A kindred spirit

I'm not totally sure why I'm writing this blog, well, I kind of do. It isn't to garner empathy or sympathy but mainly it is because if I don't get it out I feel my head will explode. My heart also feels as if it will scar permanently from the news I received during the … Continue reading A kindred spirit

I need to get over it.

I was recently invited to a Zoom debate on HMP Shrewsbury opening up as a tourist attraction and I'm dying to have my say. I politely declined at the same time, kicking myself for missing an opportunity. I'm a Keyboard Warrior with a fear of ‘peopling’, or to use the correct term I've got chronic agoraphobia and … Continue reading I need to get over it.

TON UP!

It is remarkable how things turn out sometimes. I am not only able to celebrate my 100th blog, but I am also able to celebrate, and of course, promote ; ) my debut book 'A Father's Son.' I have banged on for ages and will continue to do so, about the importance of education, especially … Continue reading TON UP!

Wrong answer.

Once again we have an announcement from the UK government, over a weekend or bank holiday, with regards to our prisons. This heading and sub-heading coming from Bloomberg politics. 'U.K.’s Johnson Unveils $3 Billion Jail Plan to Ease Overcrowding' U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he plans to spend as much as 2.5 billion pounds … Continue reading Wrong answer.

Inspirationville

I wanted to write a blog yesterday about this experience, however, I became somewhat overwhelmed. Fortunately, I can count Michael Irwin and The Tartan Con as contacts and also as friends. It wasn't so much the advice more the silent understanding. So, before I begin I would like to say a massive thank you to … Continue reading Inspirationville

Facts, fears and fables: Silent Battles: Reform!

Those who know me personally can confirm I usually have around 20 projects on the go at any one time in what may be considered a pretty hectic life. However it may look, I do in fact, have quite a lot of structure built in. Organised chaos as the saying goes. Living with complex mental … Continue reading Facts, fears and fables: Silent Battles: Reform!

Does it heal?

“In light of history, experience and the present limitations of human knowledge, we find it quite impossible to say that committing to the untrammelled discretion of the jury the power to pronounce life or death in capital cases is offensive to anything in the Constitution" (as cited in, Wolfgang & Riedel, p.120). Wolfgang, Marvin, and … Continue reading Does it heal?

The purpose of prison?

My featured image contains the name Yinka 'Lamboginny' Lawanson. Lamboginny is a recording/performing artiste from Nigeria. He is also a humanitarian, in fact, here's a YouTube clip of Lamboginny talking at the recent United Nations World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) conference in New York. Figures in the latest Bromley Briefings, published by the Prison Reform Trust, show … Continue reading The purpose of prison?

Free Kenneth Foster

In order to influence and enforce long-term, purposeful change to our criminal justice system, we need a co-operative, a togetherness, like never before. The UK justice system, compares somewhat to the system in the USA. In fact, we have quite a lot in common with our American cousins, most things, unlike our respective justice systems, … Continue reading Free Kenneth Foster

The number 42!

Although I share the many negative aspects of my life, I merely do so in order to share the journey. There is no point in campaigning for reform through sharing my own experiences with only half the story. For me though, it is the positive aspects which not only mean more but are more important. … Continue reading The number 42!