Prisoners have been offered the chance of winning a day out of jail as top prize in their Christmas raffle in a move which has angered victim support groups.
Inmates at HMP Kirkham, near Blackpool, Lancashire, have been told they could enjoy a whole day of freedom if they enter the £1 draw.
The raffle is open to the 590 prisoners held at the category D jail, some of whom will include rapists, murderers and other violent offenders coming to the end of their sentences
However, to be eligible for entry in the draw, they must first volunteer to cook Christmas dinner for the elderly at the nearby Milbanke Day Centre.
The reward, which has been condoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw, has angered the families of violent crime victims.
What doesn't Jack Straw condone then? because the majority of the prisoners there get town visits and home leave anyway! I know the whole thing may seem bizarre to the public, but these are prisoners who have been moved to open conditions (Cat D) for many reasons, one being that they are considered to be re-habilitated and are getting prepared for release. Lets face it, any prisoner can walk out of there anyway!
ReplyDeleteIf the quid a raffle ticket is going towards a good cause then I personally think there's no harm in it. But what I will say is this, I think the prison service are nicking idea's from our blog (Prisoners Families Voices) LOL!!!!