Prison monitor who had 'phone sex' with inmates spared jail
A prison monitor has been given a suspended jail sentence for sending explicit photographs of herself and engaging in ''phone sex'' with inmates.
Alice Belton, of Wilton Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, pleaded guilty at a previous hearing at Newport Crown Court on the Isle of Wight to a charge of misconduct in office.
The court heard the 23-year-old had engaged in ''inappropriate'' and ''intimate'' relationships with three inmates serving at HMP Parkhurst on the Isle of Wight where she volunteered between October 2008 and April 2009.
Her unpaid role with the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) involved her visiting prisoners to check on their well-being.
She was arrested after she was found bringing a mobile phone into the prison.
Belton told police she had first made contact with one of the prisoners, named as Stuart, through a dating site called Flirtfast.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
The Strangeways riot: 20 years on
The Strangeways riot: 20 years on
Two decades after the UK's worst prison riot erupted in Manchester, Eric Allison tracks down some of the main players and asks why senior officers failed to prevent it
For the prisoners, it was a justified protest against the appalling conditions in which they were being kept, and against the often brutal treatment handed out by their keepers. For the prison's governor, it was an "explosion of evil".
The Strangeways prison riot, which began 20 years ago tomorrow and lasted 25 days, under an unprecedented glare of media attention, left two men dead and 194 injured. It was followed by 51 criminal trials and a public inquiry that proved to be the most searching examination of penal policy in British history, and resulted in sweeping changes to the penal system. These included an end to "slopping out", whereby prisoners had to urinate and defecate in buckets in their cell; the appointment of a prisons ombudsman; and the introduction of telephones on landings so prisoners could keep in closer touch with their families.
But the Woolf inquiry into the riot also unearthed evidence – largely ignored by politicians and the media – indicating that it could and should have been avoided.
Two decades after the UK's worst prison riot erupted in Manchester, Eric Allison tracks down some of the main players and asks why senior officers failed to prevent it
For the prisoners, it was a justified protest against the appalling conditions in which they were being kept, and against the often brutal treatment handed out by their keepers. For the prison's governor, it was an "explosion of evil".
The Strangeways prison riot, which began 20 years ago tomorrow and lasted 25 days, under an unprecedented glare of media attention, left two men dead and 194 injured. It was followed by 51 criminal trials and a public inquiry that proved to be the most searching examination of penal policy in British history, and resulted in sweeping changes to the penal system. These included an end to "slopping out", whereby prisoners had to urinate and defecate in buckets in their cell; the appointment of a prisons ombudsman; and the introduction of telephones on landings so prisoners could keep in closer touch with their families.
But the Woolf inquiry into the riot also unearthed evidence – largely ignored by politicians and the media – indicating that it could and should have been avoided.
Heathrow armed robbers guilty after first criminal trial without jury
Great-grandmother given an electronic tag and curfew for selling a goldfish to a 14 year-old
Great-grandmother given an electronic tag and curfew for selling a goldfish to a 14 year-old
A great-grandmother has been ordered to wear an electronic tag for breaching new animal welfare laws by selling a goldfish to a 14 year-old boy.
Joan Higgins, a pet shop owner, was caught selling the fish to the teenager in a 'sting' operation by council officials. She was then prosecuted in an eight month court process estimated to have cost the taxpayer more than £20,000.
Under new animal welfare laws, passed in 2006, it is it illegal to sell goldfish to under 16s. Offenders can be punished with up to 12 months in prison.
It is not yet April Fool's Day. This case indicates how mad society has become.
A great-grandmother has been ordered to wear an electronic tag for breaching new animal welfare laws by selling a goldfish to a 14 year-old boy.
Joan Higgins, a pet shop owner, was caught selling the fish to the teenager in a 'sting' operation by council officials. She was then prosecuted in an eight month court process estimated to have cost the taxpayer more than £20,000.
Under new animal welfare laws, passed in 2006, it is it illegal to sell goldfish to under 16s. Offenders can be punished with up to 12 months in prison.
It is not yet April Fool's Day. This case indicates how mad society has become.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Is the death penalty on death row?
Is the death penalty on death row?
The scene outside the Huntsville unit of the Texas state penitentiary last Wednesday evening was a familiar one.
Police officers stood casually outside the imposing red-brick walls as a small group of passionate opponents of the death penalty railed against a punishment they say has no place in modern America.
Inside, a death row inmate, Hank Skinner, was due to be executed by lethal injection.
But with half an hour to go, word emerged that the Supreme Court in Washington had issued a last-minute stay of execution.
Skinner, convicted of the 1993 killing of his girlfriend and her two adult sons in Pampa, has always protested his innocence.
His French wife, Sandrine, expressed relief, but spoke of her anger at a process that could still result in her husband's execution.
"This system has got to stop," she told the BBC. "We are not going to stop until it's over."
The death chamber at Huntsville, which carries out all Texas death penalties, is still the busiest in the nation. Twenty-four prisoners were executed last year.
But across Texas, there has been a steep decline in the number of new death sentences handed down. There were just nine last year. In the late 1990s, as many as 48 people a year were sent to death row.
The statistics have led some campaigners to hope that the death penalty may itself be on death row.
The scene outside the Huntsville unit of the Texas state penitentiary last Wednesday evening was a familiar one.
Police officers stood casually outside the imposing red-brick walls as a small group of passionate opponents of the death penalty railed against a punishment they say has no place in modern America.
Inside, a death row inmate, Hank Skinner, was due to be executed by lethal injection.
But with half an hour to go, word emerged that the Supreme Court in Washington had issued a last-minute stay of execution.
Skinner, convicted of the 1993 killing of his girlfriend and her two adult sons in Pampa, has always protested his innocence.
His French wife, Sandrine, expressed relief, but spoke of her anger at a process that could still result in her husband's execution.
"This system has got to stop," she told the BBC. "We are not going to stop until it's over."
The death chamber at Huntsville, which carries out all Texas death penalties, is still the busiest in the nation. Twenty-four prisoners were executed last year.
But across Texas, there has been a steep decline in the number of new death sentences handed down. There were just nine last year. In the late 1990s, as many as 48 people a year were sent to death row.
The statistics have led some campaigners to hope that the death penalty may itself be on death row.
Theme One by George Martin
Theme One by George Martin
Brilliant.
I used to get woken up by the sound of this, loudly, coming from the flat below, way back in the late 1960s.
Brilliant.
I used to get woken up by the sound of this, loudly, coming from the flat below, way back in the late 1960s.
Prisoners votes discussed on The World at One
Prisoners votes discussed on The World at One
Thank you Dominic Grieve for showing us what a bloody idiot you really are. His negligence has contributed to 73,000 prisoners having their human rights violated. Perhaps, a writ should be sent his way? He owes a duty of care being a member of the Opposition to challenge Jack Straw. He claims to have challenged Jack Straw, however, I have never heard of any challenge. All I have heard is Grieve's opposition to the Court's judgment. The problem with Grieve's solution is that it fails to take into account that the Court decision is final. He seems to be labouring under the misapprehension that MPs and Parliament will have the final say whether prisoners have the vote. It would be a breach of the Convention to debate the issue and then retain the blanket ban. Also, Grieve missed the point about the only countries with a blanket ban are those totalitarian states. He took this as an example of other states doing it and we should follow suit. So, Dominic Grieve, do we live in a totalitarian state or a democracy?
Typescript of the interview (not complete yet)
Should prisoners be given the right to vote?
Martha Kearney: “Should prisoners be given the right to vote? Next week a new attempt to make that happen will come before the House of Lords. Six years ago today the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a blanket ban on prisoners voting was unlawful. The government’s view is that prisoners have broken the social contract, and so forfeited the right to vote. Since the ruling ministers have embarked on a series of consultations. The original case was brought by prisoner John Hirst, who’s serving a life sentence for manslaughter. He told me he could not see why the government had not resolved the issue so long after his legal victory”.
John Hirst: “Yesterday you’ve got the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, talking about rushing legislation through on this methadrone before the election. Now that issue has only just come up in the last few days, and he wants to rush into Parliament and get it through quickly. Here we’ve got a case that’s been waiting to be dealt with by Parliament for six years, and the government isn’t moving on it”.
MK: “But, if it were to become an election issue wouldn’t that damage your cause because I imagine public opinion is firmly against the view that prisoners should get the vote”.
JH: “No they’re not, because this is the thing, that’s the government’s line. They’ve actually conducted two consultation exercises, and the majority of people actually voted for all prisoners to have the vote. There were only 4 people who actually supported the government’s view to deny prisoners the franchise”.
MK: “Don’t you think there would be public outrage at the idea of convicted murderers and convicted rapists being given the right to vote?”.
JH: “No because it actually helps, you know, if people get the vote then it means them coming out having more of a say in society, and it helps towards rehabilitation. What you’ve got at the moment is a position where prisoners are looking at Jack Straw breaking the law on this issue and refusing to change it. All you’re getting there is an example of ‘Oh, it’s alright to break the law. But, it isn’t alright to break the law”.
MK: “But isn’t it a bit strong to say the Justice Secretary is breaking the law over this? And the government are consulting over this, what to do about the Court of Human Rights judgment?”.
(JH talks over MK “No, he is breaking the law. Europe has told him”).
JH: “If he continues down this line, to hold the next general election, and denying 73 thousand people the vote, it legally invalidates the election”.
MK: “John Hirst”.
(To be continued)
Thank you Dominic Grieve for showing us what a bloody idiot you really are. His negligence has contributed to 73,000 prisoners having their human rights violated. Perhaps, a writ should be sent his way? He owes a duty of care being a member of the Opposition to challenge Jack Straw. He claims to have challenged Jack Straw, however, I have never heard of any challenge. All I have heard is Grieve's opposition to the Court's judgment. The problem with Grieve's solution is that it fails to take into account that the Court decision is final. He seems to be labouring under the misapprehension that MPs and Parliament will have the final say whether prisoners have the vote. It would be a breach of the Convention to debate the issue and then retain the blanket ban. Also, Grieve missed the point about the only countries with a blanket ban are those totalitarian states. He took this as an example of other states doing it and we should follow suit. So, Dominic Grieve, do we live in a totalitarian state or a democracy?
Typescript of the interview (not complete yet)
Should prisoners be given the right to vote?
Martha Kearney: “Should prisoners be given the right to vote? Next week a new attempt to make that happen will come before the House of Lords. Six years ago today the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a blanket ban on prisoners voting was unlawful. The government’s view is that prisoners have broken the social contract, and so forfeited the right to vote. Since the ruling ministers have embarked on a series of consultations. The original case was brought by prisoner John Hirst, who’s serving a life sentence for manslaughter. He told me he could not see why the government had not resolved the issue so long after his legal victory”.
John Hirst: “Yesterday you’ve got the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, talking about rushing legislation through on this methadrone before the election. Now that issue has only just come up in the last few days, and he wants to rush into Parliament and get it through quickly. Here we’ve got a case that’s been waiting to be dealt with by Parliament for six years, and the government isn’t moving on it”.
MK: “But, if it were to become an election issue wouldn’t that damage your cause because I imagine public opinion is firmly against the view that prisoners should get the vote”.
JH: “No they’re not, because this is the thing, that’s the government’s line. They’ve actually conducted two consultation exercises, and the majority of people actually voted for all prisoners to have the vote. There were only 4 people who actually supported the government’s view to deny prisoners the franchise”.
MK: “Don’t you think there would be public outrage at the idea of convicted murderers and convicted rapists being given the right to vote?”.
JH: “No because it actually helps, you know, if people get the vote then it means them coming out having more of a say in society, and it helps towards rehabilitation. What you’ve got at the moment is a position where prisoners are looking at Jack Straw breaking the law on this issue and refusing to change it. All you’re getting there is an example of ‘Oh, it’s alright to break the law. But, it isn’t alright to break the law”.
MK: “But isn’t it a bit strong to say the Justice Secretary is breaking the law over this? And the government are consulting over this, what to do about the Court of Human Rights judgment?”.
(JH talks over MK “No, he is breaking the law. Europe has told him”).
JH: “If he continues down this line, to hold the next general election, and denying 73 thousand people the vote, it legally invalidates the election”.
MK: “John Hirst”.
(To be continued)
Prisoners should have the vote
Prisoners should have the vote
The Guardian Tuesday 30 March 2010
Over 70,000 people could be unlawfully disenfranchised in the general election. Britain is one of the few countries left in Europe with a blanket ban on sentenced prisoners voting. This is despite the European court of human rights first ruling the ban unlawful six years ago today, on 30 March 2004.
An amendment has been tabled to the constitutional reform and governance bill in the Lords to allow sentenced prisoners to vote. The case for reform is unequivocal. In a democracy, voting should be seen as a right and positive civic duty, not as a privilege. The Prison Governors' Association points out that barring prisoners from voting hampers rehabilitation. Disenfranchisement of prisoners derives from the Forfeiture Act and its outdated 19th-century notion of civic death, a punishment entailing the withdrawal of citizenship rights. It has no place in a modern democracy and is legally and morally unsustainable.
On 4 March the committee of ministers at the Council of Europe required the UK authorities "to rapidly adopt measures, of even an interim nature, to ensure the execution of the court's judgment before the forthcoming general election". Governors confirm that granting prisoners the right to vote would neither threaten public safety nor be difficult to implement, given arrangements for postal voting. The Electoral Commission has set out for the Ministry of Justice a straightforward way for prisoners to take part in the election.
Lord Ramsbotham
Lord Pannick QC
Lord Fellowes
Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool
Juliet Lyon CBE, Prison Reform Trust
Shami Chakrabarti CBE, Liberty
Frances Crook OBE, Howard League for Penal Reform
Bob Cummines, Unlock
John Hirst
Helen Boothman, AMIMB
Lady Edwina Grosvenor
Dame Audrey Glover DBE, CMG
Alison Hannah, Penal Reform International
Nuala Mole, Aire Centre
UPDATE: Just done a pre-recorded interview on this subject for BBC Radio 4 The World At One.
Listen Again here. Fastforward 20 minutes, it's the second to last item and lasts for just over 6 minutes.
Related content: Letter to Michael Wills MP, Minister of State for Justice
The Guardian Tuesday 30 March 2010
Over 70,000 people could be unlawfully disenfranchised in the general election. Britain is one of the few countries left in Europe with a blanket ban on sentenced prisoners voting. This is despite the European court of human rights first ruling the ban unlawful six years ago today, on 30 March 2004.
An amendment has been tabled to the constitutional reform and governance bill in the Lords to allow sentenced prisoners to vote. The case for reform is unequivocal. In a democracy, voting should be seen as a right and positive civic duty, not as a privilege. The Prison Governors' Association points out that barring prisoners from voting hampers rehabilitation. Disenfranchisement of prisoners derives from the Forfeiture Act and its outdated 19th-century notion of civic death, a punishment entailing the withdrawal of citizenship rights. It has no place in a modern democracy and is legally and morally unsustainable.
On 4 March the committee of ministers at the Council of Europe required the UK authorities "to rapidly adopt measures, of even an interim nature, to ensure the execution of the court's judgment before the forthcoming general election". Governors confirm that granting prisoners the right to vote would neither threaten public safety nor be difficult to implement, given arrangements for postal voting. The Electoral Commission has set out for the Ministry of Justice a straightforward way for prisoners to take part in the election.
Lord Ramsbotham
Lord Pannick QC
Lord Fellowes
Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool
Juliet Lyon CBE, Prison Reform Trust
Shami Chakrabarti CBE, Liberty
Frances Crook OBE, Howard League for Penal Reform
Bob Cummines, Unlock
John Hirst
Helen Boothman, AMIMB
Lady Edwina Grosvenor
Dame Audrey Glover DBE, CMG
Alison Hannah, Penal Reform International
Nuala Mole, Aire Centre
UPDATE: Just done a pre-recorded interview on this subject for BBC Radio 4 The World At One.
Listen Again here. Fastforward 20 minutes, it's the second to last item and lasts for just over 6 minutes.
Related content: Letter to Michael Wills MP, Minister of State for Justice
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Music Lives On: Now The Mines Have Gone the Best of Colliery Bands
The Music Lives On: Now The Mines Have Gone the Best of Colliery Bands
Track listing
* 1 The Champions - Desford Colliery
* 2 William Tell - Grimethorpe Colliery
* 3 Russian Dance - Point of Ayr
* 4 Concerto de Aranjuez - Betteshanger Brass
* 5 Songs of the Tyne - Bearpark and Esh - Durham
* 6 He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Hatfield (Powerfuel)
* 7 New World Symphony - Grimethorpe Colliery
* 8 The Day thou Gavest - Newbridge
* 9 La Danza - Ellington
* 10 Bayview - Buckhaven
* 11 Jerusalem - Grimethorpe Colliery
* 12 You Needed Me - Thoresby Colliery
* 13 Lightwalk - Carlton Main (Frickley)
* 14 Songs Of The Quay - Thoresby Colliery
* 15 McArthur Park - Grimethorpe Colliery
Call me sentimental. I bought the CD today having seen it advertised on TV. I have already played it twice.
Track listing
* 1 The Champions - Desford Colliery
* 2 William Tell - Grimethorpe Colliery
* 3 Russian Dance - Point of Ayr
* 4 Concerto de Aranjuez - Betteshanger Brass
* 5 Songs of the Tyne - Bearpark and Esh - Durham
* 6 He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Hatfield (Powerfuel)
* 7 New World Symphony - Grimethorpe Colliery
* 8 The Day thou Gavest - Newbridge
* 9 La Danza - Ellington
* 10 Bayview - Buckhaven
* 11 Jerusalem - Grimethorpe Colliery
* 12 You Needed Me - Thoresby Colliery
* 13 Lightwalk - Carlton Main (Frickley)
* 14 Songs Of The Quay - Thoresby Colliery
* 15 McArthur Park - Grimethorpe Colliery
Call me sentimental. I bought the CD today having seen it advertised on TV. I have already played it twice.
Jack Straw is bananas
Jack Straw is bananas
Bananas "I've always known their price," Jack Straw says.
So, this is what makes him suitable to be the Secretary of State for Justice? Knowing the price of bananas?
What a pity that this war criminal does not know it is illegal to start an illegal war in Iraq! What a pity that he does not know it is illegal to breach the human rights of prisoners.
Jack Straw's legacy? He knows the price of bananas!
Bananas "I've always known their price," Jack Straw says.
So, this is what makes him suitable to be the Secretary of State for Justice? Knowing the price of bananas?
What a pity that this war criminal does not know it is illegal to start an illegal war in Iraq! What a pity that he does not know it is illegal to breach the human rights of prisoners.
Jack Straw's legacy? He knows the price of bananas!
Alan Johnson knee-jerks to wrong tune
Alan Johnson knee-jerks to wrong tune
What Alan Johnson and Jack Straw have in common is that they both have a tendency to knee-jerk a reaction to media reports rather than think policies through.
Johnson to ban sale of the legal high mephedrone
Home Secretary will act immediately after report from advisory council
"The legislation is expected to be hurried through Parliament before it rises for the general election campaign".
Instead of hurrying through legislation which is needed to stop the government breaking the law in relation to denying prisoners their human right to vote, Alan Johnson is seeking to make illegal what is legal. Surely, making legal what is illegal should be a priority?
UPDATE: Rushing mephedrone ban is wrong
What Alan Johnson and Jack Straw have in common is that they both have a tendency to knee-jerk a reaction to media reports rather than think policies through.
Johnson to ban sale of the legal high mephedrone
Home Secretary will act immediately after report from advisory council
"The legislation is expected to be hurried through Parliament before it rises for the general election campaign".
Instead of hurrying through legislation which is needed to stop the government breaking the law in relation to denying prisoners their human right to vote, Alan Johnson is seeking to make illegal what is legal. Surely, making legal what is illegal should be a priority?
UPDATE: Rushing mephedrone ban is wrong
Pope in denial
Pope in denial
Perhaps if I hide behind this palm the paedophile accusations might go away...
It's a huge conspiracy...
Catholic Church will not be intimidated by sex abuse claims, Pope says
Pope Benedict XVI began Holy Week yesterday by suggesting in his Palm Sunday address that the Catholic Church would "not be intimidated" by the sex scandals sweeping it.
Perhaps if I hide behind this palm the paedophile accusations might go away...
It's a huge conspiracy...
Catholic Church will not be intimidated by sex abuse claims, Pope says
Pope Benedict XVI began Holy Week yesterday by suggesting in his Palm Sunday address that the Catholic Church would "not be intimidated" by the sex scandals sweeping it.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Terms of engagement
Terms of engagement
Following on from this post, you've read the book now see the movie...
Apologies for the poor lighting, I should have switched the desk light on. There again, Liana looks better in the dark...
Following on from this post, you've read the book now see the movie...
Apologies for the poor lighting, I should have switched the desk light on. There again, Liana looks better in the dark...
Lord Mock-Tudor Beams of Hull?
Lord Mock-Tudor Beams of Hull?
Poor old Fatty Two Jags is being henpecked by his battle axe of a wife Pauline into accepting a peerage, so that she can become a Lady. Pauline, dear, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. For me, you will always remain a Hyacinth Bucket following your supporting role in the TV soap Prescott: The Class System and Me.
Poor old Fatty Two Jags is being henpecked by his battle axe of a wife Pauline into accepting a peerage, so that she can become a Lady. Pauline, dear, you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. For me, you will always remain a Hyacinth Bucket following your supporting role in the TV soap Prescott: The Class System and Me.
Mafia boss wins right to visit the lavatory without being filmed
Mafia boss wins right to visit the lavatory without being filmed
Jailed Mafia godfathers have the right to go to the lavatory without being filmed, an Italian court has ruled.
Judge Giovanna Di Rosa accepted Salvatore Lo Piccolo's argument that he should be able to use the bathroom without being filmed and he was "entitled to his privacy".
She added that by filming him, Lo Piccolo was being "subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment" - a decision that has outraged members of a group for victims of the Mob.
Some years ago in Wakefield Prison Segregation Unit I recall that we were allowed to have a shit in private behind a half door, but a screw would watch us having a shower. On one occasion I recall a screw calling me a dirty bastard as I deliberately pulled back my foreskin, and would bend over to expose my third eye. I responded that he was the pervert for standing there and watching me having a shower. I don't believe that it was done for security purpose but instead designed to humiliate. So, to embarrass a screw in this way was a little victory.
Jailed Mafia godfathers have the right to go to the lavatory without being filmed, an Italian court has ruled.
Judge Giovanna Di Rosa accepted Salvatore Lo Piccolo's argument that he should be able to use the bathroom without being filmed and he was "entitled to his privacy".
She added that by filming him, Lo Piccolo was being "subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment" - a decision that has outraged members of a group for victims of the Mob.
Some years ago in Wakefield Prison Segregation Unit I recall that we were allowed to have a shit in private behind a half door, but a screw would watch us having a shower. On one occasion I recall a screw calling me a dirty bastard as I deliberately pulled back my foreskin, and would bend over to expose my third eye. I responded that he was the pervert for standing there and watching me having a shower. I don't believe that it was done for security purpose but instead designed to humiliate. So, to embarrass a screw in this way was a little victory.
Police probe death of inmate at Wandsworth Prison
Police probe death of inmate at Wandsworth Prison
Police are investigating the "unexplained" death of a man at Wandsworth Prison in south London.
Jegatheeswarn Balasingham, 51, died on Friday evening.
Scotland Yard said it is being treated as ''unexplained''.
A spokesman said: ''A post-mortem examination took place this afternoon. The result was inconclusive and results of further tests are awaited.''
The Prison Service dismissed a report that a hostage situation had taken place.
A spokeswoman said: ''HMP Wandsworth prisoner Jegatheeswarn Balasingham, 51, was taken ill at around 7pm on Friday 26 March 2010.
''Staff were in attendance and attempted resuscitation but Mr Balasingham was pronounced dead at 7.36pm.
Balasingham is reported to have been serving a four-month jail term after being convicted of causing actual bodily harm.
If only serious offenders are sent to prison, why the short sentence of 4 months?
Police are investigating the "unexplained" death of a man at Wandsworth Prison in south London.
Jegatheeswarn Balasingham, 51, died on Friday evening.
Scotland Yard said it is being treated as ''unexplained''.
A spokesman said: ''A post-mortem examination took place this afternoon. The result was inconclusive and results of further tests are awaited.''
The Prison Service dismissed a report that a hostage situation had taken place.
A spokeswoman said: ''HMP Wandsworth prisoner Jegatheeswarn Balasingham, 51, was taken ill at around 7pm on Friday 26 March 2010.
''Staff were in attendance and attempted resuscitation but Mr Balasingham was pronounced dead at 7.36pm.
Balasingham is reported to have been serving a four-month jail term after being convicted of causing actual bodily harm.
If only serious offenders are sent to prison, why the short sentence of 4 months?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
How to satisfy a woman...
How to satisfy a woman...
Liana finally got her engagement ring today, from H Samuel. Luckily for her they had a U size, and unlucky for me because I quite fancied a DVD/Video recorder. Earlier I did buy a Dyson vaccuum. I can see the sense in this. But, to fork out good money just so as Liana can flaunt it at work and say "My boyfried, my boyfriend"...
Does anybody know a good psychiatrist?
Liana finally got her engagement ring today, from H Samuel. Luckily for her they had a U size, and unlucky for me because I quite fancied a DVD/Video recorder. Earlier I did buy a Dyson vaccuum. I can see the sense in this. But, to fork out good money just so as Liana can flaunt it at work and say "My boyfried, my boyfriend"...
Does anybody know a good psychiatrist?
Moat MP Douglas Hogg calls for higher MP salaries
Moat MP Douglas Hogg calls for higher MP salaries
The MP whose moat became a symbol of the expenses scandal has spoken of his "distress" over the affair.
Douglas Hogg, who owns a country estate in his Lincolnshire constituency, is also calling for MPs to receive a large pay rise.
In his first interview since the scandal broke, the veteran Conservative MP has denied that he even has a moat.
He told the Politics Show for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire that his claim was to clean out a drainage ditch.
I watched this report on TV. The interviewer pointed out to Hogg that the average salary is £25,000, but still the troughing MP claimed that an MP's annual salary of £65,000 was far too low. "He said he wanted it increased by about 50% to attract people of the right calibre into politics. He suggested that MPs should not be worse off than GPs, dentists or low-level judges".
I don't agree with this 'if you had paid us more we would not have to steal from the taxpayer' line of argument. It should be how much can we serve the public not how much can we steal from them!
The MP whose moat became a symbol of the expenses scandal has spoken of his "distress" over the affair.
Douglas Hogg, who owns a country estate in his Lincolnshire constituency, is also calling for MPs to receive a large pay rise.
In his first interview since the scandal broke, the veteran Conservative MP has denied that he even has a moat.
He told the Politics Show for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire that his claim was to clean out a drainage ditch.
I watched this report on TV. The interviewer pointed out to Hogg that the average salary is £25,000, but still the troughing MP claimed that an MP's annual salary of £65,000 was far too low. "He said he wanted it increased by about 50% to attract people of the right calibre into politics. He suggested that MPs should not be worse off than GPs, dentists or low-level judges".
I don't agree with this 'if you had paid us more we would not have to steal from the taxpayer' line of argument. It should be how much can we serve the public not how much can we steal from them!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Two for the ladies
Two for the ladies
Antique sex toys sell for £3,600
Two sex toys thought to be more than 200 years old fetched £3,600 at a sale.
The wooden phalluses - one measuring 10 inches and the other 11 inches - were bought by an anonymous bidder at an auction in Brentwood, Essex.
Staff at Brentwood Antiques Auction described the sex toys as ''extraordinary and exceptionally rare'' and said they were probably French and dated back to the late 1700s.
Is this the mystery bidder?
Antique sex toys sell for £3,600
Two sex toys thought to be more than 200 years old fetched £3,600 at a sale.
The wooden phalluses - one measuring 10 inches and the other 11 inches - were bought by an anonymous bidder at an auction in Brentwood, Essex.
Staff at Brentwood Antiques Auction described the sex toys as ''extraordinary and exceptionally rare'' and said they were probably French and dated back to the late 1700s.
Is this the mystery bidder?
Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill [HL]
Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill [HL]
After Clause 91
LORD RAMSBOTHAM
Insert the following new Clause—
“Prisoner voting rights
Section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 is omitted.”
Link.
After Clause 91
LORD RAMSBOTHAM
Insert the following new Clause—
“Prisoner voting rights
Section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 is omitted.”
Link.
Death row man saved midway through last cheeseburger
Death row man saved midway through last cheeseburger
Convicted of murdering girlfriend, Texan hoping DNA evidence will clear his name
Death-row inmate Hank Skinner was slowly chewing his way through the enormous cheeseburger that was supposed to be his last supper when good news arrived: he'd no longer be forced to digest the artery-clogging meal in an executioner's chair.
The US Supreme Court intervened late on Wednesday to prevent a lethal injection from being given to the convicted murderer, saying it wants more time to consider his appeal. "I'd made up my mind that I was going to die," the condemned man told guards. "I really feel like I won today."
Skinner has always maintained his innocence of the murder of his girlfriend Twila Busby and her two adult sons at their home in Texas on New Year's Eve 1993, and that the killer was the victim's uncle. To prove his version of events, he wants key crime-scene evidence, including semen samples and bloodied knives, to be DNA tested.
But several courts, of increasing seniority, have denied that request, saying that a convicted man has no right under US law to seek a review of evidence that his defence team did not get analysed at his original trial.
It is incredible that his defence team failed to ensure that DNA was tested to find out whether their client was guilty or innocent!
Convicted of murdering girlfriend, Texan hoping DNA evidence will clear his name
Death-row inmate Hank Skinner was slowly chewing his way through the enormous cheeseburger that was supposed to be his last supper when good news arrived: he'd no longer be forced to digest the artery-clogging meal in an executioner's chair.
The US Supreme Court intervened late on Wednesday to prevent a lethal injection from being given to the convicted murderer, saying it wants more time to consider his appeal. "I'd made up my mind that I was going to die," the condemned man told guards. "I really feel like I won today."
Skinner has always maintained his innocence of the murder of his girlfriend Twila Busby and her two adult sons at their home in Texas on New Year's Eve 1993, and that the killer was the victim's uncle. To prove his version of events, he wants key crime-scene evidence, including semen samples and bloodied knives, to be DNA tested.
But several courts, of increasing seniority, have denied that request, saying that a convicted man has no right under US law to seek a review of evidence that his defence team did not get analysed at his original trial.
It is incredible that his defence team failed to ensure that DNA was tested to find out whether their client was guilty or innocent!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Notes from the NOMS conference
Notes from the NOMS conference
By Frances Crook
I spent two days at the NOMS conference, attended by around 300 prison governors, heads of probation, and this year also some people from the private sector. I have made some random notes of stuff I think might be of interest from speeches and workshops.
Michael Spurr is taking over as the Chief Executive of NOMS, when Phil Wheatley retires in June. In his keynote speech he said that the ending of early release would increase the prison population by 2,000 in two months. He said that the service had been over-assessing but under-working with offenders and the import of his comments implied that they want to return to individual engagement in addition to delivery of programmes. The reoffending rate for those serving 12 month prison sentences has gone up from 62% to 64%, but interestingly he said that open prisons and semi-open do seem to reduce reoffending even for short sentenced prisoners.
People who have more than 10 convictions are not doing well, they seem to be predominately people who started taking drugs in the 1980s and are prolific offenders to feed their habit, a habit they cannot kick.
Absconding from prison is down from 1,200 in 2003 to 380 in 2008. This is good news in that if a long termer absconds from an open prison they pretty much don’t have any choice but to revert to crime to survive outside, they can’t get a job as they would be picked up.
MAPPA appears to be delivering and further offences are down.
Phil Wheatley said that “there is no endemic brutality in any prison”.
Really importantly, Phil Wheatley reinforced the message that both prison and probation should concentrate on work with people rather than doing things to people.
Professor Fergus McNeill from Glasgow University was interesting. He said that change is difficult (anyone who has gone on a diet or tried to give up smoking should remember that) and we can’t just tell people to change, it has to be a process of desistance. His work has been to find out how people change and how they stay changed. Crime becomes part of people’s identity and they need to sign up to a new commitment to live well and conform to society’s rules, long term. Instant and complete cessation of crime is unlikely, but we can decelerate prevalence and severity and the public must recognise that this is a success and contributes to the common good. It is simplistic and erroneous to think that putting people through programmes will lead to change; what matters is relationships, community, social context, staff skills, and in amongst things can be programmes. We have to help people to find the law-abiding self inside them. They have to see that a life good for us is a life good for them. We need to allow people to make recompense and he suggested a ceremony or passing out parade that symbolises and embeds the change offering the chance of a different future, for the individual and for society.
I went to a workshop on the future of the DSPD programme (dangerous people with severe personality disorder) which works with people in custody who are assessed as presenting a high risk of harm to others. There have been four units, two in prisons and two in special hospitals, with controlled experiments working with those people identified as having personality disorder. The funding is going to be withdrawn from the NHS units at Rampton and Broadmoor, and focussed on the two prison units (around £50 million a year) although people may transfer out of prison to secure hospitals for treatment, they will still probably return to prison and the criminal justice system will be the main pathway. The people in the units require specialist treatment, and probably for life. Early identification was essential so that they can be supported by MAPPA on release. There are pilots running in a handful of local authorities to invest in specialist training for staff in approved premises to support people on release. It was reported to the workshop that their research showed that prison staff were more keen to work with PD prisoners and more skilled with them than nurses in the special hospitals.
And some really exciting developments on the Isle of Wight. The three prisons on the Isle of Wight (Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill) have been grouped under one governor, an inspirational one. The prisons have linked with Grendon to run experiments on citizenship development through a democratic process. The Isle of Wight prisons ran elections with the staff and prisoners being the electorate to form a consultative council. The prison made up four parties representing key areas of life inside the prison, such as training, resettlement, environment. People were chosen to campaign for their parties and the vote was apportioned to seats on the council – proportional representation. This was set up following a dreadful inspection on Parkhurst, admitted to be one of the worst reports ever done by the inspectorate. Fundamental change had to happen, and not just in making the prisons cleaner, but finding a different way of working. The leaders of the four parties were invited to address a full staff meeting, and only six walked out – at that moment Parkhurst changed, according to the governor. In the end, half the staff did vote. At the same time as introducing a process of democracy, they have had a zero tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour by prisoners and have been more explicit about supporting staff to “line manage” prisoners. The drama of the election got all three prisons engaged. The team presenting at the seminar said they saw it as “beyond decency” because the introduction of the decency agenda had concentrated on orderliness and safety, whereas the next step in prisons is to develop staff skills and engage prisoners in a democratic process to ready them for release.
Finally. There are big changes going on at the top. As well as Michael Spurr taking over at NOMS, Anne Owers is leaving the inspectorate and will be replaced by Nick Hardwick, and Stephen Shaw is leaving as Ombudsman – but recruiting a replacement for his post has been delayed until after the election which will mean months without a stable head of a critically important government office.
By Frances Crook
I spent two days at the NOMS conference, attended by around 300 prison governors, heads of probation, and this year also some people from the private sector. I have made some random notes of stuff I think might be of interest from speeches and workshops.
Michael Spurr is taking over as the Chief Executive of NOMS, when Phil Wheatley retires in June. In his keynote speech he said that the ending of early release would increase the prison population by 2,000 in two months. He said that the service had been over-assessing but under-working with offenders and the import of his comments implied that they want to return to individual engagement in addition to delivery of programmes. The reoffending rate for those serving 12 month prison sentences has gone up from 62% to 64%, but interestingly he said that open prisons and semi-open do seem to reduce reoffending even for short sentenced prisoners.
People who have more than 10 convictions are not doing well, they seem to be predominately people who started taking drugs in the 1980s and are prolific offenders to feed their habit, a habit they cannot kick.
Absconding from prison is down from 1,200 in 2003 to 380 in 2008. This is good news in that if a long termer absconds from an open prison they pretty much don’t have any choice but to revert to crime to survive outside, they can’t get a job as they would be picked up.
MAPPA appears to be delivering and further offences are down.
Phil Wheatley said that “there is no endemic brutality in any prison”.
Really importantly, Phil Wheatley reinforced the message that both prison and probation should concentrate on work with people rather than doing things to people.
Professor Fergus McNeill from Glasgow University was interesting. He said that change is difficult (anyone who has gone on a diet or tried to give up smoking should remember that) and we can’t just tell people to change, it has to be a process of desistance. His work has been to find out how people change and how they stay changed. Crime becomes part of people’s identity and they need to sign up to a new commitment to live well and conform to society’s rules, long term. Instant and complete cessation of crime is unlikely, but we can decelerate prevalence and severity and the public must recognise that this is a success and contributes to the common good. It is simplistic and erroneous to think that putting people through programmes will lead to change; what matters is relationships, community, social context, staff skills, and in amongst things can be programmes. We have to help people to find the law-abiding self inside them. They have to see that a life good for us is a life good for them. We need to allow people to make recompense and he suggested a ceremony or passing out parade that symbolises and embeds the change offering the chance of a different future, for the individual and for society.
I went to a workshop on the future of the DSPD programme (dangerous people with severe personality disorder) which works with people in custody who are assessed as presenting a high risk of harm to others. There have been four units, two in prisons and two in special hospitals, with controlled experiments working with those people identified as having personality disorder. The funding is going to be withdrawn from the NHS units at Rampton and Broadmoor, and focussed on the two prison units (around £50 million a year) although people may transfer out of prison to secure hospitals for treatment, they will still probably return to prison and the criminal justice system will be the main pathway. The people in the units require specialist treatment, and probably for life. Early identification was essential so that they can be supported by MAPPA on release. There are pilots running in a handful of local authorities to invest in specialist training for staff in approved premises to support people on release. It was reported to the workshop that their research showed that prison staff were more keen to work with PD prisoners and more skilled with them than nurses in the special hospitals.
And some really exciting developments on the Isle of Wight. The three prisons on the Isle of Wight (Parkhurst, Albany and Camp Hill) have been grouped under one governor, an inspirational one. The prisons have linked with Grendon to run experiments on citizenship development through a democratic process. The Isle of Wight prisons ran elections with the staff and prisoners being the electorate to form a consultative council. The prison made up four parties representing key areas of life inside the prison, such as training, resettlement, environment. People were chosen to campaign for their parties and the vote was apportioned to seats on the council – proportional representation. This was set up following a dreadful inspection on Parkhurst, admitted to be one of the worst reports ever done by the inspectorate. Fundamental change had to happen, and not just in making the prisons cleaner, but finding a different way of working. The leaders of the four parties were invited to address a full staff meeting, and only six walked out – at that moment Parkhurst changed, according to the governor. In the end, half the staff did vote. At the same time as introducing a process of democracy, they have had a zero tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour by prisoners and have been more explicit about supporting staff to “line manage” prisoners. The drama of the election got all three prisons engaged. The team presenting at the seminar said they saw it as “beyond decency” because the introduction of the decency agenda had concentrated on orderliness and safety, whereas the next step in prisons is to develop staff skills and engage prisoners in a democratic process to ready them for release.
Finally. There are big changes going on at the top. As well as Michael Spurr taking over at NOMS, Anne Owers is leaving the inspectorate and will be replaced by Nick Hardwick, and Stephen Shaw is leaving as Ombudsman – but recruiting a replacement for his post has been delayed until after the election which will mean months without a stable head of a critically important government office.
Criminal justice in our lawless jails
Criminal justice in our lawless jails
The vigilante attack on Ian Huntley reveals that a prison governor's writ simply does not run on the landings and wings
By Erwin James
The reported attack on Soham murderer Ian Huntley by fellow life-sentence prisoner Damian Fowkes in Frankland high-security prison last week brings one of the more vile aspects of British prison culture once more to public attention. The idea that some prisoners hold any kind of moral authority over others is perhaps the most serious cognitive distortion to plague prison life in the UK.
People outside rightly believe that there are rules in prison. Indeed, in any prison governor's office in any prison in the country, there is a big book entitled Prison Rules. But on a prison landing, in a prisoner hierarchy, there are no rules, other than those that determine the survival of the fittest. Not the fittest as in the most athletic, although a healthy measure of athleticism is certainly a helpful survival aid. But the fittest as Spencer and Darwin would have understood it – the most fitted to a particular environment.
On a prison landing, this means the most treacherous, the most deceitful, the most manipulative, hypocritical and vicious.
The vigilante attack on Ian Huntley reveals that a prison governor's writ simply does not run on the landings and wings
By Erwin James
The reported attack on Soham murderer Ian Huntley by fellow life-sentence prisoner Damian Fowkes in Frankland high-security prison last week brings one of the more vile aspects of British prison culture once more to public attention. The idea that some prisoners hold any kind of moral authority over others is perhaps the most serious cognitive distortion to plague prison life in the UK.
People outside rightly believe that there are rules in prison. Indeed, in any prison governor's office in any prison in the country, there is a big book entitled Prison Rules. But on a prison landing, in a prisoner hierarchy, there are no rules, other than those that determine the survival of the fittest. Not the fittest as in the most athletic, although a healthy measure of athleticism is certainly a helpful survival aid. But the fittest as Spencer and Darwin would have understood it – the most fitted to a particular environment.
On a prison landing, this means the most treacherous, the most deceitful, the most manipulative, hypocritical and vicious.
Barrister standing for BNP at election loses post at chambers
Barrister standing for BNP at election loses post at chambers
• Birmingham law firm eases out Robert Grierson
• Tax specialist hoped to stand for Sutton Coldfield
A West Midlands tax barrister who is standing as a British National party candidate has resigned from his chambers in Birmingham following exposure of his political affiliations.
Robert Grierson, who attended the same Cambridge college as the BNP leader, Nick Griffin, announced this week that he would represent the party in Sutton Coldfield, a seat held at the moment by the Conservatives.
This afternoon St Philips chambers in Birmingham, where Grierson was a door tenant – an associated barrister working from different premises – annnounced that it had parted company with the lawyer.
• Birmingham law firm eases out Robert Grierson
• Tax specialist hoped to stand for Sutton Coldfield
A West Midlands tax barrister who is standing as a British National party candidate has resigned from his chambers in Birmingham following exposure of his political affiliations.
Robert Grierson, who attended the same Cambridge college as the BNP leader, Nick Griffin, announced this week that he would represent the party in Sutton Coldfield, a seat held at the moment by the Conservatives.
This afternoon St Philips chambers in Birmingham, where Grierson was a door tenant – an associated barrister working from different premises – annnounced that it had parted company with the lawyer.
Prisoners claim £3M less in benefits than police spend on PR
Prisoners claim £3M less in benefits than police spend on PR
Prisoners claim £27million in benefits while they are in jail, Government admits
Prisoners have fraudulently claimed £27 million in benefits over the past five years, figures show.
As I was saying...
Police spend £30m on PR
Police forces around the UK are spending almost £30 million on public relations - enough to pay for an extra 1,000 officers on the beat, it can be revealed.
Prisoners claim £27million in benefits while they are in jail, Government admits
Prisoners have fraudulently claimed £27 million in benefits over the past five years, figures show.
As I was saying...
Police spend £30m on PR
Police forces around the UK are spending almost £30 million on public relations - enough to pay for an extra 1,000 officers on the beat, it can be revealed.
Ambulance Chasers 'R' Us
Ambulance Chasers 'R' Us
Ambulance Chasers 'R' Us annual marathon for accident injury lawyers
This post has been sponsored by first4lawyers
Ambulance Chasers 'R' Us annual marathon for accident injury lawyers
This post has been sponsored by first4lawyers
Michael Spurr is the new Director General of NOMS
Michael Spurr is the new Director General of NOMS
Michael Spurr joined the Prison Service in 1983, after graduating from Durham University. He spent a year as a prison officer at HMP Leeds before starting his training as an assistant governor at HMP Stanford Hill. He then held posts at HMP Swaleside and served as Deputy Governor of HMYOI Aylesbury before becoming Governor of Aylesbury in 1993. Following this he took up a post managing prisoner population and the Control Review Committee, a system for managing disruptive prisoners, and in the wake of the Learmont Report in 1995, which examined the causes of a series of escapes from high security prisons, he led a review of the management disruptive prisoners that resulted in the creation of the Close Supervision Centre system. In 1996 he became Governor of HMP Wayland, a category C training prison, and subsequently he became Governor of HMP andYOI Norwich, a split site local prison. In 2000 he was promoted to Area Manager first for London North and East Anglia, then following the restructuring to align Areas with Government Regions for the Eastern Area. He became a Prison Service Management Board member in 2003 as Director of Operations, managing the area managers and responsible for all prisons other than the high security and in December 2006, he became Deputy Director General of HM Prison Service. Following the reorganisation of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) announced in January 2008, he took on his current role as Chief Operating Officer of NOMS, responsible for operational delivery across Prisons and Probation.
Michael Spurr joined the Prison Service in 1983, after graduating from Durham University. He spent a year as a prison officer at HMP Leeds before starting his training as an assistant governor at HMP Stanford Hill. He then held posts at HMP Swaleside and served as Deputy Governor of HMYOI Aylesbury before becoming Governor of Aylesbury in 1993. Following this he took up a post managing prisoner population and the Control Review Committee, a system for managing disruptive prisoners, and in the wake of the Learmont Report in 1995, which examined the causes of a series of escapes from high security prisons, he led a review of the management disruptive prisoners that resulted in the creation of the Close Supervision Centre system. In 1996 he became Governor of HMP Wayland, a category C training prison, and subsequently he became Governor of HMP andYOI Norwich, a split site local prison. In 2000 he was promoted to Area Manager first for London North and East Anglia, then following the restructuring to align Areas with Government Regions for the Eastern Area. He became a Prison Service Management Board member in 2003 as Director of Operations, managing the area managers and responsible for all prisons other than the high security and in December 2006, he became Deputy Director General of HM Prison Service. Following the reorganisation of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) announced in January 2008, he took on his current role as Chief Operating Officer of NOMS, responsible for operational delivery across Prisons and Probation.
Ministry of Justice criticises the Parole Board
Ministry of Justice criticises the Parole Board
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced that the Ministry of Justice will be bringing Her Majesty’s Courts Service and the Tribunals Service into a new, single organisation.
"In addition, and following a recent public consultation on the future of the Parole Board, we will consider the opportunities that this new organisation offers to secure the Board’s position in the justice system, so that it is best placed to deliver timely, rigorous and fair decisions".
This appears to me to be an admission and a criticism that in the past and presently the Parole Board has and is failing to deliver timely, rigorous and fair decisions.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced that the Ministry of Justice will be bringing Her Majesty’s Courts Service and the Tribunals Service into a new, single organisation.
"In addition, and following a recent public consultation on the future of the Parole Board, we will consider the opportunities that this new organisation offers to secure the Board’s position in the justice system, so that it is best placed to deliver timely, rigorous and fair decisions".
This appears to me to be an admission and a criticism that in the past and presently the Parole Board has and is failing to deliver timely, rigorous and fair decisions.
Report highlights 'drugs problem' at HMP Durham
Report highlights 'drugs problem' at HMP Durham
Drug abuse continues to be a serious problem at one of the North East's prisons, inspectors have concluded.
One in four inmates at HMP Durham is using illicit drugs, the HM Inspectorate of Prisons said following an unannounced visit in October.
Arrangements for prisoners on the heroin substitute methadone are also "unsatisfactory" said the report.
However, the prison was praised for keeping inmates safe, as well as the quality of healthcare and education.
Over a quarter of prisoners at the jail are on a drug treatment programme, inspectors said.
Drug abuse continues to be a serious problem at one of the North East's prisons, inspectors have concluded.
One in four inmates at HMP Durham is using illicit drugs, the HM Inspectorate of Prisons said following an unannounced visit in October.
Arrangements for prisoners on the heroin substitute methadone are also "unsatisfactory" said the report.
However, the prison was praised for keeping inmates safe, as well as the quality of healthcare and education.
Over a quarter of prisoners at the jail are on a drug treatment programme, inspectors said.
The many happy returns of the world's oldest osprey
The many happy returns of the world's oldest osprey
Record-breaking bird completes 3,000-mile flight from Africa to Scotland – for 20th time
She's the Grand Old Lady of the Loch – a female osprey who has now returned for a record 20th consecutive year to her Scottish nesting site.
The bird has again completed the 3,000-mile migration from her wintering grounds in West Africa to her summer breeding territory at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire, confounding wildlife experts in the process.
At the ripe old age of 25 years old, she has lived more than three times the average lifespan of an osprey. The fish hawks began breeding again in Scotland in the 1950s after being driven to near extinction.
Record-breaking bird completes 3,000-mile flight from Africa to Scotland – for 20th time
She's the Grand Old Lady of the Loch – a female osprey who has now returned for a record 20th consecutive year to her Scottish nesting site.
The bird has again completed the 3,000-mile migration from her wintering grounds in West Africa to her summer breeding territory at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire, confounding wildlife experts in the process.
At the ripe old age of 25 years old, she has lived more than three times the average lifespan of an osprey. The fish hawks began breeding again in Scotland in the 1950s after being driven to near extinction.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Prisoners' Rights in Ireland
Prisoners' Rights in Ireland
There is no list, or charter of rights while someone is in prison in Ireland. Instead, the courts in Ireland consider prisoners' rights as individual cases come before them. The following, is an overview of how prison affects the daily life and associated rights of an individual.
Right to Vote
You have a right to be registered in the political constituency where you would normally live if you were not in prison. However, you have no right to be given physical access to a ballot box by temporary release or a postal vote or any other way.
If you happen to be on parole or temporary release at the time of an election, you are free to vote where you are registered.
Your rights if you are on remand are the same as if you were a convicted prisoner.
The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006 provides procedures that enable prisoners to vote by post. If you are in prison, you can register for a postal vote in the area that you would otherwise be living in. If you are already registered to vote in that area and wish to be able to vote from prison then you should fill out a form called Form RFG. If you are not already on the register then you should complete Form RFA4 as well. These application forms are available in all prisons and should be sent to the local authority for your area.
There is no list, or charter of rights while someone is in prison in Ireland. Instead, the courts in Ireland consider prisoners' rights as individual cases come before them. The following, is an overview of how prison affects the daily life and associated rights of an individual.
Right to Vote
You have a right to be registered in the political constituency where you would normally live if you were not in prison. However, you have no right to be given physical access to a ballot box by temporary release or a postal vote or any other way.
If you happen to be on parole or temporary release at the time of an election, you are free to vote where you are registered.
Your rights if you are on remand are the same as if you were a convicted prisoner.
The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2006 provides procedures that enable prisoners to vote by post. If you are in prison, you can register for a postal vote in the area that you would otherwise be living in. If you are already registered to vote in that area and wish to be able to vote from prison then you should fill out a form called Form RFG. If you are not already on the register then you should complete Form RFA4 as well. These application forms are available in all prisons and should be sent to the local authority for your area.
Prison for postman who pinched cash from children's birthday cards
Prison for postman who pinched cash from children's birthday cards
Published Date: 24 March 2010
A THIEVING postman who stole children's birthday cards and their cash presents has been jailed for six months.
Married dad-of-four Simon Hambleton intercepted envelopes destined for children celebrating their birthdays and stole the gifts inside, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
He admitted stealing more than 100 cards over a year on his round in Cudworth, Barnsley
Published Date: 24 March 2010
A THIEVING postman who stole children's birthday cards and their cash presents has been jailed for six months.
Married dad-of-four Simon Hambleton intercepted envelopes destined for children celebrating their birthdays and stole the gifts inside, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
He admitted stealing more than 100 cards over a year on his round in Cudworth, Barnsley
Washington bans shackling of pregnant inmates
Washington bans shackling of pregnant inmates
With a signature from Gov. Chris Gregoire and cheers from former inmates, Washington has joined a half-dozen other states in banning shackles on women prisoners during childbirth.
By CURT WOODWARD
Associated Press Writer
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
With a signature from Gov. Chris Gregoire and cheers from former inmates, Washington has joined a half-dozen other states in banning shackles on women prisoners during childbirth.
The new law prohibits any restraints during labor, childbirth or post-delivery recovery. Restraints also are banned for medical or court trips during an inmate's third trimester, with limited exceptions to prevent escape or injury.
Guards will be banned from the room during a woman's labor or childbirth, unless requested by medical staff. Physicians also retain the right to use hospital restraints for medical safety reasons.
"Women in prison are sentenced to time, not to physical harm or harm of their unborn child," said Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Olympia.
The new law, which Gregoire signed on Tuesday, takes effect June 10. It will apply to state and local lockups, including juvenile facilities, which legislative sponsors said was significant.
"Washington really will become a leader in the country for the breadth of this bill - the fact that it includes not only women in correctional systems, but women in work release and juveniles," sad Rep. Jeannie Darneille, D-Tacoma.
Six other states already have some kind of similar law, with state lawmakers elsewhere considering such measures, legislative officials said.
The Washington bill was highlighted after a former inmate sued the state in federal court last year, saying her constitutional rights were violated when she was shackled while in labor.
Among those attending Tuesday's signing ceremony was Kimberly Mays, of Tacoma, who said she was shackled during childbirth in 2000 while serving time for drug possession at the state women's prison in Purdy.
Mays, who testified in favor of the measure during legislative hearings, said the new policy should help women inmates get better treatment from medical staff.
"In my particular case, the nurse shoved her hands across my face and nose for a long time, where I couldn't even breathe, and told me to shut up," Mays said. "I finally used one of my hands that wasn't handcuffed to get her hand off my face and let her have it - but that shouldn't ever happen."
Doctors who support the new law also said a ban on handcuffs and other restraints would help ensure patient safety during potentially risky births.
With a signature from Gov. Chris Gregoire and cheers from former inmates, Washington has joined a half-dozen other states in banning shackles on women prisoners during childbirth.
By CURT WOODWARD
Associated Press Writer
OLYMPIA, Wash. —
With a signature from Gov. Chris Gregoire and cheers from former inmates, Washington has joined a half-dozen other states in banning shackles on women prisoners during childbirth.
The new law prohibits any restraints during labor, childbirth or post-delivery recovery. Restraints also are banned for medical or court trips during an inmate's third trimester, with limited exceptions to prevent escape or injury.
Guards will be banned from the room during a woman's labor or childbirth, unless requested by medical staff. Physicians also retain the right to use hospital restraints for medical safety reasons.
"Women in prison are sentenced to time, not to physical harm or harm of their unborn child," said Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Olympia.
The new law, which Gregoire signed on Tuesday, takes effect June 10. It will apply to state and local lockups, including juvenile facilities, which legislative sponsors said was significant.
"Washington really will become a leader in the country for the breadth of this bill - the fact that it includes not only women in correctional systems, but women in work release and juveniles," sad Rep. Jeannie Darneille, D-Tacoma.
Six other states already have some kind of similar law, with state lawmakers elsewhere considering such measures, legislative officials said.
The Washington bill was highlighted after a former inmate sued the state in federal court last year, saying her constitutional rights were violated when she was shackled while in labor.
Among those attending Tuesday's signing ceremony was Kimberly Mays, of Tacoma, who said she was shackled during childbirth in 2000 while serving time for drug possession at the state women's prison in Purdy.
Mays, who testified in favor of the measure during legislative hearings, said the new policy should help women inmates get better treatment from medical staff.
"In my particular case, the nurse shoved her hands across my face and nose for a long time, where I couldn't even breathe, and told me to shut up," Mays said. "I finally used one of my hands that wasn't handcuffed to get her hand off my face and let her have it - but that shouldn't ever happen."
Doctors who support the new law also said a ban on handcuffs and other restraints would help ensure patient safety during potentially risky births.
'Prisoners Can Vote'
'Prisoners Can Vote'
Ghana
Justice Georgina Theodora Wood - Chief Justice
The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision has given the nod to more than 13,586 remand and convicted prisoners in the country to exercise their franchise.
To cement its decision, the court directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to come out with a Constitutional Instrument (CI) to create the legal framework that will facilitate the inclusion of prisoners in the voters register for the next general election.
The court, presided over by the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, in a unanimous decision, upheld an application filed on behalf of remand and convicted prisoners by two legal practitioners, Messrs Ahumah Ocansey and Kojo Graham of the Centre for Human Rights and Civil Liberties (CHURCIL).
Ghana
Justice Georgina Theodora Wood - Chief Justice
The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision has given the nod to more than 13,586 remand and convicted prisoners in the country to exercise their franchise.
To cement its decision, the court directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to come out with a Constitutional Instrument (CI) to create the legal framework that will facilitate the inclusion of prisoners in the voters register for the next general election.
The court, presided over by the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, in a unanimous decision, upheld an application filed on behalf of remand and convicted prisoners by two legal practitioners, Messrs Ahumah Ocansey and Kojo Graham of the Centre for Human Rights and Civil Liberties (CHURCIL).
Fucked?
Fucked?
Countdown contestants asked to make word using U,D,F,C,K,E
Television gameshow Countdown briefly flirted with an obscenity when contestants were asked to create a word using the letters U, D, F, C, K, E.
If that was a boob, here's another pair of boobs...
Bride arrested after baring breasts at own wedding party
A bride was arrested at her own wedding party after baring her breasts at a doorman - and then hitting him over the head with her red stiletto shoe.
Spoilsports...
Council cuts down 6,000 trees to deter teenagers having sex
Countdown contestants asked to make word using U,D,F,C,K,E
Television gameshow Countdown briefly flirted with an obscenity when contestants were asked to create a word using the letters U, D, F, C, K, E.
If that was a boob, here's another pair of boobs...
Bride arrested after baring breasts at own wedding party
A bride was arrested at her own wedding party after baring her breasts at a doorman - and then hitting him over the head with her red stiletto shoe.
Spoilsports...
Council cuts down 6,000 trees to deter teenagers having sex
No straight bashing allowed
No straight bashing allowed
It used to be the case that queer bashing was not allowed. Oddly, the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 is the tool being used not only to protect people who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual but also to protect those with the sexual orientation known as hetrosexual. I think that just about covers everybody's sexual preferences.
Homophobic hatred could lead to jail
People who intentionally stir up homophobic hatred could face up to seven years in prison under a new criminal offence introduced today.
Related content...
Circular 2010/05 OFFENCES OF STIRRING UP HATRED ON THE GROUNDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
It used to be the case that queer bashing was not allowed. Oddly, the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 is the tool being used not only to protect people who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual but also to protect those with the sexual orientation known as hetrosexual. I think that just about covers everybody's sexual preferences.
Homophobic hatred could lead to jail
People who intentionally stir up homophobic hatred could face up to seven years in prison under a new criminal offence introduced today.
Related content...
Circular 2010/05 OFFENCES OF STIRRING UP HATRED ON THE GROUNDS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION
New Chief Inspector of Prisons
New Chief Inspector of Prisons
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced he will be recommending to HM the Queen that Nicholas Hardwick is appointed to the post of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales.
Nicholas Hardwick, currently the Chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has been selected as the preferred candidate to succeed Dame Anne Owers DBE as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.
The Justice Select Committee held a pre-appointment hearing to consider Mr Hardwick's suitability for the post and published their report on 18 March 2010, endorsing the appointment.
Mr Hardwick was identified following a rigorous and open selection process, that took into account the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Code of Practice as best practice.
There is something not quite right about a political appointment who is the preferred choice of the Ministry of Justice, especially given that one of the roles of this political appointee is to investigate and monitor the MoJ.
His first task will be to ensure that gallons of whitewash are delivered to the offices of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons!
Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced he will be recommending to HM the Queen that Nicholas Hardwick is appointed to the post of Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales.
Nicholas Hardwick, currently the Chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has been selected as the preferred candidate to succeed Dame Anne Owers DBE as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.
The Justice Select Committee held a pre-appointment hearing to consider Mr Hardwick's suitability for the post and published their report on 18 March 2010, endorsing the appointment.
Mr Hardwick was identified following a rigorous and open selection process, that took into account the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Code of Practice as best practice.
There is something not quite right about a political appointment who is the preferred choice of the Ministry of Justice, especially given that one of the roles of this political appointee is to investigate and monitor the MoJ.
His first task will be to ensure that gallons of whitewash are delivered to the offices of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons!
Children held unnecessarily at Yarl's Wood - inspector
Children held unnecessarily at Yarl's Wood - inspector
An inspection report on Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre has sharply criticised the detention of children.
Chief prisons inspector Dame Anne Owers said some children were held at the Bedfordshire centre unnecessarily, with little consideration for their welfare.
And the report revealed that half were later released rather than deported.
Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said the alternative to detention was putting children into care and separating them from their families.
The report comes as lawyers prepare a legal challenge to detention, following weeks of protests at the centre.
Yarl's Wood is the main removal centre holding women and families who are facing deportation.
There have been almost two months of protests at the centre, including occupations of corridors while some women have refused food.
An inspection report on Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre has sharply criticised the detention of children.
Chief prisons inspector Dame Anne Owers said some children were held at the Bedfordshire centre unnecessarily, with little consideration for their welfare.
And the report revealed that half were later released rather than deported.
Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said the alternative to detention was putting children into care and separating them from their families.
The report comes as lawyers prepare a legal challenge to detention, following weeks of protests at the centre.
Yarl's Wood is the main removal centre holding women and families who are facing deportation.
There have been almost two months of protests at the centre, including occupations of corridors while some women have refused food.
Facebook and thought crime
Facebook and thought crime
Facebook has removed the profile of a paedophile who has been recalled to jail and said there was "no place for convicted sex offenders" on the site.
I don't think there is anything wrong, per se, with a paedophile having a Facebook page. However, if it was used to attempt to groom children then that is another matter.
What concerns me with this case is "He was recalled to jail after concerns from his victim's family that he had contacted children using the social networking website".
We are going down a dangerous road when somebody is jailed just because somebody else expresses concerns. As the report states, there is no evidence of any wrongdoing "An Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman said that Hegarty would be held while it was investigated whether he had breached his probation terms". In my view, the recall should have been based upon substance rather than simply thought.
Facebook has removed the profile of a paedophile who has been recalled to jail and said there was "no place for convicted sex offenders" on the site.
I don't think there is anything wrong, per se, with a paedophile having a Facebook page. However, if it was used to attempt to groom children then that is another matter.
What concerns me with this case is "He was recalled to jail after concerns from his victim's family that he had contacted children using the social networking website".
We are going down a dangerous road when somebody is jailed just because somebody else expresses concerns. As the report states, there is no evidence of any wrongdoing "An Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman said that Hegarty would be held while it was investigated whether he had breached his probation terms". In my view, the recall should have been based upon substance rather than simply thought.
Kent disabled woman gets ticket to opposite platform
Kent disabled woman gets ticket to opposite platform
A disabled woman has received an apology after she was told she had to go on a 45 minute return train journey to get to the opposite platform.
Wheelchair-user Julie Cleary, 53, of Staplehurst, Kent, could not reach the correct platform at the town's station because the lift was unmanned.
She was told to get a return ticket to Ashford so she could reach the other side of the tracks.
Southeastern Railway said the lift can now be used unmanned at any time.
Ms Cleary said she needed to reach the other platform because the only exit to the station was located on that side.
This story highlights what a mad, mad, world we live in!
A disabled woman has received an apology after she was told she had to go on a 45 minute return train journey to get to the opposite platform.
Wheelchair-user Julie Cleary, 53, of Staplehurst, Kent, could not reach the correct platform at the town's station because the lift was unmanned.
She was told to get a return ticket to Ashford so she could reach the other side of the tracks.
Southeastern Railway said the lift can now be used unmanned at any time.
Ms Cleary said she needed to reach the other platform because the only exit to the station was located on that side.
This story highlights what a mad, mad, world we live in!
Judge: crime victim 'invited attack by flaunting wealth'
Judge: crime victim 'invited attack by flaunting wealth'
A Belgian judge has sparked outrage after telling a victim of violent crime that it was his fault for flaunting his wealth in a poor area.
The crime victim, a businessman named only as Laurent, had been living in a suburb of Charleroi, in Belgium's depressed French-speaking southern region of Wallonia.
He moved north to Flanders after a series of violent attacks and robberies on his family but was taken to a local court because he had not paid back a grant to renovate his house in 1998.
In 2001, the victim was attacked and his BMW car was stolen. Shortly after it was recovered, armed men stormed his home and stole it a second time.
In 2006, his wife and children were threatened by armed raiders, who stormed his home at night and dragged him away in his pyjamas while his horrified family looked on.
He was later freed and dumped on a industrial estate as the thieves made off with another one of his cars, a Jaguar.
A Belgian judge has sparked outrage after telling a victim of violent crime that it was his fault for flaunting his wealth in a poor area.
The crime victim, a businessman named only as Laurent, had been living in a suburb of Charleroi, in Belgium's depressed French-speaking southern region of Wallonia.
He moved north to Flanders after a series of violent attacks and robberies on his family but was taken to a local court because he had not paid back a grant to renovate his house in 1998.
In 2001, the victim was attacked and his BMW car was stolen. Shortly after it was recovered, armed men stormed his home and stole it a second time.
In 2006, his wife and children were threatened by armed raiders, who stormed his home at night and dragged him away in his pyjamas while his horrified family looked on.
He was later freed and dumped on a industrial estate as the thieves made off with another one of his cars, a Jaguar.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Liverpool drugs baron Curtis Warren starts drugs appeal
Liverpool drugs baron Curtis Warren starts drugs appeal
Liverpool gangster Curtis Warren has claimed his Jersey drugs trial was unfair because the defence team was not allowed to call three of its witnesses.
"Warren, 46, and five others were found guilty in October of plotting to bring £1m of cannabis into the island.
He was sentenced to 13 years in prison; the rest of the gang got between five-year and 12-year jail terms.
Defence lawyers for all six men are appealing against the convictions and length of their sentences.
Earlier they told the appeal court they had not been allowed to use three "crucial" witnesses during the trial.
They also complained about the late disclosure of some Crown material used in the trial".
Liverpool gangster Curtis Warren has claimed his Jersey drugs trial was unfair because the defence team was not allowed to call three of its witnesses.
"Warren, 46, and five others were found guilty in October of plotting to bring £1m of cannabis into the island.
He was sentenced to 13 years in prison; the rest of the gang got between five-year and 12-year jail terms.
Defence lawyers for all six men are appealing against the convictions and length of their sentences.
Earlier they told the appeal court they had not been allowed to use three "crucial" witnesses during the trial.
They also complained about the late disclosure of some Crown material used in the trial".
Wanted Greater Manchester man dies in Indian jail
Wanted Greater Manchester man dies in Indian jail
One of the UK's most wanted fugitives, from Greater Manchester, has died in an Indian prison while awaiting extradition.
Ajay Kaushal, 50, from Stretford, skipped bail and fled the UK in 2005 before his trial for the kidnap and torture of a Lancashire businessman.
He was jailed in his absence for 15 years at Preston Crown Court.
Kaushal was eventually caught in Goa in October. He was being held in jail as the process of bringing him home began.
He was found unconscious in his cell on Monday and died in hospital.
One of the UK's most wanted fugitives, from Greater Manchester, has died in an Indian prison while awaiting extradition.
Ajay Kaushal, 50, from Stretford, skipped bail and fled the UK in 2005 before his trial for the kidnap and torture of a Lancashire businessman.
He was jailed in his absence for 15 years at Preston Crown Court.
Kaushal was eventually caught in Goa in October. He was being held in jail as the process of bringing him home began.
He was found unconscious in his cell on Monday and died in hospital.
Straw has no say over release of Yorkshire Ripper
Straw has no say over release of Yorkshire Ripper
Expenses fiddling Tory MP Julie Kirkbride asked a question in the Commons to Jack Straw. The expenses fiddling "Ms Kirkbride, who represents Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire, said her constituent wanted a reassurance that Sutcliffe "will never be let out of prison for his heinous crimes"".
"Mr Straw answered: "I would like to provide that reassurance... ultimately that decision would be a matter for the parole board and the courts and maybe for mental health tribunals"".
Expenses fiddling Tory MP Julie Kirkbride asked a question in the Commons to Jack Straw. The expenses fiddling "Ms Kirkbride, who represents Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire, said her constituent wanted a reassurance that Sutcliffe "will never be let out of prison for his heinous crimes"".
"Mr Straw answered: "I would like to provide that reassurance... ultimately that decision would be a matter for the parole board and the courts and maybe for mental health tribunals"".
'Dangerous' double killer given whole-life jail term
'Dangerous' double killer given whole-life jail term
A double-murderer has been jailed for the rest of his life by a judge who told him he was "a very dangerous man".
Royston Jackson, 43, of Pettus Road, Norwich, was convicted of murdering sex offender Gordon Boon, 73.
He strangled Boon and dumped his body in a lane at Great Witchingham, Norfolk in 2008, two years after being released from prison for the first murder.
Jackson killed Stephen Raven in Essex in 1989 and dumped his body in the same way, Norwich Crown Court heard.
Both of Jackson's victims had been strangled and their clothes had been interfered with, before their bodies were dumped in a quiet lane.
A double-murderer has been jailed for the rest of his life by a judge who told him he was "a very dangerous man".
Royston Jackson, 43, of Pettus Road, Norwich, was convicted of murdering sex offender Gordon Boon, 73.
He strangled Boon and dumped his body in a lane at Great Witchingham, Norfolk in 2008, two years after being released from prison for the first murder.
Jackson killed Stephen Raven in Essex in 1989 and dumped his body in the same way, Norwich Crown Court heard.
Both of Jackson's victims had been strangled and their clothes had been interfered with, before their bodies were dumped in a quiet lane.
Straw 'would resist' Huntley damages claim
Straw 'would resist' Huntley damages claim
The Justice Secretary has said any attempt by Soham murderer Ian Huntley to claim compensation for a prison attack will be "vigorously resisted".
The 36-year-old's throat was reportedly slashed by another inmate at Frankland jail in County Durham on Sunday.
Jack Straw was responding to a Commons question from a Conservative MP, who quoted a report suggesting the killer could claim up to £20,000.
The Justice Secretary has said any attempt by Soham murderer Ian Huntley to claim compensation for a prison attack will be "vigorously resisted".
The 36-year-old's throat was reportedly slashed by another inmate at Frankland jail in County Durham on Sunday.
Jack Straw was responding to a Commons question from a Conservative MP, who quoted a report suggesting the killer could claim up to £20,000.
Former Nazi SS member convicted of Dutch murders
Former Nazi SS member convicted of Dutch murders
A German court has sentenced an 88-year-old former member of the Nazi SS to life in prison for the murder of three Dutch civilians in 1944.
Heinrich Boere had told the court in Aachen that he killed a bicycle shop owner, a pharmacist and a member of the resistance as part of a death squad.
But he said he was following orders and would have been shot for not doing so.
Prosecutors said Boere was a willing member of the SS, which he joined after the Netherlands was invaded in 1940.
But correspondents say that there remains some doubt over whether Boere, who uses a wheelchair and lives in a nursing home, will actually go to jail.
A German court has sentenced an 88-year-old former member of the Nazi SS to life in prison for the murder of three Dutch civilians in 1944.
Heinrich Boere had told the court in Aachen that he killed a bicycle shop owner, a pharmacist and a member of the resistance as part of a death squad.
But he said he was following orders and would have been shot for not doing so.
Prosecutors said Boere was a willing member of the SS, which he joined after the Netherlands was invaded in 1940.
But correspondents say that there remains some doubt over whether Boere, who uses a wheelchair and lives in a nursing home, will actually go to jail.
Shaun Bailey exposed as a racist
Shaun Bailey exposed as a racist
Tory prospective candidate for Hammersmith has gone on record with this statement "Shaun Bailey, said he was against any prisoners, no matter the length of their sentence voting".
Is it cos they's black? Link.
There's nothing worse than trying to be whiter than whites. Apparently, Shaun knows what it is to be Britishness, being a foreigner an' all. "His time spent in the Cadets gave him an understanding of 'Britishness', and he felt much less separated from the world around him". What planet is he on?
Don't forget us Bro'.
Tory prospective candidate for Hammersmith has gone on record with this statement "Shaun Bailey, said he was against any prisoners, no matter the length of their sentence voting".
Is it cos they's black? Link.
There's nothing worse than trying to be whiter than whites. Apparently, Shaun knows what it is to be Britishness, being a foreigner an' all. "His time spent in the Cadets gave him an understanding of 'Britishness', and he felt much less separated from the world around him". What planet is he on?
Don't forget us Bro'.
MoJ abused Community Payback scheme for private purpose
MoJ abused Community Payback scheme for private purpose
There is a patch of private land on Beverley Road in Hull where I recall a building once stood until the bulldozers moved in. Unfenced it became something of a rubbish dump. One day I saw several youngsters wearing the bright, distinctive branding "Community Payback" on the back of their orange jackets clearing up the rubbish. Today, I noticed boarding going up and a large sign advertising the firm undertaking the building project for a private industry.
WTF has this to do with paying back the community when the offenders are abused for private purpose?
There is a patch of private land on Beverley Road in Hull where I recall a building once stood until the bulldozers moved in. Unfenced it became something of a rubbish dump. One day I saw several youngsters wearing the bright, distinctive branding "Community Payback" on the back of their orange jackets clearing up the rubbish. Today, I noticed boarding going up and a large sign advertising the firm undertaking the building project for a private industry.
WTF has this to do with paying back the community when the offenders are abused for private purpose?
Amnesty accuses UK of 'grave' human rights violations
Amnesty accuses UK of 'grave' human rights violations
'Credible evidence' of UK government links to torture, unlawful detentions and rendition, says damning Amnesty report
The British government is today accused of involvement in a catalogue of "grave human rights violations" since the September 2001 al-Qaida attacks, in a report published by Amnesty International.
In the most damning Amnesty report on the UK's human rights record for a generation, the organisation says there is "credible evidence" that the government is implicated in torture, unlawful detentions, rendition, the concealment of victims' complaints and a failure to disclose evidence of torture.
Its publication comes 24 hours after an alliance of human rights groups and MPs, including Amnesty, Liberty and the New York-based Human Rights Watch, wrote a joint letter to the British media demanding an independent inquiry into the UK's role in torture and rendition.
Read the Amnesty report here.
'Credible evidence' of UK government links to torture, unlawful detentions and rendition, says damning Amnesty report
The British government is today accused of involvement in a catalogue of "grave human rights violations" since the September 2001 al-Qaida attacks, in a report published by Amnesty International.
In the most damning Amnesty report on the UK's human rights record for a generation, the organisation says there is "credible evidence" that the government is implicated in torture, unlawful detentions, rendition, the concealment of victims' complaints and a failure to disclose evidence of torture.
Its publication comes 24 hours after an alliance of human rights groups and MPs, including Amnesty, Liberty and the New York-based Human Rights Watch, wrote a joint letter to the British media demanding an independent inquiry into the UK's role in torture and rendition.
Read the Amnesty report here.
Ian Huntley could get £20,000 compensation after prison attack
Ian Huntley could get £20,000 compensation after prison attack
The 36-year-old child murderer needed emergency hospital treatment after he was allegedly attacked by fellow inmate Damien Fowkes, 34.
The Prison Officers Association has warned that Huntley could try to sue for compensation by claiming the prison authorities failed in their duty to protect him.
Experts claim that he would receive at least £10,000 for the attack at HMP Frankland, in Co Durham, on Sunday, but could get double that figure.
The payout would be almost the same amount awarded to the parents of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman – the two 10-year-old girls Huntley murdered in 2002.
The two families received just £11,000 each following their daughters’ deaths in Soham, Cambridgeshire.
The attack on Huntley raises fresh questions over the security at Frankland jail, where three officers were stabbed last week.
The 36-year-old child murderer needed emergency hospital treatment after he was allegedly attacked by fellow inmate Damien Fowkes, 34.
The Prison Officers Association has warned that Huntley could try to sue for compensation by claiming the prison authorities failed in their duty to protect him.
Experts claim that he would receive at least £10,000 for the attack at HMP Frankland, in Co Durham, on Sunday, but could get double that figure.
The payout would be almost the same amount awarded to the parents of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman – the two 10-year-old girls Huntley murdered in 2002.
The two families received just £11,000 each following their daughters’ deaths in Soham, Cambridgeshire.
The attack on Huntley raises fresh questions over the security at Frankland jail, where three officers were stabbed last week.
Ian Huntley: Latest news
Ian Huntley: Latest news
I reported here that prison officers had arranged the attack upon Ian Huntley. It has since emerged that Ian Huntley was no longer subjected to the Special Watch procedures, imposed following his last suicide attempt, and that he is free to associate with other prisoners on the Vulnerable Prisoners unit. Although the official inquiry into the incident has not yet concluded, it has quickly established that there is no evidence to link the attack upon Huntley with the prison officers industrial action following the attack upon 3 prison officers.
What a shame, it would have made the story all the more interesting...
I reported here that prison officers had arranged the attack upon Ian Huntley. It has since emerged that Ian Huntley was no longer subjected to the Special Watch procedures, imposed following his last suicide attempt, and that he is free to associate with other prisoners on the Vulnerable Prisoners unit. Although the official inquiry into the incident has not yet concluded, it has quickly established that there is no evidence to link the attack upon Huntley with the prison officers industrial action following the attack upon 3 prison officers.
What a shame, it would have made the story all the more interesting...
Labour suspends three ex-ministers over lobbying claims
Labour suspends three ex-ministers over lobbying claims
Three ex-ministers have been suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party pending a probe into claims they were prepared to lobby ministers for cash.
Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon were secretly filmed as part of an investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches.
All three deny any wrongdoing and Mr Byers has referred himself for a parliamentary standards inquiry.
Gordon Brown has dismissed calls for an inquiry by the top UK civil servant.
Three ex-ministers have been suspended from the parliamentary Labour Party pending a probe into claims they were prepared to lobby ministers for cash.
Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon were secretly filmed as part of an investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4's Dispatches.
All three deny any wrongdoing and Mr Byers has referred himself for a parliamentary standards inquiry.
Gordon Brown has dismissed calls for an inquiry by the top UK civil servant.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Everyone deserves justice – even Ian Huntley
Everyone deserves justice – even Ian Huntley
The one thing missing from all the coverage of the prison attack on the Soham murderer is sympathy.
"He will be living in a nightmare." This was how a former prison governor described the kind of life that Ian Huntley will be leading in jail on Sky News this afternoon. The serious attack on the Soham murderer - his throat was slashed by a fellow inmate at Frankland Jail on Sunday - has attracted plenty of coverage, none of it (as far as I can see) tinged by the tiniest bit of sympathy for him.
The one thing missing from all the coverage of the prison attack on the Soham murderer is sympathy.
"He will be living in a nightmare." This was how a former prison governor described the kind of life that Ian Huntley will be leading in jail on Sky News this afternoon. The serious attack on the Soham murderer - his throat was slashed by a fellow inmate at Frankland Jail on Sunday - has attracted plenty of coverage, none of it (as far as I can see) tinged by the tiniest bit of sympathy for him.