Page 2 (2/2)

‘Why have they put me in here?’ I demand, but she doesn’t reply I later learn that ht in theyour first twenty-four hours in prison that you are most likely to try and commit suicide

I’ht be, placed in a hospital ward but in another cell When the door slaht contemplate suicide The cell measures five paces by three, and this ti le bed with a rock-hard ainst the side wall, opposite the bed, is a small square steel table and a steel chair On the far wall next to the inch-thick iron door is a steel washbasin and an open lavatory that has no lid and no flush I am determined not to use it On the wall behind the bed is aencased with four thick iron bars, painted black, and caked in dirt No curtains, no curtain rail Stark, cold and unwelcoenerous description ofNo wonder the doctor didn’t return my smile I am left alone in this bleak abode for over an hour, by which ti to experience a profound depression

A key finally turns in the lock to allow another young woman to enter She is dark-haired, short and slim, dressed in a smart striped suit She shakes me warmly by the hand, sits on the end of the bed, and introduces herself as Ms Roberts, the Deputy Governor She can’t be a day over twenty-six

‘What a here?’ I ask ‘I’m not a mass murderer’

‘Most prisoners spend their first night on the ,’ she explains, ‘and we can’t make any exceptions, I’ – what is there to say? ‘One more form to complete,’ she tells me, ‘that’s if you still want to attend your mother’s funeral on Saturday’† I can sense that Ms Roberts is trying hard to be understanding and considerate, but I fear I am quite unable to hide my distress

‘You will be moved onto an induction block tomorrow,’ she assures orized A, B, C, or D, we’ll transfer you to another prison I have no doubt you’ll be Category D – no previous convictions, and no history of violence’ She rises f

roe bunch of keys that jingle whenever theyHave you been able to s on the heavy door with the palm of her hand

‘No,’ I reply as the cell door is opened by a large West Indian with an even larger smile

‘Then I’ll see what I can do,’ she pro the door closed behind her

I sit on the end of the bed and ru to discover that st my permitted items a copy of David Niven’s The Moon’s a Balloon I flick open the cover to find a e:

Hope you never have to read this, Dad, but if you do, chin up,

we love you and your appeal is on its way,

William xx James xx

Thank God for a family I adore, and who still seeh the last feeeks without them They made so many sacrifices to be with me for every day of the seven-week trial

There is a rap on the cell door, and a steel grille that rese West Indian