhill, As there was no efficient way to charge con- ter, Blood Sweat and Tears, Crosby Stills Nash HMP The Mount, HMP Bedford, cert-goers, Lang and his partners decided to and Young, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Sha HMP Grendon & Springhill make Woodstock a free event. Originally, Na Na and Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was the last about 50,000 people were expected. But by musician to perform at Woodstock. Rain de- We are able to assist with all lays prevented him from taking the stage until August 13, at least that number were already aspects of prison law, including: Please contact camped out on location and over 100,000 tick- early Monday morning and by the time he went on, the crowd had thinned to around 25,000 The Prison Law Dept at: ets ordered. An estimated one million people • Parole Board Reviews Pickup & Scott Solicitors descended on Woodstock, its organizers people. 6 Bourbon Street scrambled to add more facilities. Highways • Recall to Prison and local roads came to a standstill and many Woodstock officially ended on Monday, Au- • Independent Adjudications Aylesbury concert-goers simply abandoned their cars and gust 18, after Hendrix left the stage. A night I • Sentence Calculation Bucks HP20 2RR trekked the rest of the way on foot. Eventually, will never forget, along with a weekend that 01296 397 794 about half a million people reached the venue. will live with me forever. Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers The Woodstock audience is diverse and a Reference: History.com 54 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

The Reader

to be making everyone laugh. And, in between Those ‘have-to-be- this laughter, group members were chipping in with their own memories of feeling very real there’ moments moments: the swaggering goose; green leaves in summer sunshine; sitting on some cathedral “But what Kezia liked more than anything, what steps just watching the world go by. In all these she liked frightfully, was the lamp. It stood in the moments, everything had seemed to just fall middle of the dining-room table, an exquisite away, leaving a sense of feeling present and little amber lamp with a white globe. The lamp grounded - really there in the world. was perfect. It seemed to smile to Kezia, to say, ‘I live here’. The lamp was real.” “Like Kezia, and the lamp?” I chimed in - the Extract from ‘The Doll’s House’ by Katherine only time I let myself speak. And where previ- Mansfield ously we had wondered why that lamp was so significant, I now felt each group member in- Mark Maciver – clip-sliding to success Have-to-be-there moments are difficult to de- ternalize what that lamp really meant to Kezia. scribe afterwards. I’m often asked what Shared We agreed that everyone needs these mo- Reading actually is. And, despite all the words ments, and every time someone tried to put that come to mind - ‘relaxing’, ‘enjoyable’, ‘en- memories of that realness into words, others tertaining’, ‘challenging’, ‘thought provoking’ in the group said, “Yes, I’ve felt that too”. Get yourself published - they never quite get to the heart of what hap- pens there in the room, in the moment. ‘I’ve felt that too’. Looking back now I see that If you love writing rhymes, stories or bars - or maybe you’re a we weren’t derailed by the goose story. I had Recently in a men’s hostel we read ‘The Doll’s been battling my own nervousness in the group cartoonist or just someone with something to say - then you House’. In this story the Burnell children, Isa- and wanted to flee back to the story because it need to tune in to National Prison Radio this month for some bel, Lottie and Kezia, are sent a grand old doll’s felt familiar and safe. It took a leap of faith for house, a ‘perfect, perfect little house’. At the me to overcome these fears - a similar leap of inspiration and advice on how to get your work published. end of this story one group member closed his faith that I imagine it takes many to walk into copy and said firmly, ‘I don’t think that was a a group about books and talking and trying London’s best known barber regularly uses his own life very good story, but I really enjoyed that.’ This something new or out of their comfort zone. shops. His famous clientele experiences to try and teach, comment has stuck with me. Fair enough if he include boxer Anthony educate, and inspire younger didn’t enjoy the story. But if Shared Reading is That goose anecdote, and ‘The Doll’s House’, Joshua, NBA star LeBron generations. He is published about sharing great literature with people, and helped us - a group of relative strangers - reach This month we meet four peo- James and musicians Stormzy by ‘OWN IT!’ if this person didn’t enjoy the literature, what a place where we could spend a morning laugh- ple who have spent time in and Tinie Tempah. As a young was it about the Shared Reading that he ing together, and listening to each other, and prison and then went on to man, he spent several weeks Like many people in prison, enjoyed? finding out that we, each of us, aren’t alone in have books published. on remand for something he keeping fit became hugely our experience of the world. I think that is what didn’t do - he was never con- important to LJ Flanders. At We paused our reading, the group member enjoyed: being a part of In a special programme pro- victed, and he tells the story times confined to his cell for something, sharing a real moment; sharing in duced in partnership with the in this show. In October 2019 23 hours a day, his focus on and something about this fact one of those ‘have-to-be-there’ moments: National Literacy Trust, In- Mark’s first book Shaping Up fitness kept him going. Hav- realness caught the attention someone else gets it, and the people in this side Stories took the NPR team Culture is being published by ing completed a personal room understand a part of me on a really deep to Aylesbury YOI where we Knights Of. A collection of in- training course whilst at HMP of the group. What was this level, in a way that is very difficult to put into recorded a programme in spirational how-to guides, Pentonville he got a job in the words afterwards. sense of realness? front of a live audience of 25 Mark aims to inspire young prison gym. He was often young men. people to become entrepre- asked to write personalised For over a decade, The Reader has been running neurial themselves. fitness regimes that could be Looking back, I think it had something to do Shared Reading groups in prisons, secured units Carl Cattermole discovered performed in a cell, which led with Kezia and the ‘exquisite little amber lamp’ and Approved Premises. Each week the Reader his talent for writing while Mark Maciver him to write Cell Workout now in the doll’s house. After that puzzling state- Leader brings a short story or book extract and serving a prison sentence - he published by Hachette. LJ has ment, ‘The lamp was real’, we paused our read- a poem for the group to read aloud and discuss. was released in 2011 and since a.k.a. SliderCuts is also set up a social enterprise ing, and something about this realness caught Everyone is welcome to read if they choose. then has forged a successful a celebrity barber which supports prisoners and the attention of the group. What was this sense Everyone is welcome to share their thoughts career as an author and jour- has commentated on prison of realness? What might the lamp and its real- and feelings about what has been read, al- nalist. He wrote an … his famous clien- reform on media channels ness mean to Kezia? though some people choose to reflect on these award-winning radio drama tele include boxer such as the BBC. privately. Either way, Shared Reading gets for National Prison Radio, From my perspective as group facilitator, so people to come together and talk to each other. called Double Bubble, which Anthony Joshua, Also on the panel was Paddy far so good: we were looking closely at the told the story of a man in NBA star LeBron Johnston, a writer, cartoonist literature and holding the story’s ideas up for prison whose debt problems and publisher who works for comparison against our own. We were ticking were putting him, and his James and musi- Hachette, a global publishing all the Shared Reading boxes. Then, one of our TurningPages family, in danger. His first house, who was there to give group members started telling a story about a cians Stormzy and book Prison: A Survival advice to people who fancy goose he saw the other day walking down the Guide, was published by Pen- Tinie Tempah. the idea of getting their words middle of the road. The rest of the group found Prisoners who can read guin Random House in June published. this story hilarious, and that’s where the teach prisoners who can’t 2019. Carl is passionate about ‘group thought’ landed: instead of talking Robyn Travis is author of Pris- real prison reform and repre- This panel of inspirational about Kezia and her lamp, we were taking oner to the Streets - an honest If you would like more information on sents the voice of prisoners on people had an honest and at about aggressive geese in the city centre. and hard-hitting memoir how to become involved, as either a the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, about being caught up in the times blunt conversation with Mentor or a Learner, contact the Reading Guardian, Daily Mirror and ‘London Postcode Wars’ - and the audience in a lively re- At first I thought the Shared Reading had Plan Lead in your prison (ask a Shannon cording at Aylesbury, and the Daily Mail. Mama Can’t Raise No Man - a slipped away from us. We were derailed, and Trust Mentor who this is) or write to: we’ll be broadcasting the en- novel exploring different defi- I started getting twitchy in my seat, my mind Shannon Trust, Freepost RTKY-RUXG-KGYH tire thing on NPR. Mark Maciver a.k.a. Slider- nitions of masculinity, being already racing ahead to plan how I could steer The Foundry, 17-19 Oval Way, Cuts is a celebrity barber, In- on the margins of society, bro- the conversation back to the story and looking LONDON SE11 5RR. for a good place to interrupt. And then, instead stagram star and author. He ken family units and the need Tune in to Inside Stories on of worrying, I decided to try listening. Every- has been cutting hair for 15 for role models. He is a pas- Monday 12 August at midday one was laughing together - the goose story ShannonTrust years, building up SliderCuts sionate speaker and advocate and 6pm, repeated on Sunday was hilarious, and the guys telling it so happy in Hackney into one of for young people and 18 August at 10am. Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 55 Sins and blessins’ (part 1) Pain Ryan John - HMP Rochester Anonymous - HMP Eastwood Park Feeling like a hell hound, Bedroom a cell now, Why do we feel pain? In another jail house, When there’s nothing to gain Never getting bailed out, All our hope and dreams down the drain Washed away by all the sin But I’m used to it now, it’s just life, Our questions only answered First time I ever went jails for a knife, When we ask over and over again After that, mum never came to my court again, They make me sound clinically insane I was just thinkin I would never get caught again, Like I haven’t got control of my own brain But what still seems to remain 18, I was star’d up for some other sh*t Is the unanswered question of why I got restrained Rap Star of the Month I was selling drugs, they was undercover quick, When I quite clearly refrained Congratulations to this months First night, had a couple of puffs on a brudda’s spiff Either that or I really am deranged winner who receives our £25 prize But this spliff, wasn’t weed it was spice Everyday I’m feeling more and more drained And it turns out that it really messes with ya mind Sleeping in the day cause I’m tired Had a flashback of mum, ringing 9-9-9 of wishing I was inspired True stories From when my heart played up and I thought I MIGHT DIE But these tablets got me feeling wired. Jason Johnson - HMP Littlehey But I must be blessed, God let me survive The answer I’ve danced with the devil I was born in detention, born with a mind Jack Watson - HMP Bullingdon And came through hell That when things go wrong, you can turn to crime Just like the old stories But that’s not the case, and I’ve crossed the line Of when Gabriel fell I’ve been stuck in the past for the last ten year plus Now I don’t feel nothing Now I gotta live jail life one more time I’ve had enough and I must let the rust turn to dust I’m an empty shell Ile blow it all away with a gust of wind But I’ve lived a hard life They say drugs rot ya brain, I think love does Ile pray to the Lord to forgive my sins I’ve got stories to tell No one can forgive my sins, the way God does Please tell me when the love begins Cos I know that we’ll be friends “it never ends” let me make amends” We’re all his children, we all do dumb stuff I used to roll with a gang Clean my heart and my soul “let me set the trends” But why you got a knife when you ain’t got bumfluff? Shottin food to cats In the alleys and shadows That’s why me and you are friends Along with the rats Eyes low watching for feds Bank Holiday Better hear what I say when I say never gunna be a fool again Beneath our hats Stuart Levy - HMP Holme House I lost my cool too often Ready to ride or die That was the problem now I got options Ready to burst our straps I’m gunna be a better man they’re my adoptions Here we go again!!! Out come the paper and pen. As time went by Yes they’re the options Its Bank Holiday once more, My network had grown Stuck in a cell what a bore!!! No more plottin with the gang I’ve been using my time and my mind thinking about the way that I I could hold my own Summer time in May, Should rhym’ making the good grime Sitting in the trap house Jail aint a nice place to stay. Let me drop a line give me a taste of whats mine Always on the phone Clammy hot and sticky, I never knew I could until I seen the suns shine Feds bangin’ down the door In this heat its hard to keep busy. I love these rappers these days they gimmi jokes My operation was blown You just wanna jump in a pool Rapping bout their lives and other folks But you’re stuck in a cell you fool!! Kind of funny never thought that I could rap or rhym Now I’m sittin in a cell The choices you made brought you here Now I’m collaborating with my people all the time Ridin’ out each day When no-ones around you might shed a tear So let me flip a dime Sun shining in However long you have got left to do I’m gunna flip the script But my mood is grey Just stay positive and upbeat for you!! I gunna do it all just for the love it!!!! Wishing I could go back To change my ways I’ve learnt my lesson Loved ones And crime don’t pay Alan - HMP Durham

Don’t read this and think Now whether we like it or not sometimes in our life, we’re gunna lose somebody we love with all our heart My words aren’t true Sometimes you think twice, of nice times, with your loved ones, YOU remember from the start This was my mistake But every time I do that I always seem to cry, I can’t take the pain no more, I just wanna die I didn’t think shit through What am I supposed to do? ‘Cause I don’t knoowww! When all I keep on doing is wondering why So now I’ve paid the price Now IF I had a choice I would certainly take his place ‘cause I feel so ashamed like I’m a disgrace And you might too Now there’s nobody there YEH! For when I’m upset, to give me a cuddle, and wipe the tears from my face Because although it’s my story I feel I’m a nobody, I mean nothing, with my head in my hands as my eyes start buffing It could happen to you. If you ask me it’s knocked out my stuffing, and definitely took away the very last of my loving!

u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry Now look, look at me, what d’ya see? A broken down human being or messed up drug-yy? selected as our ‘Rap Star of the Month’. Send Just another person bringing shame on his famil-yy, or somebody trying to escape the PAAIIN and the ag-o-nyy? entries to: Inside Time, Rap, Botley Mills, Botley, Look at me now, my is run down in-to-the ground, I’m in a viscous circle going round and round Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Try to Can you hear that? It’s a paaiiinful awwwful sound, the heartbreaking noise of me crying out very loud keep rhymes under 300 words. When submitting your work please include the following Now I’m sounding like a broken record going on and on, COME ON! Don’t be weak you gotta be strong permission: ‘This is my own work and I agree Time to let every-body know where I’m coming from, now listen to my pain as I’m rapping this song to Inside Time publishing it in all associate It seems to be the only way that I exx-pressss myself, without end up having TO deepresss myself sites and other publications as appropriate.’ This the only way that nothing goes wrong, so I know it’s certainly good for my health By submitting your rhymes to Inside Time you are agreeing to our terms, to read them in full So please tell me why? Why did he have to die? Don’t tell me no crap I don’t wanna hear no lie!

see the Inside Poetry pages in this issue. © Deposit Photos Nothing seems to work no matter how hard I try, BUT! Every time I look up I CAN SEE YOU IN THE SKY. 56 Jailbreak // Inside Poetry www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

Star Poem of the Month Wrong path Mummy’s little soldier Congratulations to this months winner who Shane Richardson - HMP Bullingdon receives our £25 prize Grant Moore - HMP Dovegate

Lil man, jail is not the place to be As I write this poem These days Always got screws on your back Salt water flows from my eyes Telling you what to do and when you can eat Reliving pain Shane - HMP Dovegate Life being boxed up is always peak For another life lost without a goodbye Just wish I knew then what I know now I wish that I had never heard of Brexit I don’t know your situation Won’t somebody just come ‘n fix it? Cos when I was walking the streets Nor do I care to hear what you done We keep giving and ‘they’ keep taking I wouldn’t of got as easily gassed up We are in prison Today’s horrors are of our own making And put a meat cleaver above his cheek For another crime that can’t be undone © Deposit Photos Kicked him in a bush out cold Mistakes were made Public jury and rising tension With nothing to do but bleed I know regrets I have plenty Money is too tight to mention If a monster hurts you All of the people who seen started to scream I feel a connection to you Victims, drugs and stolen goods Can’t blame them And you aint even met me Another knife crime and shrouded hoods Ian Hall - HMP Manchester That was a possible murder scene As I sit here it’s true Sentenced 15 E to the 2 P’s I really do feel your pain The world on which we live is turbulent at best If a monster hurts you Extended public protection Another life lost The powers that be shouldn’t put in to the test And makes you feel sad 4 thousand something days till free Be very brave and tell someone And I don’t even know your name We don’t need to beg or plight Nothing gets to me Because that is really bad Mummy’s little soldier Stand as one and fight the good fight Apart from not having my 2 youte’s to see! No doubt that much is true If a monster hurts you When I’m out I’ll be moving differently Aint much I wouldn’t do He needs help to stop hurting you again I’ll be keeping my nose clean To rewind and get a chat with you Do not resuscitate me Tell someone you trust a lot I’d let you know that together we would find a way Remember, you are not to blame Forgetting the drug scene Keshia A. - HMP/YOI Bronzefield Jail is inevitably To get through our regrets and worries If a monster hurts you The one place you’ll end up being They low-key wanted this It could be because he is unwell With family visits once a week But now I have to say But they’ll never ever tell you this But you should still be very brave and tell Surviving on £20.00 canteen sheets I relate to you and the fear you was in To help the monster to get well Surrounded by criminality Our mind is the prison Now that it’s done Spice and crack fiends And we are locked in Out can come the sun If a monster hurts you Postcode war teens I’m learning life is so precious Even if it is only a little bit Officers that can leave So valuable it’s true Take her home, take the bones If it makes you cry inside your head Vented windows can’t breathe F*ck it, take her phone Aint much I wouldn’t do Tell someone to help you to stop it Too much emotions can’t speak To get a chat with you She was worthless, had no purpose I’ve learnt from you, now the message - it’s bolder If a monster hurts you Had to focus in between the bogus Sun’s out, too much heat May you now rest in peace Do not hurt somebody else Mattress as thin as a sheet My friend, mummy’s little soldier Ask an adult to help you deal with how you feel Hi Grandad, I’ve missed you!! Behind your door up to 168 hours a week Feeling better is the aim Where are the other two?? The system will always have you beat!!! You are not to blame Prison is always peak What is it like up here? So please son, don’t travel down these streets If a monster hurts you Is it just full of fear? Yea, you may get away with one crime Do not try to hurt him back But next time the feds will come swag you Find someone you can tell off your feet…. Still Me To help make the monster well If a monster hurts you Nicky Hughes - HMP Stocken And you have got the t’internet Slate Go to Stop It Now! It is your very best bet Nicola Jordan - HMP Eastwood Park Bacon tops and blue flip-flops Their professional advice you will always get Prison air is giving me spots Once you come through that gate If a monster hurts you The smallest thing can cause a debate Dressed in sportswear at forty years old And you feel all alone Prepare to be judged from afar Is there something in this water, turning me bald? Remember that you can always get help from your And get used to strangers thinking they Sh*t, look at those lines, bracketing my eyes mobile phone know who you are Face is looking like a dodgy disguise Ring Childline on 1111 It’s all about the clothes you wear And you will never ever be alone. Whiter than Casper, I’m terminally pale Or how you do your make-up and your hair Wishing to god there were sunbeds in jail The people with who you choose to speak © Deposit Photos Missing my All Saints Or how much is on your spends this week My war paints Beyond the wall It’s rare to hear anything nice Moisturiser, Dior and portraits Mike Nicholls - HMP Dartmoor A decent conversation comes at a price! No more R32, dressed up in leather There is always one girl everyone will hate Rooks No more leaving these shores, escaping I see it from the window of my cell- The whole wing wants to stand and slate Paul Lumsden - HMP Castle Huntly The girl whose room has a bad smell the weather In mists, it seems that it’s not there at all- The little village church where free folk dwell; She’s always pressing her cell bell Querulous rooks rise Never mind, it won’t be long The one always begging for vapes So near, but yet so far, beyond the wall. Above razor-wire Stand tall, keep strong Sits on her own, she’s got no mates How would I like to climb the lofty tower, Over the treetops I’ll soon be singing a familiar song Everyone wants to make her feel small And gaze back at the cell where now I’m kept, Another argument Return home, new phone Yet she could be the nicest girl of them all! Which never stops If I were free and it were in my power, Fresh Garms, all is calm Nobody knows about her life But it is not and that I must accept. New job, new car, time to reset the bar Or cares that she is a mother and wife Stubborn starlings roost One day my world will not be upside down, But I won’t replace the lot She may not have the best shoes on her feet Below Victorian eaves I’ll walk about and go just where I please; But it doesn’t mean she should be taunted Numerous as leaves Because underneath the spots Then I’ll be able to ‘slip down the town’ or beat Each one a ghost I’m just in a temporary physical state And visit any church just when I please. When she self-harms they laugh Which loudly grieves Right now I may look in the mirror and hate Nobody considers the aftermath But I’ll pull through, one day I’ll be able to see When that day comes, I will not care at all: It may be easy to participate Seems there’s rooks It’s the mirror at home that reflects the real me I shall be on the outside of the wall. But no one wants to be the girl they slate And the cawing of crooks Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Inside Poetry 57 Next Generation Was I really that bad? Robbie Ellis - HMP Littlehey Terry Cadman - HMP Littlehey

It’s about time we took a good look at ourselves, He was supposed to love me, not hate me, my Dad, Take in the sights through our own open eyes. When, as a child, - was I really that bad? Peer into our, and their futures - just a blink away. What did I do, when I was six? Look at ourselves, we should. To make me deserve the belt, slaps, and kicks? There is so much going on, in and around us, It’s now we must take it all in. I’d go to school with a note of excuses, Because the belt left welts, the buckle, cuts and bruises. Every blink of an eye is a freeze-frame, All over my back, legs, and bum, Of what will never ever be pictured the same again, Blood from my ear, when he burst my eardrum. Forever lost is what a memory does not hold, Regrets, merely lip service to what we had an opportunity to retain. Why was I locked in that dark coal cellar? © Deposit Photos It’s now we must take it all in. I was six years old, - just a little fella. I got scared of the dark, and would cry and cry, The Journey of a Mother It’s about time we noticed things happening in and around us, Even at that age, I thought I would die. Jason Morley - HMP Holme House Why, oh why, do we lack in realising that we cannot cheat fact? Don’t we care about the impact on tomorrow? My older brother, Tony, would blame me for all, Make efforts ourselves now, we should. Tony was ‘Daddies boy’, - I was his fool. A mother is more than a memory, she is a living presence Instead it’s always on others shoulders that the weight is loaded. He’d say to my Dad, ‘Wasn’t me! - Terry did it’, Your mother is always with you, It’s now we must take it all in. It seemed he enjoyed me getting hit. She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street She’s the smell of certain foods you remember, As each of us age with every day, Feeling unloved, my Mum couldn’t protect me at all, The perfume that she wore. Nothing becomes easier, and ever shorter is the period of our stay. If she tried, he knocked her from wall to wall. Having grown wiser and collected that visual residue, I was terrified of him, - my Mother was too, She’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well But what good is it if we leave no trace of earth’s DNA to the next But I was only six, - what could I do? She’s your breath in the air on a cold winter’s day. generation? She is the sound of the rain that puts you to sleep, It’s now we must take it all in. Dad never called me by my name, I could hear, The colours of a rainbow, But always, ‘Little bastard, - you come here!’ Man before us proved selfish and his behaviour paved the way, Being an alcoholic, - methylated spirits, his drink, Your mother lives inside your laughter. But all too easy is it for us to lazily mimic this mind set, Was it that, that finally pushed him over the brink? A mother shows every emotion, Having no consideration for the man of tomorrow and moving on Happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, from that day. ‘I’m sorry, - I love you’, - words for him to say, Excitement, joy and sorrow It’s now we must take it all in. How I longed for those words, every single day! All the while hoping and praying you will only know the good But no, it was the beatings, - which I got the brunt, feelings in life Tomorrow will only know today by the images, if, I was not his son, I was his runt. Archived somewhere or by trusting upon a newer man’s hearsay. She’s the place you come from, your first home As certain as nightfall one of our blinks will be the last… then away, And she’s the map you follow with every step you take Being a good parent was no longer his role, And it will be all too late and lost forever, Becoming a violent drunk was his goal. If we hadn’t taken it all in. What then? She’s your first love, your first best friend In the beginning I loved my Dad, and highly I rated, But nothing on earth can separate you from your mam In the end, - that hopeless drunk, - I hated. Not time, not space, not even death. Milky Bar Kid At aged 11, he ran off with his whore, I just want you to know mam I’ll always love you, Respect you and never forget you. Brad - HMP Moorland ‘Good’, I thought- ‘he’ll abuse me no more’. Then, when I was 14, he finally died, You’ll always be on my mind. No one told me about who I was, growing up ‘Even better’ I thought, - I never cried. Goodbye mam - go fly high with the angels, Having no understanding what birds and bees meant See you on the other side mam, Watching ‘Top of the Pops’ and seeing straight people His hate for me he was keen to show, I’ll always love you, goodnight and god bless. Men in make-up prancing and Dad with his smug comments He’s dead now, - so WHY, I’ll never know. “Woolly woofter” men don’t wear make-up and looking at me All he’s left me is heartache and sorrows, Sex Ed at school never taught me anything And I’ve carried them with me into all my tomorrows. Heckled Football Just cringing watching Ed sex on the school TV I’m embarrassed; stop showing this to me closing my eyes. Maybe it’s time for me to let go? David R - HMP Moorland Laughing from the other teens Maybe it’s time to end all this sorrow? All my anger and pain, back to you, I give, They say love is beautiful, love is life Not know what my family say when I came out All that’s left is, Dad, - you I FORGIVE. But I say football without the wife Scared when my old man found out; he wasn’t impressed I want to step out onto a bumpy pitch Calling me nasty unpleasant names I found these words so hard to write, Not thinking about a b*tchy b*tch Not fair I say, no one loves me anymore But now, I think, it’ll be alright. Getting caught playing with yourself by the big bad wolf (mother) Regrets or guilt your bones can’t feel Waiting for the team sheet for our destiny to unfold I’ll cut it off if I catch you playing with it again, sonny Jim. But your soul, and mine, can now start to heal. Gaffer, can you hurry up, I’m catching a cold Not know what she meant? Ye ye he yells, the field is my oyster Watching my mother watching same sex kiss on soaps I still wish I could have told him how I felt, One day they’ll say I’m better than Diego Costa Made me squirm for the first time. How I still remember his temper, and that belt. Gaz is off with his sliding tackles I laugh at people who complain about matters they don’t understand But I never got the chance, which makes me sad, Not like his old days, stuck in his shackles Every time Milky Bar Kid came on, comments came out, To ask him the question, ‘Was I really that bad?’ It’s you, look, your twin, he gay, isn’t he Will it be yellow or maybe a red? Talk in the playground white ‘choc yuk!! Ref’s decision which we all care to dread A stiff upper lip is all we need u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Star Poem of the Month’. To qualify for a prize, poems should not Verbal warning issued, head bowed down indeed have won a prize in any other competition or been published previously. Send entries to: Inside Time, Poetry, Botley Mills, Botley, A loud burst of voice, then bellows out Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Oh NO! It’s shady; our goalie lead scout It is very important that you ensure the following details are on all paperwork sent to Inside Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON The players know different, they know why they’re here NUMBER & PRISON. Failure to do so will prevent us responding to you and your submission being withheld from publication. For that’s to play football, that is quite clear We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include your DOB on your entries. We scream and shout to pass the bloody ball By submitting your poems to Inside Time you are agreeing that they can be published in any of our ‘not for profit links’, these include the As we play in a compound with a 30ft wall newspaper, website and any forthcoming books. You are also giving permission for Inside Time to use their discretion in allowing other organisations to reproduce this work if considered appropriate, unless you have clearly stated that you do not want this to happen. Any We all huff and puff all the way long work reproduced in other publications will be on a ‘not for profit’ basis. Please note poems for publication may be edited. When Smoking at half-time was definitely wrong submitting your work please include the following permission: ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it With a shot on target and a goal in sight in all associate sites and other publications as appropriate.’ Our team can say “by heck kid, we got it right”. 58 Jailbreak // Prize Winning Competitions www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 Read all about it! Caption Competition Last Months £25 Winner A £25 prize is on offer for the best caption 1. July marks 50 years since Apollo 11, who Fonesavvy providers of ‘landline type Darren Morton - HMP Doncaster to this month’s picture. took the first step on the moon? numbers’ for mobile phones. 2. Which couple won this year’s Love Island? Proud sponsors of Inside Time’s PRIZE quiz ‘Read all about it!’ 3. Keeping Faith has returned to BBC 1 for If you don’t want callers to be disadvantaged series 2, where is the drama based? or put off by the high cost of calling your mobile - just get a landline number for it. 4. Who won the Women’s Netball World Cup? Calls to mobiles don’t have to be expensive! 5. What colour is August’s birthstone? Full details are available on our main advert in Inside Time and at 6. How many bank holidays are there in www.fonesavvy.co.uk August 2019? Last Months Winners Thumbs up! 7. Who is the new Prime Minister? Michael Denning - HMP Ranby (£25) Boris Johnson waves outside number 10 after David Bradley - HMP Bullingdon (£5) delivering his first speech as Prime Minister. 8. Where does the Tour de France start off from? Christopher Thompson - HMP Rye Hill(£5) See box to the right for details of how to enter Don’t ewe try and 9. Who won the Cricket World Cup? Answers to last months News Quiz: 1. Keanu, 2. 2, 3. pull the wool over my Killing Eve, 4. USA, 5. Yes, 6. Caroline Flack, 7. Harry eyes, I’m the top dog 10. Eastenders are using which couple to Redknapp, 8. Will.i.am, Pixie Lott, Danny Jones, Jessie J, round here. Closing date for all competitions is 21/08/19 highlight domestic abuse? 9. End of July/the week of the 22nd of July, 10. 98

Inside Knowledge // All the answers are within this issue of Inside Time - all you have to do is find them! How to enter: Send your entry on a separate sheet The first three names to be drawn with all-correct answers (or nearest) will tax rebate? receive a £25 cash prize. There will also be two £5 runner up prizes. 12. Since February 2018, how many people convicted of sexual offences have of paper. Make sure your been recalled to prison after failing polygraph tests? NAME, NUMBER & 1. The majority of complaints received by the PPO are about what? 13. At which prison has an organic gardening programme helped to cut drug test 2. Who says it is time for there to be an independent external inquiry into the PRISON is on all sheets. failure rates from 30% to nearly zero in a year? whole subject of self-inflicted deaths in custody? Failure to do so will 14. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is how many times more potent than heroin? 3. Woodstock officially ended on August 18th 1969 after who left the stage? 15. Who appeared in the Channel 4 show ‘Who Dares Wins’ where he was put invalidate your entry. 4. Who has been conducting research around conjugal visits? through the brutal SAS test? We will be using the new 5. Who has plans to live until he’s at least 137? ‘Money Transfer Service’ 6. Which newspaper is criticising a scheme at Grendon that allows prisoners to Answers to Last Month’s Inside Knowledge Prize Quiz play in a darts competition? for prize money so include 1. John Samuels, 2. 458, 3. Jason, 4. Robert Buckland, 5. HMP Swaleside, 6. HMP Stafford, 7. Who never got the chance to ask the question: ‘was I really that bad? 7. Jo Brand, 8. Kevin Ross, 9. Conrad Black, 10. Keith Rose, 11. Unlock, 12. HMP Grendon, your DOB on your entries. 8. Who speaks regularly to Juliet Lyon regarding deaths in custody? 13. Prisons & Probation Ombudsman, 14. Shane Spencer, 15. Terry Waite Post to: ‘jailbreak’. Inside 9. Who says looking after animals can teach us about responsibility and patience Time, Botley Mills, Botley, and communication? The three £25 Prize winners are: The £5 runner up prizes go to: John Beaumont - HMP Manchester Sandra Fraser - HMP Peterborough 10. Whose son enjoyed the fantastic play area at HMP Bronzefield? Southampton, Hampshire Edwin Newman - HMP Winchester Lisa Brown - HMP Polmont 11. Who had his tax problems sorted out by the Tax Academy and also received a SO30 2GB. Stephen Sparrow - HMP Holme House

Answers to last months quizzes CRISS CROSS QUICK CROSSWORD Have you got a problem with alcohol? Across: 1 Plain-spoken. 7 Hops. “Only YOU can decide” 8 Abdomen. 9 Opt. 10 Least. 11 Bonbor 13 Dynamo. 16 Topic. If drinking has cost you more than money and 18 Nod. 19 Amusing. 20 lota. CRIMINAL LAW - MENTAL HEALTH LAW - PRISON LAW 21 Trendsetter. you believe you may have a problem? Fixed Fees From £150.00: Down: 1 Pronto. 2 Absorb. Guittard Applications Pre-Tariff Review We are here to help… 3 Neaten. 4 Pedal. 5 Kampala. 6 None too. 11 Bit part. Re-cat Reviews HDC 12 Neptune. 13 Dangle. Alcoholics Anonymous 14 Nudist. 15 Mortar. 17 Child. Legally Aided Parole Independent Adjudication Category A Reviews National Helpline: 0800 917 7650 Re-call Pre tariff Parole Board Reviews Closed Supervision Centre www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk GEFBADCHI 4 Mental Health Law (Legally Aided) 8 1 7 Transfer to Hospital under Section 47 & Section 48 Mental Health Act 9 3 5 Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 Groups CATCHPHRASE WORD MORPH 5 3 6 2 1 Criminal Law throughout Great Britain, designed to help those 1 6 1. Too Good to Last tread DO YOU have an ongoing confiscation order? with a drinking problem. Through mutual 2. Pat on the Back broad 4 2 1 7 8 DO YOU have an ongoing case and want to change solicitors? 3. Life Behind Bars support, sufferers assist each other in coping breed 7 2 5 DO YOU want to appeal your IPP sentence? 4. A Touching Moment break 8 6 9 with their problem. There are no fees for mem- 5. Look Before You Leap

bream 6 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. Mental Health Law (Legally Aided) 6. Three Wise Men bership of Alcoholics Anonymous and anonymity Daily Sudoku: Mon 3-Jun-2019 medium Transfer to Hospital under Section 47 & Section 48 Mental Health Act is carefully preserved. TECTONIC ANAGRAM SQUARE SUDOKU For an immediate response, please contact: 1 C OATS 5 7 3 6 8 2 1 4 9 Yasmin Aslam 9 8 1 7 4 5 2 3 6 Solicitor Advocate/Prison Law Supervisor 2 L AT ER Calls will be kept strictly confidential 6 4 2 1 9 3 5 7 8 3 U PSET AGI Criminal Solicitors,489 Chester Road 7 5 8 3 6 9 4 2 1 Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 9HF 4 E XALT 3 1 9 8 2 4 7 6 5 For more information: 5 S IZ ES 4 2 6 5 1 7 9 8 3 24 Hours -7 days a week 8 9 7 2 5 6 3 1 4 PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, YORK YO1 7NJ 1 3 5 4 7 8 6 9 2 CALL US! 2 6 4 9 3 1 8 5 7 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. Tel: 01904 644 026 Daily Sudoku: Mon 3-Jun-2019 medium 0161 226 2070

http://www.dailysudoku.com/ The Personal Injury Specialists

You may be entitled to claim compensation PRISONERS CONTINUALLY FAILED BY HEALTHCARE TO TREAT EYE CONDITIONS

Attwood Solicitors secure thousands for prisoners who have been failed by the healthcare system when they have suffered problems with their vision and have not been seen promptly. Injuries suffered due to negligence Does any of the below apply to you and you have not been given the care and investigation you should have?

• Blurred vision • Sudden loss of vision • Specs or floaters in your eye • A flash of light in one or both of your eyes • Gradual deterioration in your vision • Previous retinal detachment in one eye • A family history of retinal detachment Medical Negligence (Delayed / Wrong Treatment) • Extreme nearsightedness (myopia) • Previous eye surgery, such as cataract removal • Previous severe eye injury

Send your enquiry to us and we will see if we can investigate a Claim on your behalf.

Contact us today, you may be entitled to compensation! Dental Negligence This month's challenge 0800 145 5105 Request a Claim Form Send your: Name, Prison Number and Claim Type to FREEPOST RSSU-GCXH-SJLG Attwood Solicitors, 5-7 Hartshill Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 1QH www.attwoodsolicitors.co.uk [email protected] Last Months Solution: A Fence 60 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

Alien hunters Anagram Square Criss Cross Do you know? Half a million people have signed up to “storm” a US Rearrange the letters in each military base that conspiracy row to form a word. Write your theorists say holds alien answers into the blank grid. technology. The event is The first letter from each word, reading down, will spell the called Storm Area 51: They mystery keyword. Can’t Stop All Of Us and says: “We will all meet up at the RTEAT Area 51 Alien Centre tourist 1 attraction and coordinate our 2 SRAED entry. “If we Naruto run, we can move faster than their 3 APLAE bullets. Let’s see them aliens.” Naruto run is the unique 4 MARED Dark side of the moon landing running style of Naruto Fifty years ago, on July 16, the crew of Apollo 11 blasted off from 5 ELAGE the Kennedy Space Centre. Four days later, while Michael Collins Uzumaki, the star of the remained in orbit, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would become Japanese anime series Naruto the first people to walk on the surface of the Moon. The first who sprints with his arms mission to put humans on the Moon was a success. But that’s stretched behind him. The 1 not how it could have gone. There are always risks involved in event, set for 20 September. 3 LETTER 4 LETTER SCAR MOUSE LEGACY space travel, and plans were in place for if the worst were to Area 51 is about 150 miles 2 ACT ALUM TUTU SMITE SNIVEL happen, and the first people to walk on the Moon became stuck from Las Vegas. The remote 3 DEN BUGS TABLE there, with no hope of returning to Earth. 4,000-square-mile patch of ELF CALF 5 LETTER THIEF 7 LETTER ELEGIAC desert was first used for the EMU EARN ALTAR TREND A document written 50 years ago, titled “In event of moon 4 EXTREME development of U2 spy planes ERR HINT ECLAT disaster” outlines the steps President Nixon would have taken, ICEBERG in the 1950s. But conspiracy LYE LAVA FOLIO 6 LETTER and the speech he would have made had the astronauts been 5 OUTCROP theorists say the site has also MAT REAL IDOLS APLOMB left to die over 186,000 miles from home. PROTEGE RAM ROAM ISSUE CONSUL been used to store remains of Thanks to Peter Charman SUPREMO “At that time the most dangerous part of the Moon mission was crashed UFOs and other alien HMP Highdown. If you fancy to get that lunar module back up into orbit around the Moon and technology. The fact that they compiling an Anagram Square only acknowledged the base’s for us please just send it in 5 x 5 Tectonic to join the command ship,” Nixon’s speechwriter, William Safire, squares, complete with answers explained in an interview with NBC’s Meet The Press in 1999. existence in 2013 has only shown on a grid. If we use it we Each square must contain a digit. A one-square block contains fuelled the speculation. will send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your name, only a 1, a two-square block contains 1 and 2, a three-square “But if they couldn’t - and there was a good risk that they Sky News couldn’t - then they would have to be abandoned on the Moon. number, prison. We will be using block contains 1, 2 and 3, and so on. The same digit cannot the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ appear in neighbouring squares - not even diagonally. Left to die there. And mission control would then have to - to for prize money so include your use their euphemism - ‘close down communication’. The men DOB on your entries. would have to either starve to death or commit suicide.” Had this been the case, after informing what the document describes Fun facts... as “widows-to-be”, this is the speech that Nixon would have given to the world: • The top selling item in US “Fate has ordained that the men who went to the Moon to explore supermarkets in the week in peace will stay on the Moon to rest in peace. These brave men, before a hurricane is beer. Run away, doo doo doo doo Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, know that there is no hope for doo doo • Male redback spiders som- their recovery. But they also know that there is hope for mankind Waterfront Lake Pavilion, in ersault onto the female’s in their sacrifice. These two men are laying down their lives in West Palm Beach, Florida is mouth during copulation and mankind’s most noble goal: the search for truth and understanding. blasting children’s song ‘Baby are able to transfer sperm while Shark’ on loop throughout the they are being consumed. They will be mourned by their families and friends; they will be night in attempts to deter mourned by their nation; they will be mourned by the people of • The word harass is believed homeless people from sleeping the world; they will be mourned by a Mother Earth that dared send to come from the French outside. Megan Hustings, two of her sons into the unknown. harer, meaning ‘ to set a dog on’. interim director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, • In Victorian versions of In their exploration, they stirred the people of the world to feel as said the bizarre idea shows a Cinderella, her ugly sisters one; in their sacrifice, they bind more tightly the brotherhood of ‘lack of concern’ for people nicknamed her ‘Cinder-slut’. man. In ancient days, men looked at stars and saw their heroes in who ‘are struggling through a the constellations. In modern times, we do much the same, but our • According to recent research, very tough time’. Responding heroes are epic men of flesh and blood. Others will follow, and women are disproportionate- with this kind of discrimina- surely find their way home. Man’s search will not be denied. ly likely to find the words tion and disgust instead of “whakapapa” and “doohickey” compassion is... really But these men were the first, and they will remain the foremost in funny, while men are dispro- immoral. It’s disturbing,” she our hearts. For every human being who looks up at the Moon in portionately likely to find the added. “We’re all humans, and Quotes the nights to come will know that there is some corner of another words “sexual napalm” and we need to sleep.” Lad Bible world that is forever mankind.” “poundage” funny. “Human beings, who are “You always hear a headline almost unique in having the like this, ‘Man Killed By Shark’, • Baby puffins are called puf- ability to learn from the you never hear it from the Why does orange juice taste I hate my massive nose. Will it keep growing for the rest flings. experience of others, are also other perspective, ‘Man bad after tooth brushing? of my life? • With 1,053 people per remarkable for their apparent Swims in Shark Infested Toothpaste contains sodium Oh dear. Yes, your nose will keep getting larger, and your square mile, England is more disinclination to do so. ” Waters, Forgets He’s Shark lauryl sulfate (SLS) that creates ears too. It’s not so much that they’re growing, but more densely populated than India Food’” GARY LARSON bubbles when you brush. But it sagging and becoming less elastic. In 2010, researchers at the (1,005 per square miles) and suppresses sweet receptors on the University of Milan calculated that the total surface area of “I read the newspapers avid- “If people never did silly China (373 per square mile). tongue, which prevents the brain older people’s noses (65-80 years old) is typically 15 per cent ly. It is my one form of con- things, nothing intelligent from registering sweetness, and larger than that of younger people’s (18-30 years old). • Bees that return to the hive tinuous fiction.” ANEURIN would ever get done.” destroys compounds in the saliva The cartilage that shapes the nostrils and the tip of the nose drunk are not allowed in. BEVAN LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN called phospholipids, which block loses its structure as we age, and the cartilage along the “Living alone. Even our best “The best time to plant a tree bitter receptors. So SLS not only bridge of the nose starts to sag, too. But you can take • The G-spot is named after farts. Are wasted” was 20 years ago, the second cuts orange juice’s sweetness, but comfort from a 2017 study, which found that people with the German doctor Ernst ANONYMOUS JAPANESE best time is now.” CHINESE promotes its natural bitterness, bigger noses tend to be perceived as more intelligent. BBC Gräfenberg, due to his pio- POEM PROVERB too. BBC Science Focus Science Focus neering research in the area. Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 61

August facts The path to success Did I say that? Top facts... • In the original Roman calendar the month of 4 9 3 1 9 9 Important Facts August was called Sextilis. This was because it was the Number 9 - Death is the sixth month of the year. 8 3 9 7 5 number 1 killer in the world. Later, after January and February were added to 6 5 3 5 2 Number 8 - Life is sexually the calendar, it became the transmitted. eighth month of the year. 3 5 8 6 At the time the month had 4 Number 7 - Good health is merely the slowest possible 29 days. When Julius Caesar “Congratulations to all the rate at which one can die. created the Julian calendar 3 1 4 4 8 2019 Emmy nominees. in 45 BC, two days were “Donald Trump, who is the “You’re right, Mr President Especially me. I’m particu- Number 6 - Men have two added giving the month Start at the bottom left square president of the United - you don’t have a racist larly pleased for me.” emotions: hungry and horny, 31 days. The month was and move up, down, left or right States got a call from his bone in your body. You have Irish actor Chris O’Dowd on and they can’t tell them apart. later renamed Augustus in until you reach the finish. Add the friend, Kanye West, to save a racist mind in your head, receiving an Emmy If you see a gleam in his eyes, honour of the first emperor numbers as you go. Can you a rapper (A$AP Rocky) and a racist heart in your nomination. make him a sandwich. of Rome, Caesar Augustus. make exactly 60? from a Swedish prison. This chest.” sounds like a headline Ayanna Pressley, one of the Number 5 - Give a person a GEF BAD CHI written by a newspaper on four US Congresswomen of fish and you feed them for a LSD.” colour who Trump asked in day. Teach a person to use the Using the letters G,E,F,B,A,D,C,H & I fill in the America’s “Daily Show” host a tweet “why don’t they go Internet and they won’t blank squares. Each letter A-I must appear bother you for weeks, Trevor Noah ‘genuinely back to the countries they only once in each line column and 3x3 grid. months, maybe years. cannot believe’ the Trump/ came from?” A$AP Rocky situation is ‘real “My chances of being PM Number 4 - Health nuts are life’. are about as good as the “Online dating sites are going to feel stupid someday, chances of finding Elvis on based on how you look. As lying in the hospital, dying of “It might entertain a million Mars, or my being reincar- I’m as ugly as Phil and nothing. people a day, but then so nated as an olive.” Grant Mitchell put together, Neil Speed is a Number 3 - All of us could did Christians versus lions.” Prime Minister Boris I’m at a disadvantage.” former prisoner take a lesson from the President of the Royal College Johnson underplaying his Britain’s Got Talent Lost who came up weather. It pays no attention of Psychiatrists on the axing political rise after the EU Voice Guy on his dating with the concept to criticism. of the Jeremy Kyle show. referendum. chances. of GEF BAD CHI whilst in prison. Number 2 - In the 60’s, GEF BAD CHI by Inside Chess people took acid to make the Neil Speed is 8 world weird. Now the world is published by by Carl Portman weird, and people take Prozac Xlibris. £12.35 7 to make it normal.

This is my 60th column, so a quick shout out to 6 Number 1 - Life is like a jar of Catchphrase all of my regular chess problem contributors. jalapeno peppers. What you Thank you for supporting Inside Time chess. I 5 do today might burn your ass The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, always love to hear from new entrants to my tomorrow. place, or thing that each square is meant to represent. competition too but you can write to me regard- 4 ...and as someone recently ing any of your thoughts or experiences about 3 said: Don’t worry about old chess - particularly where chess helps you in age; it doesn’t last that long. your day-to-day life in or out of prison. I must 2 remind readers that sometimes I receive mail BOPPER Fun facts... that has already been opened so I might not 1 necessarily receive everything that people send. Also, people do not always receive what I send. • A piece of moon rock given A B C D E F G H We continue to do the best we can, but let’s to Ireland by President Nixon never give up hope that everything will be in human …well, that’s AlphaZero. More at another was accidentally discarded order. time on this beast of a chess engine. after the Dunsink Observatory caught fire in I should have some interesting news for you in This month I shall give you a position that my 1977. It is still in Finglas land- fill somewhere, and nobody the September column about an international own chess engine gave me to solve. It is a pretty has found it yet. prison chess competition where England is due empty battlefield, and the sides have equal ma- to participate. It’s a trial, and at the time of writing terial. It is Black (coming down the board) to play • When footballer Stefan I have no idea if it will happen. If it does, I shall and win. Write and give me a path to victory. spill the beans. Schwarz signed for Dear Editor Sunderland in 1999, it was written into his contract that I do know that some of you are taking up corre- A back copy of ‘Chess Monthly’ donated by the • I’ve just been to Tesco’s and • The neighbour’s dog shat in he was forbidden from travel- spondence chess after I gave details of how to London Chess Centre is the prize for the first bought a twin pack of our garden, so my wife told ling into space. go about this. That is brilliant news and I very correct entry drawn. Write to me with your an- recycled toilet paper. I have me to get a shovel and throw much hope you learn a lot from your games. In swer, care of The English Chess Federation, The • In the 16th century, Scottish to say, they’ve done a it over the fence. I don’t see my experience, it also builds friendships far and remarkable job. There isn’t a what that solved. Now we’ve Watch Oak, Chain Lane, Battle, East Sussex TN33 poets had early rap battles in wide, some that last forever. I have been busy single skid mark to be seen on got dog shit in our garden and OYD. Please note that you should always write the form of ‘Flyting’ - when with chess and I recently engaged Grandmaster the whole roll. Pete - Burnley the neighbours have our to me at the ECF not via InsideTime. Also, please they would compete to insult Matthew Sadler and Women’s International shovel. Terence - Stockport include your prison number and if you can, the each other in verse. • How come most blokes get Master Natasha Regan to give a lecture and si- date and what months puzzle you are buried in a smart suit with a • Keep your friends close, but multaneous exhibition in my home town. That entering. • Black Sabbath was originally shirt and tie, yet whenever you enemies closer” is a went well, and they spoke about chess and ar- called The Polka Tulk Blues you see zombies raised from strange piece of advice. I feel tificial intelligence (AI), with specific regard to a The answer to July’s puzzle was 1…Rh8-h2! Band. the dead they always look pretty stupid watching my computer chess program called AlphaZero. 2.Qd2xh2 Rc4xc3! Mates or wins the Queen - real scruffy buggers? I tell you mates having a great time on Chess computers have come a very long way in winner to be announced. • Jane Austen’s family didn’t what, I wouldn’t trust any of the other side of the pub while a short time and even World Champion Magnus think it was worth mentioning these gravediggers as far as I I’m sitting at a table with my Carlsen is learning a lot from them. Imagine a Winner of June’s puzzle was James from HMP on her gravestone that she could chuck the thieving gits. ex-wife and the idiot she ran computer program that plays chess just like a was a writer. Alan - Hull off with. Bobby - Luton Oakwood. 62 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019

Number Search Number Search In this month... Mark Coon HMP Exeter

1 1 3 7 2 6 5 3 1 0 1 6 4 0 3 2 5 6 7 1 3 2 2 0 4 6 9 7 8 1 6 0 3 8 9 5 4 1 8 6 9 1 6 2 0 2 9 0 2 7 1 2 1 8 5 1 6 7 3 9 3 0 7 1 0 1 6 6 6 5 1 August 1976 7 9 6 2 4 9 7 7 9 3 Lauda fights for life after Grand Prix crash Formula One racing driver Niki Lauda is in a 9 7 0 9 6 9 3 5 7 1 critical condition in hospital after an horrific 8 4 9 3 1 3 2 8 8 2 accident at the Nurburgring Grand Prix in 029,70969357, 2019, 0774251, 2019, 101666, 0774251, 1765230, 1136,101666, 3977942, 01296, Germany. The Austrian-born driver became 01296, 116795, 132, 7265, 882 1765230, 1136, 3977942, 116795, 132, 7265, 882 trapped inside his Ferrari after it swerved off the track before bouncing back into the path Thanks to Mark Coon - HMP Exeter for compiling of the oncoming cars and catching fire. Four this Number Search. If you fancy compiling one drivers (Guy Edwards, Harald Ertl, Brett Lunger please send in max 10 x 10 grid complete with and Arturo Merzario) stopped and raced to the answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will send burning Ferrari and eventually managed to pull you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your Lauda from his vehicle. Guy Edwards said they name, number and prison. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include had had problems getting the trapped driver your DOB on your entries. out. “Lauda was basically sitting in the middle of a fire and I would guess it would be about a minute before we managed to get the belts Sudoku // Hard undone. In the meantime Ertl had got a fire extinguisher from somewhere and was aiming it towards the central cockpit area so he was 1 4 able to keep the fire under some sort of control. Lauda was conscious most of the time and was 2 4 5 saying ‘get me out’.” Mr Lauda was taken to 3 5 2 8 1 nearby Adenau hospital with serious burns. 1 3 In context: He fought for his life for several days following the accident and suffered third-degree 7 8 2 6 burns to his head and face that left him scarred for life, inhaled toxic gases that damaged his 2 3 lungs, and received the last rites in hospital. Yet he returned to racing just 40 days later - finish- 8 3 5 4 9 ing fourth in the Italian Grand Prix. By the end 9 7 3 of the race, his unhealed wounds had soaked his fireproof balaclava in blood. When he tried to

3 8 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. remove the balaclava, he found it was stuck to Daily Sudoku: Tue 9-Jul-2019 hard his bandages, and had to resort to ripping it off Word Morph in one go. It was one of the bravest acts in the © MW Released life sentenced prisoner history of sport. Lauda won the World Championship a total of three times - in 1975, Can you morph one word into another by just 1977 and 1984. He retired from F1 in 1985. changing one letter at a time? It isn’t quite as DAVIES & JONES easy7 as9 you think!1 5 3 6 4 8 2 After retiring he went on to become a non-exec- See our utive chairman of the world champion Mercedes SOLICITORS page in the 6 2 8 4 7 1 5 9 3 team and airline entrepreneur. He passed away crime at the age of 70 in May 2019 after being Specialising in ‘Jailbreak’ section 3 5 4 2 9 8 7 6 1 diagnosed with pneumonia. Criminal Defence and THE PRISON 4 8 5 1 6 9 3 2 7 Grandparents Day Prison Law 9 3 7 8 5 2 6 1 4 O f f e r i n g Sunday, 6 October PHOENIX TRUST 1 6 2 7 4 3 9 5 8 N a t i o n w i d e S e r v i c e Send your message (20 words max) to In- 8 7 6 3 crimp1 5 2 4 9 side Time and we will publish as many as Head doing you in? • All Criminal Court Proceedings possible in a special Grandparent’s Day Stressed out? Just2 4for laughs9 6 8 7 1 3 5 section in the October issue. All messages • Parole Applications Can’t sleep? received will appear on the website and 5 1 3 9 2 4 8 7 6 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. • Policeman: Whose car is this, where are you grandparents on the outside will be sent a • Licence Recall Daily Sudoku: Tue 9-Jul-2019 hard taking it and what do you do for a living? copy of the newspaper if you include their • Appeals Simple yoga and address details. Entries must be sent to In- meditation practice, Miner: Mine. • Adjudications side Time ‘Grandparent’s Day’ Botley Mills, working with silence and the • What do you call a hippies wife? Mississippi. Botley, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Closing date http://www.dailysudoku.com/ 20th September and don’t forget Contact breath, might just transform • True house cleaners aren’t just born to include your full details too! David Rees or Simon Palmer your life in more ways than They’re maid. Davies & Jones you think ... Interested? • What’s a cowboy’s favourite vehicle? Audi, partner. 32 The Parade, Roath, Write to The Prison Phoenix Trust • My favourite part of the bible is when God P.O. Box 328, Oxford, OX2 7HF. Cardiff, CF24 3AD gives everyone free will...and then he kills them all in a flood for not doing what he tells them. Tel: 029 2046 5296 We’d love to hear from you anytime and have or 24 Hour Emergency Number: several free books and CDs, which could • Thank you to everyone who stuck by me 079 7096 9357 help you build and maintain a daily practice. while I tried to learn the meaning of “many”. It means “a lot”. Insidetime August 2019 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 63

The joke’s on you! AugustWordsearch Jailbreak 2019 // Leaving Prison Would you believe it? Leaving Prison - Samantha Truslove HMP Eastwood Park • A man went to the dental surgeon to have a F R E E D O M O A T O X E R Y F U N L P tooth pulled. The dentist pulls out a freezing U L Q A O N S U H D N S A G B A S Y Z T needle to give the man. “No way! No needles! I Y W P H O T O S T A T V N E X M D S R Q hate needles!” the patient said. The dentist R D W S F E I Y W Y O I U W Y I M I E O S R Z U C N Y R P O L Y O R E L P E L B starts to hook up the laughing gas and the man V U O M H Y O O N I C W B D O Y R V A I again objects. “I can’t do the gas thing - the L T T E A R S T M E A Y N F W H E A T R thought of having the gas mask on is suffocat- A F R I E N D S H O P P I N G I S L I T ing to me!” The dentist then asks if the man has T R E T S R P O C U D D L E S N E O O H any objection to taking a pill. “No,” the patient M S L L O W T E R H G F C D T E N V N D says, “I am fi ne with pills.” The dentist then Giant manta ray asks E N A S P O I L I S I E W E R R T E S A returns and says, “Here is a Viagra tablet.” The swimmer for help M W T E X C I T E D R L Y V E M S X H Y A giant manta ray has been patient says, “Wow - I didn’t know Viagra O A T K F O R G I V E T D O H O E P I S filmed appearing to beg a worked as a pain pill.!” “It doesn’t,” said the R W O T H I Y H O M E P A R T Y S A P U professional diver for help dentist and continued: “But it will give you I C N S J P B Y X S A T N U E K M R W R saving her life. The three-me- something to hold onto when I pull out your E P B L P I C N I C Z O C W G N Y T V P tre-wide sea creature is shown tooth.” S K M A C A T C H U P M I J O T U N S R O V H E L I C A K E H A N H T I M E Q I swimming up to snorkelling E R T M O E X Z Q D F I G S E P A R P S guide Jake Wilton and flipping Real fake • A man in Scotland calls his son in London the day before Christmas Eve and says,“I hate to A U S N V Y R E S T A U R A N T T S M E over in the water - apparently If Snoop Dogg is known for one thing, it’s to show him fish hooks smoking excessive amounts of weed. He’s also ruin your day but I have to tell you that your BIRTHDAYS,BIRTHDAYS, CAKE, CATCHCAKE, UP, CATCH CHILDREN, UP, CUDDLES, CHILDREN, DANCING, CUDDLES, EXCITED, FAMILY, FOOD, FORGIVE, FREEDOM, FRIENDS, FUN, HAPPY, HOME, LOVE, MEALS, MEMORIES, embedded in her right eye. had some iconic smoke sessions with famous mother and I are divorcing; forty-fi ve years of DANCING, EXCITED, FAMILY, FOOD, FORGIVE, FREEDOM, misery is enough.” ‘Dad, what are you talking PARTNERS, PARTY, PHOTOS, PICNIC, PRESENTS, RELATIONSHIP, RESTAURANT, The footage, caught near people from across the world, but Kurt Cobain SHOPPING,FRIENDS, SMILING, FUN, SPOIL, HAPPY, STORY, HOME, SURPRISE , LOVE,TEARS, TIME, MEALS, TOGETHER. MEMORIES, Ningaloo Reef off Western about?’ the son screams. “We can’t stand the PARTNERS, PARTY, PHOTOS, PICNIC, PRESENTS, RELATIONSHIP, wasn’t one of them. An Instagram user savvy Australia’s north west coast, sight of each other any longer” the father says. RESTAURANT, SHOPPING, SMILING, SPOIL, STORY, SURPRISE, with Photoshop posted a doctored photo of seems to show the manta ray “We’re sick of each other and I’m sick of talking TEARS, TIME, TOGETHER. then staying perfectly still as Snoop and Cobain getting lit, and Snoop about this, so you call your sister in Leeds and thought the photo was real. Snoop reposted Thanks to Samantha Truslove HMP Eastwood Park for compiling this Mr Wilton gently removes the tell her.” Frantically, the son calls his sister, who Wordsearch. If you fancy compiling one for us please send in max 20 x potentially deadly spikes. the photo to his Instagram page as a throw- explodes on the phone. “Like hell they’re get- 20 grid complete with answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will

The animal - well known to back. “Young dogg with Kurt 92,” the rapper ting divorced!” she shouts, “I’ll take care of send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your name, number, locals and affectionately wrote. Snoop received a lot of praise for the this!” She calls Scotland immediately, and prison. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include your DOB on your entries. nicknamed Freckles - then photo. Busta Rhymes wrote, “This shit is screams at her father “You are NOT getting swims away with a flourish as incredible!!” Another user wrote, “Wow we divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get the diver emerges trium- already know you’re legendary you just took it there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll Quick Crossword phantly with the hooks. up a few levels.” The photo was originally both be there tomorrow.Until then, don’t do a Monty Halls, a British marine posted by Instagram user Vemix, who is known thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up. The biologist aboard the boat at for Photoshopping celebrities together in old man hangs up his phone and turns to his the time, said: “That manta wife. ‘Sorted! They’re coming for Christmas - pictures. They thought it was hilarious that they absolutely understood what and they’re paying their own way.’ was going on. Jake went down were able to fool Snoop. “When you make Snoop think he smoked with Kurt in 92,” they again and again and she just • A bus full of ugly people unexpectedly crash- remained still for him.” wrote with a laughing emoji. Uproxx es and kills everyone on board. Everyone Parrot ‘look out’ Space cake shows up at the Gates of Heaven where God comes to meet them all Himself. “Gee guys, I Police in Brazil took a drug dealer’s pet parrot Nurses were reportedly “off didn’t intend for that to happen, I’m really into custody this week after the bird spotted their faces” after a “nice old cops preparing to raid his house and screamed sorry. I can’t just resurrect you all, but to make man” handed them a cake at his owners to watch out, the Guardian up for it I’ll grant you all one wish before I let reports. The loyal bird cawed “Mama, police!” laced with cannabis as a thank you in.” The fi rst person steps up and thinks for in Portuguese as cops were preparing to raid you present. Police were a moment. He says “You know God, I’ve been the home of two suspected crack dealers. “He called to Warrington Hospital ugly all my life. For once I would like to know what it is like to be beautiful. Make me beauti- must have been trained for this,” one of the in Cheshire after staff ate the cops told Brazilian media afterward.. “As soon ful.” So God snaps his fi ngers and it is so. red velvet sponge that was as the police got close he started shouting.” Everyone else starts chattering amongst them- Unfortunately for the feathered lookout, his spiked with the class B drug. A selves at such a brilliant idea. They all start warning wasn’t enough to save his owners: The grandfather, who wanted to wishing for the same thing. God steps up to the police managed to nab the alleged drug thank the nurses for their care last guy in line who is laying on his side laugh- dealers even without the element of surprise. of a relative, is said to have ing so hard he is crying. After several minutes The cops brought the parrot back to the been unaware of the cake’s of patiently waiting, God fi nally says “Now Across Down station, but so far, the bird is keeping his beak what in Heaven could be so funny boy?” The additional ingredient. He had shut around police. In the end the cops got man stands up, wipes a tear from his eye and 1. A tug (7) 1. Prickly plant (7) tired of trying to get information from the taken it from his grandson’s says “Make them all ugly again.” 7. Insight (6) 2. Snooker ball colour (5) uncooperative bird, so they turned him over to 18th birthday party before 8. First letter (7) 3. Norse god (4) a nearby zoo, where he’ll presumably get to do presenting it to nurses. A Words of the month 9. Friend (4) 4. Chest-on-chest (7) normal bird stuff and not have to spend his Cheshire Police spokesperson 10. Drawn matches (4) 5. Cause to be underwater (8) days cawing about drug busts anymore. Vice 12. Female voice (7) 6. Defeated (6) said: “Following an investiga- • CONFUSIONITE - An unusual rock or miner- 14. Quite old (7) 11. Wide in range or effect (8) Royally offended tion officers determined that al that is hard to identify. 16. Makes mistakes (4) 12. Slim (7) A civil servant in the Northern Ireland Office the member of the public • PARACOSM - A detailed fantasy world 18. Pace (4) 13. To see (7) was paid £10,000 compensation because he who had brought in the cake invented by a child, with its own geography, 20. Hand over (7) 15. Liquid skin cream (6) was offended by having to walk past a portrait was unaware of the content history and language. 21. Saloon (6) 17. Bird type (5) of the Queen each day, a peer has said. Lord 22. Entourage (7) 19. Opening for coins (4) of the cake as it had been left Maginnis, a former Ulster Unionist Party MP, • ARSY-VARSEY - (18th century slang) — head told the House of Lords on Wednesday that over from their grandson’s over heels. The last word... Lee Hegarty complained under human rights birthday party. Officers have • KATAGELOPHOBIA - The fear of being ridi- legislation he should not have to work in an now spoken to all parties culed or embarrassed.. I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. office that featured paintings of the Queen and involved and given some “ the Duke of Edinburgh. After his complaint, the I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been strong words of advice. • UMARELL - A slang term from Bologna. It portraits were removed and replaced with means “a retired man who watches construc- trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. The case has now been closed photographs of the royals meeting people in tion sites and gives unsolicited advice.” I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. Northern Ireland during official visits. The and the cake has been And that is why I succeed.” Michael Jordan Independent destroyed.” Sky News • LIBEROSIS - The desire to care less about things. 64 Jailbreak // National Prison Radio www.insidetime.org Insidetime August 2019 National Prison Radio is available in prisons across August 2019 England and Wales, and HMP Grampian in Scotland. What’s on National Prison Radio // August 2019 We broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, into your National Prison Radio is currently available in prisons across England and Wales. We broadcast 24-hours a day, seven days a week,cell. into If your your prison cell. has National Prison Radio, you can If your prison has National Prison Radio, you can listen through your TV by using the tuning buttons on your remote control. listen through your TV by using the tuning buttons on What’s on National Prison Radio? your remote control.

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

07:00 Love Bug 17:00 Bob Free Live Inside Love Bug Free Hot 20 Write to the (or local and Flow Inside Music Write to the Flow The famous ones you love shows) Beyond Find your Poetry, Artist ones you love Find your UK chart Reggae & beat. music and profiles beat. rundown. Porridge Write your culture from from HMP Write your Includes dancehall. The world’s first national breakfast show made by and for prisoners. bars. inside HMP. Peterborough bars. Future Heat. 08:00 NPR Bob 18:00 NPR Talk Helping you make the most of your time. (or local Friday and shows NPR Fresh Sport, Beyond NPR NPR NPR Talk Open We Are Ear Brixton made chat and The best Specials Takeover Helping you Your Mind Hustle Calling in your The freshest new music, here on National Prison Radio. ents. Your reggae Real talk. Jails around make the Your guide to News and prison) If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. start to the and Don’t just do the country most of your . staying out of requests weekend. dancehall. your time, take over time behind prison. from HMP use your time. NPR. bars. Brixton. 09:00 Desi Decibel NPR The Ear Hustle 19:00 The NPR Drop The finest Urban Rock Asian dance The best in Show The Request Show Rock Fresh beats. music from Two hours of urban music. To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at: Show Two hours of new British Turn it up around the Hip-hop, loud. Join National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF Join the the freshest 10:00 Deja Vu world, music from grime, R&B, NPR Rock new music. DJ Goldie- the Rock 20:00 Get your loved-ones to request tracks for Thursday’s show at: Classic direct to bashment Show Specials Show If it’s fresh, rocks. www.nationalprisonradio.com we’ve got it. tracks. your ears. and afrobeat. Family. family. 11:00 NPR 21:00 Hot 20 NPR NPR Decibel Bob and Takeover The famous Live Fresh Urban Beyond Porridge UK chart The finest Inside Two hours The best in dance Reggae & Another chance to hear this morning’s show. rundown. dancehall. of the urban music from Two hours NPR NPR NPR Talk Open Your We Are NPR Talk freshest music. around the of brand 12:00 22:00 Inside Deja Vu Hip-hop, world, new Love Bug Specials Takeover See 18:00 Mind new music. (or local Music Classic If it’s fresh, R&B and direct to British Write to the shows) See 18:00 See 18:00 See 18:00 See 18:00 we’ve got it. more. your ears. music. ones you From HMP tracks. love. Peterborough 13:00 Open

The Request Show Your Mind 23:00 This month’s book: The Request Show Books Unlocked Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt Want to hear your favourite song on National Prison Radio? Write 14:00 To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at to us at: We Are Write to National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF for a free copy. National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF National Music and advice to help you sleep Prison 23:30 safe and sound through the night. 15:00 Hot 20 Radio, Books Dream Time UK chart HMP Unlocked NPR Fresh rundown. Brixton, A repeat of The freshest new music. 16:00 New London the week’s NPR Specials: Across England and Wales. If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. SW2 book British NPR readings Monday 5 August - Outside In: helping you prepare for life after prison. music with 5XF Friday Monday 12 August - Inside Stories: find out how ex-prisoners get published. DJ Goldie- Start your rocks. weekend. Monday 19 August - Awr y Ddraig (Hour of the Dragon): Welsh music from Parc.

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• Receive phone calls from prisons Specialist insurance for on your mobile • Only 10 pence per minute non-standard risks • No credit check Getting insurance is expensive enough Contact us now for a free without the added burden of a criminal confidential review of all • No monthly bills record, bankruptcy or voided policy to your insurance requirements. disclose. We recognise that your past is • 100% pay as you go not necessarily a guide to your future, 0161 969 6040 [email protected] whatever your circumstances. Our underwriting authority allows us to provide affordable cover for: Car & Van Home & Property Business Travel Sale Insurance Services Ltd call costs instantly So whether you need business or 15 - 17 Washway Road, personal cover, or both,we can arrange Sale, Cheshire M33 7AD More info? Telephone: 03333 706550 the right policy at the right price. www.saleinsurance.co.uk email: [email protected] Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority