Junior

New and Probation “It’s everyone’s responsibility “The sense of community chief Jo Farrar: “The thing to contribute to the society at the Parkrun is fantastic.” the National Newspaper for & Detainees I have to focus on most of that they live in.” Downview governor all is safety.” Junior Smart runs the run a voice for prisoners since  Comment // page 22 Comment // page 28 Comment // page 24 February 2020 / Issue No. 248 / www.insidetime.org / A ‘not for profit’ publication/ ISSN 1743-7342 Your Valentine’s messages 46 // Keeping Safe supplement // 2020 Koestler entry form inside An average of 60,000 copies distributed monthly Independently verified by the Audit Bureau of Circulations CHANGING THE GAME X-ray body scanners to be installed in sixteen prisons

produce instant images from inside the human Equipment being funded by body and can reveal internally concealed con- Government’s £2.75 billion com- traband, including drugs, mobile phones and mitment to transform the prison weapons. The cutting-edge technology will be L-R: Kath Pengilley, Amy-Louise Gaines, Phoenix Griffin, Dalton Harrison and Lily Luty 19 estate, including: installed first at local jails with high volumes of prisoners. The £28 million that will l £100 million to bolster prison se- pay for X-ray scanners across the estate is ‘We love our hostel!’ curity, clamping down on the being funded from the Government’s £100 weapons, drugs and mobile million package to boost security. The invest- Approved premises so good that former phones; ment will fund new measures to tackle drugs residents put on play to raise funds for day trips and violence in prisons, including X-ray bag- l £2.5 billion to provide 10,000 gage scanners and metal-detection equipment, additional prison places and create phone-blocking technology and a new digital NEWS FLASH! WRONGFULLY IMPRISONED MAN AWARDED £100,000 12 modern, efficient jails that rehabil- forensics facility. itate and reduce reoffending; HMP Leeds Governor Steve Robson, which l £156 million to tackle the most already has an X-ray scanner, said: “The scan- pressing maintenance issues to cre- ner has been a real game changer. In the year ate safe and decent conditions. it has been in operation, it has found over 300 items of contraband, with prisoners finding drugs harder to come by at Leeds.” Inside Time report Prisons and Probation Minister Lucy Frazer QC Tough new security measures will be intro- MP said: “New technology is a vital part of our duced at 16 of the most challenging jails – a efforts to stop those determined to wreak major part of the Government’s crackdown on havoc in our jails. These scanners will help to behind bars. The prisons receiving scan- stem the flow of contraband into jails and ners are HMPs Exeter, Durham, Preston, Liv- allow officers to focus on rehabilitation. We’re erpool, Birmingham, Hewell, Lincoln, Bedford, investing £2.75 billion to transform our pris- Norwich, Chelmsford, Winchester, Elmley, ons, creating 10,000 additional modern places, Pentonville, Wandsworth, Bristol and and stepping up security to cut crime and bet- Cardiff. ter protect the public.” Innovative new X-ray body scanners, devel- oped specifically for the Prison Service, will Continued on page 14 ‘A national scandal’ Charity calls for action on deaths in prison

Inside Time report “This report exposes indefen- long-standing failures” in the sible levels of neglect and de- prison system said the char- Deaths in UK prisons have spair in prison.” Inquest said ity, adding there are “histori- reached “shocking and unac- that Prime Minister Boris cally high levels of deaths in ceptable” levels according to Johnson should make “a sub- custody”. Referring to figures the charity Inquest. Their re- stantial reduction in the from the Ministry of Justice, it port released last month prison population” and invest says 308 people died behind showed that up to six people instead in health and commu- bars in the 12 months to Sep- die behind bars every week. nity-based alternatives to jail. tember 2019. Branding the findings “a na- tional scandal” Inquest’s Di- Analysis of official statistics See Keeping Safe rector Deborah Coles said: shows “dangerous, supplement inside 2 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2020 insidetime Inside pain Take Mailbites a voice for prisoners since 1990 JP - HMP Northumberland responsibility It’s only just begun the national newspaper for prisoners published Ian Scott - HMP Grendon Vern McVerne Face - HMP The Verne by Inside Time Limited, a wholly owned I’m sure that like most inmates we all have someone we love subsidiary of The New Bridge Foundation, and care about out in the community. For me it’s my childhood A letter in last month’s issue Who would have thought the Conservatives founded in 1956 to create links between the sweetheart TD and our two daughters. Like most of us, not a caught my eye. Titled ‘Prison would have such a large majority, Trump offender and the community PUBLISHED day goes by when they are not in my mind from dawn to dusk. is a killer’ by L Gleeson of would give the order to kill a high ranked WEEKLY ONLINE AND MONTHLY IN PRINT My sentence means that when I get out the girls will be 18 and HMP Armley. He tells us how Iranian, Harry and Megan are thinking of 23, but at the moment they are only babies. Every day I wish I the government are the real could take back my actions that put me in here in the first place. moving to Canada, climate change has Board of Directors criminals and informs us that become the biggest risk to life on earth, and since tobacco was banned 2020 has only just begun? What will the rest of Trevor Grove - Chairman Former Editor Sunday All the time my amazing wife pushed me in the right direc- every prison is flooded with 2020 bring? I believe 2020 will be one of those Telegraph, Journalist, Writer and former Magistrate. tions and encouraged me to always be myself and go further. Spice and people ‘go under’ significant years that stands out. There could Dr Peter Bennett Trustee, New Bridge Forgive me, bubby, you have always brought the light that because they have to smoke Foundation and former Governor of HMP Grendon keeps me going and when I am at my lowest you bring me up. it undiluted by tobacco. be a big shock to the justice system, the royal John D Roberts Company Director employing I miss you so much, that amazing smile, and I hope that I can family will have an even rockier year than last former prisoners somehow fix what I have done. I’ll be waiting for you. All my I say - Get a grip, man! Every year, and some people will make a lot of money Louise Shorter CEO Inside Justice and former love, always and forever. public building has banned out of Brexit while others lose everything. producer BBC Rough Justice Alistair H E Smith BSc FCA Chartered Accountant, smoking, NHS buildings, 2020 is sure to be an interesting year! Trustee and Treasurer, New Bridge Foundation Life-changing DART council buildings, court Phil Wheatley Former Director General of Prison buildings, etc, but you don’t Service. Ken Brown - HMP Holme House see the people working in Courses: are they any good? them turning to Spice for Barney Crawler - HMP Featherstone I would like to say a big thank-you to the Drugs Alcohol Re- The insideteam convenience. Yes, these peo- I recently posed a relevant question to the covery Team (DART) for all the work they do. I’m based on ple can buy tobacco but by Ministry of Justice in relation to the Resolve HB1 where the DART office is, and I get to see them all the your own admission, you course. The question I posed, in layman’s time and witness just how much work they do to help us. have been in and out of terms, was - Is there any proven/validated prison since you were 17 and evidence that Resolve is effective for violent The government needs to open its eyes because there ARE claim to have learned noth- people changing lives. You don’t have to be on drugs to see ing in prison, only how to offenders? The answer I received, in short, is ‘NO, but we are looking into what method to John Roberts them, sometimes you can be just having a shit day. There is commit more crime. Stop Publisher no putting an app in and having to wait weeks, they are blaming your failure on oth- use to test it’. So, my next question would be and Director along to see you the same or the very next day and every one ers. No one puts a gun to - Is it professionally ethical to recommend of them make time for you. your head and tells you to (coerce) prisoners to undertake such interven- smoke Spice, it is self-in- tions to ‘reduce their risk’ when there is no So, if you have a drug or alcohol problem, or any kind of sub- flicted, and if you do ‘go high quality (validated) evidence that it will do stance misuse, work with DART. Go to the groups and get under’ that’s tough luck. so? The answer to that is also ‘NO’. support because they are here to help you. I’ve been drug- Some people leave prison free for 2 years all down to DART teamwork. A big thank you, having learned a lot and Home sweet home Erwin James Rachel Noel Smith not just from me but from my family as well - who now see a never come back, and they Editor in Chief Billington OBE Commissioning difference in me. Thank you, from all of us. never smoke Spice. Old Man Banksy - HMP Garth Associate Editor Editor In this age of austerity, people don’t know how lucky they are to be in prison. They’re always moaning about HDC or they’re waiting for MICHAEL PURDON SOLICITOR parole boards and counting down the days, but me, I’ve got everything I need right here. I’ve got food, running water, electric, no bills to Ben Leapman Paul Sullivan David Roberts pay and I’m made up with me telly and bed, Reporter and Editorial Operations SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED AN Feature Writer Assistant Manager plus a few extras. It seems obvious to me that the Prison Service must be doing something EXPERT right because once our money runs out two-thirds of us come back regularly. So please don’t bother me with any of these silly PAROLE - RECALL courses or probation. Freedom is over-rated anyway and I never realised I was worth 45 Justine Best Carla Rowe Louise Van Head of Admin Assistant Mechelen grand a year just for sitting here doing Administration Accounts PRE-TARIFF REVIEWS nothing! Supervisor CAT A REVIEWS-TARIFF REVIEWS KEEP IN TOUCH! Send secure emails, photos & get replies back! NATIONWIDE SERVICE • Fast and easy from any Colin Matthews Gary Bultitude John Bowers (mobile) device Layout and Website Design Proof Reading Founding members, serving for 3 years as • Only 40p per message Design and Advertising Chair and Deputy Chair of the Association • Available in all *UK prisons Correspondence of Prison Lawyers • Receive a reply • On your phone? Use our app! Inside Time Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, • ** Hampshire SO30 2GB. Telephone: 01489 795945 0191 232 1006 Send photos [email protected] / www.insidetime.org CALL US: *Reply Service now available Facebook: InsideTime / Twitter: @InsideTimeUK purdonlaw.co.uk [email protected] in more than 60% of prisons VISIT: EMAIL: **In selected prisons only Subscribe More info on our website. Inside Time is distributed free of charge : 7 New Square, Lincolns Inn, throughout the UK prison estate. It is available to London, WC2C 3QS (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY) emailaprisoner other readers via a postal subscription service. SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES NEWCASTLE: Wards Buildings, 31-39 High Bridge, 03333 70 65 50 £35 per annum with concessions available see Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 1EW for further details or visit: website for details or [email protected] www.emailaprisoner.com Insidetime February 2020 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 3

Star Letter of the Month Bring in a Default Sentences Mailbag 2-11 Congratulations to this months winner who receives “Removed from our £25 prize professional Raj Koli - HMP Onley the vegan list for ordering Ritz Adam Daniel Simons - I am currently serving a Default Sentence of six-and-a-half Crackers and Lynx Page 6 HMP Holme House years. Since coming to prison nearly three-years ago I have deodorant.” been an avid reader of your newspaper. Newsround 12-17 I am in Holme House, a “Your child is ‘drug recovery prison’, In all this time I have not seen anything that relates to the going to be where they have one of those handful of inmates such as me that are serving a Default Sen- new airport scanners. Any- adopted out … if tence. The Prison Service has nothing to offer us as we have you don’t turn up way, I was at work as is my no Sentence Plan to follow, nor Probation on release, which is Page 14 in court.” Turning over a new leaf… normal routine when Secu- at the halfway point of our sentence.

Credit: Shannon Trust Comment 18-29 rity informed me that they had been asked to place me “When I initially arrived at Onley a lot of officers “So I got the pris- Thanks to the Shannon Trust in the scanner as they had ons, one party to Sean Johnstone - HMP Holme House ‘information’ that I had didn’t even know that such a sentence existed!” the marriage, and picked something up on my now I needed When I did my Index Sentence of three-and-a-half years for Page 18 football.” I would like to say thank you to the Shannon Trust and my way to work. money laundering in 2010, I did it in open conditions. I have mentees. When I came to prison in 2013, due to being a Information 30-34 now been at liberty for more than 7-years but was unable to disabled there was not much for me to do in the “If they had taken the “So, where could pay my Confiscation Order, so my Default Sentence was acti- way of employment. My only option was education. we do better and time and checked the vated. I have months left to serve but there must be others what are we like me in the system who could do with getting an inside going to do about I decided to do English and Maths, this was something I CCTV they would have view of Default Sentences. it?” did not enjoy much at school. I started off doing Level seen me walking to Page 34 Entry 3 in both subjects. As time went on I gained qualifi- work by myself and not My main point is that at Onley there is no progression for me, Legal 35-41 cations as far as Level 2 in English. stopping at all.” and others like me. They don’t let anyone progress to open “In criminal liti- conditions on a Default Sentence. They seem unable to un- Throughout my learning I could not believe how many in- gation there are Anyhow, I was placed in the derstand that one is serving time for being unable to pay a mates struggled due to lack of schooling. I found myself few guarantees, scanner and then in a dry- Confiscation Order and that it will always be there until its except that helping others to read. An English teacher spoke to me cell in the Seg. They reduced paid. Page 37 preparation is about becoming a reading mentor which, back in 2013/14 my medication and told me everything.” was called Toe By Toe. The Law Courts have already determined the time to be that I would be placed in the Jailbreak 42-56 scanner again the next day. served in lieu of non-payment. We are no risk to the public, I did my training and enjoyed mentoring until Toe By Toe The next day I was put in the so why can we not progress to open? “My true passion ceased in 2014. In 2015, I trained to become a Shannon scanner and this time they lay in fi tness and Trust Turning Pages Reading Plan mentor. The Turning told me I was ‘clean’. So, if I According to the in the last 5 years 0% of that was the Pages Reading Plan is by far the best and easiest way for did have something then inmates serving a Default Sentence have absconded from career path I learning to read. Page 44 wanted to pursue.” where could it have gone? open conditions. So please, give us a chance Onley. They searched me, the cell Turning Pages has 5 learning books, learning to read on a and the contents of the toilet one-to-one basis at the mentees own pace for 20 minutes and found nothing because per day. It helps with phonic sounds, sight words and has there was nothing to find. short story books throughout which my mentees seem to enjoy a lot. I lost my job over this inci- dent, and as someone who I feel that Turning Pages has helped me a lot during my relies on a prison wage I feel Shaw and Co time in prison, it has given me confidence, self-worth, un- hard done by. The stark real- Specialist Accident Compensation Solicitors derstanding and respect for other people’s needs. The look ity is that they are not pro- OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS of amazement from my mentees after they complete all the fessionally trained and don’t books is so gratifying, especially when at the beginning know how to read the X-rays they did not think they would be able to complete all of on the scanner, but they will the books. never admit this, therefore Dental Treatment there will be more cases like I never take credit for the teaching, the credit goes to the mine. Bring in a pro to read mentee and to Shannon Trust, because, if it was not for Medical Care the X-rays or put some of the them, I would not have found myself. Thank you. millions into training your See advert page 42 General Accident Claims staff to do a proper job. Call Chris or Sharon about your claim on: Contributing to Mailbag If you would like to contribute to Mailbag, please send your letters to the FREEPHONE 0800 389 1590 address on the left. It is very important that you ensure the following details are Or you can email us at: on all paperwork sent to Inside Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON NUMBER & PRISON. Failure to do so will prevent us responding to you and your submission being withheld from publication. Please note letters for publication may be edited. ‘Mailbag’, [email protected] Inside Time, We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize money so include Shaw and Co Solicitors Ltd Botley Mills, your DOB on your entries. Three Indian Kings House Botley, 31 The Quayside Southampton, To avoid any possible misunderstanding, if you have a query and for whatever Newcastle upon Tyne Hampshire reason do not wish your letter to be published in Inside Time or appear on the NE1 3DE SO30 2GB. website, or yourself to be identified, please make this clear. All calls are confidential. We advise that wherever possible, when sending original documents such as legal Your claim will be represented on a No Win No Fee basis. papers, you send photocopies as we are unable to accept liability if they are lost. We may need to forward your letter and/or documents to Prison Service HQ or NO WIN NO FEE another appropriate body for comment or advice, therefore only send informa- tion you are willing to have forwarded on your behalf. 4 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2020

Reform canteen suppliers Suffering from A warning! Mailbites Stephen Stroud - HMP Whatton Bruce Child - HMP The Verne Furry policemen and Glitterbugs I have been incarcerated for 15-months and the lack of staff Jason Adams - HMP Ashfield have been in employment for 13 of them. Joseph O’Riordan - HMP Highpoint I was pleased to have two Police and crime commissioners are constantly demanding Nearly every day I am asked by other in- letters published in the Jan- more funding from the government. Avon & Somerset PCC Mrs I refer to a mailbag in your December issue uary issue of Inside Time mates if I can spare a teabag, coffee, e-cig, Mountstevens has warned of cuts to police funding saying: on page 8, it was from ‘Lisa a prisoners and surprised and delighted vaping capsule. Most of the prisoners also ‘there is no muscle, there is no fat, we’re now into the bone’. friend’ and titled ‘please help’, in which she when fellow residents here work but the wages have stayed the same for Disturbingly, at a time when this PCC describes police funding asks for medical help for a friend in prison had read my thoughts and many, many years and this is exacerbated by as being in crisis, a freedom of information request sent to the with medical issues. made positive comments. our canteen provider DHL, which has a mo- office of every police and crime commissioner in & nopoly on our spends. Wales has revealed that they have spent a quarter-of-a-million On 27th of July 2017, I was having problems I am not in any way proud of pounds of taxpayers money on trinkets, which include ‘furry urinating. I have a brother who has had pros- my offence, the fact that I policemen’, ‘glitterbugs’, ‘selfie-frames’, Tardis-style police box We pay what can only be described as extor- tate cancer for 13-years, so I sought his ad- am in prison at all is a cause models, lip balms, branded sunglasses, stress balls, keyring tionate prices for items that can be bought vice as to the early symptoms of his for deep embarrassment. I torches, mints and action-figure toothbrush sets. In a time of outside the prison at a fraction of what we condition. He advised me to speak to the have never denied my crime financial crisis for the police, this kind of spending is absurd. pay. It soon becomes very apparent that to doctor at HMP Swaleside, which I did. The but no one except those in- You don’t have to look far to see where the problems are in our buy items you need or want you will have to medical care in that prison was run by IC24. volved know the whole back- justice system and to understand its financial peril. sacrifice other items to be able to afford I heard no more until October 2018, when I ground. I can do nothing them. was seen by a doctor and told I would need a about my past so my only body-scan, which happened on the 27th of course of action is to do what Special rights? This problem does not exist in private pris- December 2018. I can to improve the future. Ms Thwaites - HMP Bronzefield ons as much as in public sector prisons as I recently read a letter from ‘Scott’ talking about overhearing a private jails pay much higher wages and “In February 2019, I was advised I am a member of the Prison conversation between Muslim and Christian prisoners and the some even pay bonuses. So why not team up Reform Trust’s PPN and con- special rights given to Muslim prisoners. I must say, I totally that I had prostate cancer.” tribute to other publications with the private jails and bring all wages into agree with Scott, why should anyone be given special treatment? in the hope that I might in- line to make things fair? If there is ‘one god’, then we should all be treated exactly the Throughout 2019 I had several appointments fluence those who work to- to Medway Maritime Hospital cancelled, at same whatever we call him. If there is ‘special treatment’ of wards better conditions Muslims by the prison system then Christians should be able to We also need different companies supplying times by the prison as they did not have inside and a reduction in the attend midnight mass and be allowed to bake Christmas cakes our canteen or make them match their prices enough staff to provide an escort, whilst numbers of people coming and puddings like any other Christians outside. Giving one to what people pay outside instead of trying other appointments were cancelled by the into prison. I don’t hide be- religious group privileged treatment is racist and discriminating. to milk us for every single penny. Doing hospital for unknown reasons. hind anonymity because I these simple things will give prisoners back am prepared to acknowledge A lovely gift some self-respect. On the 29th of November 2019, I was trans- my faults and failings and Mark Wrightwick - HMP The Verne ferred here to Highpoint. I have explained stand by my beliefs. the full situation to the medical staff and Unfortunately, as prisoners, we do not get a On the 23rd of December, all 580 prisoners here at The Verne have been advised that an appointment will vote on these things that affect us so much. What I was not prepared for were given a ‘goody bag’ by the Chaplains. The bag contained a be made with an oncologist in a local hospi- was that my thoughts, ex- woolly hat, chocolate bar, shower gel, a diary, a calendar and But, if I can work this out then why can’t the tal. I hope and pray it will be soon. government? pressed in the pages of this very nice it was too. I would like to thank the Chaplaincy, newspaper, would be picked especially Yvonne and Mo who are always about. I am not up by the national tabloid religious in any way shape or form, but I do value the things all press and a single line re- of the Chaplains do. This little present really did make a printed in a way that made it difference to the mood of the prison. The hat is really warm look ridiculous, alongside and a godsend (pardon the pun). Anyway, thank you to all the full details of my name, age, Chaplains and Chapel Orderlies who delivered the bags. address and, of course, my offence. So, nobody reading State pension not a benefit the report had any clue Expert Legal Advice When You Need It Most Richard Roberts - HMP Garth about the content of my let- ter, only that a ‘serious of- With regard to your leading article a couple of months ago fender’ had dared to think regarding prisoners aged 60-plus in the prison system. One of his words merited publica- the things mentioned by Peter Clarke was the removal of the tion and how stupid he was. state pension. I was not aware of this until I began my prison sentence, but for 25-years I have campaigned that the state The reason for this letter is pension is not a ‘benefit’, as the government claim it is, but is a to give a warning to others way of saving for your retirement because you contribute. It is who might consider writing just like a mortgage you pay and at the end of it, you have a POCA to any publications whilst in house, a tangible asset. As a local politician, I have always Solicitor, Lauren Bowkett, and her specialist team prison, you may want to in- maintained that the government made the wrong decision. are here to help you: clude your name and situa- What I would like to do is find out how many people in the tion to give credibility to your prison system are affected by this decision. If you agree with • Challenge confiscation orders thoughts, but please think me about the pension please drop me a line giving the following details; name, number, sentence, how long left, were • Reduce confiscation orders carefully, there may be im- plications that you, like me, you in employment? If I receive enough information I will take • Defend enforcement had never even thought of the government to task and get them to change the state proceedings and they may extend to your pension from a benefit to an entitlement. • International asset recovery family and friends. • POCA conveyancing Universal (Dis)Credit So, while I applaud those who Lee Parkinson - HMP Cardiff are prepared to be seen, I now better understand the reason I am serving an 8-month sentence for shoplifting, brought on Address: that many writers choose to by being released from prison and being put on Universal Cohen Cramer be simply ‘Name withheld’. Credit. I was skint and hungry all the time, so I was reduced to Suite 1B, Hanover Walk, being a petty criminal. Why, I ask, is the system set up in a way Leeds LS3 1AB that is so uncaring and nasty? We who need it have no property of our own and are forced to take handouts, people are Call: Email: stressed. I am university educated and have worked most of my 0113 224 7807 [email protected] SEE life. I’m 50 now and see all these people forced to live under ADVERT this nasty system, ending up in prison and on the streets - lost PAGE 50 in a judgemental society, alienated. We are humans and should be treated as such. £29,500 COMPENSATION because of a BROKEN NOSE

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

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

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

MJ_Campaign_Dec2019.indd 1 19/11/2019 14:31 6 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2020

Truth doesn’t Christian Mailbites always come out channel A Prisoner’s Mother Don’t judge Name supplied - PB - HMP Full Sutton I read the letter in the De- HMP Pentonville Not all officers are the same, some actually do understand that cember issue of Inside Time we are suffering. People are sent to prison to lose their liberty, ‘How do we warn them?’ I Spirituality and religion can not their identity, dignity and self-worth. Though some officers was very taken with the con- help to put people on this do try to take these away, we must all remain strong. No officer tent as it exactly mirrored journey forward. Some pris- should judge us as that is not what they are employed for. how I felt regarding a close ons now put on the Freeview Officers should also bear in mind that not everyone is guilty relative’s case - word for Christian channel on our tel- just because they are in prison as even Judges make mistakes. word, sentence for sentence. evision for any prisoner who No prisoner, or officer, should be made to feel worthless, but Being wise after the event is wishes to watch it. I think we should remember that respect is a two-way street. You get very soul destroying. If you this is a great idea as this back what you give out. could have done things in channel does give us prison- ers a message of hope and another way knowing what A better life you now know, then the out- change. Could HMPPS be Vegan discrimination come of the trial may well asked if this channel could PStJ - Released prisoner have been different. A feel- be run out nationally be- I was released on 22nd of November after seven and a half Steve Price - HMP Littlehey ing of guilt persists for not cause then we prisoners years inside. Having heard all sorts of horror stories about life realising how flawed the in- could choose to watch this after release during my time inside I’d just like to let those still When is a vegan not a vegan? At HMP Littlehey when the ca- vestigation and trial system message of hope each day. I in, who may be wondering ‘what’s it like?’ that it isn’t anything tering department want to cut costs and remove inmates from can turn out to be. respect that not all prisoners like the prison grapevine leads us to believe. Getting out of the the approved list for arbitrary reasons. would wish to watch this gate at Oakwood was totally stress-free and prompt and At the time, everyone is tired channel but we all should probation have been outstanding since I first reported to them I have been a vegan for the last 16-months and have recently and stressed and assuming have the right to choose. in Wales. I’ve had no problems at all, other than groundless been forced to sign a compact not to buy non-vegan products that ‘British Justice’ will pre- anxiety issues that I brought upon myself. Please, if you are from the DHL canteen. vail and the truth will come HMPPS response about to be released or if you are daring to think that far ahead, out. It won’t. As the writer National policy on available please know that your life outside the gate is better than you “Within two weeks of signing, I received a letter says, it is very difficult to television channels in prison fear it might be. I have nothing but praise for the support that telling me I have been removed from the vegan overturn a miscarriage of is outlined in the HMPPS I’ve been getting from all agencies. Look forward to getting out; list for ordering Ritz Crackers and Lynx deodorant. justice. All the ‘officials’ are Incentives Policy Framework, don’t dread it. well versed in the judicial available in the prison Neither of these products lists any animal pantomime but not so the library. Para 5.43 states that Send us back defendant or their friends & “The standard system for ingredients.” Barbar Shah - HMP The Mount family. As mentioned in the digital broadcasting provides The Catering Manager reviews all the vegans canteen pur- original letter - you only prisoners with nine free-to- Congratulations to the Conservative Party who have won chases and has decided that these products disqualify me have one chance in court view channels. Governors are another election. When they took charge 10-years ago their from receiving calcium, vitamin B12 and protein for the next and a wrongful conviction is permitted to make additional agenda was budget cuts. They cut the budgets from schools, 2-months. I have been told that if I wish to buy any items almost impossible to over- free-to-view channels hospitals and other much-needed departments. But they seem from DHL that are not marked ‘VE’ I need to submit an app to turn. It’s about time people available, within the to have overlooked, ignored and slowed the process of catering for approval, this would include Marmite, peanut took prisoners maintaining constraints of the available repatriating prisoners who are willingly requesting to be sent butter, coffee and 99% of the toiletries they sell. innocence seriously and to infrastructure in their back to their home countries. There are hundreds of Pakistani not always assume they are prisons”. Prisoners may wish prisoners that are waiting for repatriation, most are very close I am quite sure that if our Muslim brothers were denied halal ‘in denial’. Having attended to make an application to the to the ends of their sentences. Can somebody in authority food and fasting-packs for buying items from the DHL canteen a trial first hand has made Governor to consider please let us know what is going on? Why is the transfer process that are not explicitly marked as ‘halal’ there would be out- me wake up to the truth of a additional suitable channels, currently still not happening even though the agreement was rage, but vegans are seen as an easy target for cutting costs. very flawed system. such as that suggested. signed more than a year ago?

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Project 100 Keep it real Sharky - HMP Manchester Name withheld - HMP Stoke Heath Allan Brown - HMP Low Moss Nick Gully - HMP Parkhurst Is keeping someone in I am writing this as a result of what the SPS (Scottish Prison I’ll start by stating the obvious, the prison When I was at school a mate of mine told me prison for 8-years on recall Service) and HMP Low Moss is calling ‘Project 100’, where an system is broken, and even worse news is that he felt like he was a girl trapped in a for non-payment of rent in extra 100 spaces have been created by turning single-man that it is now treated as a business, so it is boy’s body, and I teased him for it as I didn’t an approved premises hos- cells into double cells by installing a bunk-bed. not in the government’s interest to empty understand what he was talking about. I re- prisons. That’s why we don’t get a vote as we tel, and swearing, a good gret that now and wish I could have been a are normally the punchbag used to gain way to spend taxpayers However, despite there being an additional bed they have not better person and friend, but I was young votes by promising that their new policies money? Well this is what supplied or even given thought to an additional seating area, and stupid and didn’t know any better. It will further punish us. Probation have done to me. I even though if they did there is no space to add an extra was brave of him to tell me. have served 5-years out of chair as the floor space is at just over 6 feet tapering down to I have been in prison for 7-years so I thought this 8-year recall and in that less than 3 feet due to the toilet and shower area. I might briefly comment on my own time I have written to nearly In prison, it baffles me to see how badly experiences. every solicitor in the pages Not just is there no extra seat but also no thought has been treated and mocked some people are simply of Inside Time and have had given to extra storage. Even the shower and sink is set up for because they too feel that they were born Their ‘maintaining family ties’ message is no interest, I have written to a limited amount of water for a single cell. The shower dis- into the wrong body with the wrong gender. I just words. No regular quality interaction. Bob Neill (Chairman of the penses 6 minutes of water and then no more for 2-hours. once heard a tragically ugly bloke flattering Justice Committee) and Lucy himself with this remark about transgender I wrote an assignment called ‘Full Circle’, Frazer MP, who is the Pris- On slightly warm days the cell air becomes damp, sticky and prisoners - ‘I don’t give a damn as long as which explains how on reception to prison ons Minister, and I have had unbearable due to the vent style windows and a control on they don’t try it on with me’. It was good to we are confused, then in denial, then angry zero replies. the radiator that doesn’t do anything. know that he could sleep safe at night not and play out certain behaviours, then there’s knowing that his genes had already provided a settlement period and then there’s the ac- I thought prisons had an However, all these gripes pale into insignificance because of him with an in-built insurance policy on the knowledgement and acceptance of the unfor- overcrowding problem, well the way I’m forced to perch on my bottom bunk for around 14 ‘babe-magnet’ front. tunate circumstances we are in. That is when I can see why. There are hours per day, the bed is so high off the floor I have to put my most of us decide to change our behaviours many people like me wast- feet on my under-bed storage drawer. Also, because of the But what baffles me most is that in a place and criminal beliefs because we realise that ing up jail spaces for being difference between the top and bottom bunk I bang my head full of so many pretenders, with plastic being away from our family is not worth the ‘naughty’ rather than for on the metal bunk frame numerous times a day. Once nearly gangsters, pretend soldiers and fake Rastas price. That’s the key point when the system committing actual criminal knocking myself unconscious. playing their game of pretence, we give peo- should progress a prisoner because the offences. If the public really ple who just want to be themselves such a mindset is open for open conditions, etc. knew how their hard-earned These cells are called ‘single-doubles’, as opposed to a ‘dou- hard time. Luckily, our growing understand- However, when progress is halted for any money is being flushed ble cell’ which is actually designed for two people. I have, on ing of the science concerning human devel- reason the circle goes back to the beginning down the toilet they would 3 occasions, submitted Prisoner Complaint Forms, but these opment and gender dysphoria is helping to because we then become angry and frus- be outraged. Let’s hope have gone ‘missing’. I have had bad back pain and am on show that they were right all along and not trated and that takes over. some lazy tabloid hack nicks medication for it, I can’t stand straight, can’t lay in one posi- mad. this letter and puts it all over tion and I have begun to walk with a stoop. I wish someone The numerous courses are pointless. I’ve yet the papers, it’s about time would take heed that if you are the unfortunate person on Let’s keep it real by having more compassion to meet anyone who has had a major impact for each other and learning to live and let or change of thinking from doing TSP, VAC, etc. the public knew what is the bottom bunk in a single-double in this SPS flagship being done in their name. prison, the pain is unreal. live. Therapy at Dovegate is a disaster. If you show any signs of intelligence the staff create prob- Reception deception lems for you, some of them are old and out of touch and some too young and inexperi- Brent Healey - HMP Garth enced. My advice is that if you want therapy then go to Grendon. We are charged a 50p ‘handling charge’ by this prison every time we order something The IMB is the most pointless organisation from a catalogue. Nowhere on any relevant I’ve ever come across. They hold no weight PSIs is a handling charge mentioned. Can with governors and the 11 times I’ve ap- you please tell us why this charge is made proached them for help they’ve allowed and what is done with the money it gener- prison staff to dismiss them. That’s not to say ates? Thank you. that individually they are not good people - because they are good people trying to help HMPPS response but with no actual authority, it never ends The national catalogue fee was brought in as well. part of Prison Service Instruction (PSI) 23/2013 - “Prisoner Retail” following a consultation. The majority of staff are more bitter and The charge is only a contribution towards the angry than the prisoners. Not all, of course, costs of providing this ordering service for as I’ve met some quality staff who want to prisoners and is mandatory across all prisons. help but because there are so many angry There is a provision in the PSI for the cata- and uneducated officers, their influence logue handling fee to be waived in circum- ends up draining the positive energy from stances (a) where products are being pur- the good officers. I feel sorry for the angry chased as a specific requirement for a ones as I’m sure they didn’t leave school tell- protected group; and (b) where to charge the ing their friends and family that they wanted fee would disadvantage the individual to work in an underpaid and dangerous and compared to the general population. At HMP draining job. Garth, any additional vouchers from Argos are used to purchase goods that would benefit all Those are some of my experiences after prisoners, such as items for the visits hall and 7-years behind the wall. board games.

Disclaimer Inside Time is wholly responsible for its editorial content. Comments or complaints should be directed to the publisher and not to New Bridge. Views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily representative of those held by either Inside Time or the New Bridge Foundation. If you wish to reproduce or publish any of the content published by Inside Time in the newspaper or online, you should first contact us for written permission. Full terms & conditions can be found at www.insidetime.org. Inside Time is a ‘not for profit’ publication. ›› Registered with EMAP ‹‹ 8 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2020 Carry a knife? Incontinence Forfeit your life in prison Name withheld - HMP Erlestoke Baggey A - HMP Risley I am a 25-year old male deal- Here’s some advice from me, ing with bladder and bowel a guy doing time for a stab- incontinence and have been bing. I was a teenager at the for the last 9-years. I have no time. control whatsoever, so I wear ‘adult diapers’ and it is The mistake that so many of not nice for anyone having us make is that we decide to to wear diapers. Plus, we all start carrying a knife in the know that people in prison first place. Why? Because will make fun of or try to even if you have the best of Diabetic dilemma bully people who are seen as Depression: “a very real condition” intentions to only pull that G.G - HMP Littlehey ‘different’. It is embarrassing knife out to scare someone, enough without people mak- it is all too easy to pull it out Oh, to be at peace I strongly agree with D Chalcroft, ‘Blood Sugars’ January ing fun of it. in the heat of the moment issue. I cannot understand why diabetics are being discrimi- Thomas W - HMP Oakwood during a fight, road rage, an nated against by both DHL and the Prison Service via the But, I’d like to talk about the argument or confrontation. canteen and menu choices. few kind people who aren’t Depression is an insidious illness. It is not, as some believe, a During these times you are like that and would do any- state of being sad and needing to be cheered up. Sadness and acting through adrenaline, Recently I complained that DHL had removed the various thing for you. The last prison grief are both emotions which arise out of circumstance, typi- therefore reasoning goes out range of 2 litre bottled drinks that are sugar free, leaving diet I was in the staff were good cally in proportion to the circumstance and so too fades with of the window and the line lemonade as the single choice. They also removed the and the nurses were so kind, it. Depression is much too much sadness, coupled with hope- between right and wrong be- squeezy Bovril which I used to help lower my blood sugar. I and here in Risley I think the lessness which eclipses not only the ability to receive or give comes blurred or even invis- completed a Comp 1 asking why? And received the reply, ‘you world of the wing-staff and affection to those close to us, but erodes any opportunity to ible. Things can easily go have the diet lemonade.’ Thank you DHL for not allowing me the lovely nurses who have be at peace, even with oneself. too far. a choice. done so much for me. They only ever come with my dia- In my 8-months in HMP Oakwood, unfortunately my opinion As for the Prison Service menus, take a good look at those per pack once the wing is remains that even many staff simply do not grasp how real a “Choosing to carry a ‘healthy options’ that arrive swimming in grease, and salads locked down, they are so condition depression is, and the diverse ways in which it can knife, even out of fear containing both pasta and rice on the side as fillers. If you discreet. They are kind, car- manifest itself. After a particularly bad night and a heated or for protection, is complain you are advised to ‘buy from the canteen’, as ing, very helpful and loving discussion with a Manager following an IEP (itself issued for going to get you though HMP has no obligation to feed us. for prison officers. The refusal to attend work given my mind state), I made an impul- nurses have helped me more sive decision to try and hang myself from the railings on the jail-time, whether for And may I remind you that being a vegetarian or vegan is a than they know and made it wing, followed by attempted asphyxiation using a plastic-bag having an offensive lifestyle choice, being a diabetic is not. Please stop this obvi- so much easier for me, so and downing some cleaning chemicals, fortunately grabbed weapon, wounding or ous discrimination and give us diabetics the same choice as thank you for all your help from me after a small sip. and support. even murder. Carrying others. In any sane system there would follow a mental health inter- a knife will only end vention and support, usually meaning a healthcare referral and an ACCT to focus on the causes. In Oakwood, unfortu- badly.” nately, the response is an adjudication and 28 days on Basic Funding cuts have undermined the prison system for years regime. While I have every confidence that my adjudication I am over 10-years into my making it more dangerous, less tolerant and poorly equipped. will be overturned as per Section 1.14 PSI 05/2018, where it sentence. I didn’t just take states disciplinary charges are not appropriate for suicide at- the life of my victim, I also We have specialist solicitors who may be able to help you with: tempts or acts relating to it. No such safeguard exists under forfeited my own life by the ironically titled IEP system. Seemingly, what is an obvi- going to prison. I devastated Assaults by police or prison Care in the community after the family of my victim and ous reason for not proceeding with an adjudication, is of no o cers release concern for placing me on Basic for a suicide attempt. caused immense pain and disappointment to my own Excessive use of force Serious injuries, long-term It is only thanks to some extraordinary individuals in prison family. The biggest mistake High-risk/unlawful restraint health conditions and that I am still alive; Tim and Jordan from the YCG (legal sup- of my life. methods terminal illness port group) and our LGBT rep, Katie. It was only upon hitting rock-bottom that I realised even in prison there are people When you are locked in a Unauthorised use of hand Discrimination based on that are unfailingly kind, even as the system strips us of what 12ft by 8ft cell for years, cus/chains disabilities, gender, religion, little hope those of us with major depression have. That sim- what has it proven? It will Restraint of ill and disabled ethnicity etc. ple, unconditional hum of support and care is all it can take show you that you are not as to save a life like mine. strong as you think you are. prisoners Lack of employment and Frequently missed hospital training opportunities appointments Denial of risk reduction CANTERS CRIME GRAHAM & CO We are a friendly rm, with solicitors and legally Care needs assessments and courses to foreign nationals CRIMINAL SOLICITORS plans Access to housing upon quali ed sta who are experts in their particular PRISON LAW areas of law Adjudications Assessments of carers release Home Detention Curfew AREAS OF WORK Oral Hearings Reasonable adjustments Access to education, both CRIMINAL DEFENCE Recall LICENSE RECALL PAROLE REVIEWS Confiscation Lack of mobility equipment whilst in prison and in the IPP REVIEWS ADJUDICATIONS Crown Court Representation Risk assessment of carers community Other Prison Law issues considered Fraud Assault/ Drug Cases but payment may be on a private fee basis APPEALS INCLUDING SOPO VARIATIONS AND DISCHARGES All areas of Criminal work including Police CCRC Applications POCA Appeals and enforcement. Contact us at our new o ce: Interviews/ Court Appearances FUNDING Legal Aid Available on permitted services 27 London Road, Bromley, CONTACT US Fixed Fees Available BR1 1DG 0151 239 1020 CONTACTUS [email protected] 01227 918436 Tel: 020 8181 3100 [email protected] 24 DALE STREET , L2 5RL GRAHAM & CO, 67 HIGH STREET, HERNE BAY CT6 5LQ Insidetime February 2020 ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Mailbag 9 Unreasonable price hikes Don’t forget 2-strikers My past On the Slave Wire Evengii Risovich - HMP Huntercombe K Capon - HMP Norwich Forced prison labour I have noticed that several items on the can- is my past I’ve just read the latest issue of Inside Time Neil Taylor-Cashmore - HMP Oakwood teen list have suddenly shot up in price re- and yet again there are IPP prisoners putting Lee Morgan - HMP Wymott The BBC reported on 22-12-2019 that Tesco had suspended cently. For example, the price of a daily forward their case, and rightly so, but how production, at a factory in China, of their packed Christmas newspaper has risen by between 5 and 15% come I never read anything about 2-strikers? Certain organisations, or in the past year. Does the prison system have rather, certain people (for charity cards. Tesco has been ‘shocked’ to learn that cheap some kind of inflation measure accounting they are one and the same) forced prison labour had been used in their supply chain. Their “Surely you are not trying to sweep announcement that they will not use or tolerate abuse of for prisoner-spending on canteen, phone have convinced themselves prisoners is welcome news. The first awareness was by a calls and newspapers? us under the carpet like every other that change is not possible Sunday Times report, a six-year-old girl from South London had for people who have commit- organisation has, as we are a re- found a message by Shanghai prisoners hidden in a box of ted certain types of serious Could this mysterious measure be used to cards. The message simply read ‘Please help us and notify minder that justice is just a myth?” violent offences. construct a compelling argument for a sys- human rights organisation’. tem-wide prison wage increase? From what I I am a 2-striker who has been in prison since can understand, prison wages are up to indi- Whilst it may be true that August 2002, yes, nearly 18-years and I have How many years have prison wages stayed the same? Weekly vidual prison governors, while canteen certain people within cer- a 2-year, 1-month, 1-day tariff and have never canteen costs continue to rise, limiting the worth of working. prices are determined centrally. Would it be tain groups may not want to been released. For the past couple of years, When peanuts are paid monkeys should be employed. Poverty in possible to get a response from HMPPS as to change, this is not the case I’ve had no adjudications, failed no MDTs, prison grows and there is nothing noble about being kept poor. how prices and wages are allowed to go out for every single member. Prisons do not offer transparency on profits made from I’m Enhanced, etc, etc waiting for transfer to This paradigm, this belief of sync? industry. How do we know that what a prison pays a prisoner is a ‘progressive regime’ to do untold courses system is heavily flawed and what the sponsor actually factors into an agreement for paying which will keep me in prison for the next 3 to therefore heavily restricted. HMPPS response people who are working under threat? 5 years. Why though? Is it because I am not The pricing policy for Retail (canteen) is MRRP cutting myself up? Because I’ve not yet been We know that by reinforcing (Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price) broken, and I still have a smile on my face? negative thoughts, feelings Ship me to Shanghai and Price increases of canteen items will rise and behaviours, these CJ Stevenson - HMP Wymott in line with increased prices in wider society. I came away aged 37 and I’m now 55. I hold things will continue. If this I read with interest how prisoners in China have been impris- Newspapers specifically have increased in no grudge against the judge or prison of- is the case, then the opposite oned illegally to do slave work making Christmas cards for price nationally because of costs associated ficers, but I do wonder how Probation sleep must also be worthy of con- Tesco for about 6 yen (4p) a week. Well, I have a similar issue, with printing increasing and to offset the at night. I’m in a local prison and I am seeing sideration; to reinforce posi- my sentence ended 8-years ago, yet here I am working on the increasing loss in readership/circulation so many prisoners being recalled, the major- tive thoughts, feelings and Wymott servery for £2.75 per week. My sentence was an IPP numbers. ity not for committing further crimes but for behaviours will bring out with a 4-year tariff and I have done every course put in front of pettiness such as missed or late the best in people. me and more, for what reason I’ll never really know. I would PSO 4460 - “Prisoners’ Pay” is available in the appointments. gladly swap with anyone in Shanghai right now, so if anyone .. Rates of pay in each prison are I would easily identify the there is reading this, put the app in for a swap because I’m a matter for local management, subject to I’ve never written in before, but I enjoy read- negative characteristics of a ready to go right now. rules and centrally prescribed minimums of ing your matter-of-fact unbiased attitude, person’s behaviour, in terms £2.50 (unemployed) or £4.00 (employed) per keep it up. To all 2-strikers and IPP prisoners of previous offences, but Modern day slaves week. - be strong. what would be the point of Tony Lee - HMP Birmingham dwelling solely on these traits? It makes much more It seems very hypocritical to point the finger at China when in sense to promote the good in this country prison is alive and well. Do the public know people in the hope of direct- that this is happening right under their noses? Do they know ing them towards more that the average prison wage is around £9 per week? Or that FREE pro-social living. the prison wage has not increased since 1987? Or that convict- ed British prisoners have to work or be punished? Or that some QUOTES There is far too much focus major commercial companies get prisoners to do their work at on the negative elements of knock-down wages because it would cost them the living wage an individual’s personality. I to pay people outside to do this work? advocate building up their Maybe it is about time somebody put this matter out there for self-esteem and their confi- everyone to see, perhaps then something might be done about dence, because these are it. Instead of getting all het up over something happening in what will create desistance China, perhaps the media and public might take their own PAY YOUR POCA from further offending. government to task for treating prisoners in the same way as a Do you need money to pay for your con scation? human-rights abusing country. Look a bit closer to home, people. If a person has a high level of self-esteem, if a person truly likes himself, I think Institutional slavery? they are less likely to want to Chloe Curran - HMP Stafford LETS GET THE CPS hurt others. To keep on Stafford is a ‘working jail’, meaning every prisoner must work. about how bad they must be For those of us who work in the prison industries workshops, is counter-intuitive and po- we spend 27-hours per week completing work for outside OFF YOUR BACK tentially counter-productive. companies earning us £7.25 to £8.10 a week, or 30p an hour. Build a person up, don’t kick What is wrong with paying us a decent wage for our work, who and reduce your sentence them while they are down. would it offend? With decent wages, prisoners would be more They have probably been productive and put more effort into their work and, more kicked around for years and importantly, their rehabilitation. look where they’ve ended up. What do you honestly Toiling in workshops for peanuts is not rehabilitation, it is 41 think the result of your rein- institutional slavery. How can the prison system and these £ forcing their experiences is outside companies justify what they are doing? going to be? They’re proba- bly searching for a better POCA cases No Upfront FIVE Inside Time prison wage survey way, it’s your job to help completed in 2019 Fee REQUIRED STAR REVIEWS £ We want to find out what wages prisoners them find it. £ are paid at different prisons for different @ [email protected] 01992 676605 jobs. Please write to us stating your job title, I believe that light can come £ hours worked, and wage rate. All replies Bridge Finance Direct, Prince of Wales House, 3 Bluecoats Avenue, Hertford SG14 1PB from dark places. Believe £ £ will be treated as anonymous. me, I’ve been there. 10 Mailbag ‘Mailbag’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB. Insidetime February 2020

Good Buddies ‘Insanely (un) Mailbites C Seaman - Appetising’ HMP Channings Wood They say… Alex Benfield - Name withheld - HMP Rye Hill I’ve been here since July HMP Dartmoor 2018, and from day-one I’ve They say I’m selfish, yet I volunteer to be woken up at 3am to been on the Buddies Care ‘listen’ when a prisoner is in need. I write in response to Janu- They say I’m a monster, yet I will sit with someone for hours to System, which I believe is ary’s issue with the headline funded by Devon County help them gain an education. ‘ is insanely ap- They say I’m manipulative, yet I let other people use my skills to Council. I am disabled and petising’. Yes, I agree that it in a wheelchair, so the Bud- better themselves. might sound appetising, but dies are a great help and col- They say I’m evil, yet I stopped them from bullying that old man. rarely is prison food tasty or lect my meals for me. But, on even cooked properly. the 7th of October 2019, The world is not black and white, that murderer, child molester without any prior warning, I or terrorist is not completely evil. We all have good in us. Don’t Last year for Christmas I was told that Buddies would give up on us, help make our future’s shine brighter than the Strange sounds in the night… had the battered fish with darkness in our pasts. Thank you to all organisations, many of © Deposit Photos no longer collect meals at roast potatoes and some lunchtime. I was told that I them charities, working to better our lives. veg. Thankfully, it was would fetch my own meal or cooked ok and actually, for HMP Stoker go hungry. Since that date Plastic jumpers prison food, it wasn’t too Mr G Host - HMP The Verne me and other disabled pris- Mark Allen - HMP Wealstun oners have had no lunch- bad, though this was one day in the whole year. I like to get up early and listen to the news, but I thought I was I would like to bring to the notice of your readers a very time food. We are now still in a dream when I heard this one. Apparently, the people strange prison in which I had an overnight stay. On my way refusing our evening meal in who bought Christmas jumpers should have been recycling into the prison I caught the name ‘HMP Stoker’. I am not sure protest, so we are on a hun- When the papers said ‘rich’ bacon gravy, they must have their old ones as buying new ones each year is damaging the of its location, but I think it was somewhere in the deepest ger strike. We feel we are environment due to the plastic in these jumpers. The people depths of the Dorset countryside. being discriminated against. been fantasising because the gravy we got could be making these judgements need to wise up and think about how more described as ‘watery’ much plastic is used in prisons. Even our vapes are plastic. I was being transferred, prison to prison, and was informed HMPPS response Surely this is more important than Christmas jumpers? And that I would be having an overnight stay at this prison. Like a The Buddies Scheme is a joint and ‘thin’. They also men- tioned a selection of think about this - if we brought back smoking in prisons you lot of prisons, it looked a bit like a medieval castle from the initiative between the Devon wouldn’t have to deal with thousands of plastic vape shells. outside, but the interior was very gothic. Cluster Prisons (HMPs ‘cheeses’, but all we got was a very small piece of cheese Smoking can save the environment. Plus, if we are still only Channings Wood, Dartmoor allowed to vape in our cells what was the bleeding point in and 3 crackers. At night I could hear strange sounds like wild animals growl- and Exeter), Devon County banning real smoking? Every prison in the country should have ing and I felt very scared. At one point in the night I looked Council and Care UK, a recycling box for plastic vapes. People need to start looking at I find it quite frustrating through a crack in the door and I could see a prisoner being operating in those three the bigger picture instead of moaning about Christmas jumpers. moved through the wing. He was a giant of a man and was prisons. The Council will that they can make a half-decent meal at Christ- surrounded by 12 or more officers. I have never seen a man as conduct an assessment of Not how I see it, either big or as scary-looking as him before. After they had moved each individual’s needs and mas but the rest of the year him I saw the officers moving another prisoner that I can the level of care and support it’s just poorly-cooked dross. Cherie Cooper-Wesley - HMP Send only describe as looking like a hideous gargoyle. provided will be based on the I just want to reply to the story in January’s issue titled ‘Not how outcome of that assessment, But, unless you have actu- I see it’, about Styal prison. I remember thinking the same thing This was the strangest prison I have ever been in and, to be which is agreed with the ally sat in a on when I got here in May 2018, and Styal was going downhill fast honest, I don’t really want to go back there again. The follow- individuals concerned. If a Christmas day and eaten then. I was at Styal from August 2012 until 2018 when I came here ing morning, I was taken to reception to be moved on and I prisoner believes they are not this food then how can you for the Therapeutic Community (TC), and I’m glad I did. I feel saw some very strange looking prisoners. If you ever have the receiving the level of support write fanciful stories based sorry for the women in Styal and I’m hoping to stay here for as misfortune to spend any time at HMP Stoker my advice is do they should, we would on a written paper menu long as I can. To all the lifers and long-termers, if you have enough not look outside your cell. Keep your head down and pray encourage them to discuss and pass these lies on to the time then come down south and do the TC, it’s the best thing that you will not be there very long. this with the prison locally. public? I’ve ever done. The TC staff actually care about you, no lie.

The Johnson Partnership Solicitors Criminal Defence experts in all areas of criminal law All types of cases ranging from road traffic matters to Murder and everything in between Offences alleged to have been committed in prison or on licence Specialist Business Crime and Fraud Department ‘Nicking’ dealing with high value and complex frauds and prosecutions by BEIS, Trading Standards, Health and Safety, HMRC & others POCA cases big and small dealt with by our ‘Nicked’ Confiscation Department covering Initial applications under Proceeds of Crime Act; Applications to vary orders by the defendant or ‘Adjudications’ the prosecution; Enforcement proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court Whatever it is called, it can lead to an Experienced prison law solicitors extra 6 weeks on your sentence. Legal Aid work & private work at reasonable rates Don’t go it alone, get expert lawyers Criminal Law Specialists on your side. Call: 0115 941 9141 24 hrs a day / 7 days a week J Call us: 01642 247656 Nottingham Office , Cannon Courtyeard P Off Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 6JE Write to us: 102-108 Borough Road, [email protected] Middlesbrough, Teesside TS1 2HJ OFFICES NATIONWIDE £10,500 COMPENSATION because of BROKEN FINGER

After a delay in treatment left Lesley in a lot of pain and Lesley was eventually seen by a doctor at hospital 2 needing surgery on his finger, our solicitors helped him weeks later. An x-ray confirmed he had a dislocated finger claim £10,500. and an unsuccessful attempt was made to treat it under Lesley got into a fight, injuring the fingers on his left hand. anaesthetic. He eventually had to have an operation to He went to healthcare where his little finger was strapped. repair the break. Because he was not treated sooner, However, he was still in a lot of pain and he was worried it Lesley experienced prolonged pain and suffering and had was broken. He visited healthcare again and asked for an to have surgery. Our Lawyers investigated his case and x-ray. helped him claim more than £10,000.

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3099_MJ_Campaign_Dec2019.indd 2 25/11/2019 10:57 12 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

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£100,000 for wrongful In 2015, Gary Webb, from Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway, was handcuffed and spent a night in a police cell and three nights in prison. He said: “My life has been trashed after this. Completely trashed.” Mr Webb, who has no criminal convictions, was arrested at his home by detectives who had a Honour ‘final warrant for a different person. He said the officers held a photo of the suspect next to his face and decided they were the same insult’ to victims person. “I was at home with my wife then being held in cuffs with no-one believing who I was and facing the worst kind of The award of an honour to criminal charges imaginable,” he said. “I thought I was going the former head of the Crown insane. How could no-one believe I was me?” He was taken to Prosecution Service has court and after three nights in a cell at Addiewell Prison was brought criticism from released without any explanation or apology. justice campaigners. POA warns on staff morale Alison Saunders (above) was The Prison Officers Association has warned of low morale in Gallantry recognised Director of Public Prosecutions from 2013 to 2018, when she the service after a series of suspected suicides of prison staff. quit amid a scandal over Commenting on the deaths in December and January, Mark failures to disclose evidence Fairhurst, national chair of the POA, said: “We have had three Heroes deserve medals, says PM to defendants. In the New staff suicides in the last three weeks. The employer and Year Honours List she was government must work with the POA to stop the rot. Staff need Serving and former prisoners who tackled an members of the public on that day and fought support. A helpline is not enough. Please don’t suffer in armed terrorist on London Bridge deserve a very determined terrorist. It’s not for the made a Dame. silence.” One of the three was named as Matthew Law, 29, a gallantry medals, has said. Government to decide these things but it is former who had scaled down to an operational my hope that that gallantry will in due course Conservative MP Nigel support grade post. His inquest heard he was found hanging at He praised the men who used improvised be recognised in the proper way.” Evans, who was cleared of Parkhurst, part of HMP Isle of Wight, on Dec 16. A local POA weapons to take on knifeman Usman Khan, rape and sexual assault after chairman warned that experienced prison officers were who had just stabbed two people to death at It has been reported that the men could be a month-long trial in 2014, a conference on rehabilitating ex-offenders. awarded the George Cross or the Queen’s said he was “bitterly quitting, leaving the service relying on novice staff to deal with The Prime Minister was asked in the House of Gallantry Medal. disappointed” by her honour. overcrowded jails. Rob Nicholson, POA chairman at HMP Hull, Commons to pay tribute to one of the heroes, added: “Nationally and locally, morale among prison officers is Steven Gallant, who is serving life for murder Gallant, 42, held Khan back using a narwhal Samuel Armstrong, an MP’s at an all-time low. That relates to pay, being overworked and and was attending the conference on day tusk handed to him by civil servant Darryn aide who was cleared of rape the recruitment age.” release. Frost, 38, during the incident on Nov 29. in 2017 after evidence was Ex-prisoner John Crilly, 48, wielded a fire disclosed shortly before the NI prisons tackle suicide start of his trial, claimed Mr Johnson replied: “I’m lost in admiration extinguisher. Others reported to have helped Prisons in Northern Ireland will take a new approach to suicide Dame Alison had led a for the bravery of Steven Gallant and indeed tackle Khan include serving lifer James Ford prevention as part of a drive to cut the suicide rate in the “dangerous crusade” to others who went to the assistance of and ex-prisoner Marc Conway. province. A new strategy called Towards Zero Suicides involves increase convictions in identifying those at risk and making sure they do not fall sexual offence cases “which through gaps in care. It views suicidal behaviour as a direct led to totally innocent people going to jail”. He problem that can be treated, rather than a consequence of added: “This honour is the other underlying problems. Professor Siobhan O’Neill from final insult for her victims.” Ulster University said: “Alongside local research, learning and WILSONS AUCTIONS lived experience, it will provide a highly structured and informed lens through which we can analyse and improve the WE CAN SELL YOUR ASSETS services we provide.” Officials have set a goal to cut suicides in Northern Ireland, which has the highest suicide rate of the four · Do you have an outstanding confiscation order? countries of the UK, by 10% over five years. · Would you like a free valuation and a no obligation quote to sell your assets for the highest price? Let prisoners have mobile phones, says IMB Independent Monitoring Board members have urged the Government to consider lifting the ban on prisoners owning Liam Allan (above), whose phones and using them in their cells. They said the move would WILSONS AUCTIONS CAN HELP rape trial collapsed in 2017 As the sole agent for over 40 law enforcement agencies, Wilsons Auctions specialises help prisoners to maintain family ties, whilst reducing the when it emerged texts had in selling assets that are subject to confiscation proceedings, often in sensitive problems of bullying and debt associated with the pass- not been disclosed, trigger- circumstances. We are the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland ing-around of contraband phones. The call came in a report by ing Dame Alison’s departure and with 80 years of experience, we can sell assets worldwide. the IMB at Thorn Cross, an . It said the jail had from office, said she was severe problems with items being smuggled in, including “one of the many individuals phones, SIM cards and chargers as well as alcohol and fresh responsible for the spread of meat. The IMB asked Lucy Frazer, the Prisons Minister, to take a a plague of systemic failures, fresh look at the issue. However, the initial response was causing an unbelievable dismissive. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said:”Mobiles in amount of suffering to not prison fuel violence and crime. Any prisoner found using one Jewellery Cars Property All Assets only me, but hundreds, if not can face an extra two years behind bars.” thousands of others”. Blind prisoner’s dog ban Dame Alison defended the For more information A blind man has been jailed for seven years, but not allowed his honour, saying it was for “30 FREEPHONE 0300 124 0438 years of public service”. She guide dog. The 42-year-old arrived at court with his assistance dog, Digby, but was told that due to prison rules he would not Simply provide us with the following Name Solicitor (if any) added: “Disclosure is an issue be able to have the labrador in jail with him. Instead, Digby will details and we can do the rest! Prison / Prison Number Your Asset Details that has been in the criminal justice system for the past 20 be retrained to help another blind person. At a sentencing or so years. If you look at the hearing, the defendant’s barrister, Rachel Shenton, told Judge Trench Lock 2, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 5YL record for the past six years Simon Berkson: “I have the greatest concern that a man who for all the indicators show the five years has had the benefit of a guide dog, giving him his CPS was performing as well, freedom and mobility, will be taken into an environment which www.wilsonsauctions.com if not better, than when I is wholly unfamiliar, prison for him will have a devastating Northern Ireland | England | Republic of Ireland | Scotland | Wales took it over despite [finan- impact”. However, the judge ruled that the offending was so cial] cuts of a third.” serious that custody was inevitable. Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Newsround 13 Looking Healthcare Bromley Briefings Back... videolink to through the Inside The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) has just published its winter expand 2019 Factfiles. The Factfiles contain a wealth of statistics Time archives compiled by the PRT. It is supported by the Bromley Trust. In- A scheme allowing prisoners February 2010 side Time has picked out statistics concerning imprisonment, to have consultations with GPs via videolink is to be including life sentences, recalls and remands. extended to more prisons. The technology allows “In the year to June 2019, 56,000 people were sent doctors to treat prisoners to prison, 67% of which had committed a non-vio- without leaving their hospital, and even to lent crime and 46% were sentenced to six-months “Gis a bed guv” examine them with the help © Deposit Photos or less.” of a close-up hand-held camera. One in seven prisoners The number of people given life sentences with long tariffs increased considerably between 2000 and 2010. Between While some patients are seen 2000 and 2003, fewer than 100 individuals per year were Inside Time on the out… by videolink, others have homeless on release telephone consultations. given tariffs of 15 years or more. But in the years that fol- “Having thoroughly enjoyed The system, called Prison lowed, this number increased significantly, peaking at 249 in the content of Inside Time for One in seven prisoners are released without a home to go to Assist, was launched in June 2008. At the end of 2010, out of 8,309 people in prison serv- many years, I firmly believe - and they are more likely to reoffend, official figures have 2019 in a six-month pilot ing a life sentence, more than a quarter (2,309) had minimum the paper should be made shown. In a 12-month period, 11,128 ex-prisoners were project at 10 prisons in the terms of 15 years or more. available to the general public classified as ‘homeless’ on their first night after release, from West Midlands. Healthcare through copies being sold in a total of 76,354 releases. Female ex-prisoners are more likely provider Care UK has now outlets such as newsagents By the end of September 2019, there were 3,555 people in to be homeless (16%) than their male counterparts (14%), said that the trial was a with any revenue generated (I prison serving a life sentence with a tariff of between 10 and whilst those on short sentences are most likely to be released success and will be rolled appreciate Inside Time is a 20 years. More than one in five (779) were still in prison hav- without a home to go to. The homeless total includes rough out nationwide. ‘not for profit’ publication) sleepers and people staying in hostels for the homeless. It ing already served their tariff. A further 1,872 had tariffs of going towards distribution does not include people in Approved Premises or short-term over 20 years, of whom 48 were beyond their tariff point. 880 and costs and also to Victim accommodation like bed and breakfast. people had a tariff of more than 25 years, 291 had a tariff of Support. The public might more than 30 years, 264 had a tariff of more than 32 years, in- then finally come to appreci- The figures were released by the Ministry of Justice in cluding 63 people who were serving a whole life tariff- and ate what is actually going on December, in response to freedom of information requests. are unlikely to ever be released. These numbers have in- within our prisons courtesy of They cover the year to March 2018. Separate government creased substantially since the start of 2014. At that time those who really know.” figures show that 67% of prisoners who were released as there were 543 people serving a life sentence with a tariff of Mailbag - HMP Durham homeless in 2016 reoffended within 12 months, compared more than 25 years, 179 with a tariff of more than 30 years, European prison rules with 43% of those released to settled accommodation or Consultations are conducted and 137 with a tariff of more than 32 years. 44 people were parity Approved Premises. via a secure system, which serving a whole life tariff. “Developing common also gives the outside GPs standards in the EU Following Tracy Wild, chief executive of the Langley House Trust which - who are based at Airedale In 2003, the average tariff for mandatory life sentences (ex- the ratification of the Lisbon provides accommodation for ex-offenders, said: “For Hospital in West cluding whole-life tariffs) was 12.5 years. By 2016, this had Treaty by all Member States, rehabilitation to work, prison leavers need to have the right - full access to the prisoners’ risen to 21.3 years. People serving life sentences are also the European Council is housing and support around them, otherwise it is almost medical records. spending longer in prison before they are released. In 1979, proposing to promote the impossible to tackle issues with drugs, mental health and on average a person serving a life sentence spent 9.1 years in exchange of best practices debt, all of which can lead to repeat offending and more The initiative won an award custody, by 1989 this had increased to 12 years, and by 1997 it and the implementation of victims of crime.” for “Best Innovation in Use was just over 14 years. the European Prison Rules. of Technology”, presented The European Commission is by the Royal College of GPs More than three times as many people were sentenced to 10 invited to look in particular at at its Secure Environment years or more in the twelve months to June 2019 than the alternatives to imprisonment, Conference. social rehabilitation of same period in 2007. People serving mandatory life sentences prisoners and best practices in Dr Sarah Bromley, medical for murder are spending more of their sentence in prison. On prison management.” director of Care UK, said: average they spend 17 years in custody, up from 13 years in Newsround “The Prison Assist pilot, in 2001. Judges are also imposing longer tariff periods. The av- Worcestershire and erage minimum term imposed for murder rose from 12.5 years Prison hulks back? Leaving Prison Soon? Staffordshire, has been a in 2003 to 21.3 years in 2016. “David Cameron has said that resounding success, with the Tories would bring back TV company wants to hear from you! both patients and clinicians 8,956 people serving a sentence of less than 12 months were prison ships if they win power delighted with the level of recalled to prison in the year to June 2019. On 30 September after the next election. The access and care that has 2019, there were 8,096 people in prison recalled from licence. plan was reported to be Are you leaving prison in the next month or been achieved. premature because it lacked two? Could you help us with our TV project. There were 29,566 receptions into prison before trial (Re- Shadow Front Bench “It has also been an excel- mand) in the year to June 2019. Most people (53%) entering approval, and although the lent example of what can be prison on remand awaiting trial are accused of non-violent plan has not been included in We want to show the experience in an achieved by working their draft manifesto, Alan intimate and personal way of how former smarter. We are now looking offences. More than one in 10 people in prison (11%) are there Duncan, the Shadow Prisons prisoners adjust to their new life from the at ways we can roll it out to on remand - 9,602 people. The majority are awaiting trial Minister, emailed Inside Time moment they leave the prison gates. We benefit prisoners across the (65%), whilst the rest await sentencing - 19,698 were re- to say: “If the Conservatives need people to contact us with their stories country, along with a quality manded into prison awaiting sentence in the year to June win the election this year, we improvement programme 2019. One in 10 people remanded into custody by magistrates’ will inherit the largest prison and plans of new lives and fresh starts. looking at the effective use courts were subsequently acquitted. A further 13% received a population since records of GP time”. non-custodial sentence. Nearly three in 10 (29%) self-in- began. ” Contact us at: flicted deaths in 2018 were by people held on remand. On av- Newsround The 10 prisons that have erage, 217 children were in held in prison on remand in 2018. W: Atypical Media, 3rd oor, 10 South trialled Prison Assist are They account for around one in four children in prison (24%). Valentine message Parade, Leeds, LS1 5QS Brinsford, Dovegate, Drake “My love, thanks for standing Hall, Featherstone, Hewell, by me through all this. I will T: 0800 321 3186 (free from landline) Long Lartin, Oakwood, Acknowledgement: Prison Reform Trust always love you, take care…” @: [email protected] Stafford, Swinfen Hall and The full Bromley Briefing can be downloaded from the PRT HMP Garth Werrington. website: http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Publications/ 14 Newsround www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020 More jail time for serious violent and sexual offenders

l Automatic halfway release for l Ministers want punishment to l Laws introduced are part of extensive serious offenders to end from April. reflect severity of the crime. overhaul to criminal justice system.

Legislation brought before Parliament last month will end the serve what is known as ‘standard determinate sentences’ and automatic halfway release for offenders sentenced for crimes are released automatically at the halfway point, serving the such as rape, manslaughter and GBH. Instead they will be second half of their sentence in the community. The made to spend two-thirds of their sentence in prison, before Government will change the release point to two-thirds for being subject to strict licence conditions upon release. The certain serious offenders “which will allow for a greater changes follow the Government’s announcement of tougher period of rehabilitation in prison as they prepare to resettle sentences for the most serious terrorist offenders, and will into the community.” The move is part of an overhaul of the apply to anyone handed a standard determinate sentence of criminal justice system which will see 20,000 new police seven years or more, where the maximum penalty is life. The officers, an extra 10,000 prison places and a new Sentencing Free legal help

most dangerous offenders already face life sentences and may Bill to ensure the most serious offenders spend longer in jail. © Andy Aitchison/Library image never be released. The measure will apply to anyone sen- The reforms include the announcement of tougher sentences tenced after April 1. It will not be backdated, so current for the most serious terrorist offenders. Charity to advise mothers in jail prisoners are not affected. Frances Crook, director of the Howard League for Penal A divorce lawyer to the super-rich is launching a charity to Justice Secretary & Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Robert Buckland Reform was sceptical about the new measures. “There is no provide free family law advice to women prisoners. Camilla QC MP, said: “Time and again victims tell me they feel let evidence that the prospect of spending longer in prison will Baldwin said that many mothers in prison face applications to down by a system that can see violent and sexual offenders deter anyone from committing a crime in the first place,” she take their children into care - and find it impossible to fight back on the streets after serving just half their sentence. So said. “Nor will longer sentences make anyone less likely to back, following cuts in legal aid. we will end the automatic halfway release for these offenders reoffend on release,” she added. “Rather than reducing crime, – ensuring punishment truly fits the crime and restore the these reforms risk doing the exact opposite - by making Two years ago, after recovering from cancer caused her to public’s faith in the justice system.” prisons more violent as resentful prisoners spend longer in rethink her life, she began visiting HMP Send, a women’s them, and by making people more truculent to reintegrate prison in Surrey, to provide free legal help. Out of a total of Since 2005 the majority of those convicted of such crimes after additional years inside.” 280 prisoners at Send, around 50 are now being advised by Ms Baldwin and her team of helpers. She hopes that her new £28 million on X-ray charity, Not Beyond Redemption, can run legal clinics at all 13 women’s prisons in England. The Prison Reform Trust technology in prisons estimates that 17,000 children a year in the UK experience their mothers being sent to prison. Continued from front page In an interview with the Financial Times, Ms Baldwin, 53, The first wave of jails has been prioritised said: “If you are lucky they can go and live with your sister or after careful consideration by the MoJ and mum. If you are unlucky they will go into care or foster care, this will boost security where remand and if you are really unlucky - as are some of our clients - they prisoners are received from courts. The use of are adopted out.” X-ray body scanners at 10 other challenging prisons – as part of the ’10 Prisons Project’ “They get letters through the post - saying ‘Your - was successful in detecting contraband and child is going to be adopted out … if you don’t turn contributed to a significant reduction in violence and drug use. The installation at the up in court.’ How are you going to organise 16 prisons will begin in spring 2020, with all turning up in court if you are in prison?” “Pains of prison life” scanners expected to be in place by the © Andy Aitchison/Library image summer. The technology is set to be introduced She said mothers in prison feel “absolutely devastated” about Samaritans warn of ‘distress’ in prisons in other prisons across the estate later this not having contact with their children. In one case she dealt year. The images produced by the scanner with, a pregnant prisoner had her newborn baby taken away Prisoners are suffering from “an enormous scale of emotional distress”, provide a level of detail inside the body that despite some prisons having mother-and-baby units. Ms according to the Samaritans. The warning came as the organisation published has not been seen before in the Prison Service. Baldwin said: “She wasn’t allowed to keep the baby. She a report on the reasons why prisoners seek its help. The equipment is being funded by the wanted to keep the child, she got clean, came off heroin. She Government’s £2.75 billion commitment to could have kept it for 18 months and come out with the baby.” The Samaritans provided emotional support to prisoners in the UK and transform the prison estate. Including £100 Ireland on 332,974 occasions in 2018 - of which 286,707 were phone calls to its million to bolster prison security, clamping Ms Baldwin admitted that working unpaid on behalf of helpline and 46,267 were face-to-face meetings with Listeners. One in seven of down on the weapons, drugs and mobile prisoners had helped her to put some of her rich clients’ the contacts, about 45,000 in all, related to suicidal thoughts. In other cases, phones; £2.5 billion to provide 10,000 complaints into perspective. She said: “It makes me smile a prisoners were seeking emotional support with a range of problems. additional prison places and create modern, bit because I am literally sat there and they say, ‘Camilla, I efficient jails; £156 million to tackle the most can’t live off less than £20,000 a month.’ I think, well actually “During the year, 92 prisoners took their own lives. Men in pressing maintenance issues to create safe you can, and the next day I am down at Send, and the women and decent conditions to assist rehabilitation. prison are 3.7 times more likely to take their own lives than have no money and they haven’t seen their kids for years.” men living in the community, while women prisoners are up to 20 times more likely to take their own lives than women in the Our team of specialists can o er Forensic Accountants free advice and assistance in with over community. Female prisoners are twice as likely as male relation to Legally Aided issues, 20 Years Experience prisoners to call on the Samaritans for support, the organisa- including: • Proceeds of Crime & Confiscation tion’s figures show.” • Money Laundering Lifer/IPP Parole Board Reviews (Pre/Post Tari ) • Tax Investigations Recalls • Fees with Legal Aid Funding In the report, called “Unlocking the Evidence: Understanding Suicide in Independent Adjudications • Ex-Serious Fraud Office Forensic Accountant Prisons”, Samaritans state: “The disproportionate number of suicides in Category A Reviews “The case settled very favourably thanks in large measure to your report. It is not often that one prison is of great concern. At Samaritans, we see the enormous scale of We can also o er competitive xed fees for matters finds an expert who is so thorough” emotional distress in prisons … We also see the wide range of concerns that which are not currently covered by Legal Aid such as: Client Benefit Amount Riley Moss Benefit underpin their distress.” Mr M £783,000 £6,000 Sentence planning/calculations Mr D £1,176,000 £18,000 Mr A £2,040,000 £77,000 The report, published in December, says that the increased suicide risk in Challenging Licence Conditions prisons is due to the “pains of prison life” coupled with the difficult back- Re-categorisation Contact Waseem Yasin or John Rafferty for FREE no obligation advice grounds which many prisoners come from. It says: “Some aspects of prison Accessing O ending Behaviour Programmes life can increase suicide risk. These include being physically or socially 0161 832 1438 Contact us today: Address: [email protected] isolated, adjusting to prison life when new, uncertainty about sentencing, T: 01752 600833 Genesis O ce 6, 235 Union Street www.rileymoss.co.uk poor prison conditions and inconsistent regimes, and a greater likelihood of @: o [email protected] Plymouth, Devon PL1 3HN 184 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, M8 8LQ being exposed to suicide.” Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Newsround 15

27 years in prison after police coercion Caught after 40 years World prison review A man who spent 27 years in prison, in the A prisoner who escaped in USA, convicted of stabbing to death a woman 1979 has been recaptured in New has been cleared after it was after 40 years on the run. Jose shown that evidence that would have helped Chico Romero was 24, and clear him was kept from his lawyers. The man, serving an 18-year sentence for armed robbery in South Felipe Rodriguez, now 54, had always denied Carolina, when he escaped involvement in the killing and it has now been from a work crew in December Fire in the hole disclosed that a police informant, who was 1979. In December 2019 he implicated in the woman’s murder, was used notched up four decades of Australian fires force prison by the police as a prosecution witness against freedom. But just a fortnight evacuation Rodriguez. That man has now said that he lied later he was stopped by Bushfires sweeping Australia prompted the at the trial after being coerced by police. police in Delaware and evacuation of an entire prison. More than 150 The judge at the new hearing said that it was a officers noticed that his ID inmates had to be bussed out of Mannus miscarriage of justice that went on way too card in the name of Arnaldo Correctional Centre, in New South Wales, as Shooting time long. The lead detective in the case says he did Figueroa was fake. The the fires drew close. They were taken to Credit: EPA nothing wrong. Nobody has been held to 64-year-old was arrested and another jail 100 miles away. The evacuated released, but his fingerprints prison, a low-security facility, is 300 miles Riots leave 37 dead account for what happened. later came back with a match south-west of Sydney near the town of A wave of prison riots in the central American nation of Kardashian pleads for prison reform for Romero and he was Tumbarumba, in an area of the country badly Honduras has left 37 dead. Prisoners armed with smuggled-in rearrested. He is now set to hit by the blazes. At another prison in the Kim Kardashian West has filmed a documenta- guns and knives staged pitched battles in jails dominated by serve another seven years of state, maximum-security Lithgow Correctional ry calling for a reduction in America’s prison rival street crime gangs. Security officials said the violence in his original sentence plus 10 Centre, men were left locked in their cells as December was a backlash against an attempt by the country’s population. The reality TV star says in a trailer: to 15 years for the escape, flames lapped at the perimeter wall. A government to take back control of its troubled jails. “There are a lot of people making bad choices with further charges of public spokesman defended the decision not to Emergency measures including handing control to the military, after a life of trauma. People deserve a second intoxication, loitering, evacuate, saying: “There are a number of fire suspending family visits and investigating corrupt guards chance.” In the film she explores the cases of third-degree criminal containment measures in place at the site, including fire breaks, and the site has signifi- proved unpopular with the gang leaders. Luis Suazo, the four inmates who she and her legal team trespassing, second-degree country’s assistant security minister, said the gangs, known as forgery, criminal impersona- cant fire-fighting capabilities. The centre is believe have been unfairly sentenced. She built from concrete and steel, and there are maras, had built up relationships with officers to allow them to tion and being an out-of- adds in the trailer: “There are millions impact- buffer zones inside and outside the prison, operate illegal businesses inside prison walls. They saw the state fugitive - meaning he ed by this broken justice system, and I wanted with a solid concrete fire-protection ring emergency measures as a threat to their position. On Dec 20, will be in his eighties when he to put faces to these numbers and statistics. I circling the site.” fighting at a prison in the city of Tela left 19 dead. Then, on Dec is finally released. want to help elevate these cases to a national 22, a riot in a maximum security prison at El Porvenir killed 18. Football riot in Mexico Honduras, with a population of 10 million, has 29 prisons level to effect change, and this documentary is an honest depiction of me learning about the It seemed like a good idea to have a friendly football match between two drug holding a total of 22,000 prisoners. “The inmates run businesses cartels at Cieneguillas prison in Mexico. When one of the players did a dirty system and helping bring tangible results to inside prisons in conjunction with prison authorities, and they tackle all hell was let loose with all types of weapons, including guns, drawn on have enough money to basically act like banks,” said security justice reform.” The documentary, Kim the pitch. It resulted in a mass riot which claimed the lives of 16 people. Family analyst Raul Pineda Alvarado. Since October there have been at Kardashian West: The Justice Project, will be members watched in horror as the events unfolded and the National Guard least five shootouts in Honduran prisons. released in April. arrived and took more than three hours to regain control.

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Good Prison News Newsbites Royal visitor at Send

Dance lessons at Berwyn The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Two dance companies, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre and NEW visited HMP Send as the last stop of her solo Dance, have been offering dance classes at HMP Berwyn. 24-hour tour of Britain, on 22nd January, Fallen Angels, which specialises in working with recovering where she met some former prisoners who addicts and people with poor mental health has been granted are trying to rebuild their lives. They dis- funding to continue the six weeks programmes in 2020. Claire cussed how their rehabilitation was helped Morris, from Fallen Angels, said: “The workshops will educate by The Forward Trust, a social enterprise that residents to make positive and healthier choices and give them empowers people to break the cycle of crime an alternative to crime and anti-social behaviour.” This year’s or addiction. classes are being funded by the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane. He said: “I look forward to seeing One of the women described The Forward Doing good time how this project will help people turn their lives around and Trust as one of the best things that had Credit: HMP Park bring an end to their criminal activity.” happened to her. After the visit Kate said: “I’m hugely passionate about trying to really Parc charity raising goes through the roof Forces families get repaired bikes help get into this crisis, trying to help provide Old and damaged bikes were refurbished in a workshop at that prevention mechanism and that support HMP Parc have been plugging away at their charity fundraising and last year HMP Stocken before being presented to families at Kendrew system in our communities. Particularly that raised an amazing £12,347. The main charity to receive funds over the last 12 Barracks in Rutland. Neil Walsh, a workshop instructor at support in the early years of life.” months was Ty Hafan, a local hospice for young people facing end of life Stocken, said: “This is a really great project, not least for the situations. They received a total of £4,754. The first was from a project set up people who receive a new bike. Some of our prisoners know Benny Refson, a trustee at The Forward Trust, by the men studying on the Business Enterprise Course who raised a stagger- nothing about bikes when they start working with us but will commented: “I’m sitting today with women ing £2,167 by organising a series of events including a football tournament, a eventually come out with a City & Guilds certificate in cycle who have all had really traumatic early raffle of donations from local businesses, as well as setting up a Just Giving maintenance, which is a recognised qualification that can childhood experiences, but no-one was there page. Sorrel Mayo, CEO of Ty Hafan, said: ”Still overwhelmed at HMP Parc for eventually help them into meaningful employment. They’re to help them out of the cycle. This is the first the incredible efforts fundraising, from all I can’t thank the boys enough & I also very proud of the work they do. They put a huge amount time they’ve had any offer of support.” hope they all know how much it’s appreciated.” Other charities to benefit of effort into each restoration and you can really see what it include; Wish Upon a Star, Children in Need, Emmaus, Madame Curie, means to them.” Since the project started in 2017, 476 bikes Alzheimer’s Association, Poppy Appeal, National Autism Society, NSPCC, George the Poet at Brixton have been restored. Bradley Lowry Foundation, Latch and Bridgend Food Bank. Brixton Prison hosted a visit from poet and Photo booth for visits hall rapper George the Poet and a BBC broadcast- Kilmarnock and Askham Grange, both operated by Serco, have Prisoners repair 2,500 tools ing crew. The visit was recorded and now had photo booths installed in their visits hall so that broadcast on National (NPR). Prisoners have repaired 2,500 unwanted and broken garden tools in a scheme prisoners can pose for snapshots with their families. The booth George said: “Loneliness can set in in the to help schools and community groups. The tools were donated by the public was added to Kilmarnock after a successful trial at Lowdham outside world. When you are imprisoned that and refurbished in 2019 at workshops in five prisons - Dartmoor, Wormwood Grange. Photos taken in the booths can be printed out with a becomes even more potentially damaging Scrubs, Hatfield, Garth and Edinburgh. Prisoners in the workshops are taught choice of themed backdrops. Visitors can purchase copies of the woodwork and metalwork skills needed to carry out the repairs. The the prints. Serco director Michael Guy said the pictures would and there is a greater need to ensure that you refurbished tools are then handed over free of charge to organisations that will give children “a more positive experience of visiting their are getting the mental support that will get use them for gardening. The Tools Shed Project, which claims to be the UK’s fathers in prison”. you through your time.” The artist, who has only tool recycling scheme, is operated by the Conservation Foundation with been visiting Brixton regularly for the past funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Kevin Marsh, the Princess Anne visits Maghaberry four years, said: “This is a place where a lot project’s coordinator in south-west England, praised the donors who provided Princess Anne took a tour of HMP Maghaberry last month and of very important changes in my career have tools and the prisoners and staff who fixed them. He said: “Through their toured Davis House, which had a big £54million upgrade last happened, and it all springs from the power efforts, we have been able to provide much needed equipment to cash- year. Walking around Davis House, which only opened last of story-telling. Having the privilege of strapped local gardening projects, enabling people from all sections of the October, she inspected facilities and popped into a cell for a coming in here and sharing my story with community to get out and enjoy nature.” Broken tools can be handedLest in weat forget…quick look, having a laugh with prison governor David Kennedy people who have received it and also have collection points in garden centres and recycling centres. and Northern Ireland Prison Service boss Ronnie Armour. very powerful stories to share.”

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Disorder at IMB watch Newsbites three jails Spice fumes at Winchester Brixton Six prison officers from HMP Winchester were treated in Officers have been hurt in Although their latest hospital after inhaling fumes from Spice. Following the outbreaks of disorder at problem, a Prison Service spokesman said: “Drug use in prisons three prisons in four weeks. report is generally is not tolerated, particularly when it prevents our hardworking At HMP Stocken, an officer positive, with fewer drugs staff from doing their jobs safely. We are investing £100 million, was injured during a and a greater focus on as part of a wider £2.75 billion programme, to improve prison seven-hour disturbance on education and training, security and the prisoners involved in these incidents will be Jan 18. Specially-trained The great lump! the IMB do say that, as a Image: United Utilities punished.” All staff were back at work the following day. officers were drafted in to resettlement prison, more quell the disorder, which resources need to be Fatberg under Strangeways Tuberculosis at Parc began at 5pm with an applied to lower the risk Public Health Wales has confirmed that there were four cases of “isolated act of indiscipline” A ‘fatberg’ weighing as much as three elephants has been of reoffending. They say tuberculosis (TB) confirmed at Parc over the last nine months. on one wing and lasted until found in sewers under HMP Manchester. The mass of grease the prison is short of They said that they were now working with a number of other midnight. and fat, combined with solid items like unflushable wet vocational places bodies including Parc and the Prison Service. Screening sessions wipes and nappies, was discovered by workers in December. meaning that many are were organised last month for prisoners, staff and visitors who Police were called to HMYOI United Utilities said its teams were using water jets to break employed on part-time may have had contact with the infected prisoners. TB is a Deerbolt to control a riot up the blockage, before moving the last bits by hand. A work doing jobs that will serious and possibly fatal infection which has to be treated with involving 18 prisoners. Four spokesman added that “the sheer size of this great lump of lard” not help them gain antibiotics, which, in most cases, will result in a full recovery. prison officers were assault- meant that it would take a long time to get rid of it entirely. ed, according to police. It employment. 37% of men was reported that four said they would be Eastenders to Belmarsh prisoners were also hurt, Trial helps shut-eye released without accom- Actor come journalist Ross Kemp aired a two-part series about none seriously. The Prison modation and 38% said Belmarsh last month. His series aimed at showing what life is Service said the disturbance An experiment to help prisoners at Wakefield get a better they were being released like in a high security prison. He spent six months at the prison started as an “isolated act of night’s sleep has been so successful that it will be extended with no job or training with a camera crew and says he gained full access to the harsh indiscipline on one wing” at across the country. In the trial, 36 men were given in-cell arranged. realities of prison life. He even gained access to the notorious around 8pm on Jan 8. ‘activity packs’ and were helped by peer-supporters trained in High Security Unit, a prison within a prison. sleep management techniques. Of those who completed the Wormwood Scrubs At HMYOI Feltham, 14 course, 97% said they slept better as a result. The programme, After much previous Spiced teabags officers were injured in called cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, was criticism the latest report It is claimed that prisoners at Bedford were soaking teabags in violence which their trade introduced by the prison’s Health in Justice team, the charity says Wormwood Scrubs Spice and then selling them to other men who would break union called “premeditated”. User Voices and researchers from Imperial College London. Dr them open and smoke the leaves. The IMB at Bedford say the received a substantial A female officer had her ear Sarah Bromley, Medical Director of the Royal College of GPs, practice was only rumbled when staff put the teabags through increase in resources, “almost cut off”, according hailed the results as a “great success” and said: “Prolonged a scanner used to check incoming mail. to the Prison Officers’ insomnia can result in numerous physical, mental and both from Rory Stewart’s emotional issues, ranging from anxiety and depression to 10 Prisons Project and Association. The trouble Lie detectors for terrorists broke out at lunchtime on suicide and self-harm in extreme cases. These behaviours other Ministry of Justice Convicted terrorists will face lie detector tests under measures Dec 27 at Feltham A, which have far-reaching implications for prisoner safety and schemes. This allowed for announced by the Government following an attack on prison holds children aged 15 to 18. healthcare resources.” significant improvements officers by two prisoners wearing fake suicide vests. The move targeted at the physical would make polygraph tests a licence condition for ex-prison- environment and decent ers living under probation supervision after serving time for living conditions. The terrorism offences. In a further tightening of the rules, the IMB says that investment number of probation officers specialising in counter-terrorism has continued since its will double. Experts will review the operation of Multi Agency annual report was Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) for convicted compiled. On the down terrorists. A mandatory minimum of 14 years in prison will be side they say the key introduced for those convicted of preparing acts of terrorism or worker scheme (in which directing a terrorist organisation, while automatic release on each prisoner has regular licence will end for those who receive extended determinate contact with a specific sentences for terrorism. Your Prison Injury Specialists prison officer) is progress- ing very slowly. Jail murder probe A 47 year-old man was discovered dead in his cell at HMP Low Chelmsford Moss early last month. The hall he was on was put on lockdown as a forensic team examined the scene. A police spokesperson The prison suffered from said: “Following a post mortem examination, the death is being many problems but the Medical Negligence treated as suspicious and a murder inquiry has been launched.” latest IMB report says Police named the man and said his family had been informed. they were pleased to see the refurbishment of Cell death ‘not murder’ some of the jail’s The death of a prisoner who was found with fatal neck wounds Victorian wings, to note inside a privately-run jail is not being treated as suspicious, Accident Claims that a greater number of police have said. The prisoner, aged in his 40s, died at HMP experienced and better Thameside in south-east London in the early hours one day last trained officers had been month. A man, in his 30s, who was initially arrested on recruited and that the suspicion of murder has since been released under previous, under-perform- investigation. ing, healthcare provider Assault Claims had been replaced. Tabloid angst at Hatfield cookers However, drugs, mobile According to the Daily Star, prison bosses at Hatfield have phones and other sparked outrage by giving prisoners slow cookers and toastie contraband were still far machines after they complained that the menu wasn’t diverse too readily available. Far enough, although inspectors have described food there as Call us: 0161 429 8383 / Freephone: 0800 387 967 too many prisoners “reasonably good”. The inspection report said: “The food served remained locked in their was reasonably good, and included the option of a hot breakfast cells for long periods, every day. Many prisoners raised concerns that the food choices did not fully reflect the diverse population of the prison. Write to us: Prudential Buildings, 63 St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1DH often for up to 22 hours a All units had toasters and microwave ovens, and slow cookers day at weekends. and toasted sandwich makers had recently been provided.” 18 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

and now I needed football.’ of success’. They read a little figures read: ‘2 x coaches, 2 x Dein (right) is not the sort of like warnings. For example, days per week, 12 week man to dwell on problems but the men or women on the course, 16 prisoners, 4 x one can imagine that as one course must be fully engaged, courses a year.’ This is, per- of the principles of engage- which will take time and ‘con- haps, more of an aspiration ment was that the costs were sistency’ from staff ... or ‘the than a present reality. born by football, not prison, specific model that works will this can’t have been easy. vary between prisons.’ … or Nobody gets to achieve any- ‘the use of mentors (both pre thing big inside prison with- Arsenal was a shoo-in, no and post-release) can support out the cooperation of the doubt, but unlike Arsenal, the transition back into the Service itself. David Dein football clubs generally have community.’ The report speaks highly of Jason Swet- Community Foundations which need to be inspired. With ten clubs signed up, just over a year ago Dein went public with a grand launch at Wembley Stadium. I wrote about it for Inside Time and came away impressed by the array of football stars and managers, including newly retired Arsene Wenger. I was Making life less lonely and less uninteresting even allowed to touch the FA Credit: HMP Cup - much bigger than it looks on television, incidentally.

‘I like a big audience!’ By February, Dein was giving lists of names signed up to the Premier League ambassador and former co-owner of project, including some of the biggest clubs such as Liver- Arsenal football club on a mission to bring professional pool, Everton, Manchester football coaching to prisoners City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Month by Month So how do things stand now? David Dein is bullish as al- ways. ‘I made a presentation Arsenal there was a huge gap ‘Two words: Thank you’. He to seventy-eight Football in his days and almost at once expands, ‘I’ve never had one League clubs - I like a big au- A qualifi ed success Rachel Billington he was out there travelling bad experience. The resi- dience. Forty-five signed up. round the country, exhorting dents are very receptive and Thirty are starting to deliver makes it clear that the project tenham, Head of Prison In- school-leavers to make the grateful. I was more worried coaches. I’m trying to turn a is essentially about giving dustries, Catering and PE who ‘I’ve seen more prisons than most of their future. ‘I tell the about not enough mental dream into reality.’ One of the men and women a set of skills is working with him on The the last Minister of Justice...’ story of my life and the chal- stimulation for the men or newer aspects to this is the which will increase their Twinning Project. Obviously, ‘As I go round, I see the state lenges and how I overcame preparation for the next stage ‘Twinning Project Charity’ chances of being employed prison gym staff are key to the of prisons - disappointing, them.’ Soon he was visiting in life.’ which Dein has set up to help outside prison. project. But in the end its con- shocking - some of them need three or four days a week. But football clubs who want to be tinued unrolling over more to be closed...’They lose their there were still gaps. The next stage is of course the part of the project but can’t Dein also emphasises, ‘It’s prisons will depend on Dein’s liberty, their job, their part- exit from prison and, as a afford it. not a kick-around; far more determination to help people ners, their self esteem...’ Prison was the answer. practical man, Dein worked than that.’ Men and women who he describes as ‘Where else is there a captive out a way he personally could He adds that there are now will be awarded a certificate ‘forgotten’. This is the voice of David audience?’ This was seven help. It was quite natural that two academic studies under- which will give them some- Dein, who I interviewed in his years ago and at that point of this should be about football. way from Oxford and Lough- thing to show to future em- As I write this, I read online Mayfair home at the end of inspiration, Dein had only So a couple of years ago he borough Universities which ployers. The basic plan, as that the first 2020 recruit to last year. It really is an odd been into one prison, decades thought up the idea of The are going to monitor the stated by Twinning Project the project is up and running: experience to hear these earlier, Wormwood Scrubs Twinning Project. The plan courses and their results. On literature, goes like this: Burnley FC Com twinned with words coming from a man where he’d bought, via the was to link professional Foot- January 7th, Loughborough ‘Coaches supported by PE Of- HMP Wymott. This good news who’s built his life and fame Howard League, a charity ball Association clubs with delivered an interim report ficers to deliver coaching and reminds me of David Dein’s around football, Arsenal to lunch with a prisoner. ‘I their local prisons in the area prepared by Dr. Christopher employability based qualifi- final comment to me about his be precise. How has this hap- thought then, this man is where the men or women Kay and Dr. Carolynne cations to prisoners to better project as we parted: ‘It’s alive! pened? And what exactly is leading a lonely, uninterest- were most likely to be re- Mason, pointing to ‘six pillars prepare them for release.’ The It’s developing! It’s well!’ his brainchild, ‘The Twinning ing life.’ The seed sown there leased. The courses would Project’, which links prisons may have taken a while to deliver basic training in ref- with their local football club. germinate but once he’d de- ereeing, coaching and other cided that was the next call- skills which could be useful Dein’s progress from football ing, it was full-steam ahead. outside prison. to prison went via schools where he gave and gives mo- First he had a trial at HMP David Dein set out with some tivational talks. This follow- Rochester ‘with three people rules to himself and to others. NATIONWIDE PRISON COVERAGE ing twenty-seven years being from NOMS judging me with First of all he needed permis- Our head o ce is based in the North West of England but we provide nationwide the power behind Arsenal, clipboards’. They said: “You sion to work in all prisons, coverage and due to the location of our sta we oer regular and consistent coverage instrumental in the arrival of not the kind of ‘spasmodic’ actually did rather well. to the North West, Midlands, London, South West and North East England. Arsene Wenger, and We’ve got 114 prisons...” So programmes, as he describes Vice-Chairman of the FA. He’s began his pilgrimage, and them, already in place. This • Parole paper reviews and oral hearings • Recall reviews and oral hearings still happy to boast about the after five years he’d been to meant permission from the • Removal from open conditions • Pre-Tari reviews • Category A reviews 18 trophies Arsenal won and every prison. ‘Now I’m on the then Minister of Justice, • Adjudications the ‘invincible team’ of second time round. It’s like David Gauke, and former 2003/4. Clearly, David Dein painting the Forth Bridge. I Prisons’ Minister Rory Stew- For more information please contact Jeremy Pinson using the detials below. has enthusiasm and self-con- do three or four a week… two art to involve every single fidence in abundance. yesterday… two tomorrow.’ prison. These he quickly ac- Freepost HOWARDS AND HENRYS quired. ‘So I got the prisons, So in 2007 when he left So what does he get out of it? one party to the marriage, 0161 872 9999 - [email protected] - howardssolicitors.co.uk Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 19

move along. Your prop’ll come personal. Kath says: “Like a later.” Once seated, we were lot of women who end up in Smelling the free salty sea air given stickers with prison the criminal justice system, I numbers to wear, and the ac- allowed myself to be down- Play by former prisoners raises funds for day trips from ‘inspiring’ hostel tion began on stage. trodden by the men I lived with. My poetry has given me High Risk tells the story of a voice and restored my sense became available. In October, Jane, a first-time prisoner, of power within myself. I also Kath was released - also to from induction and her first expressed a lot of anger Ripon House. She had already night in a cell to learning how through my poetry, and it has written High Risk as a radio jail life really works. At one given me a way to deal with play, but Dalton thought it stage she is released on li- my emotions.” would work on the stage with cence, but is beaten by her poetry added to the drama. boyfriend then recalled while But they also hope to challenge They created the show togeth- pregnant - forcing her to rely public prejudices about er, hoping to put on a public on the jail’s unsafe healthcare ‘cushy’ jail life and ‘danger- performance; then came the department. ous’ ex-cons. Describing wom- most surprising bit. en’s jails Dalton says: “I have Along the way there are fea- seen a lot of sad lives, of Many former prisoners have tures of daily life that prisoners women who never had anyone strong negative feelings about would expect – the fights and to listen to them, of broken bail hostels - the restrictions, the dealing, the gym and the dreams not evil deeds. We the staff, the threat of being chapel, the officers losing need some humanity to re- recalled to prison. Not Dalton count of the roll and having to member that people are not and Kath. Dalton says: “We start again. The show is for solely deeds, not paperwork wanted to give back to Ripon adults only, with some upset- and numbers. I want people Acting to raise money House, a place that had housed ting scenes lifted by earthy to see beating hearts, families us, and to Pam the activities humour. Jane, played by Lily and life.” Kath Pengilley and Dalton When Dalton was released in co-ordinator who helped us Luty, is surprised to learn that Harrison met at HMP New Hall 2019, he moved into Ripon get back our confidence and women smuggle drugs in The two former prisoners have in 2017, and later served time House, an Approved Premises inspired us to always follow Kinder Egg containers - “But now formed a fledgling theatre Ben Leapman together at HMP Low Newton. in Leeds. He says: “I felt scared our heart.” what do they do with the company, StandFast They shared wings, attended to begin with. Outside seemed Productions, with dreams in- At a working men’s club in courses together and discov- so big and different.” But he cluding staging shows in jails Yorkshire you might expect ered a common interest in found the activities organised and taking High Risk to the the entertainment to writing poems. Both found it by staff at the bail hostel Edinburgh Festival Fringe. be a foul-mouthed comedian tough. Kath, 57, says: “Being helped him readjust: “They or perhaps a 1970s tribute in a women’s prison feels like took us to places, and theatre And what of the hostel that band. You wouldn’t think to being in the most abusive re- shows, and I saw things I’d benefited? Emma Falk, oper- find a group of ex-prisoners lationship anyone has ever only dreamed of or read about, ational manager of Ripon who met inside a women’s jail experienced.” For Dalton, 40, and it opened me to a different House, said: “I am extremely putting on a gritty play about who was born female, there way of thinking.” In particular impressed by the commit- life in custody. But that wasn’t was the added complication he remembers a seaside trip to ment, dedication and creativ- even the most surprising as- of transitioning to become a Whitby, where he collected “Whitby here we come!” ity Dalton and Kath have pect of my trip to the Holbeck man whilst serving time. He stones and ran into the sea. poured into this production. Thus in January, having both working men’s club in Leeds says it was a struggle - “I was chocolate and the toy?” News When the group approached moved on to homes of their to see High Risk - a show that held up by some amazing staff He began doing poetry read- that one woman carried 20 me to say they wanted to give own, the pair put on High Risk combines theatre and poetry and smacked down by others” ings in local pubs, but one inside her body prompts the all the money raised to the to raise money for the hostel. to tell the story of a woman’s - and poetry provided an outlet project would have to wait quip: “She must’ve been a charity to enhance the oppor- Dalton directed. He and Kath journey through prison. for his feelings. until the right creative partner roomy girl.” The acting is con- tunities for current residents I both acted, and four more vincing because most on stage was really moved.” women played roles, two of have first-hand experience. DAVIES & JONES whom are also ex-prisoners. Dalton is particularly strong. The inspirational Pam was in Nirinder Dhillon The hour-long performance the audience and promised SOLICITORS Nationwide coverage So how was the show? The earned warm applause from that some of the money would Experienced Prison & Criminal venue, Holbeck WMC, opened the 60-odd crowd. Instead of pay for more released prison- in 1871 and claims to be the Specialising in Defence Solicitor buying tickets they were asked ers to visit the seaside. That Criminal Defence and oldest continuously-operated to donate, and £260 was raised was welcomed by Dalton, who Independent Adjudications working men’s club. As the for the charity that runs Ripon said: “I wanted to give back so Prison Law audience arrived in the audi- House. other people can feel what I torium we were shouted at as O f f e r i n g Pre-Tariff & Tariff Reviews felt - after waiting so long, to if stepping off a sweatbox: The show’s creators admit feel that sand, smell the air N a t i o n w i d e S e r v i c e Category A reviews “Come on, out of the wagon, their motivation is partly and run into that salty sea.” • All Criminal Court Proceedings Parole Reviews • Parole Applications Re-categorisation Miscarriage of Justice? • Licence Recall ASHLEY SMITH & CO HDC “Tagging” Our experienced and dedicated team are specialists in • Appeals Appeals & CCRC • Adjudications Criminal appeals Undertaking work for privately funded clients only. Police interviews Parole Board Representation Contact For both legally aided and privately funded clients David Rees or Simon Palmer All criminal matters All Prison Law matters including Independent Adjudications Davies & Jones On behalf of privately funded clients. Legal Aid Available In all privately funded matters we will quote you a reasonable fixed fee - staged where appropriate. 32 The Parade, Roath, Professional and approachable we offer a Nationwide Service and accept agency work Cardiff, CF24 3AD (Fixed fee options also available) for Parole Board Representation. For a prompt response please write or call Tel: 029 2046 5296 07539 406 411 Ashley Smith & Co, Criminal Defence Specialists 4-6 Lee High Road, London, SE13 5LQ or 24 Hour Emergency Number: Write to: Nirinder Dhillon Registered with emailaprisoner 079 7096 9357 PO Box 666, Egham, TW20 2DW 0208 463 0099

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 20 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

body of middle-class, young, trainee away and also allowing me to attend in open prisons are easy and cheap, Inside Voices psychologists whose cultural differ- her funeral. We were very close - she a really bad combination for me, plus ences and life experience was so alien visited me throughout my sentence I was worried about my dad’s health to my own they were obviously in following me around the country and frustrated at being over tariff. danger of affecting how they admin- saying she would follow even if they The Tale of a Twit ister the tests which they then score, locked me on the moon. She would One sunny day I had it away on my leading to damaging labels and per- have too. My heart was broken, and toes. At this point, I was sick of drugs, ceptions - for example labelling me a it still is. I asked for bereavement the prison culture; the constant Andrew Craigie - HMP Nottingham been that - I was just on a ‘hope sab- ‘psychopath’. There was one decent counselling for 6 weeks as I was strug- worry; and just wanted to see my dad. batical’ for a number of years. Luckily therapist who did help me with cog- gling and eventually gave up and The plan was to see my dad then hand my mum and dad have always stood nitive behavioural therapy which turned to drugs. This was my decision myself in. I made it away fine and got Prison has become a high hill from by me and kept a positive voice for seemed a common-sense approach to and I take responsibility, but it does to my home town and was promptly which I can survey the broken twisted me to follow and I’ve had friends who behavioural issues caused by cogni- have a context. turned in by people I thought were landscape of my life. Everywhere I have been there as well, which is nice tive disorder; this helped me with my friends. stopped to rest is marked by ruins. as they obviously see something re- everything from sleep to worry. The farther I look, towards the hori- deemable - I just wish the psycholo- How keeping any- And here I am - after 14 months in zon, I can just make out the less ru- gists would too. I genuinely believe that most of the one years over their HMP Nottingham, apparently one of inous terrain of my childhood, glades positive changes that occurred in me the 10 worst jails in the country. After filled with sunlight but even here if The early years I spent mostly in the during this time have been affected tariff in a violent, drug- 13 years, being back in a remand pris- I look carefully weeds grew and ser- print shop and the PICTA workshop by taking part in non-treatment-based infested and broken on comes as a bit of a shock. I’ve been pents slithered. Dramatic? Maybe, learning about computers and net- activities and self-reflection in my cell. a peer mentor in the art class for about but it fits. working, which was just a way of One of the really positive things I took prison system helps a year, helping to deliver substance killing time while waiting for courses part in was a reading group run by the society I really do not misuse and working as a drugs peer I suppose then that prison was always to be recommended. I came to the Reader Organisation. The skills and mentor. I have completed all the avail- a possibility, given how I lived my attention of psychology who, after a methods I was taught were transfera- know. But surely they able drug courses and I am also a life and my own specific mental brief assessment, found me a possible ble to many different things and have know what they are mentor for the Art Outreach pro- make-up. I was diagnosed with two candidate for a personality disorder made me more successful at dealing gramme, which involves brightening personality disorders while serving unit, so I went to Frankland. with people. I have found civilian doing? Right? the prison up a bit. time in HMP Frankland’s personality workers to be far more helpful than disorder unit. Despite having hope, I am ashamed most of the offending behaviour cours- During this period, I think I was as I was recently knocked back by the to say that portions of my prison time es I have undertaken. close to suicide as it’s possible to get Parole Board, but I am appealing the I started my life sentence for man- have been marred by an intermittent without actually being dead. I didn’t decision. Worst case scenario I have slaughter at the age of 26 and was drug habit formed whilst on remand. Once I finished treatment I was moved have the guts though and I didn’t to do another year of consolidation given a 10-year tariff; that was getting I’ve always struggled with emotional to the PIPE (Psychologically Informed want my dad to have to get that phone at a progress unit and then be re- on for 14 years ago. A psychiatrist at instability, social anxiety and a gen- Progression Environment) unit at a call. I just existed in some sort of hell- leased. How keeping anyone years Ashworth Hospital supported my eral propensity to worry. Historically first-stage lifer prison. It was supposed ish mental purgatory from which I over their tariff in a violent, drug-in- claim of diminished responsibility I have turned to booze and to a lesser to gently usher those who had spent could not escape, but the drugs eased fested and broken prison system helps otherwise I would have been given extent drugs as a means of coping. months or years in ‘treatment’ or on it for a time. After a while, even the society I really do not know. But surely much longer. We all know how that ends. courses back into a normal prison drugs didn’t work. I was just about they know what they are doing? routine and allow a consolidation of to get my D cat, so I kept quiet about Right? The first few years I spent in the I started to question my choices and skills. This place wasn’t managed the drugs instead of seeking help. high-security estate, after leaving the person I was - the Andy behind properly and had, rightfully, lost its Stupid, I know. I refuse to become bitter and won’t local remand for HMP Long Lartin my eyes, the bit that drives the ma- EE (Enabling Environment) status and give them my hate as these feelings where I tried to forget all about being chinery; that loves, hopes and fights associated funding. By the time I arrived at D cat I had a in this setting always turn inwards free and all those memories that - when I was admitted to the Westgate habit and wasn’t coping well. I didn’t and slowly erode any goodness that made me happy. Hope is good but is Personality Disorder Unit in 2010. For Whilst there, my mum was taken ill care about D cat. I approached the remains, leaving a burned-out shell also torture when all loved ones feel the 7 years I existed there I was forced and after a short while died. The prison drug team but didn’t really give them fit for nothing. I have seen this happen so far away and freedom seems so to live in the past; to examine my was decent, allowing me to visit her a chance as I was worried about being to others. I have always had hope - elusive. I wasn’t hopeless - I’ve never worst bits in excruciating detail by a in the hospice 3 days before she passed returned to closed conditions. Drugs now I just need a chance.

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‘It’s not the money Sue. A looked tired and fragile, back for when she came to ‘Oh… this was on the mat.’ baby is like a hurricane. Sal- struggling to maintain both visit. He hoped Sally would be Sue handed him an envelope, Looking Up ly’s birth was one of the rea- herself and the person she OK with the new situation, Jason pulling it open to find a son’s me and Alison fell out, was carrying. Jason took her hoping she wouldn’t get home-made Valentine card, all them years ago. Nothing hand and pulled her into a angry at another woman ap- scribbled black and crimson The ups, downs, challenges and can really prepare you for it. gentle hug. pearing in his life… Probation with ballpoint pens, a rough triumphs of a prison leaver’s journey This is all a bit unexpected… would have to know as well, heart with a dirty big dagger I mean, is Kevin happy you’re ‘Well… a miracle baby, eh? though they had no authority through it, dripping blood. back up North?’ What kind of man would I be to prevent it. Inside it read: ‘See you soon ‘He wanted me in London, to turn ‘God’s Gift’ away? Stay Big Boy.’ he’s got this really nice flat, as long as you want.’ Sue bustled back in, dumping but he’s hardly the stay-at- her heavy backpack on the Under the envelope seal he home type is he? It won’t be She squeezed him back, hair table. ‘No offence Jay, but I saw a prison number. Big long before he’s back inside; soft against his neck, expen- didn’t want this to influence Dennis, remanded since the we both knew it, and then sive perfume faded to musk. you’. She unzipped the bag. botched drug swap, must what? He wasn’t angry ‘Thanks…’ she whispered, Jason’s eyes popping as thick have sent it. Jason fumed. though, so he won’t be com- wiping her eyes. From the mo- wedges of cash bulged out; Was it a joke or a threat? Den- ing here if you’re worried. He ment they met, Jason knew bundles of fifty-pound notes nis’s sense of humour was was happy about the baby there’d be something special still in their wrappers, smell- weird at the best of times. though… really happy.’ between them. At first he ing clean and dirty at the Jason had barely escaped po- thought it would be wild sex, same time. lice capture himself - the pair Jason sighed, pouring an- but a sort of invisible bound- ‘Jesus Christ…’ set-up by Dennis’s young boy- other cup of tea and pacing ary had risen between them, ‘Don’t worry, it’s legal, I was friend. Maybe the lad had there when Kevin withdrew it the little kitchen, the way his and it never happened. Some- somehow convinced Dennis from the bank. He said it was Uncle Frank used to when how they’d developed a kind that Jason was the Judas all weird to have a security guard Jason was in trouble. of family bond, deeper than along. He propped the card any union a bed could bring. looking after his money for up against the teapot, Sue ‘It wouldn’t be for long Jay… once. There’s seventy-two laughing. ‘Somebody’s a just till it arrives. I need some- Jason stroked her hair, smil- thousand. Should keep me in lucky boy.’

© MW where safe, and someone who ing uncertainly, daunted by nipple pads for a while, eh?’ I can trust, somebody who what he’d agreed to, but sure Jason forced a smile and took won’t just see me as a casual it was the right thing to do. Jason sat heavily as it sunk in. Frank Cotton its spout like the fuse from a her hand. ‘Come on, Mother shag.’ Sue pulled away. ‘I’ve got He was about to be the guard- bomb in a Bugs Bunny car- Mary, let’s get that nest-egg of ‘What about Uncle Frank’s something for you. I left it ian of the child of one of Brit- toon. The letter box rattled yours hidden away, and your ghost? He’s still around here next door at Alf’s’. She hur- ain’s most violent and ‘Be My Baby’ and Jason blinked. ‘Wow… little manger sorted.’ They you know.’ ried out, Jason closing his unpredictable gangsters. If don’t know what to say Sue. crept upstairs, the card curl- You’re having a baby… I ‘We’ll get by.’ eyes in the silence, faintly DCI Curran and his drug Jason, speechless, eyes wide, ing slowly round the teapot’s mean, an actual baby…’ aware of his Uncle’s ghost, squad ever came calling head shaking, mouth open… steaming spout like a fist. Sue, silent, still, toes curled ‘I can pay my way Jason, so Without make-up, the lines listening at the top of the again, both Mad Dog tight inside her lace-up shoes, money’s no bother - Kevin round Sue’s eyes looked stairs. Sue could have the Dearden’s kid and his cash a round teapot between them gave me enough to tide me deeper, errant grey hairs curl- middle bedroom, his daugh- would end up in state hands. Frank Cotton is a former resi- - a ribbon of steam rising from over.’ ing round her neck. She ter Sally’s already taken at the No pressure then. dent of HMPPS Are you carrying too much baggage?

Many of us are carrying too much baggage. We find it difficult to leave behind things from the past which we regret: broken relationships; foolish decisions; wasted years; the hurt we have caused others – and the hurt which others have inflicted upon us. For some, the greatest sadness may be the rejection of family and friends as a result of our mistakes. The effect of continuing to carry all these regrets from the past – and of accumulating more as we journey through life – can be devastating. They prevent us from moving forward with our lives.They can create a sense of hopelessness. When He was on earth, Jesus encountered many people who were weary and weighed down by their past. He had compassion upon them and invited them to unburden themselves on Him.

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, New Life If you would like to know how and you will find rest orf your souls. For my yoke is you can begin a new life with easy and my burden is light.’ Jesus, please write to us for a Matthew 11:28-30 copy of our booklet, New Life.

Jesus still invites people today to find rest with A look at the New Life that Jesus offers Him and to start a new life with Him.

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Some people outside might ask why people in allowed us to recruit 4,000 new officers. The Jo Farrar: “building a positive way forward” prison should be helped? “There are lots of fact that we are getting money to build new reasons,” she says,” we should always want to prisons and to do some extra on security is help people in prison to be better, ultimately really good.” Is that new prisons to replace old that will create a safer environment for people or new for extra capacity? “At the moment they in society.” Proper work skills would help to are extra capacity,” she says. make a difference, I say. Employers would surely be more impressed with skill qualifications A newspaper recently described the food pris- rather than a clutch of Offending Behaviour oners were getting for Christmas as ‘insanely course certificates. Isn’t it time vocational train- appetising’ - not surprisingly, many of our read- ing was brought back on a large scale? ers disagreed. “We do have a couple of pro- grammes creating new, appetising “If you go to some of our prisons, we really are but healthy food which has really helped to bringing that back. I saw some great examples change behaviour,” she says. “We have a joint in Brixton the other week and in other prisons project with Public Health England to look at I’ve been to. I was talking to some men in London nutritional and calorie balanced food,” she who have come out of prison and set up their says, “which will still be delicious.” own painting and decorating firm, where they take some profit but they also pay a percentage And what about prisoners’ pay? The average of their profit back into the community. We’re pay hasn’t changed for decades. Any plans for looking at the construction industry – and the an increase? “There are a few things to say to Barista training has really taken off.” that,” she says. “The reason we provide work in prison is not really about the pay, it’s about Last year in our prisons there were five thousand giving people experience and opportunities, incidents of self-harm every month and nine- and that’s where I would like to focus my ef- Safety comes first ty-odd self-inflicted deaths. Is there anything forts.” That’s important I say, but so are wages. in the pipeline to resolve this? “Self-harm is “It is important, but we have given Governors New Prisons and Probation chief tells Inside Time why really worrying, self-inflicted death is really so discretion now to change pay and we are seeing sad. We’re working really closely with our health that in some prisons, for some jobs, prisoners she took the job on and her plans ‘to make a difference’ partners and we’ve trained up twenty-five thou- are being paid more. Hopefully you will get sand staff to work with and help people with some positive letters about that as well as community. Most of the public do believe that harming behaviour. We also have some pro- negative.” people can do good. The thing I have to focus grammes for Governors to manage the harm in on in order to do all of that is safety. Any violence their prisons. We are still worried about the As her first year in post approaches, how hopeful Erwin James towards staff is unacceptable and any violence numbers, but the work we are doing we believe is she that the next year will bring the changes between prisoners is unacceptable. We just is making things better - although we know we she wants to see happen? “There is a lot to do. Jo Farrar’s public service career began at the need to make sure that prisons are safe places. have a massively long way to go.” Things can’t be changed overnight,” she says. Parole Board. She spent 16 years in central That’s a massive focus for me. That’s why we’ve “But I’m really confident that with the team I’ve government before becoming chief executive brought in additional staff, and that is making Resources always seem to be slim for prisons. got and the staff we are building we are on a at Bath and North-East Somerset Council and a difference. We’ve seen in the last set of statistics Has she enough to run the system as safely and really positive way forward. I want to see a lot then Bridgend County Borough Council. Last that things are stabilising. In our latest response positively as she wants? “I feel it’s getting bet- more changes in the next year. We’ve built some April she became CEO of Prisons and Probation. from prisoners where we ask them about prison ter,” she says. “We have £156m to spend on solid foundations on which to move The first thing I asked her, given the reported life, they’ve been positive about feeling safer. maintenance. The money for new staff has forward.” levels of chaos and turmoil in our prisons, was That’s a big deal for me. But it’s a relentless why on earth would she want the job? “I think effort on behalf of everybody. This is something this is a fantastic job,” she says, “and I feel I’m talking to all our staff about, it’s just of Child Abuse. Helping victims achieve justice. really privileged to have it because throughout paramount importance – keeping key workers my whole career it’s been really important to going; making sure that that one to one support me to make a difference to people.” But how is is there. I want to make sure that people do Sports Abuse Compensation she going to make those differences for the have opportunities, hope and aspirations.” better happen given that the system seems to Operation Hydrant is a police investigation into allegations of be in a constant state of crisis? non-recent child sexual abuse. It’s revealed that there’s been 2,807 reported incidents of non-recent child sexual abuse in “There are some amazing people that work for ASN LAW Prisons and Probation Service - amazing. When football and at least 80 sports coaches have been convicted of SOLICITORS child sexual abuse in the UK since 2016. I go out and meet people in prison, prisoners Anthony Stokoe I’ve spoken to, and they tell me that their lives Rasheed Nujeerallee are changing because of the actions of one Independent Prison Law Our specialist abuse solicitors have a proven track record in person. It’s usually down to one action or one Expert since 1994 handling sports abuse claims and can help you if you have been person. I just think if we can get everyone into sexually abused in childhood. We can help you claim that place where we have positive relationships ‘’ compensation from the sports organisation or individual and working well together - we’re all on the Continuing the Fight and Challenge responsible for the abuse. same mission, to make lives better and more Despite Legal Aid Cuts positive for everybody. What I’m really keen to do is make sure we are joined up, from prison Straight advice/representation To find out more information about making a claim please to probation, with our partners in local govern- for Male and Female Prisoners contact our Abuse Claims Solicitors for free legal advice. ment in the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) – some of the stuff we are doing now Adjudications Lifer/IPP Specialist with the DWP to help people have a smoother Recall Parole Judicial Reviews If you have been abused as a child in a sporting organisation we transition into the workplace, and some of the Mental Health Law Expert would recommend that you report the abuse to the police as stuff we are doing with employers – we are Human Rights - European & International soon as possible. bringing people in for job fairs.” Cat A Reviews But the prison system always seems to be up Pre-tariff Sift/Hearings Prison Visits Legal Aid Available Complete Confidentiality against public opinion and constant negative press reporting. How does she think that can Suite 8, Vine House, be countered? “The public tend to want to help 100 Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0PG and respond positively to people who have had 143 London Road, SIMPSON T. 0808 239 8516 problems,” she says. “The public reaction to Kingston KT2 6NH MILLAR the Gareth Malone choir programme for exam- The open lawyers E. [email protected] ple (HMYOI Aylesbury) has been amazing. I simpsonmillar.co.uk | abuselaw.co.uk want more of that, where we can really show 020 8549 4282 the positive things that are happening in prison NATIONWIDE SERVICE Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Registration No. 424940. and with people we are looking after in the Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Comment 23 Inside Voices Tales of Wisdom

times she did not understand what was being taught, or not A poem for friends... sure what the importance was of material offered in class. Terry Cadman - heartbroken; the one time words. I still cherish my time She admitted to not wanting HMP Littlehey when they really needed me with them and this is a poem to ask questions in case it and I was in prison and not Deanna sent me: made her look stupid in front able to help. He had been di- of her class-mates. I reminded Before I was put in prison I was agnosed with asbestos-related Having been a loner all my life her it was much better to living on a working livestock lung cancer and died just three that poem resonated in every maybe appear stupid for a farm in Anglesey, North Wales. weeks after diagnosis. fibre of my body and mind, minute by asking the question I moved onto the farm in March and still does. I have let few than maybe remaining stupid 2001 and my home was a small I didn’t cry or mourn when my people into my heart and soul, for the rest of her life by not cottage - converted from a dad died (he wasn’t much of and that poem really drove asking. © Deposit Photos stone-built cow-shed. It didn’t a dad anyway) but I did when home how lonely I was and take me long to realise that I Bryan died; in that short three how this led to multiple at- Sid Arter making a driftwood picture For people coming into prison there will be many questions had moved into my perfect weeks he lost over 40 pounds tempts on my own life. frame, played on their crazy for the first-timer; where and place to live, completely by in weight and could not eat or golf course and visited their how can I buy treats? How do accident. This small cottage swallow or speak. He had been Poems are very powerful and Question farm visitors’ centre where our I get money? How can I tele- filled my needs perfectly - it a very active man for a 74 year- mean different things to dif- daughter milked a cow! everything phone my family and loved had great views from every old; we often cut logs together ferent people. A poem can lift ones? How can I get clean window, fields on three sides and we would take his dog for you sky-high or dump you in “Dad, why did we only play Last summer I went to a beach clothes? When are meal times? and a mountain as a backdrop. walks on the beach or through a deep, dark cellar, or anything on the beach each day and why resort on the South coast of These and many other ques- the fields, and now he’s gone. in between. The written word didn’t we do those things?” the country with our daughter tions will bombard the new After a while I started to help All I could do was send a is a powerful and thought-pro- asked the young son of the and on our last evening went prisoner and indeed going to the farmer, Steve, with his live- voking tool that can lift or family we sat with. “Because wreath. to the restaurant on site to eat a different prison or coming stock. I gathered the sheep and lower someone’s perception we didn’t think to ask what our evening meal. The place back into custody will create rounded up the cattle; I drove of themselves and their world. was available around here… Deanna carried on writing to was crowded and I asked a many questions for most peo- the tractors and helped with The pen is more powerful than we didn’t want to appear dim me for just over a year, but her family if we could join them ple. Some of these will be an- the night-time vigils during the sword; it can save or de- for not knowing,” said the dad. letters were getting more dis- at their table. They were very swered on the induction of- lambing and calving time. I tant. Then one day I got a letter stroy from a distance without welcoming and were interest- Last week I spoke to a student fered on the wing and/or by also helped to deliver the telling me that she wanted to ever coming face-to-face with ed to hear how we had spent who had not done very well in other prisoners who may be lambs and calves; I’ve pulled ‘sever all ties’, to quote her anyone. the week. her examinations and was appointed to the role of help- hundreds of lambs and calves ing new arrivals. But this will from their mothers and cleared disappointed with her results. We had borrowed bikes from She was a bright student who often leave questions unan- their noses and mouths. It is a reception and ridden along swered and maybe like my very satisfying feeling to see a Friends had previously done well and the quiet coast road to a small had expected to be in the top student, you don’t want to baby lamb or calf that you have secluded beach about 5 miles appear stupid for asking. But A friend is like a shady tree on a hot summer’s day, 10% of the group - but in fact just pulled from the mother away. We had visited the near- remember - it is far better to A friend is like the sunshine that shines to light the way. had come in the bottom 10%! come to life and stand after a by renovated Norman castle appear stupid for a minute or A friend is like a rosebud that’s worn right through the heart, We sat and discussed why she few minutes. and had gone on the local two by asking than it is to stay That’s you my friend, a treasure, with which I will not part. had not done very well and woodland trail and zip-wire eventually she decided it was stupid for the rest of your life. I cut and bailed silage from the I’ll never walk ahead of you; I’ll never walk behind, experience. We had spent a because she was reluctant to fields to feed the animals for But I’ll always walk beside you; I hope that you won’t mind. day at a local craft centre mak- ask questions in class. She the coming year. I got home You’ve been there through the good times, Sid Arter is a teacher and ing pottery objects and admitted there were often tired, hungry and dirty and You’ve been there through the bad, entertainer loved every second of it. I met And the great times we’ve spent together are the best we’ve a couple, Bryan and Deanna, ever had, who had bought a bungalow We’ve been friends now for many years, on the farm - they were in their We’ve had some fun and frolics, Let down by your solicitor? 60s and we became very good And there’s nothing better than reminiscing over some gin and tonics. friends; we spent many enjoy- You were always there when I needed you, able hours together. I regarded To dab a heartfelt tear, And to my silly jibes and jokes, Solicitors, like any other professionals, can make them as my best friends, Bryan You lent a well-tuned ear. especially. mistakes and you may have suffered as a result. So, I may not have a fortune or ready cash to spare, But with your priceless friendship Bryan died while I was in pris- I’m a multi-millionaire. on, in 2016, and I was

Jason Elliott Associates Specialists in Prison Law, Parole and Criminal Appeals Have you had a claim against your prison that you think has Expert in release from custody been mishandled by your solicitor? This could be an injury Legal Aid available in suitable cases claim, a failure to provide adequate medical care or an abuse of your human rights. If so, Jordans can consider if you have a - Please contact - claim against your solicitor. Registered with emailaprisoner Jason Elliott Associates Limited Call our Professional Negligence Team free on: 18 Albion House North Shields Tyne & Wear NE29 0DW 03303001103 0191 447 4389 Write to: [email protected] 7A Wellington Road East, Dewsbury, WF13 1HF 24 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

something for each other. I am extremely proud of having a Parkrun at Downview. It’s Running so important that the women have activities that mirror life in the real world, and become part of communities that they can take part the dream in upon release. This is an activity that the women can do as a community. Staff take part too, and both groups can go to other HMP& YOI Downview Gover- Parkruns outside the prison on days off or nor regularly participates with upon release. We’re also showing them something that they can encourage their her staff and residents at children, friends and family to do - to help Downview Parkrun, the first others get out in the fresh air and get fitter. to launch in a UK women’s Some of my residents told me they hadn’t prison. Here she shares her done any exercise at all since being sent to own powerful Parkrun story prison. Even if they start off and don’t do all five laps, it’s an aim for them to go a bit fur- ther next week. And it’s still going to have Natasha Wilson benefits for their mental and physical health. The sense of community at the Parkrun is fantastic. The course is quite windy, it’s not I first heard about Parkrun many Natasha Wilson: Governing at a pace somewhere you’d go for a personal best. But

Credit: HMP & YOI Downview years ago from a colleague. I’d been through a period in my life where I’d really the benefit of five laps is the chance to cheer lost my self-confidence. I decided I needed each other on all the way round as you’re to make some changes and was going to give regularly running towards someone going Smashing smiles! couch to 5k a go. I never intended to do any- the other way! thing other than try and get fitter and feel a bit happier about myself. However, when I’d The first Parkrun at Downview was an amaz- Parkrun extends to more than 20 prisons completed the couch to 5k, I wasn’t too far ing event. Many of our residents walked, off reaching that running 5k non-stop mark jogged, ran and volunteered alongside Inside Time report groups in the community, to go a bit further next week. and I had a real determination to get there. prison staff who came in to help on the day. helping with their And it’s still going to have Thinking back to that first Parkrun conver- I feel very privileged to have participated rehabilitation. benefits for their mental and sation with my colleague, who’d been really alongside my residents, staff and everyone from the community who came in to support It is a phenomenon all over physical health.” passionate about the benefits of Parkrun, I us and make sure it was a success. Our sub- the world - runners meeting SO Roger Steggles, a gym of- signed up. sequent Parkruns have also been well at- up once a week to complete a ficer who directs Parkrun at So far 26 prisoners have tended, and not just by those who want to 5km circuit for fitness and HMP Wayland, said: “I can joined Parkrun’s ‘50 mile- I had always run by myself but felt ready now walk and run, we have many volunteers and fun. Since the first Parkrun honestly say that nothing has stone club’ by taking part 50 to run with other people. I’ve loved Parkrun spectators, which is brilliant to see. I know event in 2004, more than two given me more pleasure and times. Feedback from prison- ever since, and have encouraged several that the women are enjoying Saturday morn- million people across the job satisfaction than Wayland ers collected by Parkrun has friends to join up. I’ve even done a couple of ings and many of them have talked to me globe have taken part in the Parkrun. Most sports in pris- focused on the benefits to half-marathons and the Great South Run and about the individual benefits they’ve felt. free events. They have gone a ons involve staff setting them fitness and self-confidence. currently in training for the London Mara- total of 163 million kilometres, up, organising and clearing One prisoner said: “As some- thon 2020 after being lucky enough to get a I’m hoping that Downview Parkrun will con- the equivalent of more than up, but with Parkrun it’s dif- one who landed in the prison ballot place. Having a Parkrun at one of my tinue to grow, and not just for those who are 200 round trips to the Moon. ferent. The event is set up and establishment crushing the prisons has always been a dream of mine. led by the prisoners them- scales at more than 20 stone, But I just assumed we didn’t have enough comfortable to participate in sport. We have room for one at HMP & YOI Downview. It was women who aren’t as fit, and don’t go to the It was three years ago that a selves as volunteers, and they the mere thought of running the PE staff who first approached me about gym due to a lack of confidence, or struggle gym manager at HMP Haver- do this with pride, just the was as likely as the prison’s having a Parkrun at Downview. They’re bril- to find something they enjoy. The women are igg first had the idea of hold- same as Parkrun outside the catering department getting liant, and are always looking for activities to already encouraging each other to partici- ing a Parkrun inside prison fence. There’s a buzz on a Sat- a Michelin Star. Before I took engage our women. They weren’t aware at pate, and being cheerleaders for one another. walls, and contacted the na- urday morning, unlike any my first strides, I thought peo- the time that I was already a ‘parkrunner’. Ideally this will give them the confidence to tional organisation to ask for other time, and a rush in the ple might laugh or ridicule walk, jog, run or volunteer in their local com- help. Since the first run at afternoon to check the results me. But there was just a Given that I’ve experienced firsthand the munity. I would love to see us start a couch Haverigg in November 2017, board.” bunch of guys who recog- benefits of Parkrun, I was really keen to sup- to 5k course to support Parkrun, and to ena- the idea has taken off, and nised I was trying to better port them. I wanted our women to get that ble prison staff from other sites to come in now more than 20 UK prisons Young prisoners at Feltham myself. I found encourage- same sense of community. I wanted them to and participate along with our resi- host weekly Parkruns, with have been participating in ment, positivity and support get out in the fresh air, volunteer, and do dents and own staff. more expected to start in Parkrun since February 2019. - something that can be in 2020. Michelle Glassup, the event short supply here. A fellow director at the prison, said: “If prisoner even told me he was More than 4,000 prisoners success was measured in proud of me for getting out and staff have taken part, smiles, we’d smash it every there and having a go. That completing 23,000 runs, jogs week.” The first Parkrun to meant a lot.” Important Parole Case Coming Up? and walks. While every par- take place at a UK women’s Get Someone ticipant can go at their own prison was at Downview in One of the runners who took pace, the event is timed, al- October 2019. Governor Nata- part in the first event at Ha- Who Gives a $@*#! sha Wilson, a keen runner verigg, Paul, has since been “I can’t believe how fortunate we were in choosing lowing everybody to keep Emmersons. You were amazing, I would recommend who is training for this year’s released - and joined a local 99% of Clients happy with the track of their personal best outcome of their case Emmersons to anyone looking for an approachable and and attempt to improve on it. London Marathon, was Parkrun group in the commu- reliable firm of Solicitors.” among the 40 prisoners and nity. He said: “When you Nearly all clients achieved release or 52 John Street, 137A Back High Street, Gosforth, Those who have joined in say staff taking part. come out of prison, getting Sunderland SR1 1QN Newcastle NE3 4ET open conditions the events leave them feeling back on your feet is hard, es- 0191 567 6667 0191 284 6989 She said: “We have women pecially financially. So, hav- healthier and happier. At Freephone some prisons, healthcare de- who aren’t as fit, and don’t go ing something free, and We are experts in category A reviews partments are recommending to the gym due to a lack of regular, was amazing for me. and independent adjudications 0800 193 0146 Parkrun to particular prison- confidence, or struggle to find I now have a full-time job, emmersons-solicitors.co.uk ers who they feel would ben- something they enjoy. Even if and have been reunited with Parole Hearings • Adjudications • Recalls • Category A Reviews EMAP efit. Many ex-prisoners have they start off and don’t do all my son. I have a simple life Registered with Members of the Association of Prison Lawyers gone on to join Parkrun five laps, it’s an aim for them which I am truly grateful for.”

26 Comment www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020 Garden Chronicles Outside Voices

On my tour I was allowed ac- No one should go hungry cess to the pads and I can re- port back that if your loved one Jenny Greengrass churches to host distribution. They can also wasn’t one for being tidy whilst offer spiritual help to those who want it. at home, he certainly is now! They were spotless and very My family and I feel very fortunate in that we As a volunteer, I spent my session in a small obviously places that the guys can grow our own vegetables which help us to church where the Food Bank facility had a were proud of. I ended my tour stay healthy and well fed throughout the year. designated area. Tables and chairs are laid out of the wing on which my loved Last year I had an abundance of vegetables and with plates of biscuits and everyone is offered one resides being allowed to got in touch with the local Food Bank to see if a cup of tea or coffee when they arrive. Each see his pad. I cannot tell you they wanted any fresh produce for their cus- client needs to have a voucher which is issued how relieved I was to have had tomers. They had refused politely as they said after being referred from a range of organisa- the three years spent torturing they had no facility to use them. This prompted tions. These may be from Probation, the Job A nice surprise “over the wall” myself about the conditions me to get in touch with them again to see what Centre, GP, Salvation Army etc. The vouchers Credit: HMP Stafford quelled, instantly. Of course they did provide to help those in need. bear the client’s name, address and the referral it’s not ‘home’, its prison, and organisation. Volunteers will ask for other in- it is what it is. But I was so formation such as whether toiletries are A pleasant visit pleasantly surprised. needed or if there are any allergy issues with clients. Name supplied association and a number of I spoke with a number of res- officers. The atmosphere was idents and officers - my host The food is packed into carrier bags, which are so chilled-out and calm. When and I had to laugh a little at made up for a range of clients from single peo- When a loved one is sent to we were approached by any- the flurry of excitement an ple to large families. These come into the cen- prison none of us can deny the one they were courteous and unannounced visitor made. tre ready-packed from the Food Bank shock, horror and absolute showed such warmth and re- Newspapers flew into the air warehouse. Toiletries or sanitary products are blind terror - in my case about spect towards both myself and and the officers all darted off usually provided by the local centres. There what was waiting for him ‘over my host. I have absolutely no here and there. After I had left, was even a supply of pet food for those with the wall’. Grizzly images that disbelief that the transparency a senior officer asked my loved animals to feed. Whilst these bags are being are broadcast into our living I was offered should I visit one who I was? He informed made up, it can be useful to know if the client rooms - the result of greedy wasn’t completely as has cooking facilities or even just a kettle to the officer of our relationship television producers wanting promised. … I still giggle to myself today heat up food. Every individual’s situation is nothing more than click bait taken into account. on finding out he thought that and elevated viewer figures. I Newspapers I was the Area Manager! Shiny cannot speak about the condi- shoes and a nice jacket clearly As well as providing a food parcel, I could see tions at every prison establish- flew into the air help in these situations! that an important role of the volunteers is to ment in the UK, but I can share and the officers all sit and chat to people who come in. Under- with you my personal and in- The most positive outcome standing other needs can be very helpful if credibly privileged tour I was darted off here and from my visit was finding out other issues come out during conversations. granted in June of last year. However it is important to remember that there. After I had that my visit was not to be a ‘one off’ - it’s hoped that in Food for thought… vouchers can only be issued by a referral or- In all honestly, I expected a left, a senior officer Credit: Robert Brazzell ganisation or professional individual recog- quick walk around the gar- future this privilege will be nised by the centre and only three vouchers dens; perhaps taken into the asked my loved one afforded to other residents and After a few days helping out with other volun- will be issued over a period of 6 months. category ‘D’ section once the their loved ones. It certainly teers making up Christmas food parcels, I who I was? residents had retired after their has made me think about how could then see why there was no provision for The centres provide a friendly, non-judgemen- dinner; even a sneaky look at The gardens were absolutely the governors at HMP Stafford fresh food. The food donations are mainly tal environment and everyone is made to feel the facilities and workshops beautiful - clearly the residents really are trying to break down tinned and packet food that can sustain one, welcome. It was clear to see that there is no that keep the guys busy all day. had put huge amounts of effort the barriers between those of two, three or even a family for at least two need for anyone to feel embarrassed to ask for Yet what I was afforded that into them and I just thought that us for whom this alien lifestyle weeks. Not much if you have no other income help. It seemed sad to me that in such a wealthy day is something I will never it was an amazing thing to has impacted. coming in, but it can help. country there is such a widespread need for forget and will be eternally witness in such an unexpected Food Banks, but at least they are helping to grateful for. place. They have recently taken Well done HMP Stafford, once I spent a morning with other volunteers to help stave off hunger for many of those in need. understand the process and I was surprised to in two goats and some chick- again thank you, and hopeful- Nobody should ever have to go hungry in our I was taken through the whole find that not only are the Food Banks there to ens. The cockerel lasted one ly this new approach to gov- over-prosperous society. prison, including the wings, provide food but also as a centre of signposting weekend, for very obvious rea- ernance and handling a grow- gardens, around the work- to other support organisations. Food Banks in sons. The residents are allowed ing prison population might shops and I met lots of guys to pet the animals and feed filter down into all prison my area were set up by The Trussell Trust, a Jenny Greengrass is a keen amateur who were out and about for them if they wish to do so. Christian charity which uses many of their horticulturist establishments.

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and was transferred to the As a double- There were no facilities and a H-wing at HMP Durham. I lot of bang-up, but we were was found guilty and ended category A female out for 4 hours a day and were The Mafia Princess up in Durham for 2 years and prisoner I was allowed to cook our own food 9 months. and order wine, but there was ‘My dad had wanted a boy, but I thought, I’ll show you’ transferred a lot, no access to phones. I spent So you did your time. 14 months there and then, in - drugs, money, guns. When I they had very few November ‘97, was given 10- was 22 my father ended up in Not quite. On the day of my places for females years for being involved in prison, he was a fugitive in release I was gate-arrested organised crime. I was re- the USA, wanted for man- from HMP Durham. The secu- of my security leased after my appeal on a slaughter, and he ended up in rity was crazy, and I was in- category, so I hit technicality as they hadn’t prison and served 8-years for formed that they had police interviewed me about the it. He was also convicted of snipers on the roofs of the mainly male jails crime within the specified 5 murdering one of his rivals in buildings just in case. I was - Durham, Leicester, days. When I was released I prison when I was 13. wanted in Italy on Interpol came back to Blackpool. arrest warrants and so began Belmarsh… Then, 10 years later, I was So how did you handle that? the long fight against extradi- again arrested for the exact tion to Italy. As a double-cat- same charge I’d been tried for. me that if I was seen by any of My dad asked me to help out egory A female prisoner I was To cut a long story short, I the male prisoners they running the organisation transferred a lot, they had fought the extradition and it would have made my life hell. while he was in prison and I very few places for females of was thrown out under Human I’d like to think that they agreed. I should have known my security category, so I hit Rights legislation, but I was wouldn’t, but I never moved better really because I re- mainly male jails - Durham, on bail for two-years. The the sheet. I finally got extra- member when I was 7 and I Leicester, Belmarsh…I was in trouble was that I couldn’t go dited to Italy on my 27th birth- was taken to court to see my Holloway for a while, but they back to Italy to see my family day. I’m sure they chose that dad and he was stretchered didn’t even have the security until the case finally lapsed. day to add to my misery. I was into the court because he had to give me any exercise. They taken, under heavily armed been injured in a gangland also made me strip naked What are you doing now? escort, double-cuffed and ab- shooting. But I wanted to help during searches and making solutely surrounded by ma- my dad, so I became involved me squat, which I complained I’m studying for a criminol- chine-gun toting police. But in various things, money about and won my case. Pris- ogy degree, working towards once on the plane I was laundering and drug smug- oners are not supposed to be my masters, doing various handed over to the Italian au- gling, among other things. My fully naked during any search. talks and I’ve written the thorities and it was a different dad had always wanted a boy, book to put the record Noel and Marisa story. I was even offered wine but he got me, and I thought, You were held in Belmarsh? straight. The title ‘Mafia Prin- with my in-flight meal! We I’ll show you. Eventually I cess’ I took from a newspaper flew, first class, to Rome. Blackpool when she was 9. grew tired of it and came back Yes, they put me in this isola- article about me! But, in real- Then I was held in Milan’s Though she continued to re- to England. I settled back in tion unit that overlooked an ity, I’d rather be remembered Vigevano prison. turn to Milan every summer. Blackpool, but I knew the Ital- Noel Smith exercise yard and some other for being a good mum and a ian authorities were looking cells. They had a sheet block- good person, rather than as a How did that compare to Brit- Inside Time got a chance to into me. ing my cell window and told ‘Mafia Princess.’ ish prisons? Marisa Merico is an extraor- talk to Marisa for our pages. dinary woman. Born to an I assume they got you? Italian Mafia boss and his Hi Marisa, tell me about your English wife, her father was life. By this time my daughter was We can help you with all Emilio Di Giovine, who ran 2½ years old, this would have BEING ON YOUR one of Italy’s most powerful I was 13 years-old when I re- been around 1993/4, when SIDE IS ONE THING. Criminal and Prison Law cases and deadly gangs - the alised that my family were Customs & Excise came Ndrangheta. The Ndrangheta running an organised crime through my door at 7 in the FIGHTING YOUR CRIMINAL LAW morning and arrested me on became the most powerful outfit. I had gone back to Eng- CORNER IS ANOTHER. • Police Interview Assistance crime syndicate in Italy in the land with my mother when I an Interpol warrant. I was WE DO BOTH. late 1990s. They are among was 9, which would have taken to Blackpool police sta- • Magistrates Court been 1979, but we continued tion for an interview and gave the richest organised crime • Crown Court Advocacy groups in the world (in 2008 to go back to Milan every ‘no comment’. There was a lot their income was estimated at summer until I was 18 when I of publicity, obviously a mum • Defending false allegations 55 billion dollars a year). The settled there and met my hus- from Blackpool being ar- organisation was based at the band. Because I was born into rested for organised crime • Miscarriage of Justice Milan home of Marisa’s it, it didn’t seem at all strange was an unusual story, so I • Court of Appeal Applications grandmother, known as to me. It was just ‘normal’. At was remanded in custody to ‘Granny Heroin’. Marisa was 18 I fell in love with a gang HMP Risley for 2 weeks. While • CCRC Applications born in Milan but her mother, member called Bruno Merico, I was there I was classified as Patricia, took her back to who was big in smuggling a double-category A prisoner We will always assess if you are eligible PRISON LAW for legal aid. If you are not eligible for legal aid we o er a ordable  xed prices. • Independent Adjudications Deton Solicitors PURCELL PARKER Mark Newby, Hollie Alcock and Nick • Parole Board Hearings DEFENDING YOUR CAUSE!!! Hayles are all Solicitor Advocates and Solicitors • IPP and Lifer reviews will always reply to your letters and calls. 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succession of legitimate jobs, beyond the gates. “That role models for young people but spent a lot of time with a doesn’t mean I think prisoners growing up, courses and work- circle of friends who were in- should get hugs and extra shops in jails that provide volved with crime. He never stuff,” he says. “But if you more meaningful qualifica- thought of them as a ‘gang’. don’t address the underlying tions, lessons being learned He says: “You can be associ- issues, then what do you from other countries’ prison ating with people, they are expect?” systems. getting up to criminality but it’s also a way of life. And it’s As Smart prepared for release, He criticises the music indus- exciting, you’ve got this cama- his prison was visited by the try for releasing songs glam- raderie. When you’re a young resettlement charity St Giles orising crime as a way of life kid growing up, who wants a Trust. He explained his idea - “We are in a situation now boring lifestyle?” for a project in which ex-of- where trapping and ‘shotting’ fenders would support young [drug dealing], going out there After his mother died when he people to leave gangs. He was and running for your peers, is was 25, he became involved given a chance to launch the acceptable.” He is also critical almost full-time in crimes from SOS Gangs project in 2006, of prisoners who film videos drug dealing to vehicle fraud, initially with just one worker of themselves having fun in working on behalf of ‘elders’ - Smart himself. He threw him- their cells and posting them - who controlled things from self into the work, helping 45 on social media - “That’s tell- a distance. Eventually he was people in the first year - none ing kids that prison’s a joke.” Junior Smart – er, OBE! caught ‘bang to rights’, he ad- mits, and was convicted aged 26 of drug importation. By order of the Queen He says: “There’s a saying on road, you have to get lucky ‘When you hurt people, nothing goes unpunished’ - every single time you do it - the police only have to get lucky a former prisoner tells Inside Time about his work once. When you hurt people, nothing goes unpunished. I helping to change the lives of troubled young people hurt a lot of people with the and how it feels to have been awarded an OBE in Her things I was doing. And my arrest punched a hole in my Majesty’s New Year Honours List family. Half my family still have not forgiven me for what employs 75 workers across the helping ex-prisoners. Today, I did. They still remember po- country and has helped turn most of the people it works lice coming round, having to thousands away from crime. with are referred by police or support me in custody because Ben Leapman Having the crack with Wills At the age of 44, Smart has just social services at an earlier I did something stupid. Your had his achievement recog- stage of gang involvement - family are doing your sentence nised by the Queen, who like the 14 year-old in the bul- with you.” of whom reoffended. It grew Reflecting on how he has A group of children sit in a awarded him the Order of the letproof vest and the eight- and grew, last year helping turned his life around, Smart classroom. They have all been British Empire medal in the year-old drug runner, both Smart describes his tour 1,000 young people to escape says: “Before I left jail, I was expelled from their schools, New Year Honours List; a rare recent cases in London. from gangs. Smart claims the and this Pupil Referral Unit is through the HMP estate - High a prison name and a prison achievement for an reoffending rate among those meant to give them a fresh Down, Swaleside, Blantyre number. I was shouted at. ex-prisoner. Smart says that when trying he works with is 20%, well start. But even when the door to help such children, you House - as a ‘learning journey’. People were constantly re- below average. A spin-off pro- is closed, and the lesson gets need to establish three basics. He became a Listener, taught minding us what little poten- A lot of people ject, SOS+, delivered talks to underway, one 14 year-old You need consistency, with other prisoners to read, and tial we had. Now I’ve been 50,000 children in schools. won’t take off his bulletproof get these titles, like regular hour-long meetings - retook his GCSEs. He resolved given this wonderful recogni- to get a job on release, so he vest. He lives in constant fear “20-minute conversations tion by the Queen and every- athletes, for being wouldn’t be a burden on his The project remains part of St of being assassinated by a rival aren’t going to change any- one’s looking at my potential. gang. family. But he also saw the Giles Trust. Evan Jones, the good at what they one’s lifestyle choices”. You Fine, I screwed up, I made problems his fellow prisoners charity official who took a do, but they don’t need empathy, to show you some huge mistakes. But it’s Another boy has been caught care. And you need ‘cultural faced when they were released chance by recruiting Smart 14 the job of anyone who’s been in possession of drugs. He is competency’, understanding to a world of unemployment, years ago and still oversees the do anything with there to talk to the youths and suspected of being a ‘runner’ the world the child lives in. broken relationships and drug project, quips “He seemed - carrying a package for deal- it. It’s everyone’s addiction. They reoffended plausible.” inspire them properly, so they ers, the most junior link in a responsibility to Once those are in place, Smart and returned to jail. He real- don’t have to go down the path vast criminal enterprise. His says, you can push key mes- ised that prisoners needed There are plenty of changes some of us went down by blind mother wants to break his con- contribute to the sages - that crime is likely to more support both inside and Smart would like to see: better choice or blind ambition.” nection to the gang before he society that they bring punishment, and that if gets dragged into a life of you carry a knife you are more Unit 19B, Imperial House, crime. The boy is only eight. live in. likely to end up a victim your- 64 Willoughby Lane, London N17 0SP self. He says: “Kids tell me that Call us: 0208 8017422 These are just two of the cases Speaking to Inside Time about the money they make [from Email: [email protected] www.legalguys.co.uk taken on by Junior Smart, who his award, Smart says he was drug dealing] puts food on the has made it his mission to res- in two minds about accepting table; that they don’t have to The Legal Guys cue young people from gangs. it because he feels he is only depend on their families. I tell We take pride in providing a Do you need an immigration lawyer? Smart knows what he is talk- doing what any decent person them, ‘You don’t get it for noth- full range of ing about. As a young man he should. But his sister persuad- ing. You’ve got to read the We can help with: Criminal and Prison Law dealt drugs, was convicted of ed him that he should receive small print, it comes with Represantations to the Home Office importing cocaine and served the honour and put it to use, terms and conditions, and they Services. five years of a 10-year sen- to further his mission. He says: most often involve your life or Appeals against deportation tence. While in prison he “A lot of people get these titles, your freedom.’” Bail applications FOR ASSISTANCE PLEASE CONTACT vowed to turn his life around like athletes, for being good at Leave to remain applications and help others avoid the mis- what they do, but they don’t do Smart grew up in south Hannah Rumgay takes he made. anything with it. It’s everyone’s London. His father died when Partner applications Prison Law Solicitor responsibility to contribute to he was young, so he and his Tates, 12 Park Place, Leeds LS1 2RU His SOS Project, which started the society that they live in.” three siblings were brought up as a one-man-band when he by their mother. He dropped 0113 242 2290 was released 14 years ago, now The SOS Project started off out of school at 14. He had a Meeting mental Keeping Safe health needs and improving wellbeing IAP in collaboration with Inside Time / February 2020 “Jail is not a mental hospital. Well, it shouldn’t be. But it is at present.”

You said You spoke, they listened! Very many (45%) of your letters and phone messages were about mental health. Some of you asked why people who are Families matter mentally ill, those with learning disabilities and people You stressed the importance of family suffering from dementia are in prison at all. You said some contact and support in preventing sui- cide and self-harm. Proposed improve- prison staff viewed prisoners struggling with mental health ments included being located closer to issues as ‘attention seekers’, ‘time wasters’ or ‘troublemak- home, in cell telephones and internet ers’, rather than vulnerable people requiring help or health- access. Some people were under particu- care. One prisoner noted that it can take up to three months lar pressure. One man serving an IPP to be assessed by the mental health team. sentence wrote, “I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.” Another wrote: Staffing levels need to be improved to ensure prisoners’ “This is nothing but torture of the highest access to NHS services inside and outside prison. A number order.” Many of you live in fear of “the of you proposed therapeutic group work, counselling, and epidemic called Spice” and the debts and mentoring/befriending. One man wrote: “I’ve had cause to violence that go with it, too often feeling applaud the Government’s recognition of mental health well- that “the dealers have the upper hand.” being issues, none more so than the recognition of PTSD Ministers are being asked in the strongest terms to get to grips both with this unjust [post-traumatic stress disorder] in ex-service personnel.” lingering sentence and with unsafe and unhealthy prison environments. There were worries about life on release: “How can you pri- oritise your physical or mental health when you have nowhere What’s happened so far and what hap- to sleep, no job, no support network and £46 in your pocket?” pens next? The government has a duty to hold peo- ple safely in custody and to take active Many of you said that the way to improve mental steps to protect life. In December 2017 the health treatment and wellbeing is by: IAP published a detailed briefing show- l ing how your recommendations are Focussing on preventative work and diversion into underpinned by those made by, amongst treatment; l others, the Prisons and Probation Ensuring a timely response by trained mental Ombudsman, HM Chief Inspector of health teams including appointed counsellors and Prisons, the Chief Coroner and the introducing mental health awareness and emergen- National Audit Office. Since then your cy response training for all staff; l Tailoring drug treatment, maintenance and detox Nepacs. We heard from Samaritan insights and solutions have been dis- to needs of individuals. Listeners, Insiders and Peer Mentors who cussed with Health and Justice Ministers, Juliet Lyon day in day out help other prisoners in officials, governors and staff, presented as evidence in Parliament and profiled in distress. We heard from people who had Health and Justice responded the media. Our report on preventing the felt hopeless and desperate who Liaison and diversion services, which place clinical staff in Everyone wants to turn the tide of suicide explained what had helped them to cope. deaths of women in custody, informed by police stations and courts to assess and refer people to treat- and self-harm in our jails. This special All offered clear solutions and shared our 60 women across 10 prisons and 45 ment and support, are operating across 92% of England. report by Inside Time shows how people determination to keep people safe. health and justice professionals, has in prison are part of the painstaking already led to marked regime improve- ments and a commitment to implement Improving physical and mental health treatment of people work to prevent harm and death. Things Prison staff all our recommendations as part of the were at their worst in 2016 when tragical- More of you wrote or phoned about rela- in prison is a top priority for us. In October 2019, health and female offender strategy. ly 112 men and 12 women took their own tions with staff than anything else; the justice partners published a set of principles confirming our lives in prison custody in England and damaging impact of staff cuts, exhaus- Now this Inside Time special report commitment to providing a standard of healthcare in prisons Wales - and last month the charity tion, low morale, loss of experienced shows how people in charge of prison at least equivalent to that available in the community. In Inquest branded the death toll in British staff, no time to talk and more lock-up. and probation services (HMPPS) and April 2018, new mental health and substance misuse service prisons as “a national scandal”, after There were some inspiring accounts of Justice and Health departments have lis- specifications were introduced by NHS England with a ‘no their report said there were six deaths where someone’s life had been saved by tened and responded to your Keeping wrong door’ approach to enable access to services for those and nearly two suicides every week the humanity and compassion of an Safe recommendations, progress made who need them. inside British jails in 2019. officer. And some very troubling ones and work still to do. about being laughed at, disrespected We are piloting a £9 million joint prison and health-funded Three years ago, in February 2017, the Keeping on Keeping Safe and, in a couple of cases, goaded to harm Drug Recovery Prison (DRP) pilot at HMP Holme House. The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths At the outset we promised that ‘Keeping yourselves. The need for enough good, pilot aims to reduce the supply and demand for drugs and in Custody (IAP) and Inside Time began Safe’ was not a one-off. We know that you decent staff shone out. working together to help keep people in need to see more than just words on a promote recovery from substance misuse. Early results show prison safe. Supported by the Samaritans, page and instead experience real change improved stability and safety of the prison environment. Mental health the IAP called on Inside Time readers to and improvements in safer custody. This Almost half of your letters and phone tell us how best to prevent suicide and report shows that together we can pre- What next? messages were about mental health. “Jail self-harm. We promised to make sure vent suicide in prison. A huge thank you Liaison and diversion services will be available across the is not a mental hospital. Well it shouldn’t that those with power to change things to everyone who has contributed so far. country by 2020. After a successful pilot of community sen- be. But it is at present.” Alongside calls heard from you - and what you said tence treatment requirements in five areas, the programme for prompt assessment and diversion or And, yes, there is more to do. Progress is counted. to improve access to mental health and substance misuse transfer into treatment, solutions offered unbearably slow. Safer custody is back as a priority for Ministers and remains so services for offenders is being expanded. Action is being Clear solutions included listening, counselling, peer support, correct medication, increased for managers. There is a pressing need taken by the probation service and the NHS. Mental health Your response was brilliant - we heard for good, consistent leadership and clear in prison is under scrutiny in 2020 with attention from from over 150 prisoners across 60 prisons exercise and activity, better emergency response and ensuring that the ACCT accountability. How much better to be Parliamentary committees, royal colleges of medicine, in England and Wales as well as from wise before the event and keep people safe process (Assessment, Care in Custody, health and justice inspectorates, PPO, Chief Coroner, NAO, four Scottish prisons and a secure hospi- than have to promise yet again to learn and Teamwork) is more than just a Magistrates Association, PGA, POA, IAP and voluntary tal. We also heard from prisoners’ fami- lessons after a tragic death in a bleak box-ticking exercise. organisations. lies in the North East via the charity prison cell. Keeping Safe Page 2

Making better use of Improving incentives Assessment, Care-in-Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) and earned privileges

Putting Family First “I’ve been inside for 25 years. I’ve been a “Prison officers must be discouraged from bullying prisoners but instead After-school clubs in prison self-harmer. I’ve tried to commit suicide a number of times. And I think the way treat them as fellow human beings. they should deal with it is by giving us Often prisoners are treated with the right treatment, the right therapy contempt and bullied with IEP warn- and actually having some respect for ings for the most trivial reasons, and people who’ve self-harmed”. often end up on a Basic Regime for 30 days or more. This causes depres- You said sion and can lead to suicide.” Although the intention of ACCT is to safeguard prisoners, many prisoners felt it had become You said more of a ‘box ticking exercise’. “ACCT is clearly Many felt that the IEP system is often arbi- being used as a defensive observations tool rather trary and unjust: “Prisoners who have than to provide team working and care”. “Having earned enhanced status are being denied it a torch shone in your face every hour…led to mas- and the rewards that go with it.” sive sleep deprivation which only makes your desperation worse.” You said focus on the peo- “All it takes is a screw to dislike you and ple involved: “ACCT needs to address the rea- you’re on Basic.” sons behind mental health, not just monitor those © prisonimage.org on suicide watch”. - “Basically [what’s needed “This IEP system is not good. Prisoners are is] less paperwork for the staff to do and a bit receiving negative entries for self-harming.” more time for them to give to people with issues”. Prison staff and the need Some of you spoke of your frustration that You said that better use could be made weekly pay for prisoners has remained low of ACCT by: while many of the items you need to buy for humane treatment l Examining if ACCT has become a box- have increased in cost at the same time as ticking exercise and focusing on opportunities for paid work in prison, and “A mantra for all prison staff, old and new, should be put making it more meaningful and effective; on temporary release, have decreased: in place and hammered home once and for all; people are l Increasing the involvement of prisoners, “weekly pay that prisoners receive needs to mental health professionals and family be reviewed”. sent to prison AS a punishment and not TO BE punished.” members in the ACCT process; l Ensuring care maps are established, HMPPS responded You said closed prisons and over 50 We have introduced a new Incentives Policy Many of you said, the regularly reviewed and followed To prevent suicide and self- prisons are consistently deliv- Framework, which replaces IEP policy and way to improve prisoner through. harm in prison, above all you ering regular key work ses- came into effect in January 2020. The new /staff relations is by: called for enough decent staff sions to most prisoners. policy focuses on incentivising positive HMPPS responded behaviour, including engagement in activ- who would know, support l Establishing and Implementing the key worker Following your feedback, we ran a wide-scale and respect the prisoners in maintaining safe staff/ scheme is one of our top pri- ities which reduce reoffending, while ensur- consultation on the ACCT process. From this, ing that poor behaviour can still be tackled their care. “People like one prisoner ratios and orities because the evidence we created a Safety Support Plan for people at particular officer who can tell staffing levels in all tells us this will improve safety through loss of privileges. This should pro- risk to use. We encouraged more engagement vide a degree of consistency across prisons, just by talking to me how my prisons; and rehabilitation in prisons. with family and other sources of support. We mood is. He notices if I am l Selecting, recruiting whilst giving governors greater freedom to improved the design and format of the ACCT tailor their Incentives schemes to local down, if I don’t eat, if I don’t and retaining good, We are reforming our training document, making it easier for staff to com- socialise”. decent people who programme for new prison needs and challenges, and offer incentives plete. This means they can spend less time on that are genuinely valued by prisoners. treat prisoners with officers, and existing officers paperwork and more time with individuals at Whereas in some prisons: humanity and respect are receiving new training in risk. We provided clear direction about where “From what I have seen staff and show common key areas such as mental The new policy is based on evidence of what in the process contributions from others (includ- works for behavioural support, positive rush around, giving little time sense; health and substance misuse. ing healthcare staff, family members, key work- to anything or anyone.”- “It l Supporting, training Over 25,000 new and existing reinforcement and procedural justice. It er) are required and beneficial. We developed provides information on how to protect pris- should not come as a pleasant and supervising staff prison staff (including those a quality checking process to ensure that all surprise when an officer says to meet national and who work for other organisa- oners with vulnerabilities, including those ACCT documents are completed effectively, and at risk of self-harm. ‘hello’ and asks you how you international human tions within prisons) have don’t just become a ‘tick-box’ exercise. Over the are!” - “I continue to feel rights standards. now completed at least one past year, we have trialled these changes in 9 What next? unheard and out of sight out of module of the revised suicide prisons and one immigration removal centre. mind.” and self-harm prevention New prisoner forums will be set up to give equivalent prison officers. training, and 14,000 staff What next? people the chance to discuss incentives “Some staff do a decent job, This is over 4,500 more than have received all six modules. There is a lot of stigma around self-harm across offered, fairness and how the scheme is others undo all the good work the same point in 2016. the prison community, and HMPPS heard dur- being operated in your prison. with nasty attitudes and per- What next? ing the trial that prisoners still did not feel as sonal axes to grind.” - “I hope These improved staffing lev- For governors and other pris- involved in the ACCT process and their care You said that better use of incentives this letter shows the frustra- els are helping us roll out the on managers, HMPPS is pro- planning as they could be. Families could and could be made by: tion I feel. The prison officers key worker scheme, starting viding training in rehabilita- should be more involved. the improved ACCT need help too.” in closed prisons in the adult tive leadership. The Ministry will be rolled out across the prison estate l Increasing scope for earned men’s estate. All residential of Justice is piloting a safety throughout 2020. HMPPS recognises the need privileges; HMPPS responded officers in these prisons are impact assessment, devel- for support to extend beyond the ACCT docu- l Making the IEP scheme fairer, more We have invested £100 mil- being assigned key worker oped by the IAP, which means ment itself. In 2020, there will be more empha- motivating and less punitive; lion in recruiting additional duties to support around six that proposed policy or sis on improving awareness and understand- l Reviewing and improving prisoners’ prison officers. At the end of prisoners each, with 1-1 time budget changes would be ing of how to support individuals at risk, for work opportunities and pay. September 2019, there were each week to do so. Key work assessed for their impact on both staff and prisoners and new guidance and around 22,500 full-time has now started in all 92 male prisoner and staff safety. training for staff.

l Director General of Probation agrees action on pre-sentence reports l Inside Time publishes special report l Ministerial Board on Deaths in Custody, co-chaired by and information for courts after IAP and Magistrates Association on Keeping Safe outcomes. the Prisons, Public Health and Policing Ministers, report on community sentences with treatment requirements. l Keeping Safe conference: rallying consider Keeping Safe special report. l National Audit Office and IAP visit HMP Wormwood Scrubs to follow point for suicide prevention in l Royal College of Nursing and IAP report on expert up Keeping Safe and NAO report on mental health in prisons. prisons. consultation on reducing natural deaths in custody. l Prison Governors Association and IAP prepare survey on misuse of l prison as place of safety for people in urgent need of health and l Prison Radio produces Keeping Safe IAP produces revised report on health and wellbeing TIME LINE January 2020 March 2020 March social care. February 2020 podcast. of people still serving IPP sentences. Page 3 Keeping Safe Meeting Improving regimes basic needs “Time behind the door is a joke. It’s basically 22 hours per day. There is no purposeful “In prison what may seem trivial activity to keep people’s minds active.” to others seems very important in a prisoner’s eyes.” You said Almost a third of your letters and calls were about when - and You said for how long - prisoners are allowed out of their cells, and Daily life is severely restricted for many people what they can do when they are out. In a phone message you in custody: “We only get one shower a week, one said: “… people need to have more time out of their cells and phone call a week. One session of exercise a week.” less shut downs with short notice.”

Many prisoners suggested ways to improve the Some prisons organised good inductions: “And so here I am, mood and morale by: “More time outside at at HMP Stafford. In fairness, upon arrival, it was a breath of weekends - what harm is it to open the wing fresh air. The reception was warm, clean, comfortable and the doors into [the] exercise yard during summer so staff were friendly. I was given a cup of tea by a Listener and © prisonimage.org you can walk freely in and out and feel he explained the scheme. I then moved to the Induction Wing on your face?”. - “More library. We get 10 mins which was clean, airy and welcoming. The first week was once a week to find a book.”- “A chance to do a Increasing family contact structured and my mood improved significantly.” course where you work hard to achieve good “At this prison telephones are in cell and can be used 6.30am And did badly: “The first night in [a London prison] is spent marks … and a reward for achieving it” on E wing, or the ‘induction wing’ as it is rather optimistically -“Perhaps even some stray pets like they have - 11pm. So if you’re feeling low you can contact family or called … New arrivals are placed in a filthy, cold cell with an in America for lifer prisoners.” friends for help, a chat or to offload. I feel this should be in-cell lavatory which is caked in what I can only imagine is something I really do not want to imagine!” You told us that basic needs can be met by: considered for every prison as this will help everyone.”

l Maintaining a decent, safe, clean You said You said regimes could be improved by: environment; Contact with families and friends is vital to safeguard lives when people are at l Increasing time out of cell; l Developing a culture where people their most vulnerable: “If people are in certain positions where they feel like l Developing a consistent programme of purposeful can maintain their identity, dignity ending their life and would like to talk to a close friend who’s also in custody then activity, opportunities for work and ROTL; and hope; it should be allowed.” l Ensuring proper first night/induction procedures l Ensuring access to sanitation, showers, and thorough-going preparation for release. exercise, fresh air, daylight and Family members from Nepacs advised: “Prompt follow up from phone calls/ nourishing food at sensible times. messages from concerned family and friends. Do not dismiss them as worriers, HMPPS responded worse still nuisances. Reduce time it takes to arrange telephone PIN and visits.” HMPPS responded We have published new good practice guidance for prisons on “early days” and how to ensure first night and induction We have invested an additional £31 million HMPPS responded processes are safe and supportive. over the last year to improve conditions in You said that we should roll out in-cell telephones and IT across the estate, hold some of the prisons with the most pressing people as close to home as possible, and set up an emergency contact line for Our Education and Employment strategy, published in May issues. We have refurbished nearly 1,000 cells, families and friends. Since 2017 we have invested £17 million in installing in-cell 2018, set out our approach to ensuring prisoners develop the over 100 shower blocks and 14 food serveries, telephones in prisons, with the aim that by the spring of this year 50 public-sec- skills they need to secure employment on release. We have and carried out essential fire safety work. tor prisons will have this technology. overhauled the system to improve prisoners’ access to vocational training tailored to local labour market We have launched a project to improve clean- You told us that family contact could be improved by: liness and decency by producing cleaning needs and jobs on release. Information about each individ- schedules and introducing new guidance and l Introducing and rolling out across the prison estate in-cell telephones ual’s education needs and courses now moves round the training. We are working to improve existing at reduced cost and access to IT; system preventing re-assessment of prisoners every time contracts and services. l Holding people as close to home as possible; someone is transferred. l Setting up an emergency contact line for families and friends. We have drawn on research by academics to We made release on temporary license (ROTL) available to ensure our new prisons are designed to encour- more prisoners, earlier in their sentences and for longer We are also reconfiguring the adult male estate with clearer functions for pris- age rehabilitation through a more normalised periods. The latest published data (April-June 2019) shows ons – reception, training and resettlement, so that prisoners have the right environment, with access to the outdoors, use that 4,534 prisoners had at least one ROTL during the quarter, conditions to access the necessary services and support at the right time in their of colour, light, lower noise levels, signage and a year on year increase of 8%. sentence for their rehabilitation. We recognise that closeness to home is impor- an environment that is clean and decent for all tant for maintaining family ties and we are prioritising closeness to court for We set up the New Futures Network (NFN), the new special- who live, work and visit prisons. men on remand and closeness to home for men serving shorter sentences. Men ist part of the prison service that brokers partnerships What next? serving lengthy sentences will spend far longer in resettlement prisons prepar- between prisons and employers in England and Wales. NFN HMPPS has a further £156 million of mainte- ing for release closest to home. helps prisoners find ROTL work placements as well as jobs nance funding in 2020-21. This will be targeted on release. NFN regional employment brokers are now in at critical infrastructure such as fire systems, What next? place in 17 out of 18 prison groups across England and Wales. boilers and showers, to improve conditions for Research by PACT, Prison Reform Trust and Inquest has revealed that the safer What next? custody emergency helpline, although set up in most, is only working well in those living and working in prisons. As well From your letters to the IAP and reports by HM Inspector of one in ten prisons. HMPPS is determined to put things right and has stated in as over 3,500 modern places already being Prisons, its clear that many prisons struggle to provide an response to Inside Time readers: “We are working to improve how family and created, up to £2.5 billion will be spent on cre- active day and that many people are locked in their cells for friends can make contact in an emergency, by making contact information more ating 10,000 additional modern prison places. long periods with nothing to do. Following the Harris review, readily available, by improving the way that calls are routed and answered, and HMPPS maintains that it will provide better the IAP would like figures on time out of cell published for by ensuring that they are always recorded and followed up by staff. It remains a opportunities for rehabilitation and are being each prison and prompt efforts to enable prisoners to use, challenge for us to make sure that we get this right in every case, and we are built to a specification drawing on what makes not waste, time in custody. environments rehabilitative. committed to making further improvements.”

One death is one too many Places of safety and hope

“I am really concerned about the rise in the “Any prisoner taking their own life in custody is a tragedy and I am determined that all our levels of self-harm in recent years and the num- prisons are places of safety and hope. As one prisoner told the Keeping Safe Review, prisons are ber of self-inflicted deaths in our prisons, and a punishment, not places to be punished and we will continue to invest in creating environments the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison where prisoners feel supported and are treated with decency and fairness. This entails addressing and Probation Service are working hard to the rise of drugs and violence and creating a workforce of prison officers who have sufficient address this. One death in those circumstances capacity and training to support those in crisis. Work is also underway to improve conditions is one too many.” Secretary of State for Justice across the prison estate, as well as training and development opportunities for offenders. Through Robert Buckland MP QC speaking to Inside Time this work, we can create a safe, secure prison system and reduce the number of deaths in custody.” last year. Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Prisons and Probation. Keeping Safe Page 4 Dealing with drugs Achieving justice Self-inflicted deaths and self-harm in prison, year to June 2009 to year to June 2019 and fairness and violence 70,000 120 60,000 “I have seen so many IPP prisoners 100 50,000 80 “My suggestion is, obviously they need to stop 40,000 harming themselves unreported and 60 the use of ‘Spice’ in prisons because that’s why taking any drugs just to end the suf- 30,000 20,000 40 a lot of people deteriorate - that happened to fering quickly because this is noth- 10,000 20 me. I am very lucky to be here today. I was ing but torture of the highest order…” 0 0 Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to Year to actually cut down from hanging but mine June June June June June June June June June June June You said 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Deaths was purely down to Spice use.” Approximately a quarter of your letters and Self-harm incidents telephone messages focussed on the sen- Self-inflicted deaths Self-harm incidents You said tence or status of the respondent. Some Over 20% of your letters and telephones calls to the IAP empha- described the stress for people maintaining sised the impact drugs can have in prisons. Someone described their innocence. Many focussed on the pres- Making greater use of peer support the prison system as “in the midst of an epidemic that’s called sure and uncertainty of Imprisonment for Spice”. Another wrote: “Prison right now is a very dangerous Public Protection (IPP) sentences: “I’ve been “The inception of the Listeners’ scheme in Swansea prison place, it’s unsafe for staff and us inmates and it’s all to do with in prison now nearly 7 years, it’s my fi rst time in 1992 is probably the best thing to have ever happened shortage of staff and the legal high called ‘Spice’ as it’s ruined in. I got a 3 year IPP in 2010 and from day in prison. I would suggest that thousands of lives have the prison system.” one suicide is something I’ve considered.” been saved in that time.” Drugs and debt, leading to threats and violence, leading to Hope is very important: “we need to see light self-harm and even death is on everyone’s mind. Inside Time at the end of the tunnel. We need to feel like You said is fi lled with dire warnings:“Every day there is at least 3 or 4 we have some power to determine our There is a need for: “Stronger use and presence of Listeners and Peer Mentor Code ’s, or a load of lads walking round like zombies”. futures, power to eff ect some change in our roles.” - “More volunteer work to keep people occupied and feel they have a pur- lives that would give us hope that there is a pose to get up each morning.” - “I don’t think prisons make enough use of talent You warned: “Stop the bullying”. You want: “bullying to be taken future there for us.” in the prison population with regard to peer support.” And an example of the more seriously to prevent suicides”. “More testing for NPS”. positive impact peer supporters have at HMP Hull: “ … we also try to promote a Increase prisoner wages to lessen the chances of prisoners and HMPPS responded community feel within the wing and encourage people to engage in purposeful their families being captured by debts they will struggle to We continue to review the cases of IPP pris- activities or employment … building the community spirit (so people look out for repay. “I believe there should be an amnesty for all users of Spice oners who have failed to achieve release or each other) and watching for behavioural changes or proactively visiting prison- along with treatment and counselling…” progression to open conditions despite two ers to just see how they are from time to time.” or more parole reviews. To date, over 1,400 reviews have taken place with 272 IPP pris- You said that the best ways to deal with violence, You proposed making greater use of peer support by: oners from this group having achieved drugs and debt is by: release, and a further 370 a progressive l Building up and supporting Samaritan Listeners; l Tackling/not tolerating bullying and threats; move to open conditions. l Making volunteering and taking personal responsibility a central l Improving testing for NPS and offering an amnesty/ part of the regime in partnership with voluntary organisations; treatment; There are now four Progression Regimes l Increasing support for transgender prisoners and other vulnerable l Allowing for safe disclosure and increasing support for providing 385 places in the prison estate, groups. prisoners who want to serve their sentence responsibly. which off er people serving IPP sentences who are struggling to progress to an envi- HMPPS responded ronment in which they may work to under- HMPPS responded We remain very proud of the work that we do in partnership with Samaritans stand and address their risks, with dedicat- You said that we needed to tackle bullying, improve testing and through the Listener scheme. Twenty-eight years aft er the fi rst scheme was ed support from staff . treatment for psychoactive substances, and increase support established in HMP Swansea, there were 114 Listener schemes operating in prisons in England and Wales during 2018-19. Over 1,400 trained Listeners for prisoners who want to serve their sentences responsibly. Maintaining innocence is not a barrier to provided over 30,000 hours of emotional support in nearly 50,000 contacts with progression. In 2017 we introduced two new their fellow prisoners. Nearly 800 Samaritans volunteers are involved in sup- We are improving the way that violence is managed in prisons accredited programmes, Kaizen and porting the scheme, and they facilitated over 3,000 support meetings with through the Challenge, Support, and Intervention Plan (CSIP), Horizon, that are designed to be compatible Listeners during the year. which is aimed at individuals who are violent or whose behav- with individuals who maintain their inno- iour suggests that they are likely to be violent towards others cence of the offence for which they were These numbers are available for the fi rst time this year, because we have worked during their time in custody. CSIP allows staff to work with convicted. Participants are not required to with Samaritans to improve information available about the operation of the individuals to understand what makes them tick and the rea- admit to their off ence, however they must schemes so that prisons can work with Samaritans volunteers to make sure that sons behind their violent behaviour, so that they can be given be willing to identify problems in their lives Listeners get the support they need to do this vital work. We have also worked the right type of support to achieve their goals in a way that is which they are motivated to work on and with Samaritans to improve the application process for Listeners, to make sure not harmful to others. Support can range from courses or pro- change for the better. grammes to some more simple actions that create small steps that it is fair and transparent and to maximise opportunities for prisoners to volunteer. towards positive change. What next? HMPPS is developing accredited off ending In 2019, we published a national Prison Drugs Strategy. It has What next? behaviour programmes which are future three objectives - restricting supply, reducing demand and Internet access to Samaritans is being piloted at HMP Wayland. Supported by focussed and do not require an admission building recovery. The overall aim is to reduce drug misuse in HMPPS, the Samaritans have developed training for Listeners in supporting of guilt. For long-term prisoners, HMPPS is prisons, thereby better protecting staff and prisoners and cre- people aff ected by a suicide. Even if you don’t have a peer support role, you can introducing the Prison Off ender Manager ating conditions for off enders to get the help they need to turn look out for and support other prisoners. A small act of kindness can transform role to be responsible for assessment, coor- their lives around. Substantial investment has been made on lives. dination and delivery of the sentence plan. equipment to screen for drugs. We also circulated guidance Off ender managers will have contact with and examples of best practice to our staff . We are working on prisoners delivering one-to-one supervision reforms to random drug testing and prevalence testing through that is structured and based on the latest Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody / write to us at ‘FREEPOST changes to legislation. effective practice techniques to support IAP’ Mark envelope ‘confi dential access’. www.iapondeathsincustody.org behavioural change and a reduction of risk Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. In 8 prisons we have introduced Incentivised Substance Free of serious harm and reoff ending. They will Telephone: 01489 795945 www.insidetime.org Living units, off ering compact based drug testing. Early indi- be supported by the Senior Probation cations are that we are seeing lower levels of violence and Offi cer in each prison. self-harm on these units, high numbers of negative results for men and improved relationships between partner agencies and HMPPS is developing guidance for families staff - thereby building relationships between all who work on of prisoners serving IPP sentences to those units. increase understanding of the processes around key areas such as parole, release What next? and recall. The guidance will also identify HMPPS is looking to create substance free living units in more how they can help and support progression prisons. The Prisons Minister, Lucy Frazer, has just announced of their loved-ones and will be available by that £28million will now be spent on drug body scanners in 16 Spring 2020. prisons. 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 30 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Alcohol-related deaths DDN News Round-up Last year saw 7,551 alcohol-spe- Inside Drink & Drugs News cific deaths registered in the UK, Young gamblers according to ONS. While this Drink and Drugs News (DDN) is the monthly magazine for Sixty-eight per cent of 20-year-olds had participated in gambling was lower than the previous those working with drug and alcohol clients, including in in the last year, according to a study by GambleAware. While this year’s total of 7,697, it was still fell slightly to 66 per cent for 24-year-olds, the study found that the second highest since the prisons. In a bi-monthly column, editor Claire Brown looks at more than half of 17-year-olds had already gambled in the previous time series began in 2001. what’s been happening lately in the substance misuse field year. Regular weekly gamblers were more likely to be male and Alcohol-specific death rates had already ‘developed habits and patterns of play’ by the time remain almost double for men our regular GP columnist in From entering prison at they were 20. Young people whose parents gambled were more than women, and were highest DDN. ‘Almost 30 years as a GP Bronzefield for grievous likely to gamble themselves, and regular gamblers were also found among men aged 55-59. Scotland Claire Brown has taught me a number of bodily harm and being taken to be more frequent users of social media. Regular gamblers were had the highest death rate, things and I can now accept DDN Editor straight into healthcare, ‘very also likely to have lower wellbeing scores, smoke cigarettes daily followed by Wales and England. that some people won’t change unwell, drunk and on diazepam and drink more alcohol. Buying scratchcards, playing the lottery The highest proportion of alco- just because I want them to,’ and suffering from pancreati- and placing private bets with friends were the most common forms hol-specific deaths were the At this time of year, the talk said Dr Steve Brinksman. ‘The tis’, one of the women explained of gambling behaviour overall. result of alcoholic liver disease. is all about resolutions. Many desire, and then the ability, to that she had made excellent of our readers have just change comes from within an progress on the drug-free wing emerged from ‘Dry January’ individual and is contingent Cocaine seizures up Heroin pilot launches Drug poisoning rise into a hungover February with on a whole range of factors in at Send Prison and had thrived Seizures of cocaine in England Scotland’s first heroin-assisted Last year saw more than 18,000 their talk of new habits shoved someone’s life… Successful on the peer support network. and Wales are up 12 per cent treatment service has been hospital admissions for firmly under a beermat. With a move to East Sutton launched in . The change often isn’t measured compared to last year, according poisoning by drug misuse in in big leaps and bounds but in Park, she began volunteering to Home Office figures, while Enhanced Drug Treatment For some, the experiment will England, according to NHS small incremental improve- and has now moved on to do seizures of crack increased by Service will treat people with have been a motivation to cut the most severe, long-term and Digital, an increase of 6 per cent ments in people’s lives.’ an apprenticeship. ‘It’s hard 20 per cent. More than 9,600kg down on alcohol longer term, complex problems with ‘phar- on the previous year and 16 per work but I love it and I’m of cocaine was seized in and charities like Alcohol maceutical grade diamorphine’. cent since 2012-13. Admissions On a visit to HMP East Sutton gaining confidence to work 2018-19, the largest quantity Research UK have many The service is operated by the Park just before Christmas I elsewhere,’ she said. ‘I have since records began in 1973, for drug-related mental and success stories to back up the heard from several women Glasgow City Health and Social my own flat, my own cat. I am while the quantity of crack behavioural disorders fell by 14 point of taking part. But all who were thriving on the op- Care Partnership. The aim of the responsible for my children. I seized was the highest since per cent, however, to just over too often an abstinence of 30 portunities at this open prison. project is to reduce rates of am needed. I’m on a licence, 7,300, although this is still 30 days means nothing more Each had become involved 2004. The quantity of ecstasy overdose and public injecting, but I’m trusted to live my life.’ per cent higher than a decade than that and doesn’t lead to with addiction for different seized was also the highest since as well as the spread of blood- any long-term change or health reasons - being brought up in 2006-07. borne viruses. ago. She reflects on her recent benefits. Just as for the in- a dysfunctional family, getting creasingly popular ‘Veganuary’ progress with a look of disbelief into ‘toxic’ relationships, or Is DDN in your library? - the new fad for not eating having an alcoholic mother as - ‘I find it amazing that I am Your prison can receive monthly printed issues of DDN magazine free of charge by emailing meat for just January - why not a role model. Yet despite their where I am and I’m very [email protected]. DDN is also online at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com just cut down? initial feelings of devastation grateful’ - but she is the living Your letters are welcome at coming into custody, each proof that opening your mind If you would like to share your experiences with DDN readers please write to: Claire Brown, True change comes from had come to realise that prison to change, one day at a time, Editor, DDN, Romney House, School Road, Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT. within, as I was reminded by had saved their life. can be transformational.

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01904 431421 [email protected] Howard and Byrne Chestnut Court, 148 Lawrence Street, York YO10 3EB Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Information 31 Globally cleared phone numbers Parole Board Update

PRISON Ryan Harman Gambling Justice. However, the Secre- REFORM Advice and Information GamCare operates the National Gambling Transparency in tary of State will only send a TRUST Service Manager Helpline, providing information, advice and case to the Parole Board for support for anyone affected by problem gam- reconsideration if there has bling in the UK. Advisers are available seven been a legal or technical issue Some phone numbers are automatically days a week from 8am - Midnight on Free- the parole system with the original decision. cleared for use on the phones in prison for phone 0808 8020 133. everyone to use. This means you can call them What it means for the Parole Board We will start publishing all without having to add them to your PIN. This Resettlement support reconsideration decisions on- includes a number of organisations, helplines There are some services you can call which Martin Jones mechanism’ started in July line from the spring, to be and other services which you may find useful can give advice related to resettlement. These CEO of the Parole Board of 2019. It gives both ‘parties’ to fully transparent about how and through which you can get advice about include Shelter, who can give you expert ad- England and Wales a parole review the right to reconsideration decisions are things that may be relevant to you. Some num- vice about your housing situation - telephone apply for a decision to be made. bers have been cleared for the whole estate, 0808 8004444, every day 8am - 8pm on week- looked at by a legally trained whereas others might have been cleared just days, 9am - 5pm on weekends. Transparency is one of the Parole Board member. The Seeing how parole works in your prison. This is mentioned in Prison Parole Board’s main aims. It ‘parties’ are the prisoner and People need to see what hap- Service Instruction (PSI) 49/2011 Prisoner National Debtline can give you free advice and is there to show people how the Secretary of State for pens in a parole hearing to Communication Services, at paragraph 6.14, resources to help you deal with your debts - parole works and why the Pa- Justice. understand how the Parole which says: ‘In addition to their personal lists telephone 0800 808 4000. role Board makes the deci- Board makes parole deci- prisoners will also be able to access local (es- sions it does. It means that the If you or the Secretary of State sions. That is why we are or- tablishment based) numbers and global (estate The National Careers Service provides infor- public, victims and prisoners for Justice can show that your ganising a TV documentary wide) numbers (e.g. Samaritans, mation, advice and guidance to help you make can hold us to account more parole review was ‘procedur- about parole that will be Crimestoppers).’ decisions on learning, training and work - Call easily if we get things wrong. ally unfair’ or that the deci- shown on the BBC. This will 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser - 8am to It means explaining parole in sion is ‘irrational’, then you involve interviews with Pa- However, it is not always easy to find out which 10pm, 7 days a week. Calls are free from a way that everyone under- can write to the Parole Board role Board members and pris- organisations and numbers are actually in- landlines. stands it. and ask for it to be oners, as well as filming cluded in these lists. We have often heard from reconsidered. parole hearings. people who have struggled to get this informa- Equality Advisory Support Service Decision Summaries tion from the prison they are in. We have been The EASS helpline advises and assists individ- Decision summaries started People need to We are also inviting some advised by HMPPS that you should be able to uals on issues relating to equality and human in May 2018. They are a short journalists to write about pa- request a list of locally and globally cleared rights, across England, Scotland and Wales. and clear version of a parole see what happens in role hearings by sitting in phone numbers from the prison you are in. Telephone - 0808 800 0082, open Monday to decision. Anyone can ask for hearings and seeing how they Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm. a parole hearing to Some people have found it difficult to get this a summary, including a vic- work. however - the full list is many pages long which tim, a journalist, or a member understand how the Information Commissioners Officer (ICO) It may seem like a strange means the prison might be reluctant to print it of the public. Parole Board makes for you or might charge you printing costs. The ICO is UK’s independent authority set up idea to have someone in your to uphold information rights in the public in- parole hearing, especially The language used in sum- parole decisions. terest, promoting openness by public bodies someone from the BBC or a To help with this we recently submitted a Free- maries should be clear, avoid- and data privacy for individuals. If you have That is why we are newspaper. That is why we dom of Information (FOI) request to find out ing words that most people do concerns about an organisation’s data protec- will only do this with people which numbers are cleared across the whole not understand. In the past organising a TV tion practices, you can report it to the ICO. who are completely happy to estate. With this information we have created we would only say ‘we have Telephone - 0303 123 1113. documentary take part. The best thing to do an information sheet listing the organisations released someone’ or ‘we is to speak to your legal advi- that you can currently contact. The following Parliament and courts have not released someone’, about parole that sor if you are asked to take are examples of some of the organisations and Phone numbers for Members of Parliament without being able to say why. part in a TV programme or an services that you should be able to call from will be shown on (MPs) are often cleared on the PIN phones. If Now we can. article. every prison. Please be aware that this is in no you would like to know the contact number for the BBC. way a full or comprehensive list and that we your local MP ask a member of staff to check 2,480 summaries have been How to be more transparent would recommend getting in contact with us for you or contact our Advice and Information written since 22 May 2018. Transparency can help im- if you would like more information. service. You can also try the House of Com- 97% of these summaries have What reconsideration mech- prove parole for everyone in- mons Enquiry Service on 020 7219 4272, 10am- been sent to victims. anism members will be look- volved. We need to hear Health and wellbeing advice 12pm and 2-4pm (Monday to Friday). ing for: victims’, the public’s and pris- There are some organisations included which So far, the system appears to oners’ voices to make sure can give advice about issues relating to health Phone numbers for courts in England and be working very well. Even • Procedurally unfair - the that any changes we make are and wellbeing. For example, Macmillan Can- Wales should be available to anyone in prison. when a release decision is re- correct process was not fol- guided by the people affected cer Support Line offers confidential support to If you would like to know the contact number ported in the news, summa- lowed in the review of the by parole. people living with cancer and their loved ones for a particular court, ask a member of staff to ries allow us to explain why offender for parole - for exam- - you can call free on 0808 808 0000, 7 days a check for you or contact our Advice and Infor- we have made that decision. ple, important evidence was If you have any ideas about week, 8am-8pm. mation service. This is important because not shared with both the information you would people do deserve a second parties; like to see, or how we can The Terrence Higgins Trust Direct helpline can Please be aware that not all the numbers listed chance when they are no make things easier to under- provide emotional support if you are worried are free - you will still be charged for calling longer assessed as being a • Irrational - the decision stand, then please write to the about your sexual health or have concerns these numbers unless the number is a free- significant risk to the public. makes no sense based on the communications team at the about living with HIV - you can call them on phone number. If you would like more details evidence of risk that was con- Parole Board: Communica- 0808 802 1200. about services you can contact from prison The Board has also posted the sidered and that no other ra- tions Team, The Parole Board phones, feel free to contact us using the details ‘Decision-Making Frame- tional panel could come to for England and Wales, 3rd Again, these are just a couple of examples - for below. work’ on its website, which is the same conclusion. Floor 10 South Colonnade, the full list please ask within the prison or a guide explaining the many London E14 4PU. contact our service. different factors Parole Board Prisoners can send their ap- members will consider when plications directly to the Pa- Alcohol and drugs You can contact the Prison Reform Trust’s advice making parole decisions. role Board. Over a hundred Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for team at FREEPOST ND6125 London EC1B 1PN. prisoners have already made people who are concerned about their drink- Our free information line is open 3.30pm- Challenge a parole decision an application so far and I ing, or someone else’s. Free helpline - 0800 5.30pm on Monday and Thursday, and Another big part of Transpar- think this is a faster and far 9178 282, weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 10.30am-12.30pm on Wednesday. The number ency for the Parole Board is cheaper mechanism than 11am-4pm. is 0808 802 0060 and does not need to be put making a way for people to challenging a decision at the on your pin. easily challenge a parole High Court. Talk to Frank is a friendly, confidential drugs Please note, the above article focusses on prisons decision. advice. You can telephone 0300 123 6600, 24 in England and Wales and may not apply Victims also have the right to hours a day, 365 days a year. elsewhere. The ‘reconsideration apply via the Minister for 32 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Advertorial Tax debt and bankruptcy... watch out those working in the construction industry!

Please write to the Hardman Cellstudy™ in association with the Tax Academy™ Trust with the details, so oth- Directing success ers can benefit in the future. Paul Retout acted in a tax case where the EIO tried to serve The Directory is forever being Are you nervous about your Where can you find the papers on a prisoner whilst in prison! Although updated and revised; based release? Do you have a plan? Directory? There should be at they were unsuccessful on this occasion, they on feedback from users. A new Would you like some practical least one copy of the latest served it on the prisoner immediately on release, indexing system makes it eas- My own experience of contacting HMRC on information that might help version in your prison library. causing a great deal of stress and anguish. ier to find what you are looking behalf of prisoners and their tax debt is that you? There are so many things In September of this year we to think about when you leave for; and a new visual layout once they know your circumstances any debt hope to have copies available The Bankruptcy Petition prison and it can be over- helps those who struggle with recovery proceedings are ‘stayed’ until such on every wing. If you have left HMRC will usually issue a Bankruptcy Petition whelming. We want to inform pages of text. time that you are released from prison. This prison, you can download the in London three weeks after the issue of the you of an extensive Directory, app, developed by Coracle does not solve the issue of tax debt but rather It is not easy to find new sourc- Statutory Demand detailing the tax payable. If developed by the Hardman Inside (www.coracleinside. ‘pushes it down the road’, and is a further prob- es of funding targeted at pris- you have been released from prison or HMRC Trust, to help ex-prisoners re- com), or read the PDF online lem you will encounter on release. oners and ex-prisoners. The simply do not know where you are the Court build their lives, and prisoners at www.hardmantrust.org.uk/ Hardman Trust seeks out as may order service in another way such as an start planning. directory As I have mentioned in previous articles, where many new sources as they can, advertisement. The annual publication in- HMRC hear nothing from you they believe that and will probably tell you about cludes a release plan diary, Spread the word! We want they are dealing with a ‘delinquent’ taxpayer more funders than Google The Bankruptcy Hearing with valuable information on everyone who is involved with and commence proceedings accordingly. (which often turns out the accommodation, employ- supporting prisoners and same funders time and again!) If you believe the tax position is incorrect you ment, debt and more. Over a ex-prisoners to have access to This article focuses on tax debt over £5,000 But if you know of opportunities can apply for an adjournment to: hundred pages of funding in- a copy, and be aware of the that are not included, please formation make it easier to Trust’s work - Samaritans who If you owe HMRC £5,000 or more: let us know. Last year an • Raise funds to pay the tax; realise these plans. There are train Listeners, hostel work- ex-prisoner saw a newspaper also opportunities for people ers, probation officers, social • You have been unable to reach an agreement advert for ‘Starter Packs’ that • File outstanding tax returns - particularly still in prison: if you are look- workers. If you have only just with HMRC for time to pay; provided people leaving hos- where HMRC have estimated the tax payable ing for educational opportu- heard about the Directory and tels with everything from nities that aren’t provided by wonder why no one had ever (tax determination) by HMRC; kitchen equipment to bedding • HMRC has not been able to recover the debt your prison, this is the place told you before, let us know so and curtains. He told the by other means, such as taking control of goods, to look. The Directory lists we can target advertising to • Raise the issue in relation to your mental Hardman Trust about it, and or by a Court Judgment … charities that provide books others in your field. health (see January 2020 article on Mental Starter Packs can now be found … then your file may be passed to the HMRC for prisoners, artistic organi- Health and Tax). in the 2019/20 edition. Maybe Enforcement and Insolvency Office (EIO) for sations, ways to fund your Please write to: Freepost THE you have had success funding bankruptcy action. hobbies and interests - there HARDMAN TRUST or email: During this period of adjournment, if you are a course or an art project? are plenty of ideas! [email protected] successful in your claim through the above It is relatively easy to accumulate a tax debt for HMRC may dismiss the petition. not filing tax returns and in many cases tax THE LEADING TAX SUPPORT SERVICE IN PRISONS penalties form the major component of the tax However, where you are not successful HMRC debt, despite the fact there may be no tax pay- will ask the Court to make an order for bank- able or there is even a refund due. This is often ruptcy, to which in most instances the Court is the case for those in the Construction Industry, likely to agree. where taxpayers have failed to file their tax DOES THE returns over several years. Where you are self-employed and made bank- rupt, it is the only time that HMRC will issue a Enforcement Office TAXMAN OWE new Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). The EIO will typically request payment of the tax debt quickly and this is usually fourteen Tax debt - working in construction YOU MONEY? days. By exception, the EIO will accept an ar- Prison presents the opportunity to bring your rangement for the tax to be paid by instalments tax affairs to order, particularly if you have Free Four Year Tax Review although it prefers to receive a ‘lump sum’ and worked in the construction industry. My expe- the balance spread over a period of months. rience of tax cases I work on within the con- Include as much information as possible: struction industry is that the tax debt has been The EIO will usually write to say that it is com- • Prison/Prison number created by the accumulation of tax penalties DO YOU HAVE... mencing bankruptcy proceedings if no agree- • Your full name including middle name for not filing tax returns. The Tax Academy can ment can be reached. But what exactly does • Your date of birth assist you with filing these outstanding tax this mean? • National insurance number returns. TAX DEBT? • Employment history My experience of the EIO is that they do not act • Contact address/number on the outside If you have tax debt, please contact Paul Retout like any other creditor and will often petition Please advise if you change Prisons at The Tax Academy CIC on: 01824 704535 or TAX PENALTIES? for bankruptcy even when there are no funds write to Paul Retout, The Tax Academy CIC, after responding. available - particularly where the taxpayer has Unit 4 Ffordd Yr Onnen, Lon Parcwr Business no significant assets. I would add to this that THE TAX ACADEMY™ Park, Ruthin, Denbighshire LL15 1NJ. TAX RETURNS the EIO will also pursue tax debts comprising Unit 4, Ffordd yr Onnen of tax penalties even where there is clear evi- Lon Parcwr Business Park Please see our advert (right). dence that the taxpayer has paid tax at source OUTSTANDING? Ruthin under the Construction Industry Scheme and Denbighshire LL15 1NJ would generate a tax refund if the tax returns Worked in Construction under CIS Scheme? were completed. Paul Retout is a Tax Specialist and Tax Author 01824 704535 We can help with your tax refund. [email protected] The Tax Academy CIC is the leading provider of The Statutory Demand tax support in prisons The initial stage of the legal process is for the EIO to issue a statutory demand requesting FREE completion and filing of Tax Returns (including mutiple years) payment of the outstanding tax and this is usu- ally delivered by a third party. I have recently FREE appeals against Tax Penalties. FREE Tax Debt resolution. // Through the gate

Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Information 33 ‘I got seven GCSEs and an A-level in prison’ Serving a life sentence, ‘T’ wrote to us about how studying GCSEs and A-levels with Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) helped him improve his job prospects ahead of release mental faculties. Throughout studies you could potentially develop a range of charac- teristics such as discipline, determination, persistence, confidence and self-respect.

It is important not to panic when the studying Despite my incarceration, I try to keep things gets tough. I would advise everyone to have a with a bright and positive spirit. Education plays short rest when they feel physically or men- an important role in my life and I believe in its tally drained. I would also recommend prac- ability to transform human nature. While in tising answering questions from past exam prison, I’ve managed to complete seven GCSEs papers under timed conditions - it’s helpful. and A-level English Literature. There is no doubt that all these courses have helped me to I achieved a grade C for A-level English Liter- develop my personality, deal with daily prov- ature, which was a little bit disappointing as ocations and boredom, and even allowed me I had invested a lot of time and effort. Never- to establish landmarks for a meaningful life. theless, a large degree of satisfaction comes from the awareness that I have obtained skills I am particularly grateful to PET for giving me and acquired knowledge that I did not possess an opportunity to study English Language and before I began my course. I received the high- Literature. I have been equipped with a range est possible mark (50/50) for my coursework, of reading and writing skills. Most importantly, which has been both a pleasing reward for my I have gained confidence in my knowledge; hard work and confirmation that I am able to and my self-esteem has improved significantly. work on my own and achieve great results. There is no doubt that these subjects have stood me in good stead for life. The increasing A distance learning course can be both chal- tutor may be delayed; a lack of inspiration, I would like to advise people not to waste their use of English in global communication en- lenging and rewarding. In prison, conditions support and so on. Nevertheless, a distance time in prison as PET offers us a great oppor- couraged me to study the subject in greater for studying are far from ideal. You might face learning course can be a good opportunity to tunity to study and transform our lives. depth and, hopefully, one day I will be able to a lack of literature; restricted or non-existent overcome the dullness of prison life, to acquire work as an English translator. internet access; correspondence with your a variety of academic skills and sharpen

exclusive universities often So which subject should I still prefer candidates with choose? Take your GCSEs good GCSE grades in English It is worth giving some and Maths. Such universities thought to what subject to may also prefer A-levels to choose. GCSE subjects cur- Access courses. Also, some rently available inside and A-levels with PET traditional employers may through PET are: Business prefer actual GCSEs in Eng- Studies, Combined Science, PET’s Advice Manager John Lister looks at whether taking lish and Maths, rather than English Language, English the level 2 equivalents. Literature, History, Maths, GCSEs and A-levels might be the right choice for you Psychology and Sociology. Prisoners with sentences over The A-level choices are: Busi- Course Notes GCSEs to get where you want eight years are not eligible for ness, Classical Civilisation, to be. For example, if you Open University funding, and PET funds a wide range of Economics, English Lan- have passed Level 2 English therefore studying for GCSEs distance learning courses. (and also Maths in some guage, English Literature, To apply, you will need to: and A-levels, or indeed any of History, Law, Maths, Politics, cases) then you should be el- our other courses, can be a igible for PET funding for a Philosophy, Psychology, Reli- l Be serving your sentence productive way to spend your gious Studies and Sociology. wide range of distance learn- time. If you have already in a prison in England or ing courses that can lead to passed level 2 courses then Wales; employment in sectors such Obviously, it’s easier to study you should be ready to pro- l Have at least six months as fitness training, business, something that you are genu- gress to A-levels, although if left to serve; or health and safety. inely interested in, and you l Have gained Level 2 you are not confident (for ex- should also consider what ample if you’re starting a new English (literacy); Similarly, you don’t necessar- you found easier at school. If l Some courses also require ily need A-levels to get onto a subject like Sociology) you you have a specific course or Level 2 Maths (numeracy). university degree course. If may prefer to begin with a career in mind, it may be nec- you have achieved Level 2 GCSE. If you have the ability, essary for you to achieve a If you would like any advice English and Maths, satisfy sufficient time, and a thirst certain GCSE or A-level sub- about which course to the nationality criteria, and for knowledge, we would be ject in order to progress to- study or for more informa- © Andy Aitchison/Library image are within eight years of re- delighted to consider funding wards that goal. And if you tion about how to apply, GCSEs and A-levels have been Do I need GCSEs and lease, PET may be able to you to study. aren’t entirely sure what a write to us at FREEPOST, the gold standard educational A-Levels? fund you to study an Open subject involves, we can send Prisoners’ Education Trust. qualifications for decades, Level 2 English and Maths are University Access course. If When can I apply and how you a breakdown of the sylla- You can also speak to your and they are still highly available to study in most you pass the Access course do I take my exam? bus to help clarify. prison’s Education prized by employers and uni- prisons, and are often seen as then you can progress to an You can start a GCSE or Department. versities. You may not have broadly equivalent to GCSEs. Open University degree A-level course any time but So if you’d like any advice

taken them or achieved the According to the UCAS web- course. the exams are nearly always about which GCSE or A-level grades you wanted whilst at site, Level 2 functional skills in May or June. It’s important to study, or for more informa- tion about how to apply, our school or college but, if you are at the same level as GCSE Nevertheless, having good to note that many prisons are advice team would be happy want to try again, a lot of sub- grade C or above (or grade 4 GCSE and A-Level results in not currently able to facilitate to help. Simply write to us at: jects are available through or above, now that GCSEs are certain subjects could be your exams, so you will need to FREEPOST, Prisoners’ Educa- distance learning courses graded 9 to 1). key to getting into college, either move to a prison that tion Trust. You can also speak funded by Prisoners’ Educa- university, or a stepping stone does, or wait until ROTL or tion Trust (PET). But you don’t always need into employment. The more to your prison’s Education release to take your exam. Department. 34 Information www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Ombudsman writes...

The Inspector Calls in some cases, lack of it) in us and the way we handle com- Inside Time highlights areas of good and bad practice from the Who we are plaints. So, this year, we are most recent Reports published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons going to get out into prisons more, and talk to groups, and and what we do individuals, about how we could improve but also, about Prisons Ombudsman - ‘where could what it is reasonable to expect we do better and what are we going of us and what we can, and what we can’t, do. We must to do about it?’ deal with complaints fairly and transparently but there prison, although not health- will be times when that can care, which is for the Parlia- feel frustrating, for example mentary and Health Services when complaints take too Sue McAllister Ombudsman (PHSO) to inves- long to resolve or when we HMP Liverpool HMP Winchester tigate. When you send a com- can’t get the information we Category B prison serving the Merseyside area Category B local men’s prison, with a In the 15 months since I be- plaint to us, though, it must need to come to the right out- separate category C unit came Prisons and Probation have been through the inter- come. Making sure everyone Unannounced Inspection: 27 August-6 Ombudsman, I have talked to nal complaints process first understands why that is will September 2019 Published: 14 January 2020 Unannounced Inspection: 17 June-5 July 2019 and we will send it back if it give complainants, and Published: 7 January 2020 as many people as possible about the work we do dealing has not. prison staff, the confidence in Safety: Not sufficiently good Safety: Poor with complaints. I have had the complaints system that Respect: Good Respect: Not sufficiently good conversations with the people So, where could we do better we all need. Purposeful Activity: Not sufficiently good Purposeful Activity: Poor who complain to us, with my and what are we going to do Resettlement: Good Resettlement: Not sufficiently good colleagues in the PPO, with about it? Finally, but very importantly, prison staff, academics, poli- we have brought into the PPO “Dramatic improvement” “Safety a major concern in local prison ticians and others who work The PPO has been dealing complaints team two new col- and weak purposeful activity on both to make prisons safer, fairer with complaints since we leagues who have recently The last inspection, two years ago, found an sites” and more accountable. All the came into being in 1994. But, served prison sentences and “abject failure” to deliver safe, decent and pur- visits, the conversations and we still hear that some people therefore bring recent lived poseful treatment and conditions. Living con- The prison is a B category with a separate the feedback tell me the same in prison have never heard of experience into our organisa- ditions were among the worst inspectors had Category C resettlement unit. This inspection thing; that we get it right a lot us and others don’t know the tion. That will bring a new ever seen, with hundreds of broken windows, covered both units. The smaller resettlement of the time BUT that there is difference between us and and important perspective to filthy blocked lavatories, graffiti, damp, dirt, unit was assessed as reasonably good for safety room for us to do better. the other bodies that exist to our work and will enhance rodents and insects. Violence had increased, support people in prison, and respect. However, purposeful activity - our credibility as well as our drugs were readily available, the regime was most notably the inspectorate work, training and education - was poor on So, in 2020, we will be doing understanding of the issues poor and there were serious failings in health- (HMIP) and the Independent both sites. In the Category B local section, in- more to communicate what which people in prison face care and purposeful activity. Monitoring Board (IMB). We spectors found significant deterioration since we do and to look at how we and which can lead to a for- need to do something about the previous inspection in 2016. In the category assess and investigate com- mal complaint. After the previous report, the governor was C unit, though purposeful activity and rehabil- plaints. We want to be sure that and so we are going to get replaced and the population was significantly more information out to pris- itation and release planning had both deterio- that not only are complaints So, more information out there reduced. The latest report, whilst not perfect, ons, not just leaflets and post- rated, inspectors found some evidence that the resolved fairly and promptly, about us and what we do, more shows, say inspectors, “dramatic but that our recommenda- ers but, for example, decline had been arrested and some tentative visits to prisons to talk to peo- improvement”. tions influence policy and information that can be used improvements made. ple there about our work and practice in ways that really in induction programmes and a team here that includes peo- Chief Inspector Peter Clarke says: “The squalor make a difference. maybe shown via in-cell TV. Almost a quarter of prisoners said they felt ple with the knowledge and and filth we saw in 2017 had gone, replaced by We’ll include information unsafe and well over half reported feeling vic- experience needed to handle clean and decent living conditions for the vast First, a bit about the com- that shows it is worth com- timised. Use of force by staff had increased since complaints. For the first time, majority of prisoners. It is important to under- plaints we get. Last year, we plaining to us if you have a 2016. The prison said these problems were, in that will include colleagues stand that this had not been brought about received nearly 5,000 com- genuine complaint that can’t part, caused by the number of inexperienced who have experience of being simply as a result of the population being re- plaints, slightly more than be resolved locally. We do staff. The lack of improvement in work to reduce in prison and of being able to duced and resources channelled towards the the previous year but a fairly make recommendations that self-harm remained a significant concern for complain to the PPO. prison. That had of course helped, but the real inspectors. Recorded incidents of self-harm had constant number in recent are accepted and make a real change had been in the quality of leadership years. Most of them, as you’d difference, from changes to doubled since 2016, leading to levels higher We think those things will and teamwork within the prison and with other than any other local prison in the country. expect, are from the adult policy and practice to com- make a difference. We will be partners. There was now a culture of care that male estate but we do get pensation or a decision re- asking you for other sugges- I simply could not see in 2017.” Time out of cell for prisoners on the local site fewer complaints from versed. If you don’t know who tions and ideas when we talk was very poor. During the working day about women and young people we are and what we do, then to you. The first of our en- Summing up, Clarke said: “There was still a a third of prisoners were locked up and far too than we should and we are we can’t do what it says in our gagement groups was in HMP huge amount of work to do to implement, embed few were in purposeful activity. Those not at going to be trying to find out terms of reference and we are Isis in January, the next is and refine the many plans that were in place. work or in education were typically out of their why that is. The single most not doing what we exist to do; Whatton in February with at As we have seen in other establishments, im- cell for just 90 minutes on a weekday and those common subject for com- be an independent arbiter for least one every month for the provements can prove to be fragile, and I very on restricted basic regime had as little as 45 plaints is property; 36% of all people who have not achieved rest of 2020. much hope this will not prove to be the case at minutes. Most prisoners were locked up for the complaints we investigate satisfaction through the inter- Liverpool, with the necessary support contin- most of the day at weekends. are about property, usually nal complaints system. uing to be provided by HM Prison and Probation lost or damaged property and But we need people in prison Service (HMPPS) […] I saw no signs of compla- Peter Clarke did consider issuing an Urgent often property that goes miss- Sue McAllister is Prisons and to know about us AND have cency within the establishment. It was very Notification Protocol but said: “I believe the ing when people transfer from Probation Ombudsman clear to me that senior managers were operating Urgent Notification process is best reserved for one prison to another. confidence in us, and that is as a cohesive team in support of enormously when there is no other obvious or feasible solu- another thing we will ad- energetic and respected leadership, and not as tion, when the intervention of the Secretary of Other subjects we see a lot of dress. Last year, PPO staff joined the Prison Reform a group of individuals focusing only on their State is needed to bring about some strategic include regime, IEP, staff con- Trust on some of their Pris- functional responsibilities. I am sure this has or significant organisational change. In the case duct, adjudications and work oner Policy Network (PPN) been the key to their success so far and will of Winchester, we did not consider that this and pay. But our remit covers events in prisons and we need to be maintained into the future if the was the case and believed the changes needed all aspects of the ‘manage- learned a lot about percep- work of transforming HMP Liverpool is to be to bring about improvement were all within the ment, supervision, care and tions of us and confidence (or, completed.” gift of the prison itself.” treatment’ of people in Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Legal 35

Advertorial prior to the hearing and base their evidence your legal rep- their questions on the con- resentative will have the New Year goal for Parole tents of the directed reports. opportunity to provide clos- ing submissions in which You should receive a copy of they summarise the evidence Kiran Mohammed Those subject to Licence have access to additional Hearing a Member Case the reports once they have taken and put your best case Recall, where the recall to information such as your Assessments (MCA) been disclosed to all parties. forward. The hearing is then custody is a standard recall, pre-sentence report, sentenc- Directions Form will be You will then have the oppor- You may have found yourself concluded and the Panel have will also be subject to consid- ing remarks, list of previous issued to all parties involved tunity to go through the setting targets for the New up to 14 days to make and eration by the Parole Board convictions and post-pro- confirming that the case has reports with your legal repre- Year in how to progress issue a decision. for re-release into the commu- gramme reports from any been directed to a hearing. sentative who will take your through your custodial sen- nity. Licence Recall prisoners offending behaviour pro- This form will include the rea- instructions and advise you tence by engaging with your Decisions who are not released at their grammes. They can also sons for the Board’s decision on the contents. Any informa- sentence plan or preparing and the directions made, If the Parole Board makes a first review following recall request information from psy- tion that has been referenced for a Parole review. The Parole which will include updated decision to direct your will be subject to annual chology if appropriate in the incorrectly within the reports, process has changed over the reports from your Probation release, you will be released reviews. circumstances. or information you disagree years and can be daunting; officers. In certain cases there depending on what was with, can be addressed at the agreed as part of your risk especially for prisoners who The Parole Board’s If you are a recalled prisoner may be further directions, Oral Hearing. You should not management plan. Some pris- are subject to their first considerations and were recalled following a including psychological get disheartened by the con- oners may be subject to a review. This article will The Parole Board will consid- new arrest, the Parole Board assessments or for previous explore the Parole process tents within the report that short wait due to bed space er a dossier which has been may also request Police/CPS reports/decisions to be added and provide information on you disagree with, as the pur- availability. compiled with various docu- reports detailing any relevant to the dossier. the different stages that form pose of the hearing is to dis- ments and representations information about that a review. cuss your case in detail and The Parole Board Rules 2019 either submitted by the pris- offence. The MCA form will also seek clarity on all issues. have brought in a number of oner themselves or a legal include which witnesses have Parole eligibility changes, including the ability representative. The reports/ Legal representations been directed to attend the It is often the case that pris- You may have obtained char- to apply for a decision to be information contained within As stated above, the Parole hearing and the hearing oners are unaware of when acter references from staff in reconsidered. In order to suc- the dossier may include for- Board will consider any legal logistics. they are subject to a Parole prison, family members or cessfully challenge a decision mal recommendations made representations submitted review, which leads to them Defer your case: The Parole agencies in the community of the Parole Board it must be by the Probation Service - alongside your dossier there- either instructing Solicitors Board will usually consider which your legal representa- shown that the decision is these recommendations will fore it is important to instruct prematurely or at a late stage short deferrals up to 6 months tive can ask to be added to either procedurally unfair or include an assessment of your a legal representative to do having begun representing if there is a valid argument. your dossier. that the decision is irrational. risk and the logic behind their this on your behalf. Your legal themselves. If you received This could include circum- Simply disagreeing with a recommendation. Your representative will have the an Indeterminate Sentence or stances where you need a You may also want to make decision is not sufficient Offender Manager should out- benefit of considering the a Determinate Sentence short amount of time to com- your own notes or gather cer- grounds to challenge a deci- line a risk management plan, contents of your dossier which is subject to Parole, plete offending behaviour tificates that you would like sion. This means that some- which will include details of before taking your instruc- which can include work, engage with a psycho- to take to the hearing with thing in the process of the any proposed licence condi- tions and advising you on Discretional Conditional logical risk assessment or you. There are no restrictions review must have been wrong tions. Your Offender how best to proceed. This can Release prisoners and await the conclusion of police on the documentation you or that the way in which the Supervisor will also submit a include an argument for Extended Determinate matters. You may also find can take to the hearing with Parole Board reached their report which will advise the release on the papers for Sentence prisoners, you will yourself in situations where you and you will have the decision was incorrect. have been given a date for Board of your custodial those who are eligible for the the Parole Board themselves opportunity to make refer- behaviour, including details same. Prisoners that are sub- when you will first be eligible have decided to defer the case ence to them should you need The ability to challenge a of any IEPs, adjudications ject to additional charges can for Parole. This information for further information with- to. Parole Board decision does and completion of offending request a deferral - pending can be found on your sen- out a request being made. not apply to all prisoners. It is behaviour programmes. the conclusion of those new tence notification slip which Oral Hearings limited to the following: matters. calculates all your sentence Negative decisions You, your legal representa- • Indeterminate Sentence The Parole Board will normally dates. In circumstances where a tive, Offender Manager and prisoners; If you dispute the recommen- negative decision is made Offender Supervisor will • Extended Sentence prison- dation(s) of one of the profes- there is no direct process of attend the hearing. The Parole ers; sionals, or if you are a life appeal to the Parole Board. Board may direct that further • Certain determinate sen- sentence prisoner whose However, should they refuse witnesses should attend, tence prisoners - here initial release can only be directed your release on the papers such as psychologists. You release is at the discretion of at an oral hearing, your legal submissions can be made can also request that witness- the Parole Board. representative will be able to requesting that your case pro- es attend and give evidence argue on what grounds your gress to an Oral Hearing. on your behalf, such as your Representation case requires an oral hearing Where the Parole Board have Personal Officer or family If you are subject to a Parole and ensure that appropriate refused an Oral Hearing you members/friends who will be review it is strongly advisable directions are requested for also have the option to submit supporting you upon your that you contact a Solicitor/ your case to be managed effi- further representations with- release. You will also have the Representative to assist you ciently. in 28 days - arguing why an option of requesting that indi- in the proceedings and ensure Oral Hearing is necessary. Our open, friendly solicitors working viduals such as family mem- that you have a fair hearing. Outcomes following consid- bers attend as observers to If you have started to repre- in Criminal Defence will help you with all eration of the dossier and Preparing for an Oral Hearing provide you with moral sup- sent yourself it is never too aspects of Prison Law including: legal representations This can be a stressful and port. late to instruct a representa- Upon considering the dossier anxious time for prisoners, Licence recall • Adjudications tive so please get in touch. and any legal representa- therefore having a legal rep- All parties will give evidence Parole hearings • IPP queries tions, the Parole Board have resentative can ease the pres- in support of their recommen- sure as they will be in a posi- Should you require any Judicial review • Sentence planning issues the option to: dations, and will be asked tion to answer any queries assistance or representa- questions by the Panel and tion, please contact our Direct release on the papers: and explain the process your legal representative. The Prison Law department at Call us on 01865 518971 The Parole Board can direct before talking you through Panel will also have prepared Hine Solicitors on: 0121 752 release on the papers if an the hearing procedure. or visit www.hinesolicitors.com questions to ask you, 9350 or FREEPOST – RTZU argument for the same is put although there is no require- – GXKA – KSXG. Hine forward and the test for Once your case is directed to ment for you to give evidence. Solicitors, 558 Walsall Road, release is met. This is not an Oral Hearing you will be Your legal representative will Great Barr, Birmingham B42 available for life sentence interviewed by your Probation Oxford Freepost address be able to advise you further, 1LR. prisoners. officers for the purpose of FREEPOST RTHU - LEKE - HAZR updated reports. It is impor- taking into account your indi- Hine Solicitors | Seymour House tant that you engage in these vidual circumstances. 285 Banbury Road | Oxford | OX2 7JF Direct your case to an Oral Kiran Mohammed is a solici- interviews as the Parole Hearing: If the Parole Board Once all witnesses have given tor in the Prison Law depart- direct your case to an Oral Board will read the reports ment at Hine Solicitors. 36 Legal www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Baker following work carried out by Inside Justice’s Advi- Conviction upheld sory Panel of experts, in par- ticular Mark Harries QC and Calum McCrae barrister Lorna Hackett.

The family and supporters of The ground for appeal was David Reece packed into the that the Judge in the original SOLICITORS public gallery at the Court of trial erred in his handling of wellsburcombe Appeal on 24th January as bad character evidence the Judges refused his bid to against Reece by failing to overturn his conviction. properly direct the jury re- garding Reece’s consistent David Reece, 57 (pictured), denial of knowledge in a pre- was convicted by a 10-2 ma- vious drug seizure. However, jority on the 8th of March the appeal Judges did not con- 2018 as part of a conspiracy to sider the trial Judge’s Sum- import and supply Class ‘A’ ming Up to have been drugs. He was sentenced to 16 deficient. years in prison, later increased case as a whole, and decide if by the Attorney General to 19 there is anything else that we After the appeal, Reece’s years, but has always main- can investigate, which might daughter Charlotte said ‘we tained his innocence. provide new evidence for a will continue to fight to prove POLICE INVESTIGATIONS COURT PROCEEDINGS submission to the CCRC”. his innocence and wish to Charlotte Reece, David’s give our heartfelt thanks to l l daughter, said the family are Reece was convicted along- Inside Justice for everything Are you about to be interviewed Have you received a postal ‘completely devastated’ by side seven others who alleg- that they have done for him. by the Police? requisition? the outcome of the appeal. She edly made up the gang of So many people believe in l l continued, “My dad, the most conspirators. 58kg of cocaine him, which continues to fill Facing the prospect of fresh Have you been charged with kind and genuine man you and 84kg of heroin were dis- us with hope that eventually charges? new offences? could hope to meet, is still covered and seized when the we will be able to clear his l l suffering the terrible injustice lorry transporting the haul name.’ Want to avoid an additional Do you have a hearing coming of being wrongfully entered Hull port, arriving sentence? up and need representation? convicted”. from Belgium. That consign- ment alone, said to be one of Calum McCrae is a law grad- l Waiting for the Police to make l Are your current lawyers doing Inside Justice, the charity that 38, had an estimated street uate and writer. a decision on potential fresh enough to help? investigates potential wrong- value of £65million. charges? ful convictions, has repre- Inside Justice is a registered l Do you face POCA proceedings? sented Reece since October Leave to appeal his convic- charity which was originally l Concerned over Police delays in 2018. Its CEO, Louise Shorter, tion was granted in October set up as a division of Inside making a decision? said: “We are deeply disap- last year after extensive oral Time. Those who have been pointed with the decision, but arguments before Lord Justice jailed for a crime they did l Had no update from your Solicitor? will regroup, take a long hard Hamblen, Mr Justice William not commit can apply. See look at the judgment, and the Davis and Mr Justice Andrew advert page 50 l Been recalled and worried about being charged with new offences? Reeds are pleased to welcome 3 new Prison Law Consultants to their growing team: Sophie Ghashghaei-Pour, Nirinder Dhillon & Emma Gauden.

We have offices Nationwide and we can therefore provide APPEALS assistance all over the Country with our newest offices located in Eastbourne, Catford and Brighton. l Do you feel your sentence is too long? Our commitment and service to you, does not stop when you leave the dock. Reeds solicitors are dedicated to providing l Do you disagree with your Lawyers legal expertise along with unparalleled client care.This service PRISON LAW about not lodging an appeal? also includes issues you may experience in custody. l Wrongly convicted? l Due for parole? l Concerned about disclosure RTXS-CHLX-SYRC l failures? Reeds Solicitors - Offices Nationwide Been recalled? 403 Silbury Boulevard l Due for a category A review l Let down at trial by your legal Milton Keynes - MK9 2AH team? l Suffered parole delays that you feel you should be l Do you feel you have grounds Our Prison Law Team are able to offer advice and assistance compensated for? to appeal? under the Legal Aid Scheme for the following issues: Determine/ IPP Recall Independent Adjudications LEGAL AID / PRIVATE REPRESENTATION / NATIONWIDE SERVICE Parole Sentence Calculations Herts, Beds, Bucks, Essex London & Thames Valley, Appointment only Our experienced Solicitors also offer competitive fixed fees Kent, Surrey for general Prison Law matters including: 5 Holywell Hill, St Albans, 4 Britannia Court, The Green 13 Halstead Road, Re-categorisation Sentence Planning Pre-Tariff Sifts Hertfordshire AL1 1EU. West Drayton, Middlesex Wanstead, Tel: 01727 840900 UB7 7PN. Tel: 01895 449288 London E11 2AY. Contact our team now by calling 01865 592670 or write to us using our Freepost address www.wellsburcombe.co.uk Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Legal 37

Advertorial Human Rights which can be considered when considering the Overlaying the s78 and the common law rules fairness of the trial. The Exclusion of Unlawfully is the Human Rights Act 1998 and the right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the Convention. As is often the way, much will depend not on Just because your right to a private life under the alleged conduct of the police officers, but Obtained Evidence Article 8 of the Convention has been violated in the preparation of the defence case – have When a breach of the rules leads to evidence being excluded because of over the top surveillance does not the prosecution been put on notice; has a cer- mean the surveillance evidence cannot be tain issue been raised in the Defence Statement; is the matter on the Court record? Cr.App.R. 161. In that case, the defence had admitted; Schenk v Switzerland (1991) 13 EHRR The answer to the question ‘so what if there is applied to the trial Judge to rule the interview 493. Much will depend on what other evidence a breach of the rules?’ will very often depend Jonathan Lennon out because of certain breaches of PACE at the there is and the quality of the evidence in dis- on how well the issue has been considered and and Aziz Rahman police station. The trial Judge found that the pute and look to the fairness of the proceed- officers had not acted in bad faith and kept the ings as a whole. whether the groundwork has been laid for your material in evidence in the trial. Walsh was day in Court. In criminal litigation there are Many remand prisoners will have a consider- convicted and appealed to the Court of Appeal. It has long been the case that one area that was few guarantees, except that preparation is able amount of time to ponder the evidence The Appeal Court said: everything. against them and conclude that some aspect sacrosanct was a suspect’s right to un-moni- of the evidence has been obtained illegally; tored discussions with his lawyers where, even ‘In the present case, we have no material e.g. by improper telephone intercept or by use in the most serious of cases, would be stopped which would lead us to suppose that the Judge Jonathan Lennon is a Barrister specialising in seri- of a participating informant etc. At this point because of a violation of that part of Article 6 erred in concluding that the police officers ous and complex criminal defence cases at it is time to ask the question that the trial Judge regarding access to legal advice; see R v Grant were acting in good faith. However, although Carmelite Chambers, London. He has extensive will ask; ‘so what?’ [2005] 2 Cr. App. R 28. However, the Grant case bad faith may make substantial or significant was expressly disapproved by the Privy experience in all aspects of financial and serious that which might not otherwise be so, the con- crime and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He is Due Process Council in Curtis Warren v Att. General for trary does not follow. Breaches which are in ranked by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Ptnrs Americans place a great deal of emphasis on [2011] 2 ALL ER 513, PC (see now R v themselves significant and substantial are specialist POCA and Financial Crime sections as ‘due process’. When the police or the District Lawless [2016] EWCA Crim 2185). In the Warren not rendered otherwise by the good faith of a ‘leading barrister’; “he is capable of grasping Attorney infringe a citizen’s constitutional case, the police had placed an audio probe in the officers concerned’. issues at short notice despite voluminous and com- rights, the trial Judge will, almost automati- the defendant’s hire car which would be driv- plex obstacles.” “A great all-rounder with an eye cally, protect the citizen’s rights by excluding en through a number of overseas European The Appeal Court quashed the conviction. for detail. He is approachable, takes a com- the evidence or halting the case. In this coun- countries. The police knew that permission Section 78 did not mean that a police officer mon-sense attitude and is an exceptional advo- try the approach is different. Judges have to from those countries had been refused for the fabricating evidence, or deliberately fouling cate.” (2020). perform balancing exercises and address up the identification parade procedure would use of such devices but went ahead anyway. notions such as ‘the interests of justice’ and automatically lead to that evidence being The consequent abuse of process application Aziz Rahman is a Solicitor-Advocate and Partner whether a defendant can have a ‘fair trial’ or excluded; but the Court gave a strong indica- failed, a decision upheld on appeal. However, at the leading Criminal Defence firm Rahman not. A failure to perform ‘due process’ may be tion that it would usually do so. that case was an abuse of process case, rather Ravelli Solicitors, specialising in Human Rights, alleviated by a judicial direction to the jury or, than an exclusion of evidence case. There is Financial Crime and Large Scale Conspiracies/ more hopefully for defendants, the exclusion In R v McGovern (1991) 92 Cr. App. R 228 the still plenty of scope to argue for exclusion of Serious crime. Rahman Ravelli are members of of certain evidence. Court of Appeal considered the case of a 19 unlawfully obtained evidence because the the Specialist Fraud Panel and have recently been year-old girl, of limited intelligence, who had right to a fair trial under Article 6 imports a ranked by Legal 500 as an ‘excellent’ firm with Section 78 Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 been interviewed by the police following her certain standard on the behaviour of the State Aziz Rahman being described as ‘first class and Section 78 of PACE is the principal device by arrest for murder. The police refused her access - including police, prosecutors and Courts - very experienced’. which a Judge can exclude evidence. Section to a solicitor. She confessed to having taken 78 permits the Judge to; “refuse to allow evi- part in the killing. In a second interview, with dence on which the prosecution proposes to a solicitor present, she made similar confes- rely…if it appears to the Court that, having sions and she was subsequently convicted of regard to all the circumstances, including the manslaughter. She appealed. The Court of A leading firm circumstances in which the evidence was Appeal found that her first confession was obtained, the admission of the evidence would offering the unreliable, given the lack of a solicitor at inter- have such an adverse effect on the fairness of view, and that in relation to the second inter- the proceedings that the Court ought not to strongest legal view the very fact that of the admissions in the admit it.” first interview was likely to have an effect upon representation the accused during the course of a second One of the classic types of s78 applications is interview. If the first interview was in breach to those being where the police have breached their own of the rules then the subsequent interview Codes of Practice in obtaining the evidence. must be similarly tainted. The conviction was investigated For example, exceeding the authority for the quashed. use of a bugging device under the Regulation or prosecuted of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, or not fol- Common-Law/Fairness lowing the correct procedure for an interview in serious and The other main tool in the defence armoury is at the police station. The evidence sought to the ‘common law’, i.e. Judge-made law created complex crime cases. be excluded would in those cases be, respec- over the years from judicial precedent and not tively, the transcript of the bugging material by Act of Parliament. There is no magic formu- and the transcript of the taped interview. The la or test here; the Judge simply has discretion greater the breach of the ‘rules’, then the more ‘to exclude evidence if it is necessary in order likely the evidence is to be excluded. If ‘bad to secure a fair trial for the accused’ (Scott v R faith’ is shown; i.e. the officers breached the [1989] AC 1242) – this is often expressed as the rules deliberately, then the chances of a suc- test that evidence ought to be excluded if its cessful application increase. However, sug- • Specialists in defending cases • Expertise in arguing admissibility of prejudicial effect exceeds its probative value. gesting that a police officer has acted in ‘bad involving large-scale police operations. evidence, abuse of process, disclosure In other words if the evidence only lightly and public interest immunity. faith’ is a serious allegation that cannot be • Experienced defenders in Regulation assists the prosecution in helping to establish made lightly and will demand a high level of of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) the offence, but greatly damages the credibil- • Our reputation ensures the very best proof. Such allegations should never be made cases involving informants, undercover ity of the defendant, then the evidence should experts represent our clients. on a speculative basis; it will just irritate the police, surveillance and interception of be excluded. So, if someone is charged with Judge. There must always be a proper basis communications. • We have helped shape the law. laundering tens of millions of pounds of drugs before embarking on that route. money the Crown will no doubt wish to include in the evidence a lavish lifestyle of sports cars Roma House, 59 Pellon 36 Whitefriars 3 Brindley Place, The extent to which a breach of procedural and luxury yachts. But if that evidence is rules, such as the PACE Codes of Practice, will Lane, Halifax, West Street, London, Birmingham, West included in a murder trial where lifestyle is of trigger the exercise of the trial Judge’s discre- Yorkshire HX1 5BE EC4Y 8BQ Midlands, B1 2JB some marginal relevance, e.g. because it is a tion to exclude evidence under s78 all depends Tel: 01422 346666 Tel: 0203 947 1539 Tel: 0121 206 2287 gangland shooting, then the Judge may on the facts of the case. The expression ‘signif- exclude it from the jury if the real issue is the icant and substantial’ has been favoured by www.rahmanravelli.co.uk / [email protected] Nationwide Service defendant’s case of alibi. the Court of Appeal, e.g. in R. v Walsh, 91 38 Legal Insidetime February 2020

We thought this month we October 2019 and their convic- undermined the credibility of men wrongly convicted in the the police and any other public would look at a few of the CCRC tions were quashed on 5th the complainant. The Court of USA. One smaller article in the body to give us the information cases that we have referred for December. Mr Boucher learned Appeal recognised the new spread aimed to compare the we need. The police have no appeal recently. The number about the appeals and contact- evidence but said it did not situation in the USA regarding choice but to comply when we of CCRC cases sent for appeal ed the CCRC. We referred his affect the safety of the fixing miscarriages of justice demand information. When since April 2019 now stands at case and he is now waiting for conviction. with the situation in the UK. we tell them we need it, all 19 and we expect quite a few an appeal - but the outcome In the USA, there are a scatter- forces supply what we have more before the end of the year looks pretty certain given that National Prison Radio ing of Conviction Integrity asked for. In most cases they (that is before the end of March the Court has already quashed Listen out for some new pro- Units (CIUs). These have been do it quickly and without ques- 2020 because, like a lot of or- the other convictions. grammes about the CCRC on set up within around 60 of the tion. Occasionally we might ganisations, we count in busi- National Prison Radio (NPR) 2,300 regional prosecutors’ need to complain that they are ness years - April to March - In late November, we referred through spring and summer offices in the US and they aim taking too long to hand it over, Appeals instead of calendar years). the murder conviction of this year. The programmes will to identify and correct wrong- but it is unheard of for the po- This means we are on course Aiden Jones to the Court of follow a similar format to the ful convictions. In the UK, we lice or any other public body, to return this year to some- Appeal. Mr Jones applied to other CCRC programmes we have the independent CCRC such as the CPS, to not in the The Criminal Cases Review thing like the CCRC long-term the CCRC in 2015. We decided have done with NPR in recent for England, Wales and end give us what we have Commission (CCRC) is the average of sending 31 cases for to refer his case in 2018, but years. The programmes for Northern Ireland, and the asked for. publicly funded body appeal each year. This will be sadly Mr Jones died in prison spring and summer will cover Scottish CCRC, which are given responsible for investigat- a welcome return to normal of natural causes aged just 28. some different issues, includ- public money and legal pow- Finally, the piece on the other ing alleged miscarriages after three years on the trot in His family decided that they ing: coercive control (dis- ers to look at each application page of the miscarriages of of justice in England and which we referred fewer cases wanted to continue with the cussed in this column in they receive in order to identify justice spread (page 31) was Wales. They are the only that usual. CCRC case on his behalf and August 2019 in relation to the miscarriages of justice and about British miscarriages of body with the power to we were able to refer the case quashing of Sally Challen’s refer cases back to the appeal justice. It featured the cases of send a case back to the Since our last Inside Time ar- to the Court of Appeal on the murder conviction); the role courts where they can. courts for a second appeal. Barry George, Sean Hodgson, ticle we have referred six basis of new psychiatric evi- that mental health issues and Stefan Kiszco and Stephen cases, including…the case of dence about his mental state While there is quite a lot that In this regular column conditions like Autistic Downing. The article rightly the last member of the Oval at the time of the killing, which we might want to say about they answer questions Spectrum Disorders can play point out Barry George and Four, Omar Boucher. He and in our view meant that the our view of the relative about what they do and in miscarriages of justice; and Stephen Downing were all three co-defendants, Winston Court of Appeal might now strengths of those two quite more widely about the non-disclosure by the pros- CCRC referrals and that Stefan Trew, Sterling Christie and quash the murder conviction different approaches to the miscarriages of justice. ecution of evidence that could Kiszco’s conviction was George Griffiths were convict- and replace it with one for problem, the most important have helped the defence or quashed in 1991, six years be- The CCRC apologises ed together in 1972 of assault- manslaughter on the grounds undermined the prosecution thing we want to point out here fore the CCRC was created. The but is unable to answer ing a police officer and at- of diminished responsibility. case and which we have also is that the article was in danger piece did not mention it so we questions relating to tempted theft on the London The appeal has yet to be heard. discussed here in Inside Time. of misleading readers when it would wish to make it clear individual cases. Underground. They were con- claimed that some CCRC inves- that Sean Hodgson’s case was victed on the basis of evidence On 21st January, the Court of Last time… tigations have “been thwarted a CCRC referral too. We re- Send your Appeal provided by the now discred- Appeal decided not to overturn You may have noticed in the when police forces declined to ferred Mr Hodgson’s murder Queries to: ‘CCRC Q&A’ ited police officer DS Derek the sexual offences conviction last month’s edition of Inside release information that led to conviction in 2009 on new Inside Time, Botley Mills, Ridgewell of the British of Neil Secker. We had referred Time a two-page spread on a conviction”. DNA evidence and his convic- Botley, Southampton, Transport Police. The CCRC the case in November 2018 miscarriages of justice (pages tion was quashed shortly Hampshire SO30 2GB. referred the cases of Mr Trew, because of new evidence we 30 and 31). The main piece So, to be absolutely clear, we afterwards. Mr Christie and Mr Griffiths in found that could have looked at the cases of three have the legal power to require Specialists in Prison Law

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

0151 200 4071 63 Hamilton S quare Birkenhead Wirral C H41 5J F solicitors Insidetime February 2020 ‘Legal’, Inside Time, Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton, Hampshire SO30 2GB. Legal // Q&A 39

conviction may be overturned We would advise you to con- If you are not happy with the or your sentence may be re- tact a solicitors firm that spe- decision following a review duced (or both).If you lose cialise in appeals who can you also have the option to your appeal however, your advise you on the merits of discuss the matter with a pro- original sentence or convic- your case. We hope the above bation officer/personal officer tion will not change, but you assists - however if we can be or lodge a formal complaint. might have to restart your sen- of any further assistance It is advised that you highlight tence from the beginning and/ please do not hesitate to con- the sentence you are serving or pay the court costs, there- tact us. fore you should take advice on and distinguish it from the Response by Hine Solicitors the grounds/strength of such risks attached to a confiscation an appeal from a legal repre- order. RK HMP Onley Prison Law & sentative with access to your Solicitors can help prisoners Compensation case papers. Q I was released after serving half of my sentence, but my going through re-categorisa- If you are not granted permis- tion by drafting representa- Hine Solicitors default sentence was activat-

© Andy Aitchison/Library image sion to appeal, you will receive tions prior to a prisoner’s re- Stevens Solicitors ed when I could not pay back a letter from the single judge, view, ensuring that the prison Michael Jefferies Injury my confiscation order. I was JC HMP Lowdham Grange with an extension to lodge to let you know you have not focus on the issues relevant to Lawyers sent to closed conditions and your application, if you have been given permission to ap- waited to be re-categorised the review and that they un- Tates Solicitors Q Could you advise me what good reason for the later ser- peal and they will explain the for open conditions, as I had derstand the sentence you are AGI Criminal Solicitors legal action I could take, if reasons for their decision. In vice of this. previously served the major- serving. We can also offer as- any, about the legal team that this instance, you have the ity of my index sentence in Answers to readers’ legal represented me at my trial? sistance in appealing any de- Once you have applied for per- right to renew your application open conditions. However, queries are given on a It is apparent that they delib- cision issued by the prison mission to appeal, a single and ask a ‘full court’ of 2 or 3 now I am being refused my strictly without liability erately changed wording to regarding categorisation. judge will look at your appli- judges to give you permission Cat D. I have an excellent basis. If you propose acting deceive and mislead the jury. However, it should be noted cation and decide whether to to appeal. NOMIS and just can’t under- upon any of the opinions that there is no legal aid avail- give you permission to stand why I am being refused. that appear, you must first able for such assistance and A If you would like to appeal appeal. You may also contact the How can I challenge this? take legal advice. against your conviction for Criminal Cases Review therefore any work would need murder from the Crown Court, Commission (CCRC) if you to be funded on a private pay- Send your Prison Law If you are granted permission A In relation to your request, you must first apply to the think there has been a ‘mis- ing basis. You can of course Query (concise and clearly to appeal, your appeal will be we are sorry to hear about the Crown Court in which you were carriage of justice’, and/or you marked ‘Prison Law Query’) heard by the Court of Appeal, difficulties you have encoun- consider instructing a solicitor convicted for permission to may report your previous so- to: David Wells, Solicitor Criminal Division and you will tered. Our initial advice would or seeking pro bono advice at appeal against your convic- licitors to the Solicitors c/o Inside Time, Botley be provided with a letter before be to follow the internal com- your next review. tion. You must do this within Regulatory Authority or the Mills, Botley, Southampton, the hearing to let you know plaints procedure to establish 28 days of the date you were Legal Ombudsman if you be- Hampshire SO30 2GB. when and where it will take the exact reason(s) for you We hope the above assists - convicted. If your application lieve they have failed to act in place. Your legal representa- being refused a move to open however if we can be of any For a prompt response, is made later, you will need to tive will then present your case accordance with their duties conditions; although you further assistance, please do readers are asked to send their explain why you could not to the Judges at this hearing. owed to you and the court, by should have been provided not hesitate to contact us. queries on white paper using send your application in on acting negligently or fraudu- with an RC1 containing the black ink or typed if possible. time. You may be provided lently for example. If you win your appeal, your reasons. Response by Hine Solicitors

Caroline’s Story Caroline from Liverpool was at risk of losing her home when POCA proceedings were brought against her partner. The prosecution sought that the courts asserted a 100% interest in the £300,000 home owned by her partner. When Caroline called us, we were able to get the restricted lifted and the property transferred in full to Caroline, saving the home from confiscation.

CONTACT CROWN TODAY WE HAVE SAVED OVER 1/2 BILLION FOR OUR CLIENTS. We can help you with: Prison Law Advice & Representation | Criminal Defence & Appeals | Confiscation & POCA | Immigration Contact: 0121 392 8000 Email: [email protected] Freepost: Crown Solicitors Web: crowndefence.com QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Jefferies Solicitors is a specialist is not settled or issued in the Court considered as the first-line painkiller a new assessment. This again took personal injury law firm dedicated within the three-year time limit you will for neuropathic pain due to their several months and during the period to helping you with accident lose your right to claim compensation significant abuse potential and risk of the delay I suffered pressure sores for your accident. We would always to individuals with substance misuse which took a long time to heal and claims, personal injury, industrial suggest making a claim sooner rather histories. On that basis any claim in have left me with permanent scarring. diseases and medical negligence than later as it becomes more difficult respect of the medication would, I feel neglected by the healthcare compensation claims, including to obtain evidence as time passes. unfortunately, be unlikely to succeed. department at both prisons, can I make claims that have arisen from an Also, it is not always easy to remember a claim? incident in prison. the exact date of an accident. You need Q. I have had an accident in prison that to allow time for your solicitor to apply has resulted in my breaking my arm. A. Yes, you can make a claim. A If you have suffered an accident or for copies of your medical and prison The accident wasn’t my fault and I am pressure sore is always avoidable and injury on the road, had an accident records to ensure that the correct date in a lot of pain. When I told one of the the department is of the accident is obtained so that you prison officers I was going to claim, or injury in a public place, been responsible for arranging a pressure have peace of mind that your claim is he told me that prisoners can’t claim relief mattress. This should be injured as a result of medical brought within the relevant time limits. compensation for personal injury. considered as a medical emergency malpractice or negligence or had and the pressure relief mattress work-related accident while in Q. I had a broken ankle a few months A. The prison officer is wrong. You supplied within no more than 48 hours prison, the expert solicitors at before coming to prison. I had a cast have the same rights as everyone else of you arriving at prison. Pressure sores but didn’t need surgery. My ankle when it comes to making a claim. Jefferies can help you. can be very difficult to treat and can was still very painful and I saw my The prison has a duty to keep you require long periods of recovery. You doctor several times when I was put reasonably safe while you are in prison If you have been injured while in are entitled to claim for the pain and on Pregabalin which helped. When and there are specific laws which apply prison, contact our specialist injury suffering you have experienced as a I arrived at Prison my medication to accidents in prison. lawyers to find out if you have result of the delay, the scarring you was stopped. The Prison say there is have been left with and any financial grounds to claim. a nationwide problem with certain Q. I am paralysed from the waist down losses or out-of-pocket expenses you medications in prison. I feel I have been as a result of an injury years ago and Write to us at Jefferies Solicitors have incurred. left suffering due to this and would like I am permanently wheelchair-bound. Limited, The Triangle, 8 Cross Street, to make a claim. I came to prison earlier this year and Q. Do I need to inform my Solicitors Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 1EQ. told the healthcare staff straight away if I am released from Prison whilst my A. To succeed with any claim we must that I needed a special mattress due first prove that the care provided fell to my condition, and that I had one claim is ongoing? Q. I don’t want to make a claim against below an acceptable standard –that at home. The prison said that I would the prison whilst I am still here as I’ve is, no reasonable prison GP would need to have an assessment before I A. You must notify your Solicitors of seen prison officers make life difficult have taken you off the medication. could have the mattress. The prison any change of address. That includes for other prisoners who have brought Pregabalin should only be prescribed didn’t arrange for the assessment until any change of address if you are a claim. Am I okay to wait until I am for pain which is neuropathic in several months after I first came into transferred from one prison to another. released before making a claim? nature, including diabetic neuropathy, prison and, after the assessment, I was It is extremely important to ensure nerve entrapment, spinal injuries, eventually given the mattress. that your contact details are accurate A. It may be possible to wait until prolapsed discs and the likes. Also, as any failure to do so can lead to you are released before making your the prison healthcare providers are Around 2 months later, I moved prisons significant delays in the handling of a claim depending on the date that the expected to follow the guidelines and my mattress was not taken with claim. In some cases, penalties may be accident happened. You have exactly called “Safer Prescribing in Prisons” me. I told the new prison about the imposed by the Court that might lead three years from the date of your which also makes clear that Pregabalin events at the previous prison and was to a claim being struck out where legal accident to make a claim. If your claim and Gabapentin should not be told that they would have to complete proceedings have been issued.

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

Crossword Answers W A TR S BERRY

TA Down Across E

AL O G

1 Move from one place to another 1 A stick with a hook for landing large fish LO

CAL I G O L O I

2 The sweet and fleshy product of a tree 13 Loving someone enough to give them B

or plant their last ______R

3 Remain in a particular position or state A 14 Moving with urgent haste HEAT

4 Succeed in attaining 15 In a good physical or mental condition

5 After Third EAT

OW ES 16 A current medium of exchange in the form HAL 6 A plant or part of a plant used as food MONEY

of coins and banknotes

7 A Fitness Centre G

THY L

8 Atmospheric water vapour frozen into 17 Put food into the mouth and chew and HEA

ice crystals swallow it S

FORT G

9 Opposite of No 18 The quality of being hot V

T UI

10 A circle of light shown above the head of 19 Relating to biology or living organisms ET

I H S U R ROLO

a saint 20 An aim or desired result NG

11 A list showing particular jobs to do 21 A sweet soft red fruit with a seed-studded GAFF 12 A lump of a semi-liquid substance surface S

InsideTime_February_Q&A.indd 1 22/01/2020 13:50 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

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

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

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

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

Prison Injury Lawyers is a trading name of Jefferies Solicitors Limited

InsideTime_July_PIL.indd 1 25/07/2019 15:56 42 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020 Learn about crime on NPR

do we make our streets, and The Reader our communities, safer? In one episode, we hear about prison conditions in three A message from the Pig Man countries overseas, while in another we hear from a Kate Bramhall Man’ and is fi nally granted relief from his fears Speech and Language Thera- by the discovery that he is just a normal man. pist who talks about her work This encounter empowers the boy to ask his in prisons with people who struggle to even understand Shared reading is a mother about his dad leaving, but when he why they’re in prison, and wonderful experience speaks the dreaded question aloud, all does what’s going on during their that is enriching to all not go to plan for Ekky, with his stepfather court cases. involved. I have had remarking that such a question is ‘a hard one’. The lack of answer leaves Ekky feeling …‘cer- the privilege of lead- If you enjoy this series, you tain at least of one thing, that grown-ups were ing shared reading might want to think about mad and silly and he hated them all, all, all.’ groups at a probation further study. Your prison li- hostel for the past two brary is full of The group has mixed feelings around this. One years, and past read- ‘Crime and Consequence’ books, or you might want to member believes the mother is simply not able ers there have broadcasts every Friday at contact your prison’s educa- to answers her child’s questions and shared described the group as midday and 6pm. Each week tion department to find out ‘empowering’ and that: “I don’t think she’s being intentionally we hear essays read out by about opportunities for dis- ‘soothing’. A story that I have recently shared cruel; she seems upset herself, she just can’t Criminology is the study three different people. All tance learning. in the group and one that always gets a great say the things she wants to say, just like Ekky”, of crime – the causes of have a knowledge of crime, response is: ‘A message from the Pig Man’ by while another believes: “He is her child, and crime, the ways we deal justice and criminology. We John Wain. it is cruel to not respond to him; she gives him with crime and the hear from criminologists, but We hear from nothing”. Whichever side the members fall search for solutions. It’s a also from people who work in criminologists, but The story follows the life and thoughts of a upon, we all agreed that Ekky doesn’t under- subject that’s studied in prisons, people who’ve stand and that’s why he is left feeling angry worked in the political sys- small boy who is ‘almost six’, going through colleges and universities also from people and rejected. tem, even a judge. And of the confusion of his parents separating and a across the world. People who work in pris- new man moving into the home he shares with course we hear from several dedicate their whole lives his mother. This young boy ‘Ekky’ ties all his We end by talking about how not communicat- people who have served ons, people who’ve emotions and questions about what is happen- ing can have a detrimental eff ect on all of us, to searching for ways to prison sentences ing in his head with other unanswered ques- regardless of our age. Group members oft en reduce crime, and to im- themselves. worked in the tions and fears that he holds, questions main- share with me that they are worried the group prove our communities. political system, ly around ‘who is the Pig Man?’ Ekky begins will be ‘academic’ or that they believe I am a Through this series, we learn to create a mythical creature in his mind, one therapist looking to ‘probe’ them; I assure any- National Prison Radio’s pro- about how we deal with peo- even a judge. that fi lls him with fear, however, what we actu- one this isn’t the case. Our groups are primar- ducers feel very strongly that ple who’ve committed mur- ally know, as the reader, is that the Pig Man is ily about reading great literature and discuss- people in prison are some of der, what we do with children Knowledge, as they say, is simply the person who comes to collect food ing how that literature makes us feel. There is the best people to help look who commit crimes, right power. It might help to think scraps for his pigs. no pressure to read aloud yourself if it isn’t for these solutions. If you’re through to the very big ques- about your prison sentence as your cup of tea, and you may not want to reading this, or if you’re an tions such as: What is crime, an opportunity to leverage and how do politicians and Much of the story takes place in Ekky’s mind. engage too much in the conversation when you NPR listener, it’s most likely the unique knowledge you’ve the public think about crime? He sits and ponders the changing world around fi rst join, but that normally fades fast as our that you’ve found your way, picked up on your path here. him, and we hear: ‘When he lay in bed and groups are packed with lively members who through one route or another, After all, it could be the key to Crime and Consequence is thought about it, mad and pointless that Donald’s are passionate in their opinions. on a path that’s led to commit- your future. full of ideas for the future of coming should mean that Dad had to go.’ ting a crime and receiving a One of the most exciting things about shared prison sentence as a result. justice. It acknowledges the Crime and Consequence was And that experience of crime incredibly difficult conditions Ekky’s thoughts seem to connect with group reading for me is that I can read the same story produced in partnership with and punishment is valuable that people find themselves members and their memories of being small. numerous times and each group brings a new Clinks and the Criminal Jus- – because it means you’re bet- in when they enter prison, He feels isolated by the lack of information element that I have never thought about before. tice Arts Alliance, with fund- ter placed than most people and it understands that the about what is happening in his own home. One In fact, the story can feel like a completely ing from the Monument to understand why it hap- causes of crime are compli- member remembered these feelings from his diff erent entity, and that is what you, as read- Fellowship. pens, and what we can do cated. But by listening to the childhood and said, “It’s confusing being a ers, gift to us as group leaders. about it. That’s why National series, it may spark off your child, and he has got all these other changes Tune in to ‘Crime and Conse- Prison Radio is broadcasting own thoughts about how we going on as well, and no one is telling him quence’ on NPR every Friday a weekly introduction to can solve one of the most ur- anything”. The group all agreed with this res- Kate Bramhall is Reader Leader at The Reader at midday and 6pm, re- criminology. gent issues of our times: how peated on Sundays at 2pm. ident and shared their own experiences of the in Leicestershire isolating feelings of childhood.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS When we read together these lines: ‘Why did TurningPages POLISH SPEAKING AA HELP LINE grown-ups do everything in such a mad, silly Dedicated Prison Lawyers For You way?’, ‘Not asking questions that would prob- MASZ PROBLEM Z Over 60 years’ combined experience ably turn out to have quite simple answers’ and Prisoners who can read ‘It seemed beneath the notice of grown-ups’, PICIEM? IPP & Lifer Parole Reviews teach prisoners who can’t one reader focused in on the relationship ANONIMOWI ALKOHOLICY Licence Recalls between Ekky and the adults in the story. We If you would like more information on MOGĄ CI POMÓC wondered as a group why there is such diffi - how to become involved, as either a Independent Adjudications culty, as a child, in asking important ques- Mentor or a Learner, contact the Reading zadzwoń lub napisz Sentence Calculations tions. One member wondered if it is the fear of Plan Lead in your prison (ask a Shannon 020 3916 00 97 the truth, and another if it is mere embarrass- Trust Mentor who this is) or write to: Criminal Defence Work ment at asking adult questions and ‘breaking Shannon Trust, Freepost RUAU-LAHR-JGZH Poniedzialek - piątek: 19.00 - 21.00 the mask of childhood’. Studio 1.15, Edinburgh House, Kennington sobota i niedziela: 17.00 - 21.00 Call Stephanie Brownlees today on Lane, Lambeth, London SE11 5DP e-mail: [email protected] 01902 275 042 Groups can be lively and active places, and http://aa-pik-wielkabrytania.org.pl/ while many stories and poems incite refl ective West Midlands House, Gipsy Lane, thoughts, some can charge passionate debate. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ShannonTrust Willenhall WV13 2HA At the end of the story Ekky confronts the ‘Pig POLISH SPEAKING AA HELP LINE Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 43 On this day… February 16th 1983 Behind the gate The life and infamous times of Britain’s prisons: Ash Wednesday Bushfires! this month HMP Oakwood

‘It wasn’t fire by itself…it was a monster’ of Prisons during a surprise visit for high lev- els of violence, inexperienced staff and high metropolitan area was ringed levels of self-harm. The new prison was by an arc of fire. The hot Noel Smith dubbed ‘Jokewood’ by inmates. Inspectors changing wind was spreading found that there was clear evidence of drug the fire and there was little and alcohol use at the jail. One in seven pris- that firefighters could do about Oakwood is a category C male prison in the oners developed a drug problem while serving it except keep on fighting. village of Featherstone, near Wolverhampton at the prison, the report by HMCIP stated, and in Staff ordshire. The prison, which is close to inmates told inspectors: ‘You can get drugs HMP Featherstone, was originally, somewhat Murray Nicoll, a journalist here, but you can’t get any soap’. The imaginatively, to be called Featherstone 2, and from radio station 5DN and a Inspector’s report also stated that too many was designed to be a ‘Titan’ prison, holding up resident of the Adelaide Hills, prisoners at the jail felt unsafe and there was to 2,500 prisoners, but, aft er some very bad reported live from his area ‘clear evidence’ of illicit drug and alcohol use. publicity over so-called Titan prisons it was where 5 people were killed by They also found prisoners were unable to downsized to hold up to 1,605. Construction the fires: ‘At the moment, I’m access basic facilities such as cleaning mate- for the prison started in August 2009, and the watching my house burn rials and that staff and prisoner relationships prison opened its gates to the fi rst prisoners in down. I’m sitting out on the were not respectful. road in front of my own house April 2012. where I’ve lived for 13 or 14 Aft er the Inspector’s report, Frances Crook, Inside Time reporter The prison was built at an estimated cost of The Ash Wednesday bush- years and it is burning down Chief Executive of the Howard League for £180million and is located next to existing fires were a series of wildfires in front of me. And the flames Penal Reform, said: ‘It is well known in prison prisons HMP Featherstone and HMYOI that happened in south-east- are on the roof and - Oh, God circles that this institution is referred to as In 2020 the whole of Aus- Brinsford. Because of the size of the prison, ern Australia on the 16th of damn it. It’s just beyond belief ‘Jokewood’ by prisoners and staff across the the surrounding roads had to be remodelled tralia is being ravaged by February 1983 which was, by - my own house. And system, but this isn’t a joke, it is deadly serious.’ in order to cope with the anticipated addition- the worst wildfires seen in coincidence, Ash Wednesday everything around it is black. al 1,400 rush-hour journeys down local roads. in the Christian calendar. There are fires burning all In January 2014, the prison was once more decades, with large areas The A460 Cannock Road was remodelled at Within 12-hours of the Ash around me. And the front sec- embroiled in bad publicity as it emerged the of the country devastated the junction with New Road in Featherstone, Wednesday fire starting, tion of my house is blazing. prison had called ambulances 358 times in 2013, since the start of the fire but the council was heavily criticised in the more than 180 other fires, The roof has fallen in. My water over twice as oft en as any other UK prison. local press for not doing enough with the season last July. At least 28 fanned by winds of 68 miles tanks are useless. There’s changes. Local householders complained and people have died and, in per hour, caused widespread nothing I can do about it.’ Today the prison works closely with Milton asked for the road to be moved further away the state of New South destruction across the states Keynes College, Weston College and other pro- of Victoria and South from their homes, which the council said The near cyclonic strength of viders off ering a wide range of education and Wales, almost 3,000 homes would be done, but, in the end, they only Australia. training opportunities to maximise resettle- have been destroyed or the wind change created an moved the road by two-foot. Much to the con- unstoppable firestorm. That ment opportunities to prisoners on release. damaged. New South Ash Wednesday was one of sternation of the locals. produced tornado-like fire- There are dedicated ICT suites, kitchen facili- Wales has been hardest hit Australia’s costliest natural ties and art rooms. Virtual Campus facilities balls of eucalyptus gas meas- In 2011, whilst the prison was being built, it was but there have been fires disasters, more than 3,700 are available to enhance learning and reset- uring over 3 metres across. announced by then-Home Secretary Kenneth in every Australian state. buildings were destroyed or tlement opportunities. All gym facilities are Survivors reported that the Clarke that the prison was to be sold to a pri- damaged and 2,545 individu- available to both staff and inmates. The PE At one point, early in De- roar of the fire was similar to vate company. International security company als and families lost their department is extremely well-equipped with cember 2019, the smoke that of a jet engine but multi- G4S Plc were to manage the prison when it homes. Animal casualties, state-of-the-art equipment housed in a modern from these fires was so bad like today, were very high plied by a hundred times. The opened. The Prison Offi cers Union (POA), who change in temperature and air spacious purpose-built facility. in Sydney that the air qual- with more than 340,000 oppose the privatisation of prisons, threatened pressure was so savage that strike action. The army were put on standby ity there measured at 11 sheep, 18,000 cattle and nu- A range of work opportunities are available, merous native animals either houses were seen exploding in case of a walkout by prison staff . times above the hazardous before the fire could touch including bricklaying, multi-skills, barbering, dead or so injured they had to carpentry, engineering, welding, horticulture, level. them. A resident of Aireys G4S renamed their new prison HMP Oakwood, be destroyed. A total of animal husbandry, hard landscaping, recy- Inlet, on the Victoria coast, named after an oak tree (The Royal Oak) A$176million was paid out on cling, catering, gym-related qualifi cations and But though these fires are was quoted as saying: ‘It was thought to have been used by King Charles II insurance claims and the manufacturing qualifi cations are also availa- shocking, it is perhaps total estimated cost for both just this bloody great force. It to hide from Cromwell’s troops in nearby wasn’t fire by itself. It wasn’t ble. Oakwood houses an operational call-cen- more shocking that they states, Victoria and South Boscobel Wood. just the wind. It was some- tre facility off ering apprenticeships as well as are far from the first. Since Australia, was over a working radio with qualifications and A$400million, around A$2. thing different to that…a One year aft er the prison opened, in October 1851, fire has accounted Railtrack access to work. 2billion in today’s money. monster.’ 2013, the prison was criticised by HM Inspector for over 800 deaths in Aus- tralia. Some of the most An estimated 130,000 volun- Until the Black Saturday intense and extensive teer firefighters, defence force bushfires, on the 7th of Feb- M c IVOR . FARRELL bushfires most commonly personnel, relief workers and ruary 2009, the fires of Ash . Wednesday had the highest Northern Irish Solicitors occur during severe support crews fought the fires. On the day these fires recorded death toll for a bush- droughts and intense started the weather front was fire disaster - 75 people died • Criminal Appeals (Sentence or Conviction) WE’RE HERE TO HELP heatwaves, two things that ‘hot and turbulent’ and tem- on Ash Wednesday. Many • Parole Hearings Please call us on are fairly common in Aus- peratures quickly rose above psychological studies were • Proceeds of Crime/Confiscation Hearings 028 9023 7053 or 028 9032 4565 tralia. The larger confla- 43 degrees centigrade with undertaken in the months • Police Interviews under PACE throughout or write to us at grations are usually given winds gusting at up to and years after the fire and it NI and in Prisons 129 Springfield Road 100km/h and humidity a name, much in the way was found that the events left • All Criminal Defence Cases plunging to as low as 6%. many in the affected commu- Belfast BT12 7AE that big storms and hurri- • Judicial Review & Human Rights Cases nities suffering the effects of IT’S THAT SIMPLE!! canes are named, and in The first fire was reported at Post Traumatic Stress Disor- • Family Law Australia the tradition is to 11.30am at a place called der (PTSD), even 20-years • Injury Claims within the Prison name the fires after the McLaren Flat, south of Ade- after the disaster. • Welfare Issues day they started, such as laide, and within hours there • Prison Visits Arranged within 24hrs were multiple reports of fires Ash Wednesday or Black Today, once again, our breaking out. At one point the thoughts and prayers are with Saturday. [email protected] www.mcivorfarrell.co.uk entire Melbourne Australia. 44 Jailbreak www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Cell Workout ROBYN’S WORKOUT

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Mountain Climbers - Russian Twist Sit-Ups - Elbow to Knee Crunches Fitness has changed my life 20 seconds 20 seconds - 20 seconds Continuing guest pieces by an LJ Cell Workout graduate

beginning with just half a time so didn’t see it as a job I mile without walking and could stay with long-term. I progressively building the then decided to join the Army, distance up weekly. I became as I saw it as a career where I addicted to the progress and would feel good about sup- it was a way of me relieving porting/protecting the coun- any stresses I was going try, whilst obtaining some through, as no matter what qualifications to have greater life issues I had I would al- earning potential in the fu- ways feel great after a run. ture, whilst keeping fit.

Soon after, I decided that al- I am now in my last year of though I enjoyed studying service and in the process of Robyn Lumas economics for a year at Aber- pursuing my dream career as deen University, my true pas- a self-employed Personal sion lay in fitness and that Trainer and group exercise Hi, my name is Robyn Lumas Rest - 10 seconds Rest - 10 seconds Rest - 10 seconds and I’m a 29 year-old physical was the career path I wanted instructor - using the skills, training instructor in the to pursue. So, after my first qualifications and experience Army; from East London orig- year of University I decided to I have gained from University, Split Squat Jumps - 20 Sit Down Jump-Ups - 20 Squats - 20 seconds inally but I now live in East get myself a job in a gym as a Virgin Active and the Army. seconds Repeat 4 times. seconds Repeat 4 times. Repeat 4 times. Sussex. Fitness has always receptionist whilst studying been a big part of my life, to become a fitness instructor. Fitness has changed my life; competing for my county at Once qualified, I got myself a it’s been a coping mechanism the 800m track event in my job at one of the Virgin Active for dealing with the bad up- school days. After leaving Classic Health Clubs where I bringing I had and has now school I decided to give up was working amongst people enabled me to pursue a career athletics and got into the who were much more experi- in which I can be self-employed drinking and partying scene. enced than me, which was - helping people achieve their However, I re-found my love great as I learned a lot from goals and change their lives for fitness again in my early them. This is where I got into for the better. twenties when I discovered all aspects of fitness, includ- how unfit I had become since ing weightlifting and body- To anyone looking to have a leaving school and adopting weight exercises. Like with more positive outlook on life, that lifestyle. I went on a run running, I became addicted I would strongly recommend with some of my friends in to the progress and the stress developing your body first university and was struggling relief I got/get from training. through exercise and this in to keep up with them. From Although I loved working for turn will allow you to improve that day onwards I started Virgin Active I wasn’t earning your mind-set. running 5 times a week; all that much money at the

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Here, we feature one of the sequences from that Tree in the wind: Breathe Rag doll: Relax here for Threading the needle: Yoga Toolkit programme, designed by Victoria who teaches out leaning to the left. five breaths. 5 breaths each side. at HMP Grendon and leads taster workshops Breathe in and return to the in prisons across the UK. Yoga encompasses a centre. Then breathe out and lean to the right. Flow The Prison Phoenix Trust variety of practices - it’s not just a form of ex- with the breath five times ercise for one thing. each side.

The Prison Phoenix Trust has a new 12-part When combined with a regular meditation Reclining twist: 5 breaths yoga and meditation programme on National practise, these techniques can become a each side. Prison Radio! It starts with prisoners and for- toolkit for negotiating daily life. Garland: 5 breaths. mer prisoners in conversation about how the practice is helping them find freedom inside, We tend to notice the physical benefits ini- before a 40 minute yoga and meditation ses- tially. But yoga doesn’t stop there, because the sion. Tune in each Friday at 3 pm, or hear it physical benefits over time expand into our repeated on Sunday at 8 am and again at 5 pm. emotional and mental landscape. Strength in Rest: 20 slow, deep breaths. the body translates to a mental resilience in Let your body relax. the mind. The flexibility we notice in the mus- Yoga is: cles and joints translates into a more adaptable Lunge: 5 breaths each side. l A strength practice, because it uses approach to life. As we learn to transform en- body weight as resistance; Flow ergy with the breathing and relaxation we Moving warrior: between these two, bending l A flexibility practice, because it mobi- notice that we can control and change our lises joints and improves your range of your knee and lifting your moods. arms. Repeat five times with motion; the breath. l An energising practice, because it helps As you work today, be curious rather than crit- to expand your lung capacity using ical. Focus on enjoying the journey. Be kind to breath awareness; yourself and listen to your body. You can mod- Lunge twist: 5 breaths ify or opt out of anything that doesn’t suit you. each side. l A calming practice, because the relaxa- Think of these exercises as tools in your toolkit tion exercises help you manage stress. - you will know the best ones to use today. Sitting: Sit upright, either Mountain stretches: Flow between these two. Repeat five Hip circles: Gently circle your on a pillow or on a chair or times with the breath. hips clockwise a few times, the edge of your bed. Focus then back the other way. on the smoothness and feel of your natural breath, and count each breath. Count ten breaths, on the out- breath, and then start again. Don’t worry if you lose count - just start again Puppy dog: 5 breaths each at one. Do this for five side. minutes, gently bringing your attention back to your breath if it wanders off, which is normal. Over time you may wish to build up to 25 minutes.

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To Joanne (my angel). I love Gemini, Happy Valentine’s Happy Valentine’s Day Emma. you with all my heart! Lee day my darling. I look for- Love you all the world. Miss loving Jo 4eva. I’ll be home ward to our lives going for- you like crazy, will be home soon my Velma from your ward. Love you to the moon soon. You’re my everything. man x x x and back. Love always V xxx Love Daniel xxx Beautiful Kaprese, you’re a “Relationships are an expen- Gemsky, you’re known by amazing person with a huge sive way to watch someone heart. Miss you incredibly. I slowly like you less and less.” many names…Harley, Bon- cannot wait to see you nie, Anastacia, Athena but again. Hugs and kisses love To my Princess ‘P’ (Vickie). only 1 sums you up hot stuff Stephen Jnr Who said chivalry has died! MY WIFE. Lost in love, your Thinking and missing you hubby Anthony. X “I love being married. It’s so loads, all my love hugs and Your great to find one special kisses Guy xxx “If you like to try new things, person you want to annoy like cheeseburger flavoured for the rest of your life.” My baby Dean, I love you so popcorn, then you should Rita Rudner much & miss you loads. I’m definitely send your husband Valentine’s so lucky to have you, you’re to the grocery store.” Happy Valentine’s to my the best husband ever. Lots girls at Low Newton. Jo, of love your Lauren x x x Messages Nardein & Jo I love you! Your My beautiful wife Cassie I’ve

© Deposit Photos friend Emma xxx To my darlin wife to be Ally. loved you mu whole life & I Happy Valentine’s day Gaw- always will. You complete Lauren my baby I love you My darling Louise, I love you Nick G, you’re the love of my To my Toe Thumb (Holly) jus. Love n miss you loads, me & always have. Never more than anything in the more than you’ll ever know. life, you mean the world to love you so much, cant im- forever n always. Love you give up princess. Love you world, can wait till you’re I am so proud to be your me, I’m so glad I’ve got you agine a life without you, babes. Love Tony xxx husband Thomas xxx Mrs B. all my love AF+2D wife, yours always and for- in my life, love Liam you’re my world. 30.01.19, your Dean x x x ever your Lisa xxxxxx love your boyfriend Billy To my partner Partryk, xoxoxoxoxoxo Emma I loved you yesterday, “80% of a successful mar- happy valentine’s you are “Being a good husband is I love you today, I love you riage is taking turns deciding my world I cant wait to be who gets to be in a bad mood. like being a stand-up comic. more every passing day, car- your wife. I love yours for- The other 20% is sharing You need 10 years before iad you have my heart for- ever, Marlene xxx snacks.” you can call yourself a be- ever, Dave xxxx ginner.” Jerry Seinfeld To Yogi, Will you do me the Charlotte, Happy Val- “My friends tell me I have honour of becoming my Hus- entine’s, you have stood by Teena, you are my world and an intimacy problem. But band? Will you marry me? I me from day one. The love I I love you with all my heart. they don’t really know me.” love, admire and adore you. send is second to none, all Can’t wait to be with you Garry Shandling Love always, Boo xxxx my love Dad xx soon. Happy Valentine’s Day, Andrew x

Robbo I miss you always © Deposit Photos hopefully not long now till we are together again I love “I was married by a judge. TO my sexy Michelle, wish- you so much babe happy I should have asked for a ing you a very Happy Val- Valentine’s Day love Carm xx jury.” Groucho Marx entine’s Day. I love you with all my heart. Lots of love To Jason, I love and miss you Jodie you’re my world my Gerry xxx Wrongly convicted loads, stay strong, think everything, I love you with of a crime? about you every day. Love every heart beat of my heart. “Sometimes marriage is from the one they call the Happy Valentine’s Day love about love & compromise queen, from Michael xxxxxx always your Wife Deanna xx other times it’s about letting the garbage get so full & see- “I thought I was promiscu- Lillian (Chickie) you are the ing who will cave first.” ous, but it turns out I was love of my life, my everything. Lost your appeal? just thorough.” Russell Brand The better half of me!! Happy Babby cakes if I was a bub- Valentine’s Day babes. Love ble in your bath, I would You will always be my Val- Danni xxx I love you. trump and make you laugh. entine even now when we’re apart as no matter what Tim, my redroaster, rose are Hey Helen my love, Happy you’ll always own my heart. red, violets are blue, I’m to- Valentine’s Day baby. I can’t I love you always, Love tally in love with you. Miss wait to spend the rest of our What next? Sheree xxxxxx and love you so much hand- lives together. Love you mil- some. Your cheesecake lions my darling xxxxx Martin, Happy Valentines, Karen xxx we might be miles apart but Lisa, Happy Valentine’s my your close to me in my heart. “My wife gets all the money angel. You’re etched into my The CCRC can look again Love & missing you bads, I make. I just get an apple soul for all eternity. I love got plenty more to come. and clean clothes every you to the furthest star and If you think your conviction or sentence is wrong Love Lisa morning.” Ray Romano back. Your scary bear. x apply to the CCRC • It won’t cost anything • Your sentence can’t be increased if you apply Mother’s Day 22nd March You don't need a lawyer to apply, but a good one • Send your message (max 25 words). Mums can read it can help and view the whole issue on our free access website www.insidetime. org Postal subscriptions are also avail- You can get some more information and a copy of the able. If you’re outside, and your message is to a Mum in CCRC's Easy Read application form by writing to us at 5 St Philip’s Place, Birmingham, B3 2PW. or calling 0121 233 1473 prison, send it to Inside Time ‘Mother’s Day Message’ Botley Mills, Botley, Southampton SO30 2GB or enquir- Prisoners in Scotland should contact; The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, 5th Floor, [email protected] Closing date 22nd February and Portland House, 17 Renfi eld Street, Glasgow, G2 5AH. Phone: 0141 270 7030 Email: [email protected] don’t forget to include your full details too! Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak 47

Rap Star of the Month Congratulations to this months winner who receives our £25 prize Brother Guidance David Dable - HMP

Listen B You dont need to be a G, Wat you need is to be free, My life aint cool, how can i make you see You dont need to be me, Listen up, Directing your dawn to good deeds- is not time wasted My life sucks, © Deposit Photos It aint fun to sell drugs, N roll with a team full of mugs, Eco Coz, prisons where you end up bruv, Adam Wolfe - HMP Isle of Wight Switch up! And this aint the life, Jay Graham - HMP Edinburgh It aint nice, Intro - A lot of current media and news is currently focused on civilisations efforts Take my advice, to global climate change. Ultimately caused by our compulsive desire to consume Feels like my life is over, My life comes at a price, natural resources which is ultimately unsustainable. Revealing the urgent need to No family left my heart is growing colder, Look, find new methods to sustain our health, economics and home. This will be Been disowned over my past mistakes, Prisons full of murders, rapists, tramps and sex cases, achieved on a variety of platforms and from individual perspectives but ultimately They’ve forgot just what they made, Its full of bullys, druggies and scared faces, will require the complete compliance of civilisation as a whole. It was in this mind Born from both halves of their DNA, Lives are wasted in these places, set from this frame of reference that these lyrics evolved from - Imagine hiding everyday, Everyday feels like a deja vu day, Coz you’ve got a team looking for ur life so you hide away, What a waste to be a waster in a wasteful nation that creatures waste at an exponen- Doing the same sh*t going crazy, Cells where you stay, tial rate just to: waste your time ; waste your money ; waste your pride ; waste your life. No reprieve from the past, Until you snap and cut away, - What a waste - No one can forget where their heart got smashed, Coz you think self harm will take the pain away, Slashed, Trashed, But it dont and it wont, You waste a summer Trust me I know, You waste a lover If I had a time machine I’d use it, Ive hit rock bottom and ive sinked that low, You waste a brother To change my past, So believe me you dont need it bro, You waste a mother Even though I’d have to queue up, You dont need this life, You waste an hour You would follow me like a lost pup, Stay in school and fight, You waste your power Survive and thrive for a nicer life, You waste each - other But if I did use it, Make mummy proud you survived in this strife. I’d not be in this sh*thole, *you waste TOGETHER*

Daydreaming about creaking bloody knuckles on So rather than wasting away in a wasteful space that wastes potential that could have these brick walls it’s a pitfall, been wasted to stop the creation of new waste. I ask that you take a moment to reflect Change on time that is not wasted. I regret my actions but on the off chance, Of sounding like someone with no hopes or beliefs, Conway Sims - HMP Chelmsford Unclenching the grip of grievance- is not time wasted. I wouldn’t change it for anything, Directing your dawn to good deeds- is not time wasted. As I escaped the parental beast, Chorusx2 Formulating your fears to face them- is not time wasted. Change can only happen if want it, want it, Evaluating your education past entry- is not time wasted. I’m all grown up now doing the adult thing, Change can only happen if you let it, so let it, Finding will power to work on a weakness- is not time wasted. Serving time in an industrial time line, Change can only happen with a new game plan, Levelling your love to another- is not time wasted. When I get out change from here, Game plan, game plan. I would’ve already done 4 years, LET’S NOT WASTE ANYMORE. Cell floor knows the taste of all my tears, Verse 1 I’m tired of this lifestyle, All that’s left to do is to show you, I’m a humble guy, no longer vile, (I ain’t) Last time I go from court Serve my time go under the knife, Kindness is not weakness, Give my life a cosmetic over haul, I’ve f*cking been wild (yes) James Chater - HMP Stoke Heath And stay true and never fall, Look deeper you can see the, take it all my will is unstoppable, credible, edible Pain in my eyes, Cumming straight from Stoke Heath, throwing my words at you like red bull, I’ve no longer got love for the game, Where the Gov’s have got man scared to beef, schooling you fools teaching you new rules. But I don’t despise, (never) they got it boxed off, I’m 24 I wanna beg these youngerz to be wise. 7 screws on soich got it locked off, But one thing I clocked, Until it’s too late, Time fly’s …tick tock, I’m Sick Of… And they end up getting life, Can’t wait to be free, Or jooked up with a knife, Thats the one thing all prisoners got in common with me, Paul Ellis - HMP Stoke Heath Like my enemies, when they see me, with my wifey, Man get released and come back like a frisby, I’m from the Swindon streets, But Na not me, Im sick of being in Jail I just wanna go home, Where they had me acting uptight see, I got 3 kids and a wife to be, Im sick of waking in the morning broke with no doh, I was running around like a mad man, Then its probation Im sick of feeling like my lifes in slow mo, Strapped up, knives by my side, If you get mixed up and back in the same situation, Im sick of the slop they feed me, Like a bad man (haha) That’s the fear inside me … anticipation, Im gonna pray to the Lord on the day that they Going around, thru town, looking to shank man, (ok) Bagging up fings for the p I was making, free me, Then I’ve moved out, But no more risk taking for getting that cake in, Cuz I dont wanna be back on these wings, Started a new game plan, (what’s that) Try turn myself into a real man, Living life like a puppet with the staff on the strings, Starting up my business, before they locked man, Trust me we all can, Trying to control me, Ive got to break loose (real talk) Last time I go from court to pen ina serco van. So they can no longer hold me, Its like the systems got me in a chokehold Im sick of feeling like my lifes got no hope, u We will award a prize of £25 to the entry selected as our ‘Rap Star of the Month’. Send entries to: Inside Time, Rap, Botley Mills, Botley, Im sick of watching my kids grow up in the photos Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. Try to keep rhymes under 300 words. When submitting your work please include the following permission: Im sick of staring at the walls ‘This is my own work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all associate sites and other publications as appropriate.’ By submitting your wishing I knew how to pole vault. rhymes to Inside Time you are agreeing to our terms, to read them in full see the Inside Poetry pages in this issue. 48 Jailbreak // Inside Poetry www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Star Poem of the Month Sarge did I do well! Congratulations to this months winner who receives our £25 prize Keith MacCallum - HMP Addiewell Poor families Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock The Old Broken Destroyed by spice I’m all alone except from the sound of my clock What happened The rain batters down outside of my cell School To the rules The bars on my window tell me I’m in hell Don’t you think My mind wanders back to the days of my youth Michael Atherton - Our actions contradict Where did I go wrong, please tell me the truth HMP Liverpool What we’d lecture Was it my years in the army where I was taught to kill In school The most ferocious lions Armed and unarmed combat, they taught me that skill Do we spiritually I can silence my enemy with a thrust of my knife Whilst at home And psychologically With the squeeze of my trigger I can end a man’s life Lay quietly Approve? By the fire Do we individually But what they don’t teach you is when that’s all done © Deposit Photos So it was Sleep soundly You have to deal with a new life and hand in your gun That them rules Under that roof? How to handle your nightmares, just lay back and chill Valentine’s Poems Did this cub Do we want our kids Go to the doctor, he will give you a pill Strive to aspire Doing as we did? They don’t give a shit that they have scrambled your head And as a wise man Dancing down that icy path The images they haunt you as you lay in your bed Sunlight Once said Where we once slid? For common sense Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts all flow like fine wine Isn’t it enough They don’t tell you that when you sign on the line Jake Scott - HMP Leicester The great man’s ears Knowing that we Never tire Adventure and fun they say will make you a man Had it rough? As the sunlight hits your eyes So where did it all But they make you a robot, flush your own mind down the pan Knowing your kids I look deep inside Go wrong? Out at night I used to be happy, laughed and had fun Promise u a life with no lies No more happy endings Holes in his hat But they took that away & gave me a gun I won’t put on a front or a disguise Too much senseless Weapon in his glove? They filled my ammo pouches with bullets galore And I won’t deny Violence Lads To pump into bodies, turn them to blood, guts & gore I love you and I’ll tell you why What happened Let these kids Have some of this and have some of that To powerful love songs Analyse the content What's gonna happen As your weapon spits out death, rat a tat tat Because when the sun shines down on you, Of our intellectual Now fix on your bayonet and charge like a bull It makes me fall even more and makes me pull through, To the next Conversations You an me Thrust it in, twist it, then give it a pull I love every little thing that you do May we not consciously justify And u tell me everyday we’re a team, we’re a 2 Are they gonna A dead kids parents You are a killing machine now, as you send men to hell. Pay attention You did great young soldier, Sarge said I fought well I only get through my sentence because of you, frustrations It’s true. Whilst on their Or a suspected murderer But now those demons won’t let me go Grandad’s knee In a police station For fighting and killing is all that I know Young kids dying The sunlight shines down its beams Let's go home where it That poor guy in the nightclub whose life I did take And lands on the most beautiful thing And going to jail Begun My killing instincts took over as he was left in my wake I’ve ever seen Poor mums and dads Kisses and hugs I snapped his neck clean, I watched as he fell I’m on about you girl, Getting to know No knife “Sarge did you see me, did I do well!” Sometimes I think you’re a dream, Their kids No gun Through Royal Mail Live life Cuz the sunlight makes u more like Does anyone stop How it was Sorry A princess than a queen And think Back in the day About what goes on Listen to the grown-ups Simon Taylor - HMP Swaleside The sunlight shines down on you Twenty five years later Please listen One last time, You’re still a con And it makes me want us to last a lifetime. Cos the full recognition How do I say sorry for what I have done? Twenty five years later You’re the sunlight that gets me through every day, Only comes I have snatched from you the life of your son. Their sons still gone When you’re 70 plus So as I leave the prison gates I cannot explain my feelings of sadness, Bet you wish you listened That underestimated I want the sunlight to shine down on It was done in a second - a moment of madness. But now your grandad’s One liner Us 2 holding hands, Gone Don’t be an old fool Though it was not my intention for your son to die, Walking away. Reminiscing Take it back I do struggle to answer the questions ‘why’? Them beautiful To the old school. I know that for me the justice system was deployed, Words of advice And I understand that because of me, two families were My daily pick me up destroyed. Andrew Clifton - HMP The Mount 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 I know that your son will have no life to live, not have won a prize in any other competition or been published And I feel too ashamed for hope that you can forgive. I pick up the phone and dial the number. previously. Send entries to: Inside Time, Poetry, Botley Mills, Only you can know about the pain that you feel, The one that I memorised off by heart Botley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO30 2GB. And it may seem like a nightmare, and not even real. To the one, sitting with a hot drink in hand, It is very important that you ensure the following details are I understand that I have to deal with my fate, Sitting, waiting with anticipation for my voice. on all paperwork sent to Inside Time: YOUR NAME, PRISON And I understand that I may be turned away from the gate. NUMBER & PRISON. Failure to do so will prevent us If I could do so, I would pay the ultimate fine, responding to you and your submission being withheld from And in a second, I would buy his life with mine. Funny though, at hearing her say ‘hello’ publication. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer My heart jumps out, surrounding her with all my love. Service’ for prize money so include your DOB on your entries. You do not know of the tears I’ve cried, We pass the time with happy chit-chat, By submitting your poems to Inside Time you are agreeing that When I think that for my actions, your son has died. Saying everything but what we feel the most. they can be published in any of our ‘not for profit links’, these I’m sorry, I’m sorry a million times, include the newspaper, website and any forthcoming books. You But I cannot go back and undo my crimes. ‘I miss you so much; I’m aching for your touch’ are also giving permission for Inside Time to use their discretion I beg you not to let hate and sorrow live inside you, in allowing other organisations to reproduce this work if And I promise that I carry enough for us two. But no, let’s stay strong and not let the other give up hope. considered appropriate, unless you have clearly stated that you I hate myself - I’m ashamed for what I have done, do not want this to happen. Any work reproduced in other So I say nothing, nothing at all, publications will be on a ‘not for profit’ basis. Please note poems And I’m sorry, I’m sorry for taking your son. To the one that keeps me going, I wish I could go back and re-live that day, for publication may be edited. When submitting your work Day after day, please include the following permission: ‘This is my own If I could, things would turn out a different way. work and I agree to Inside Time publishing it in all I struggle with what I mean to say, Month after month, associate sites and other publications as appropriate.’ But I’m sorry, I’m sorry, every day. Year after year... Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Inside Poetry 49

Just like you poem I love you so much Name withheld - HMP Hull Shaun Kelly - HMP Hull

Your breath is like a gentle breeze All them letters That blows against my face I write to you Your touch is warm and tender Say half the things Like white and delicate lace I want them to. Your eyes are like the stars A love. A kiss. A smile That sparkle in the night A touch Your lips are like rubies Proves how That shine so pure and bright I love you oh so much. Your skin is soft and smooth Like that of a velvet glove Your hair’s so fine and silken An Angel on my TV © Deposit Photos Like feathers on a turtle dove Love poems come in all kinds of different forms: And these are some of the reasons why I promise to love you till I die Name withheld - HMP Buckley Hall sad, happy, tragic, comic. As well as poems from our readers, we have chosen a couple of In my mind You might read this ‘n’ you might make jokes, but I’ve seen my soul- published works. One is written by William mate on . Shakespeare over four hundred years ago. The Robbie Ellis - HMP Littlehey Every evening at 7 o’clock I see this angel and my heart just stops, second is by John Cooper Clarke and the Arctic If only I’d lived a crime -free life, I’d be her hubby ‘n’ she’d be my wife. Monkeys written less than ten years ago. It’s not that it’s deliberate but you are always there, I love it when she gets a good storyline, ‘cos I get to see an angel all of The thought of you makes me think of you, the time, As the vision of you crosses from here to there. Her beauty is majestic ‘n’ she holds me in a trance, Shall I compare thee I cannot physically see you but about that I do not care, Her eyes always sparkle ‘n’ it makes me wanna dance, It is because I know it is you that I gain my comfort. to a summer’s day? Her lips look soft ‘n’ I bet she smells good, A feeling that you are guarding over me, William Shakespeare Protecting me; knowing that I know. She’s a better actress than anyone in Hollywood, She’s a goddess manifest and I feel so blessed to watch Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? I do have an excitement only before felt when life was at its best, A woman who would win every beauty contest. Thou art more lovely and more temperate. To be in a state, as you, I see a sunrise when I see her pretty face, Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, So that I could be just like you and always there. She’s elegant, she‘s perfect, she’s been blessed with god’s grace. And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. You never ever trick or deceive me you are only ever true, But I’m sat here on my own just doin’ my time, Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, Despite the void that exists of space and time, Wishin’ this angel could be my sweet Valentine. And often is his gold complexion dimmed; I always feel my heart is one with you, Roses are red and all the stars twinkle, And every fair from fair sometime declines, For all times sake I wish you to be for me there. If she was a flower though she’d be a periwinkle. By chance, or nature’s changing course, I’ve lived a life of sin and always been amoral, untrimmed; But thy eternal summer shall not fade, But if I could choose my Valentine, she’d be…Ruby O’Donnell. Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st, Nor shall death brag thou wand’rest in his shade, Love When in eternal lines to Time thou grow’st. So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, Ana Almeida - HMP Bronzefield So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

I should write you a poem, but I don’t know nothing about that. I should write you music, but I don’t know how to make a I wanna be yours melody or play anything. John Cooper Clarke and the Arctic Monkeys I should call you to dinner or make you a surprise, but the life had other plans. I wanna be your vacuum cleaner I know that sometimes I may look like stupid, or innocent, Breathing in your dust

© Deposit Photos dreaming and believing in love. I wanna be your Ford Cortina Love is so powerful that can kill you or ruin you, but be- I will never rust Orchid in the mist tween challenges and wars, Love is the more stronger weapon. If you like your coffee hot TP - HMP Erlestoke Love gives you hope and gives you force in worst situations. Let me be your coffee pot Love takes you from darkness and gives you light. You call the shots babe They say everyone has a soul-mate Love may not be enough but may be everything you need. I just wanna be yours That perfect partner laying in wait The freedom to be who you are and be loved for the same Secrets I have held in my heart Someone who fills your heart to the brim reason. Are harder to hide than I thought That limitless love shining in your grin Have someone that changes the world for you, even if he Maybe I just wanna be yours doesn’t owe you anything. You’re the rarest orchid, clouded in mist Love is feeling that you are winning all the bets just because Let me be your ‘leccy meter Not one to be found on Plenty of Fish you have seen a smile. And I’ll never run out Only the guy waiting for true love Love is feeling loved, just looking into his eyes. Let me be the portable heater Will witness the mist rise above. It is fire burning everything inside, just for a kiss That you’ll get cold without Most guys look for a moment, then move on. It is feeling special, just for a hug. I wanna be your setting lotion They’re not in it for the long-haul, the forever-song Love is to acknowledge that everything has an end but fight Hold your hair in deep devotion They see only mist and leave, missing the treasure it holds to not. At least as deep as the Pacific Ocean Yet for me, I want to behold, the one true love Love is learning to fly when you fall. I wanna be yours I was always foretold When it is supposed to be real, nothing matters. Secrets I have held in my heart No matter the time, or the way, no matter which life. Are harder to hide than I thought Look for fates lead, and you will see If it is real, love simply happens. Maybe I just wanna be yours You and me are meant to be. Love is what I feel for you and I’m grateful for everything.. 50 Jailbreak // Prize Winning Competitions www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

The online support Caption Competition Read all about it! community for family & friends who have a loved one in prision Last Months £25 Winner A £25 prize is on offer for the best caption to 1. What day is Valentine’s Day this year? Stephen Reynolds - HMP Highdown this month’s picture. 2. Who is the replacement presenter for Proud sponsors of Inside Time’s Winter’s Love Island? PRIZE quiz ‘Read all about it!’ 3. How often is there a leap year? We have over 3000 4. Which brand of alcohol sponsors the Rugby members using Prison Chat UK Six Nations? (PCUK) who offer support and 5. Which comedian is presenting the new advice to those outside prison. series of 8 Out of 10 Cats? 6. Which TV soap, based in London, is To find out more... celebrating their 35th anniversary this see our advert on the back page The sign on the February? door said Polling Station, Last Months Winners looks like I’ve turned up to Credit: Karl Van Der Westhuizen 7. What picture is on the February section of Anthony Miller HMP Oakwood (£25) an I.D parade A leopard playing with a baby impala, just a our yearly wall calendar? Dominic O’Neill HMP Lindholme (£5) few minutes before eventually killing it. A safari Boris Johnson and the Conservatives swept to a 8. Who is the main presenter of Match of the C Gandy HMP Liverpool (£5) guide from Cape Town captured the moment resounding victory in the general election. See box to the right for details of how to enter at Greater National park. Day? Before he achieved all that, he had to win his 9. What is the capital city of Wales? Answers to last months News Quiz: 1. 5, 2. Garnet, seat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, which he 3. Conservatives , 4. South Africa, 5. 25th January, comfortably won with 25,351 votes, but he had 10. Which couple have decided to step back 6. Jack Branning, 7. Megan Trainor, 8. Ben Stokes, some stiff competition from Lord Buckethead, Closing date for all competitions is 20/02/20 from royal life? 9. 30, 10. The rat Count Binface and Elmo.

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 inspection two years ago? receive a £25 cash prize. There will also be two £5 runner up prizes. 11. A scheme allowing prisoners to have what via video-link is to be extended to of paper. Make sure your more prisons? NAME, NUMBER & 1. Who has been drug-free for 2 years - all down to DART teamwork at HMP 12. Three years ago, a gym manager at HMP Haverigg first had the idea of PRISON is on all sheets. Holme House? holding what inside prison walls? 2. Who has done a couple of half-marathons and the Great South Run and is 13. Who, as a double-category ‘A’ female prisoner, was transferred a lot? Failure to do so will currently in training for the 2020 London Marathon? 14. How much cash did Sue take from her backpack? invalidate your entry. 3. More than 9,600kg of what was seized in 2018/2019 - the largest quantity since 15. The Samaritans provided emotional support to prisoners in the UK and records began in 1973? Ireland on how many occasions in 2018? We will be using the new 4. Which programme broadcasts every Friday at midday and 6pm on NPR? ‘Money Transfer Service’ 5. Who, after leaving school, gave up athletics and got into the drinking and Answers to Last Month’s Inside Knowledge Prize Quiz 1. Noel Smith, 2. Love Bug, for prize money so include partying scene? 3. Jane Evans, 4. Terry Waite, 5. John Crilly, 6. Russell Brand, 7. Sean Hodgson, 6. Conservative MP Nigel Evans said he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ by who being 8. HMP Moorland, 9. Screwboy Sam, 10. Jack Merritt, 11. HMP Gartree, 12. 674, your DOB on your entries. made a Dame in the New Year Honours List? 13. Dei Keith Jones, 14. The Tax Academy, 15. Kath Qualtrough Post to: ‘jailbreak’. Inside 7. Which word means to fool around when you should be working? 8. Who is sick of watching his kids grow up in the photos? The three £25 Prize winners are: The £5 runner up prizes go to: Time, Botley Mills, Botley, 9. Who bangs his head on the metal bunk frame numerous times a day - once Darron Bowles HMP Humber Christopher Whelan HMP Gartree Southampton, Hampshire nearly knocking himself unconscious? Kelly Nuttall HMP Downview M J Williams HMP Exeter SO30 2GB. 10. At which prison has there been a ‘dramatic improvement’ since the last HMIP Ronnie Sinclair HMP Low Newton Answers to last months quizzes CRISS CROSS QUICK CROSSWORD “Recent Cases dealt with by MKS LAW “ Across: 1 Develop. 7 Rotate. 8 Sincere. 9 Lair. 10 Ayes. CROWN COURT 12 Arrange. 14. Recluse. R v S and Others – Charged with Murder. All defen- 16 Twig. 18 Limb. 20 Deprive. dants found Not Guilty. 21 Soiree. 22 Related. R v W and Others – Charged with supply of drugs. Down: 1 Despair. 2 Venue. Hung Jury. Discharged. 3 Leek. 4 Prepare. 5 Stalwart. R v B - Charged with Attempted Murder. Reduced to 6 String. 11 Salzburg. GBH following negotiation with CPS. 12 Asunder. 13 Egghead. 15 Editor. 17 Whist. 19 Opal. PAROLE HEARINGS LICENCE RECALL LETTERBOX JM, BH, AL, AM, DC Oilcan, Arched Clients all released following Parole hearings.

GEFBADCHI5 4 1 APPEALS AGAINST CONVICTION/ SENTENCE 3 5 6 1st stage appeals undertaken on private client basis only. 2 1 4 3 CATCHPHRASE WORD MORPH 7 4 CCRC REFERRALS 2 7 8 6 1. In Between Jobs coated 2nd appeal attempts undertaken privately and some 2. Multiple Personalities coaxed 8 1 Legal Aid. A charity providing expert 3. What’s Up? coaled 6 7 1 3 4. Cake Mix cooled 1 3 4 and legal advice to prisoners 5. End to End ADJUDICATIONS

coiled 4 7 9 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. FA - Client found Not Guilty following positive MTD. 6. A Stitch in Time Daily Sudoku: Sun 1-Dec-2019 who claim they are innocent. BRAINTEASER ANAGRAM SQUARE SUDOKU Murder, Drugs, Fraud? Facing serious criminal charges? Face them with the Legal Team that is right for you. The missing pound was If that’s you, please write to us at: 1 POEMS 6 9 8 5 4 3 1 2 7 never actually missing. 3 4 1 8 2 7 9 5 6 MKS LAW - Suite 19, Unit 9 Liberty One Business Village, West Dock Street, The last sentence of the 2 EARTH riddle says that the group 5 7 2 1 9 6 4 3 8 , East Yorkshire HU3 4HH 3 ANGEL Centre, Wembley, HA0 1TX paid £27 + £2 which the 7 1 6 9 5 2 8 4 3 or email: [email protected] waiter kept. However, the 4 CHILD 4 2 3 7 1 8 5 6 9 Tel: 020 8123 3404 Fax: 020 8181 6512 bill was actually £27 5 EVENT 9 8 5 6 3 4 2 7 1 www.insidejustice.co.uk including the £2 kept by 2 6 7 4 8 1 3 9 5 MKS LAW Solicitors the waiter (£25 for the overall bill). That’s why they 1 3 9 2 6 5 7 8 4 Criminal Defence Lawyers each got £1 back. When you add it all up, it goes: 8 5 4 3 7 9 6 1 2 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2019. All rights reserved. Legal Aid & Private Client £1 + £1 + £1 + £2 + £25 = £30. Daily Sudoku: Sun 1-Dec-2019 hard 020 8123 3404 - [email protected] - mslaw.co.uk http://www.dailysudoku.com/ The Personal Injury Specialists

You may be entitled to claim compensation

“NO WIN -NO FEE” PERSONAL INJURY

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

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

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

Contact us today, you may be entitled to compensation! Dental Negligence This month's challenge 0800 145 5105 Crack the code Request a Claim Form CODE Can you crack the unlock Send your: Name, Prison Number and Claim Type to code using the 5 clues below? Clue 1: 682 – One number is correct FREEPOST RSSU-GCXH-SJLG and well placed. Attwood Solicitors, 5-7 Hartshill Road, Clue 2: 614 – One number is correct Stoke on Trent, ST4 1QH but wrongly placed. Last Months Answer: Clue 3: 206 – Two numbers are Solution 1: Make the equation 0 + 4 = 4, by correct but both are wrongly placed www.attwoodsolicitors.co.uk moving 1 match stick to make the 6 into a 0. Clue 4: 738 – None of the numbers Solution 2: Make the equation 8 – 4 = 4, by are correct. [email protected] moving the vertical match stick from the plus Clue 5: 780 – One number is correct sign and add it to the 6 to make the 6 into an 8. but wrongly placed. 52 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Criss Cross Do you know? Anagram Square

Rearrange the letters in each row to form a word. Write your answers into the blank grid. The first letter from each word, reading down, will spell the mystery keyword. If you dropped a hippopota- mus off the side of a ship, 1 BOZIM would it sink to the bottom of the ocean? 2 LEASE Despite their semi-aquatic existence, hippos are actually 3 ZIEBA not great swimmers. They don’t have streamlined bodies 4 CHERT or flippers, and although their toes are webbed, their legs are 5 LAURA Poddy Mc Pod Face rather short and fat. Instead, Autonomous pods, which could be used to provide mass they mostly move with a sort driverless transport, were tested on the public for the first time of slow-motion gallop along in January. The vehicles are being trialled in Bristol. The pods use the riverbed. In order for this 1 3 LETTER DATE TEAR NACRE 7 LETTER sensors, radar and vision processing to navigate areas crowded to work, they have to be 2 ARE, ATE EURO TRAY OCHRE RICHEST with pedestrians, push-chairs and bikes. This is the first test denser than water. BAA, COT IBIS YANK YOKEL which allowed members of the public to travel in the pods Most mammals are naturally 3 EEL, ERR IFFY YUCCA 9 LETTER without any dedicated supervisor inside. It’s hoped the pods buoyant, but hippos have IRON 5 LETTER could be used in cities across the UK to move people to venues, especially dense bones to NAY, TEA DIAMETRIC 4 ISLE ACUTE 6 LETTER RESTORING hailed by the public using an app. Trials on open public roads help them stay on the bottom. 4 LETTER ADEPT will take place later this year. Sky News Seawater is about 2.5 per cent KITE ANORAK RUSTICATE 5 ADIT MOAN BIPED CACTUS UNINSURED denser than fresh water, but AIRY PLEA ELFIN PRESTO Count spectacular the extra buoyancy this CYST SEEN FORGE REBUFF In 2007, a software engineer named Jeremy Harper read provides isn’t enough to offset Thanks to Anagram John Jones numbers aloud off of a computer screen for 89 days, setting the the weight of a hippo, and it - HMP Stafford . If you fancy world record for the highest any single person has ever counted. compiling an Anagram Square will still sink in the sea. for us please just send it in 5 x 5 Tectonic Harper took time off work, set up a camera in his apartment, And because the buoyancy is squares, complete with answers and filmed himself saying the numbers one through one million. always equal to the weight of shown on a grid. If we use it we Harper still holds the record for the highest number counted out will send you £5 as a thank you! Each square must contain a digit. A one-square block contains the volume of water that the loud by one person. He counted for about 16 hours every day, Remember to include your name, only a 1, a two-square block contains 1 and 2, a three-square hippo displaces, it remains the without taking a day off, leaving his apartment, or even shaving. number, prison. We will be using block contains 1, 2 and 3, and so on. The same digit cannot same regardless of depth. So the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ He did take breaks to sleep and eat. So, now you know—if you appear in neighbouring squares - not even diagonally. once the hippo starts sinking, for prize money so include your succeed in becoming a millionaire, and decide to count all your it’s doomed to make a DOB on your entries. money, know what you’re signing up for. Counting to a million one-way trip to the ocean is no small feat. Reader’s Digest floor. BBC Science Focus Fun facts... Good news / Inspiring, Positive Stories • According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first recorded use of the word ‘football’ to describe the game was in 1424, in an act forbidding it. • Rh-null is the rarest blood type: only 43 people have ever been reported to have it, Stolen therapy goat found, Immune discovery ‘may Marley’s Big Walk and currently there are only reunited with depressed cow treat all cancer’ Marley, a black Cocker Spaniel, nine active donors. Peaches the goat formed an A newly-discovered part of has only weeks left to live • The average computer/ unlikely friendship with a our immune system could be after his very aggressive form phone user scrolls about five depressed pet cow belonging harnessed to treat all cancers, of cancer failed to react to miles a year. to the Maungaturoto Hotel in say scientists. The Cardiff treatment. He is only seven New Zealand. The cow, University team discovered a years old. His devastated • Poison dart frogs aren’t nat- named Bunter, was left lonely method of killing prostate, owner said her faithful friend urally poisonous - their poi- after the death of a fellow breast, lung and other cancers has been at her side through son comes solely from their cow some months earlier. in lab tests. Experts said that the loss of a baby, the death diet of poisonous insects. In However, the happy friend- although the work was still at of her dad, the breakdown of captivity, they’re completely ship was short-lived after an early stage, it was very a 10-year relationship and harmless. Peaches was stolen in exciting and has “enormous PTSD. So, she decided to give • The first book in the mod- Quotes December. But in January potential”. What scientists found him a legendary send-off. ern self help genre was simply there was a happy ending, was a T-cell inside people’s Taking to Facebook, she titled ‘Self-Help’ and was “Life isn’t divided into genres. the world. I am like a snow- with Peaches being spotted blood. This is an immune cell launched the event ‘Marley’s published in 1859. It outsold It’s a horrifying, romantic, ball - the further I am rolled among a group of goats on a that can scan the body to Big Walk’. She was overjoyed the other big book of the year, tragic, comical, science-fic- the more I gain.” SUSAN B. local property. Local police assess whether there is a threat when over 350 people and On the Origin of Species. tion cowboy detective novel. ANTHONY looked into the matter and that needs to be eliminated. roughly 400 dogs turned up • An ‘Escher Sentence’ is one You know, with a bit of por- issued a statement saying: The difference is this one to Crawfordsburn Country “One of the advantages of that initially seems accept- nography if you’re lucky. “Police didn’t kid around and could attack a wide range of Park, which was one of ” being disorderly is that one is able, but on closer reading, ALAN MOORE goat hold of CCTV footage cancers. “There’s a chance Marley’s favourite parks and constantly making exciting and spoke with a number of here to treat every patient,” the site of one of his first-ever doesn’t make any sense - discoveries.” A. A. MILNE such as “More people have Giving advice to a stupid people,” it read. Police said at researcher Prof Andrew walks. While she wanted to “ been to Russia than I have”. man is like giving salt to a this stage no further action Sewell told the BBC. He added: give Marley a day to remem- “If you’re certain, you’re cer- squirrel. KASHMIRI PROVERB was being taken. “Bunter the “Previously nobody believed ber, she also decided to raise • Kanye North and Kanye ” tainly wrong, because noth- cow, upset at the intrusion, is this could be possible. It raises money for the Dogs Trust. So South (but not Kanye West) ing deserves certainty.” The older I get, the greater also understood to hold no the prospect of a ‘one-size- far she has raised over A$850. are both parliamentary con- “ BERTRAND RUSSELL power I seem to have to help beef”. News Hub fits-all’ cancer treatment.” BBC 9news stituencies in Botswana. Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 53

February Births The path to success Did I say that? Top F1 facts... 5 February 1985 Cristiano Ronaldo - football 1 8 4 3 3 1. The ‘formula’ in Formula 1 player (35 y/o). refers to a set of rules, which govern some aspects of the 11 February 1969 2 9 9 5 4 Jennifer Aniston - actress competition including for (51 y/o). example tyres and race start 9 4 3 9 3 procedures. 13 February 1974 - singer 2 5 7 3 “There was quite a lot of “I’ve never had a takeaway. 2. Manhole covers have to be 9 “I’m moving to Canada and (46 y/o). abuse, and even a death Why should I?” welded down before the I’m providing the close threat. Not nice, but I didn’t Mary Berry, who wants Monaco Grand Prix because 17 February 1991 9 4 2 3 4 protection for Meghan. Ed Sheeran - singer/ take it so seriously I was British people to cook more the down force created by an Sometimes Harry’s busy.” scared to leave the house.” for themselves. songwriter (29 y/o). Start at the bottom left square Sandi Toksvig explaining her F1 car has enough suction to BBC sports presenter Mike pull them up. 18 February 1965 and move up, down, left or right plans after stepping down Bushell speaking for the first Dr. Dre - rapper/producer/ until you reach the finish. Add the from Bake Off. time about his time on 3. F1 is open to both men and business man (55 y/o). numbers as you go. Can you Strictly Come Dancing. make exactly 52? women. Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to compete in F1, in 1958, GEF BAD CHI while Lella Lombardi finished sixth in the 1975 Spanish Using the letters G,E,F,B,A,D,C,H & I fill in the “I’ll do whatever it takes to Grand Prix to become the blank squares. Each letter A-I must appear win games, whether it’s sitting first and only female so far to only once in each line column and 3x3 grid. on a bench waving a towel, score championship points. “I’ve done all of the other “Farewell dear Terry J. Two handing a cup of water to a crap, left that by the wayside, down four to go.” teammate, or hitting the 4. In 1977 David Purley survived that, and I ain’t Terry Gilliam and other Monty game-winning shot.” done yet.” Python stars pay tribute to Basketball superstar Kobe recorded the biggest impact Ozzy Osbourne, revealing he Python Terry Jones who died Bryant who died in a during an F1 crash. His car at has Parkinson’s disease. last month aged 77. helicopter crash in January. the British Grand Prix took Neil Speed is a only 2 seconds to go from 108 former prisoner humbled to receive a presentation of an engraved mph to standstill. The estimat- who came up Inside Chess hip flask and a ’thank you’ card signed by all of ed resulting g-force was 197.8 with the concept by Carl Portman the players and some staff as a thank you for my (every day g-force is 1). of GEF BAD CHI time. I shall treasure it, of course, and my mem- whilst in prison. ories of the day. My thanks to Governor Ralph 5. Small planes can take off at GEF BAD CHI by I am always delighted to be invited to prisons to Lubkowski, Anthony Merricks, Fran Southall and slower speeds than F1 cars Neil Speed is give a lecture, coaching session or simultaneous other members of staff and especially the chess travel on the track. However, published by display. They are great fun and I will do my best players themselves for making the day as mem- an amazing aerodynamic Xlibris. £12.35 to visit your prison if asked. It is no surprise that orable and special as it was. downforce provided by their some prisons have stronger chess players than wings keeps them on the Catchphrase others - in the same way that schools and chess track. F1 cars race at speeds clubs might. One of these is HMP Stafford. Prison 8 of up to 360 kph. The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, Officer Tony Merricks gives so much of his time place, or thing that each square is meant to represent. (including his ‘free’ time) to facilitate the playing 7 6. Every second a Formula 1 of chess and he and the chess players invited me car driving in the wet 6 last August to take on the challenge of playing displaces 250 litres (or a bath multiple players. 5 full) of water. I must say immediately that the chess players at 4 7. On average a Formula One Stafford are amongst the very strongest that I driver loses 4 kilos of weight have encountered over all of the boards, if not the 3 during a Grand Prix race. strongest. If I recall correctly, I played 27 games in all, losing four, drawing two and winning 21. 2 8. Every entering F1 driver with the surname of ‘Hill’ has Some of the players were of my own playing 1 won a championship strength and one or two had been higher graded (Graham, Damon and Phil). in the past. One gentleman said he had been A B C D E F G H ECF 185 so I had my work cut out. Players meet 9. After Ayrton Senna’s fatal for chess regularly - every Monday evening - The message for the position this month is to crash in 1994 staff found an therefore they play a lot of chess. The prisoners beware of opening traps. Here, in the game Austrian flag in the Brazilian clubbed together for a ‘thank you’ for Tony and Bartel-Matuszewski (Polish Ekstraliga 2019) Black driver’s car. He had intended Dear Editor one of them gave a short speech of thanks on has fallen into a trap by capturing with his knight behalf of the prisoners. This was lovely to witness; on e4. How did white exploit this? to fly it after the race as a mark of respect for Roland • Apparently, the pizza I’ve can be sure they will have a prisoners and officers just getting on together just had is 125% of my jolly chortle at your practical for the love of chess. Write to me with your answer, care of The English Ratzenberger who had died recommended daily allow- joke. Julian Chess Federation at: The Watch Oak, Chain Lane, following a crash during ance in fat. Well I ‘recom- Initially I played 16 boards simultaneously, and Battle, East Sussex TN33 OYD. Please note that qualifying. mend’ that the so-called • Trick your friends into as one player finished so another took his place you should always write to me at the ECF not via experts who make this thinking you’ve spent the day and a new game began. It was testimony to their Inside Time. Also, please include your prison 10. Queen Elizabeth II rubbish up re-sit their GCE at Madame Tussaud’s by strength then that after 3 hours I was still playing number and if you can, the date and what month’s attended the very first maths. When I was at school, having your photo taken with the original 16 boards and it took me over 6 puzzle you are entering. Formula 1 race in 1950 with 100% of anything was the Barack Obama, Bruce hours without a lunch or comfort break to finally her father King George VI and most you could have and Springsteen and Tom Cruise. finish. I admit I was very tired at the end (my legs The answer to January’s puzzle was 1…Nd5-e7. sister Princess Margaret. She more than that is mathemati- Frank were) and I ask myself: “Am I getting too old for A brilliant move that threatens checkmate on h1 hasn’t attended once since cally impossible. Roger this?”... (note to self - not yet!) or White has to give up his queen -.winner to be she has been queen. • Going to Oak Furniture announced. • Nissan Micra drivers. In Land instead of Disneyland is The players had prepared for my visit and had a 11. The 1958 Formula 1 busy car-parks, pull right a great holiday option for keen idea what they wanted to play. Many po- The winner of November’s puzzle was Evan Championship experienced forward so that other drivers children who prefer hard- sitions were ‘closed’ and difficult to navigate - from HMP Littlehey the most driver fatalities with looking down the aisle think wood shelving units to testimony to their collective ingenuity. They were The winner of December’s puzzle was Lauren four drivers losing their lives there is an empty space. You cartoon mice. Donald very tough opposition! At the end, I was very from HMP Foston Hall in track accidents. 54 Jailbreak // Just for Fun www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020

Number Search In this month... Number Search - Sarah Fallon HMP Newhall

1 February 1884 6 0 5 9 3 4 3 8 7 1 1st volume of the Oxford English Dictionary 4 6 6 9 7 9 8 9 8 2 published. 1 8 2 4 6 7 9 0 1 3 1 February 1972 2 7 6 5 1 0 9 5 2 4 1st scientific hand-held calculator (HP-35) 1 8 1 8 1 2 6 6 3 5 introduced ($395). 1 1 6 4 7 1 9 1 6 6 2 February 1935 2 6 9 1 8 8 2 9 4 7 Leonarde Keeler first uses his polygraph machine on criminals later convicted of assault 1 4 9 8 5 6 9 4 6 8 on its findings in Portage, Wisconsin. 1 1 6 5 5 6 6 8 6 9 2 February 1892 2 3 4 4 4 6 1 9 9 9 Longest boxing match under modern rules; 77 rounds in Nameoki, Illinois between Harry 60593438, 123456789, 123456789, 4868789, 112112, 4868789, 1985, 999,112112, 3444, 666, 1985, 697989, Sharpe & Frank Crosby. 999,61948, 3444, 646, 10952 666, 697989, 61948, 646, 10952 Thanks to Sarah Fallon HMP Newhall for 5 February 1924 compiling this Number Search. If you fancy The Royal Greenwich Observatory begin compiling one please send in max 10 x 10 grid broadcasting the hourly time signals known as complete with answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to the Greenwich Time Signal or the “BBC pips”. include your name, number and prison. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize 7 February 2018 money so include your DOB on your entries. All citrus fruit can be traced to the southeast foothills of the Himalayas, according to DNA study published in “Nature”. Sudoku // Easy - give it a go!

10 February 1940 “Tom & Jerry” cartoon created by William 2 4 7 8 1 Hanna & Joseph Barbera debut by MGM. 4 5 10 February 1996 8 6 1 3 4 IBM computer Deep Blue becomes the first computer to win a game of chess against a 5 4 6 9 3 reigning (human) chess champion, Gary Kasparov. 2 6 4 5 13 February 1866 3 9 5 6 2 Jesse James holds up his first bank, stealing $15,000 from the Clay County Savings 1 3 9 2 6 Association in Liberty, Missouri. © MW Released life sentenced prisoner 1 3 16 February 1659

1st known cheque was written for £400. It’s 9 2 4 1 7 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. now on display at Westminster Abbey. Daily Sudoku: Wed 1-Jan-2020 Word Morph 16 February 600 Pope Gregory the Great decrees saying “God Can you morph one word into another by just bless You” is the correct response to a sneeze. changing one letter at a time? It isn’t quite as easy9 as2 you think!3 4 7 5 8 1 6 19 February 1906 Will Kellogg and Charles Bolin found the Battle 4 1 5 9BOBBLE8 6 3 2 7 Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company, now the multinational food manufacturer Kellogg’s. Get the flu jab before the flu gets you 7 8 6 2 1 3 4 5 9 5 7 4 8 6 2 9 3 1 19 February 1945 What are the common l Keep warm 980 Japanese soldiers reportedly killed by l Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to 2 6 8 1 3 9 7 4 5 crocodiles in 2 days on Ramree Island, Burma. symptoms of flu? lower your temperature and treat l Fever aches and pains 1 3 9 7 5 4 6 8 2 20 February 1492 l Aching muscles l Drink plenty of water to avoid NIMBLY Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to l Chills and sweats dehydration 8 5 1 3 9 7 2 6 4 Scotland, due to a dowry payment. l Headache 6 4 7 5 2 8 1 9 3 l Dry, persistent cough If I get flu how can I help Just for laughs 22 February 1907 l Fatigue and weakness

3 9 2 6 4 1 5 7 8 (c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. 1st cabs with taxi meters begin operating in l Nasal congestion to stop further spread? • I found someone else’s ID on the floor last Daily Sudoku: Wed 1-Jan-2020 easy London. l Sore throat l Avoid using common areas week. Oh well, new year, new me! l Keep your living environment clean 27 February 2014 l Cover your mouth and nose with • So a weasel walks into a bar. Bartender says Chaos erupts after the Swedish Public What should I do “Wow I’ve never served a weasel before, what a tissue when coughing or sneezing http://www.dailysudoku.com/ Employment Service mistakenly invites 61,000 if I have symptoms? l Sit at least three feet away from can I make for you?” “Pop” goes the weasel. people to a job interview in Stockholm. l Inform a member of staff others, if possible IMMEDIATLEY l Discourage visitors, especially • If you don’t know what to give your friend as 28 February 1939 children and vulnerable adults a birthday present, just give them a fridge, and The erroneous word “Dord” is discovered in the watch their face light up as they open it. What is the usual treatment? l Support the prison by adhering to Webster’s New International Dictionary, other restrictions which may be Second Edition, prompting an investigation. It l Rest and sleep needed • Why do people like getting their vaccinations still has no meaning. from Eminem? You only get one shot.

29 February 1960 Public Health • You can tell an ants gender by putting it in 1st Playboy Club, featuring bunnies, opens in England Ask healthcare if you are eligible water. If it sinks, girl ant. If it floats, buoyant. Chicago. Insidetime February 2020 www.insidetime.org Jailbreak // Just for Fun 55

Would you believe it? The joke’s on you! WordsearchValentine’s Day. Stephen Tyrer // HMP Valentine’s Whatton Day U S Z S H L O V E R J R I M A D L Y E V Hasbro now owns • A banker is getting out of his BMW when a lorry rolls by, taking the open door clean off. A N S W M H E E U E S O U A M A Z I N G G L M U A U Y F N T S U Y S C S Y I H Y S Records nearby policeman has seen all of this, and runs On December 30, while A Y S R S I T I E O D O L T O E U G W D over. The banker immediately starts screaming I H Z T B R L S W J F X E U F G S E S R everyone was busy celebrat- and gesticulating about the value of his BMW C O N E A N D O N L Y T L G R O E S Y A ing the New Year, Hasbro Toy and how much it’s going to cost him to get it E A G P N U Y U V E O I H G R T R O I C Company completed its $3.8 fixed. The policeman loses his patience and P L F N D S Y E M E G T L I H O U Y H K says, “You bankers are so materialistic. All you S L D H I P Y O N H Y A H E S A G O O E billion acquisition of care about is money!” The banker is incensed E M A L P T S A T O M O A E N W C W N U Entertainment One Ltd. and says, “How dare you call me materialistic? N Y F A F E A U W O H R U D R O O I G O (eOne), a Toronto-based Do you know what I earn an hour? You have O L H C W C P L R L T C M T L H M R C M multimedia company. no idea what kind of pressure I’m under!” The E O O A K M D O L L A E I A R W A U L V M V K D Y E U R E I P J T T B A D L U D policeman says, “Well, you’re so concerned Although the massive cash O E O D E S O J L B T E A P N D E K F L deal was presumably so that about your BMW, you didn’t notice the lorry S I A P J N I A H C D N A L L A B H D J took your arm off at the elbow.” The banker the toy giant could get its M Y L K F L O W E R S T I E P Y M W B Q looks down and screams “S**t! My Rolex!” Y Y O C F O R E V E R P S C C G Q O E B hands on eOne-produced Just can’t help herself Q D L U F R E D N O W B N A S V N P R S kids’ shows like Peppa Pig and As the saying goes: when one door closes, • Two rednecks decide they want to go back to B E A U T I F U L H E V I T C A R T T A PJ Masks, one of the other college but don’t know where to begin. One of another opens. Well, it seems all too true for ALL MY LOVE, ALWAYS, AMAZING, ATTRACTIVE, AWESOME, BALL the men says he’ll go talk to the college to get ALL MY LOVE, ALWAYS, AMAZING, ATTRACTIVE, AWESOME, BALL AND CHAIN, BE properties it picked up in the one adorable Labrador. River, the five-year-old AND CHAIN,MINE, BEAUTIFUL, BE MINE, CARDS, CHOCOLATE,BEAUTIFUL, CUDDLES, CARDS, DEEPLY, CHOCOLATE, FLOWERS, FOREVER, pooch, was recently sacked from her guide- advice. After sitting down and talking, the GLAMOROUS, GORGEOUS, HAPPY, HEART, HONEY, HUG, HUSBAND, I LOVE YOU, purchase was music label CUDDLES,JUST FOR DEEPLY, YOU, KISSES, FLOWERS, LOVER, MADLY, FOREVER, ONE AND ONLY, GLAMOROUS, OTHER HALF, OUT OF THIS dog training because she was being too Education Advisor suggests starting off with a Death Row Records-yes, the GORGEOUS,WORLD, PARTNER, HAPPY, ROMANTIC, HEART, ROSES, HONEY, SCINTILLATING, HUG, SMART, HUSBAND, SOMEONE SPECIAL,I LOVE YOU, class on Critical Thinking. Not sure what that SWEETHEART, TRULY, US, WIFE, WONDERFUL, YOU AND ME, YOU LIGHT UP MY DAY. naughty and her love for chasing squirrels JUST FOR YOU, KISSES, LOVER, MADLY, ONE AND ONLY, OTHER one that defined West Coast is, she decides to give him an example. “Do seemed to have taken over. Not exactly ideal HALF, OUT OF THIS WORLD, PARTNER, ROMANTIC, ROSES, gangster rap in the 90s. Yes, you own a lawnmower?” “Yes I do”, he replies. when you’re directing the blind. But her kind SCINTILLATING, SMART, SOMEONE SPECIAL, SWEETHEART, TRULY, the company behind My Little “So, if you own a mower, you probably have a nature made her the perfect candidate as a US, WIFE, WONDERFUL, YOU AND ME, YOU LIGHT UP MY DAY. Pony and Furby now also therapy animal which means she has now lawn where you live?” “Yes I do”, he says. “And owns a music catalogue that been recruited by the police to become a if you have a lawn, you probably live in a Thanks to Stephen Tyrer HMP Whatton for compiling this therapy dog and help vulnerable victims and house”. “Wow, that’s right!” “And chances are if Wordsearch. If you fancy compiling one for us please send in max 20 x includes “Bitches Ain’t S**t” 20 grid complete with answers shown on a grid. If we use it we will suspects. She will now be aiding people who you own all these things, you probably have a and “Murder Was the Case.” send you £5 as a thank you! Remember to include your name, number, are young or suffering from mental illness family”. “Yup”. “And chances are that that fami- prison. We will be using the new ‘Money Transfer Service’ for prize We look forward to Peppa when they are taken into custody and will be ly is a wife and maybe some kids”, adds the money so include your DOB on your entries. Pig’s inevitable mixtape. leading a pilot project at Maidstone Police advisor. “That’s just amazing”, says the red- Gonna be fire. Vice Station in Kent. Lad Bible neck. “And finally, if all this is correct, you Quick Crossword would be a heterosexual”. “You’re dammed Don’t bite the hand that right I am!” So, after gathering all this info, he feeds you goes back to tell his friend he’s signed them Chilling new research has up. His friend being unsure, asks his friend to discovered that your lovingly explain Critical Thinking. So his friend asks him playful cat is in fact waiting “Do you own a lawnmower?” No, replies his for you to drop dead so it can friend. “So, you’re gay then”. eat your flesh. In a recent paper, researchers at the • King Arthur has set out on his noble mission Colorado Mesa University’s to drive away the barbarians. Before he left , Forensic Investigation he called his close friend,Sir Lancelot. “My Forging fossils Research Station described bride to be Guinevere is without doubt one of In 2019, a lot of people got excited when an how two different human the most beautiful women in the world. It incredible fossil of an ancient spider was corpses were eaten by two would be a terrible waste if no man could have discovered. The specimen appeared to be an different cats. Researchers her. Therefore, as my best and most trusted amazing find: an exceptionally preserved said both animals had a ‘taste friend, I am leaving you the key to her chastity gigantic spider from the Early Cretaceous for arm tissue’. The bodies belt to use should I not return from the mis- previously unknown to science. Unfortunately, were left decomposing on sion after a year “. As he rode off , barely had it proved to be just a little too incredible for land within the facility’s two he gotten a mile from home than he saw Sir some. The fossil was reportedly discovered by acres for students and Lancelot tearing after him on a horse, as he locals in the Yixian Formation in China, a scientists to document what got closer he heard his friend saying, “Come geological formation that spans 11 million happens to decaying human back! You gave me the wrong key”. years during the Early Cretaceous, formed flesh. Their study was aimed some 125-121 million years ago. Locals sold at helping police, coroners the fossil to the Dalian Natural History and medical examiners Words of the month Across Down Museum. However, when the fossil was seen determine ‘what is natural by Dr Paul Seldon, distinguished professor in that happens to a body and • WORSIFICATION - the writing of bad verse. 1. Observant (10) 1. Seedcase (3) the Department of Geology at the University of what is not natural’. 6. Handsome youth (6) 2. Hire charge (6) • NANNICK - to fool around when you should 7. Walk with regular steps (5) 3. Guarantee (6) Kansas, who specializes in ancient spider Cats, skunks and snakes be working. fossils. He immediately had his suspicions “It would slip in through gaps in 9. Cask (6) 4. Fall awkwardly (6) clearly wasn’t a spider. I puzzled and puzzled and under a front gate. • QUIXOTRY - visionary acts inspired by 10. Beer type (3) 5. Word for word (8) over it until my colleague in Beijing, said, ‘Well, The centre’s paper, which was romantic beliefs without any regard to reality. 11. Series of spiral’loops (4) 6. A snake (8) you know, there’s quite a lot of crayfish in this published in the Journal of 14. Lass (4) 8. Careless or thoughtless (8) particular locality. Maybe it’s one of those.’ So, I Forensic Sciences, highlighted • NOD-CRAFTY - given to nodding the head 15. Pen part (3) 9. Gradually (3,2,3) realized what happened was I got a very badly one finding that confirms with an air of great wisdom. 16. In flower (6) 12. Baby’s toy (6) preserved crayfish onto which someone had popular knowledge - cats are 17. Head of an abbey of monks (5) 13. Calm or tranquil (6) painted on some legs. It appears locals dug up picky eaters. Despite having • URLAUBSREIF (German) - to desperately 18. French port (6) 14. Mischievous folklore a preserved crayfish and decided to make more than 40 bodies to need a vacation. 20. Number of people present (10) creature (6) 19. Eisenhower’s nickname (3) some money out of it by passing it off as a choose from each one • TARADIDDLE - a petty lie. much more exciting discovery. They obviously returned to the corpse it had picked up this thing and thought, ‘Well, you selected again and again and • MALLEMAROKING - the boisterous and The last word... know, it looks a bit like a spider.’ And so, they one returned nightly for 35 drunken exchange of hospitality between sail- thought they’d paint on some legs - but it’s days in a row. But Melissa and ors in extreme northern waters. “Be not the slave of your own past. Plunge into the done rather skillfully. So, at first glance, or from her co-authors said their sublime seas, dive deep and swim far, so you shall a distance, it looks pretty good. It’s not till you findings didn’t change how • TANG - the portion of a blade that extends come back with self-respect, with new power, with get down to the microscope and look in detail they felt about cats, adding: ‘If into the handle of a knife. In a ‘full tang’ knife an advanced experience that shall explain and or sword the tang extends through the whole that you realize they’re clearly things wrong you were hungry, wouldn’t overlook the old.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) with it,” Seldon said. Ifl Science you eat them?’ Metro handle. 56 Jailbreak // National Prison Radio www.insidetime.org Insidetime February 2020 National Prison Radio is available in prisons across February 2020 England and Wales, and HMP Grampian in Scotland. What’s on National Prison Radio // February 2020 We broadcast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, into your cell. If your prison has National Prison Radio, you can National Prison Radio is currently available in prisons across England and Wales. We broadcast 24-hours a day, seven days a week,listen into through your cell. your TV by using the tuning buttons on If your prison has National PrisonWhat’s Radio, you can listen on through National your TV by using the Prisontuning buttons on yourRadio? remote control. your remote control.

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07:00 Love Bug 17:00 . Deja Vu Mother Inside Love Bug Free Freedom Write to the (or local Classic tracks Land Music Write to the Flow Inside Porridge ones you love shows) and oldies Music Artist ones you love Find your Yoga and Supported by: Afrobeat profiles beat. meditation The world’s first national breakfast bangers. from HMP Write your show made by and for prisoners. Peterborough bars. 08:00 NPR FreedomBob 18:00 NPR Talk Helping you make the most of your time. (or local Friday Insideand shows NPR Fresh Sport, YogaBeyond and NPR Roll Call NPR Talk YO Stories Ear Brixton made chat and meditationThe best Specials Must-have Helping you Real lives, Hustle Calling in your The freshest new music, here on National Prison Radio. ents. Your reggae Real talk. information make the real talk. News and prison) If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. start to the and Don’t just do for ex-service most of your Stories requests weekend. dancehall. your time, personnel in time behind from young from HMP use your time. prison. bars. people in jail. Brixton. 09:00 Bob Decibel NPR The Ear Hustle 19:00 The Bob and and The finest Urban Rock Beyond dance The best in Show The Request Show Rock Beyond Two hours To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at: Show Reggae music from urban music. Turn it up Reggae and and around the of new Hip-hop, loud. Join National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF Join the dancehall 10:00 dancehall world, British music grime, R&B, the Rock NPR 20:00 Get your loved-ones to request tracks for Thursday’s show at: Rock classics. classics. direct to from Jamz bashment Show Specials www.nationalprisonradio.com Show your ears. Supernova. and afrobeat. Family. family.

11:00 NPR 21:00 Free NPR NPR Decibel Mother Takeover Flow Fresh Urban The finest Land Porridge Find your Two hours Another chance to hear this morning’s show. The best in dance Music beat of the urban music from Two hours music. around the of new NPR Roll Call NPR Talk Open Your YO NPR Talk freshest 12:00 22:00 Inside Deja Vu new music. Hip-hop, world, British Love Bug (or local Specials See 18:00 See 18:00 Mind Stories Music Classic tracks If it’s fresh, R&B and direct to music Write to the shows) See 18:00 See 18:00 See 18:00 and oldies we’ve got it. more. your ears. from Jamz ones you From HMP love. Peterborough Supernova 13:00 Open

The Request Show Your Mind 23:00 This month’s book: The Request Show Books Unlocked Lanny by Max Porter Want to hear your favourite song on National Prison Radio? Write Write to National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF for a free copy. 14:00 To hear your song, message or poem on the radio, write to us at to us at: YO National Prison Radio, HMP Brixton, London SW2 5XF National Stories Music and advice to help you sleep Prison 23:30 safe and sound through the night. 15:00 NPR Freedom Radio, Books Dream Time Inside HMP Unlocked Fresh NPR Fresh Brixton, A repeat of Two hours The freshest new music. London the week’s NPR Specials: Across England and Wales. 16:00 of the If it’s fresh, we’ve got it. book NPR SW2 Monday 3 February - Outside In: helping you prepare for life after prison. freshest Friday 5XF readings music. Start your Monday 10 February - Awr y Ddraig (Hour of the Dragon): Welsh culture. weekend. Monday 17 February - Echoes: hard-hitting drama telling true stories

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