Back to the Parole Board :-( by Mary PFV volunteer

As you know here at PFV we often mention our friend Prisoner Ben, incarcerated from the age of 14 for a crime, which if committed today, would certainly not see someone of that age spending the next 31 years in prison. Imagine our disappointment then to hear he has now been referred back to the parole board, hopefully within yet another year!! Please click HERE to read his post on this.

How galling it must be, finally, after more than 31 years, to turn up at the open prison you have spent so long trying to get to, only to be turned away at the gate? Left in limbo in Cardiff before being sent back to where you came!! and all due to an unfortunate "admin error"?. Then in an act of desperate jubilation upon being told you were again on the move to open, you used an illegal mobile phone. Stupid or not, who can blame him in trying to let his partner know what was happening? Please continue to help support Ben, comments or messages of support can be left on either his prisonerbenblogspot.com or the Free Prisoner Ben facebook page.

PS.
I think John Hirst, the jailhouselawyer has got a valid point when he ask if it's time to abolish parole boards.
Please CLICK HERE to read his post.

Cameron turns blind eye to torture in South Africa

Cameron’s meeting with South Africa’s president Zuma

The UK was complicit in CIA torture flights, under the Labour administration when first Jack Straw, and then David Miliband, were Foreign Secretary. Under the Coalition William Hague is Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary. Still the UK is complicit in torture, only this time it is being committed in South Africa. Mr Cameron said: "I think it right for Britain to be engaged with South Africa and to be engaged with Africa as a whole. There is a huge opportunity for trade, for growth, for jobs, including jobs at home in the UK".

Whilst our courts are reluctant, and quite rightly so in spite ofDominic Raab's view to the contrary, to deport refugees, failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals to countries where they are likely to be tortured and killed. How can it be legally and morally right to have trade links with such countries where torture is rife? It makes me physically ill at the thought that David Cameron is prepared to turn a Nelsonian blind eye to the obvious!

CLICK HERE for more over at Jailhouse Lawyer's Blog

Kate's Wedding Dress On Display At Palace

The gown will be the centre piece of an exhibition about theRoyal Wedding and form part of the annual summer opening.

As well as the dress, visitors will also see some of the jewellery worn by the Duchess when she married Prince William, as well as her shoes, veil and flowers.

CLICK HERE for more! Source Sky News

Imprisonment Affecting The Elderly - By Jess

Hi PFV. My brother is in prison and I was wondering if there is any help or organisations that can support the elderly being affected by imprisonment? My mum is a pensioner and is pretty set in her ways. She still thinks that prison is porridge and slopping out. She doesn't understand anything about life in prison. She is having sleepless nights thinking about the victim and their family, and on top on that, she is worrying about her son in prison because she can't get her head around the prison politics etc. The reason I have also brought this subject up about pensioners dealing with their loved ones in prison is because I rarely read about it online and think that more people should be made aware of the complications with the elderly affected by imprisonment.

Prisoner Ben Back In Front Of Parole Board

So here I go again, back in front of the parole board. A nameless bureaucrat hidden in the Ministry of Justice has decided that my taking advantage of mobile phones in prison is such a heinous crime that it warrants the Parole Board being invited to reconsider their decision to send me to open prison.

As long term readers will recall, the last visit to the board took a year and comprised of an administrative shambles.

The portents are not good.

BEN'S PRISON BLOG

Grief Landed Father In Prison

Two years ago, a dear friend of mine passed away. She left behind lots of loved ones, including her 2 year old son, who is now 4. The little one lived with his Dad, who then through grief, turned to drink. 5 months ago, he was charged with a section 18 offence and received a 6 year IPP sentence. The little boy is now living with his elderly grandparents. He witnessed his Dad commit an horrendous crime and has regular nightmares. He's no Mum has she passed away and now he technically has no father because he will be in prison for a long time. I spoke to his grandparents and they are getting no help off the Government whatsoever and I find this a disgrace. They have basically been left to their own devices to raise a damaged little boy, who is adorable by the way. I have to say that I had never given children of prisoners a second thought until I had experienced this. I help my friends grandparents by having the little boy twice a week to give them a break. I found your site through the Google search engine and just thought I would share my story with you.

Anonymous

Time To Abolish The Parole Board? - By Jailhouse Lawyer

Time to abolish the Parole Board?

Parole Board publishes Annual Report and Accounts for 2010/11

Download a copy of the Annual Report and Accounts 2010/11

The Report states that Oral hearings – 3 member panels for the hearing of lifer, IPP and ESP cases costs £2,532 per case. There were 25,566 cases. That's a staggering cost of £64,733,112 to the taxpayers!

"Oral hearings

These normally take place in prison. For life sentence prisoners they will usually be chaired by a judge, but some IPP cases will be chaired by an experienced Parole Board member. Where the circumstances of the case warrant it the panel will include a psychologist or psychiatrist. The third person will be an independent or probation member.

In addition to the prisoner and the panel, others who may be present include the legal representative of the prisoner, together with a public protection advocate representing the Secretary of State and the victim, and witnesses such as the prisoner’s offender manager and prison psychologist. The victim might also be in attendance in order to present their victim personal statement.

CLICK HERE and read more over at Jailhouse Lawyer's Blog

Prison Relationship Breakdown

My partner got an IPP sentence last year and I feel I cannot cope anymore with this prison journey, so I have ended our relationship. It will be years before he is out of prison and I have to move on. It's not been an easy decision and it has broken my heart. We have a three year old daughter and I promised I will take her to see him as much as I can afford to, because it's not her fault she has been thrust in to this situation. But when I took her to visit him last week, he broke down and I feel awful. My friends and family said it's his fault he's in prison and I agree it is, but they don't have to sit there with him and don't have to experience this emotional rollercoaster ride. In fact, they are clueless. I am already on depression tablets off the doctor because of the trauma of his arrest and trial. Is there anywhere online that I can seek some support off others in a similar situation?

Anonymous

Comment: Yes there is! Prison Chat UK is an online community support forum that enables you to chat online to other family members who are experiencing a difficult time. Please click on the above highlighted link. The forum is free to join and is secure.

Killer cops and a corrupt judge

Killer cops and a corrupt judge

David Oluwale was born on 8 September 1930, in Lagos, Nigeria. He belonged to the Yoruba tribe.

The colonial rule was in decline when David was educated in a Christian grammar school. Leaving school he struggled as an apprentice tailor. There was high unemployment, food shortages, and prices soared. On 16 August 1949, David stowed away on board the Temple Star from Nigeria, for the 2 week journey to Hull. He hid amongst boxes of groundnuts in the hold of the ship, until the captain ordered smoke to be pumped into the hold to smoke out any hiding stowaways. Also on board was the Nigerian national football team on its first ever overseas tour.

CLICK HERE and visit Jailhouse Lawyers Blog for the rest of the story!

Prisoner custody officer sentenced for smuggling drugs in to prison

A female prisoner custody officer who smuggled drugs into HMP Brixton has been jailed for over two years.

Samantha Brown, 22, of Hackney was convicted of misconduct in a public office and conspiracy to supply drugs.

The recipient of her criminal activity, prisoner Leon Jackson, 35 yrs, received a five month jail sentence after being convicted of transmitting sounds and/or images from within the prison. The pair were sentenced on Friday 15 July at Inner London Crown Court.

The pair were apprehended following a pro-active and intelligence led investigation by officers from the London Prison Anti-Corruption Team (LPACT) which revealed that Brown was being paid to traffic cannabis into the prison for Jackson.

A search of Jackson’s cell led to the discovery of a mobile phone he had used to communicate with Brown on a daily basis. Analysis of call records indicated hundreds of calls were made between the two.

Brown hid the drugs in her bra and passed them to Jackson and other inmates when they attended the crown court.

Acting/Detective Inspector Neil Smithson, LPACT, said: “Police and the Prison Service have identified that the courts are another potential route for drugs to enter prisons. We have worked closely with Serco – who run the court cells – on this case, which should send a message out to court staff that any wrongdoing will lead to arrest and conviction.”

Hackney Hive

The Sandal Conundrum - By Prisoner Ben Gunn

Not since Jesus have sandals caused such sheer bafflement and consternation.

Local notices decree that we must not wear flip-flops whilst collecting our food, or whilst taking exercise in the grassy compound. However, wearing trainers is all okay.

But where do my sandals fit into this scheme? As sandals are not specifically mentioned, my wearing them prompts staff to engage that rarely seen attribute - initiative. Staff are not known for being independent thinkers, and in the absence of clear instructions from management there is always the danger of headless chicken syndrome.

The status of my sandals remains uncertain, and at some point I wouldn't be surprised if they became an item on a committee agenda!

CLICK HERE to visit Ben's Prison Blog

Books Really Do Help Prisoners Children

Hi PFV. The publications over at Action For Prisoners Families can really help a child. I have read some of them to my son because like your other member posted, my son was scared to death of prison visits. Some children of prisoners have horrible thoughts put in to their heads by other school children about prison, especially if they know that their mum or dad is in prison. My son is only in year 1 and some of the children in his class made fun of his dad being prison by telling him that his dad was in a dungeon. Naturally after that, he didn't want to go and see his dad. I try my best to maintain the contact between my son and his dad because I feel it's important. Please do take a look at the publications available by APF. ( above link )

Lots of love from Cheryl

Chest Hair Bra Shape!

( Click on pic to enlarge )

Chest hair in the shape of a bra? Why? Well, as the old saying goes: There's nothing stranger than folk!

Probation Does Matter - by Mary PFV volunteer

Credit where credit is due.

Jim Brown's post '5 minute interview' makes for heartening reading. He and his blog Probation Matters are a great example of what probation and probationers should be. As he mentioned that there is a lot of negative stories on Prisoners Families Voices I thought it was only right to comment on the positives.

I don't always agree with Jim but have always had respect for his opinions. The failings of the probation service are numerous and varied, I hope people like Jim never stop fighting for a better way forward.

Please click on the highlighted links above to read the full article.

We're All In This Together - By Jim Brown - Probation Officer

With all the excitement focussed on the Murdoch empire, I've neglected to mention theCriminal Justice in Meltdown lobby of Parliament on 6th July. This was in effect the launch of a joint campaign by NAPO, PCS, POA and Police Federation against cuts and further privatisation within the Justice sector. The full joint briefing document can be downloaded from a link to be found here.

Things are speeding up somewhat because Ken Clarke has announced two further prison closures, HMP Latchmere House in West London and HMP Brockhill in Redditch. Latchmere is a 'Cat D' establishment with an interesting history. It was initially used in the First World War as a hospital for soldiers suffering from 'shell shock' and in the Second World War by MI5 for the interrogation of enemy agents when known as Camp 020. Brockhill is a relatively modern but run down 'Cat C' establishment.

CLICK HERE for more on the story. Probation Matters Blog

Visit Cancelled For Prison Widow

We would all like to wish, Prison Widow, a speedy recovery after she fell off a fence. A few of us went prison visiting together and decided to take a few snap shots near the prison. Sadly, Prison Widow fell on her head and suffered multiple nettle stings! Get well soon PW!

Kelly Bolton - PFV volunteer

My Young Daughter Refuses To See Her Dad In Prison

Two months ago, I took my daughter to see her dad in prison. My parents disagree with my choice, but when all said and done, he is her dad and she misses him. Whilst there, the drugs dog was out and my daughter just screamed and screamed. The problem I now have is that she doesn't want to see her dad again and I really don't know what to tell him when he rings. For the last few visits, I have been on my own and made excuses for my daughter. I won't force her to go, but then their relationship will fade. Not sure what to do or where to seek advice? Can anyone offer any?

By A Concerned Mum

Comment: Action For Prisoners Families have a collection of publications suitable for young children and parents who are affected by imprisonment. CLICK HERE and visit their website.

Two prisoners escape from jail van in Manchester

Two prisoners have escaped from a jail van after it was ambushed by armed men on the outskirts of Manchester city centre.

A number of men attacked the van in Trinity Way at about 0830 BST, Greater Manchester Police said.

They fled in a Saab, which was later found abandoned in Barrow Street in the Islington area of Salford.

A security guard has been taken to hospital but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Det Sgt Paul Copplestone urged anyone with information to contact Greater Manchester Police.

He said: "We are sure that this incident was witnessed by many people at a very busy time of the morning. The Saab was driven off towards the M602 motorway.

CLICK HERE for more. BBC NEWS

How To Make Your Own Prison Wine

There are plenty of different pruno recipes out there, but I decided to use the most popular one, which is attributed to a man named Jarvis Masters, who is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison. Making prison wine is actually surprisingly easy, and all you really need is a one gallon plastic bag, ten oranges, eight ounces of fruit cocktail, some sugar cubes, six teaspoons of ketchup and a towel.

__________________________

Prisoners Families Can Be Targeted

Hi everyone. My long term partner was sent to prison just over 6 months ago. Since then, I have had social services at my door, malicious phone calls and even the benefits fraud department round at my house, saying that I was committing benefit fraud? I'm not sure how that works when my partner has been in prison for 6 months do you? My partner was sent to prison after getting in to a fight outside a bar. It was a bad fight and the victim was badly hurt. I pray he recovers from it and feel for his family. However, the victims family has been causing me some problems by sending me nasty letters and reporting me to whoever they can report me to. I have even had the RSPCA at my door saying they have had a report that I am mistreating my dog! I have a lovely home and both me and my partner have worked hard to get it like that, but I have been looking for private rented accommodation just to get the hell out of the area! I don't blame the victims family for being bitter, I would feel the same, but the point is, I didn't do anything wrong, yet they are targeting me because obviously they cannot get to my husband. This now is causing a strain on mine and my partners relationship because if he hadn't had committed this crime, I would not be getting the hassle at my door. Thanks for listening.

Anonymous Partner of Prisoner

Through The Keyhole - Prison Widow's House

I was invited over to, Prison Widow's house last week for a few beers and a chill out. It's not a bad pad actually. But what concerned me and my wife was the shape of her windows? She said the window's were put in to remind her of her husband in prison?

Stuart Darlington

My Mum Married Her Prison Pen Pal.....

And it changed us forever.

For me, answering the question "Are your parents remarried?" is a delicate matter. My dad is easy: Nope, he's a born-again bachelor since he and my mom divorced after 22 years together. My mother is not currently married, I will say carefully, but she was for several years. I might even add that she moved from California, where I grew up, to New Mexico, in order to be with her second husband. The conversation usually stops there. But sometimes I'll plunge ahead. In 1996, my mother met and later married a man incarcerated in a New Mexico state prison, an inmate who began as her pen pal and ended up as her lover.

At first, I was supportive. Which seems hard to believe. My mother's affair began very soon after my parents split and I moved away to college, and it carried a crazy whiff of romantic adventure. The universe seemed to conspire to bring them together. Joe reached her by randomly tapping a string of numbers together into an out-of-state collect phone call. She accepted the call, thinking it was one of my old boyfriends who shared the same name. He was looking for someone to write to him, since his family didn't often visit—would anybody in the household be interested? (He later admitted that he'd heard from other inmates that the collect-call routine was a good way to find women.) She volunteered for the job, and I thought her daring and fabulously unorthodox.

CLICK HERE and read more on the story!

Picture Of The Day - From Sammy Jo

Thanks Sammy Jo for sending this pic in to us! LOL!

Too Many Tears On Prison Visits - By Mum Of Prisoner

I am writing this to you just to get things off my chest. Please also can you keep my name anonymous. My son is in prison and I can't deal with visiting him. Every time I have visited him, I have cried my eyes out in the visits room and on one occasion, one of the lads on the wing saw me and my son was bullied because of it. They were making fun of my son, because I couldn't hold back my tears. Now my son is saying that he doesn't want me to visit him because of this.

I never thought as a mother that I would have to go through this. I have brought my children up to the best of my ability and yet my son lands up in prison.

Prison Chat UK

Prisoners Families Voices is a platform for family voices. Unfortunately we are not a support forum, but we can advise the above link for families of prisoners in the UK.

OUCH!!!!!

Now that really must have hurt!!!!!!

The Five Minute Interview - By Jim Brown - Probation Officer

I've heard a lot recently about the '5 minute interview', otherwise known as the 'tick box interview' over on the Prisoners Families Voices website. I know exactly what they mean because I've seen it myself. A car pulls up outside the probation office, a guy gets out and he heads for reception and the friend keeps the engine running while he 'reports.' There is clearly no need to bother stopping the engine because just as quickly the guy reappears and is driven off.

A pointless exercise many would say and I have to agree. There's no wonder significant numbers of clients think it's a waste of time and don't turn up, thus triggering either breach or recall action. So, what's been going on, especially as it's long been known that it's the relationship between probation officer and client that is fundamental in effecting change in behaviour? Well by a handy coincidence, the explanation is contained in the latest edition of the newsletter for sentencers produced by the London Probation Trust and I'm grateful to a reader for passing it on to me. It's basically about one of the latest buz issues within the Service generally at the present time, and called 'engagement.'

CLICK HERE and read more over at Probation Matters Blog