Wrongly convicted - help please

[LS]

That's why I suggested checking first. Albany is where I was, and they definitely didn't allow newspapers or magazines in unless the inmate had ordered them through the canteen service.

Some will, some won't, but worth checking out before splashing out cash only to find that he's not getting them.

[Saffron]

Unfortunately it seems that they all operate slightly different rules and procedures. There is a basic "template" but the details vary wildly. If the "hotel" he is staying at doesn't allow unsolicited newspapers, the newsagent will presumably be able to advise.
Sammi, hang in there!

[Rights Fighter]

It seems the Albany is the worst or one of the worst for making up its own rules......

[Sammi]

Thanks for the advice - I was thinking about ringing the prison in advance of sentencing to see what he can take in with him - is this a goosd idea or not?
I like the phrase you suggest saffron - thanks
The other thing thats worrying me is the solicitor is telling my husband not to tell anyone what he is there for but someone has said this is the worst thing he can do - they knew of an incident that happened about 3 weeks ago at the prison whereby a man had been sentenced for rape but told others in there he was there for drugs and the prison officers told other inmates the truth and as a consequence of this he was stabbed!! What should he do - seems your dammed if you do and dammed if you dont!!

[LS]

Okay, well your hubby's offence, being a sexual one, should ensure that he is classified as a Rule 43 prisoner and therefore should be accommodated within a Vulnerable Person Unit/Wing within a local prison for the first month or so before being moved to a dedicated Vulnerable Person Unit prison.

Now, taking the incident you mentioned, there could be two explanations:
1. The inmate was wrongly placed on Normal location in with non-Rule 43 prisoners. In that circumstance yes, if you're in with the lions, don't go around saying you're edible. If you've been put in with people who are not in for the same thing, then for God's sake don't get into any conversations with anyone whatsoever, just go to the prison staff and insist to see a governor and make sure they know you are a VP prisoner and need to be either in a cell on your own, or in a VPU or in Segregation for own safety. If in any doubt for your own safety, keep the cell door closed (locked). As soon as staff realise you're not out, they'll come to find out why.

2. The inmate was a Rule 43 prisoner but went around trying to make himself seem better than everyone else. That would put most people against him, even VPU prisoners who should be an ally.
The basic rule of thumb, do not go around discussing your case or offence with anyone. If anyone asks what you're in for, just say something like "Mind your own business" or "I don't want to discuss it, thanks."
Tell no lies, then you can't be caught out.

You will hear horror stories, but it's rare to come true these days. Governors cannot afford for people to be attacked, and they have a duty of care.

[Rights Fighter]

Yeayyy LS. Good advice.

[Saffron]

R told people he was in for assault. He omitted the "sexual" part!

The worst bit was when fellow inmates assumed he was plod (because he was wearing a suit at sentencing, apparently!) which made him very frightened for a bit. But he weathered the storm and came out the other side. Your man will do the same Sammi.

Thinking of you

[Sammi]

Once again - thank you all for your time in replying, all advice is greatly recieved. -
Saffron, you say about the suit for sentencing - should hubby wear a suit or should he just go smaryt casual? Does the suit help with anything??

[Rights Fighter]

I would say smart casual but not wearing black and white!! That would be like HMP uniform and he would have them removed and he'd be put straight into jeans and a blue shirt or prison issue trackies.

In some prisons inmates can wear their own clothes (as in Albany).

If you'd like me to help, PM me the prison he is likely to be sent to if convicted and I'll find out if I know anybody there who can advise further. Also some prisons will allow a reception visit (no VO necessary) but some do not.

Sorry to be the harbinger of doom, but it's best to be prepared for the worst, because if it happens, then at least you won't taken unawares.

[Sammi]

Hi RF -probally being dim but can't see how to PM you? - Thanks

[Rights Fighter]

Left click on my link and there will be an option to PM (private message) or email me. If you have a problem,m PM LS and he will forward your email address to me.

[Sammi]

Hi RF - I can't seem to PM anyone so I have sent an email to the contact us screen with my email address, hopefully this will get passed on to you - I am so gratefull everyones advice.

[Rights Fighter]

Sammi I have emailed you - hopefully you will get it soon.

[Saffron]

Sammi, how was your husband's Pre-Sentence Interview? Has it happened yet?

[Sammi]

Hi Saffron - He is there now as I type - sitting here praying the probation officer has a brain and will look at all the stuff he has taken with him!!