Parkhurst prison features in a new true-life account of life behind bars as told by criminal Stephen Jackley, who served nearly 7 years in prisons across the United Kingdom.
In 2008, Stephen Jackley – a 21-year-old university student – was sentenced to 13 years for armed robbery and associated crimes. Dubbed by the press as a latter-day Robin Hood – but classified by the prison service as a high escape risk – Stephen served 6-and-a-half years in UK prisons.
While serving his sentence Stephen was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and also completed an Open University degree. Stephen stayed at various prisons during his time including HMP Hewell, HMP Garth, HMP Gloucester, HMP Parkhurst, HMP Winchester, HMP Wandsworth, HMP Dovegate, HMP Lowdham, HMP The Verne, HMP Dorchester, HMP Guys Marsh, HMP Pentonville, HMP Coldingley and HMP Standford Hill.
After release, Stephen set up an award-winning social enterprise enabling people from disadvantaged backgrounds to fulfil their ambitions and make the most of their true potential. Now he tells his own story of life behind bars and reveals the many failings (and some successes) of the UK penal system in his latest book ‘Just Time – A Journey Through Britain’s Fractured Justice System.
In his candid and articulate memoir, Stephen shares his personal experience of life in prison: the intricacies of navigating prison politics, the disparity in sentences for similar crimes, suicide watch, fights, segregation, punishments, abuses of power by officials, depression, frustrations and anger, the food, the sanitary arrangements, the work, relationships with other inmates, trying to keep fit, the different prison officers and governors – and much, much more.
Upon the release of his new book, Stephen has said:
“These are not places built for reform, no matter how strongly some politicians protest. They are the universities of crime; the holding pens for society’s rejects – a sorry excuse for punishment. There are better ways.”
Against the backdrop of severe budget cuts, hastily enforced policies, rising rates of violence and suicide, Mental health issues and drug abuse, Stephen’s book tells it how it really is for the 85,000 people currently incarcerated in British prisons.
Stephen offers a frank, thoughtful and often shocking insight into the treatment of prisoners – as well as a discussions about remorse and guilt, the nature of punishment and the chances of rehabilitation in our prisons.
The book is to be published on Monday 2nd October.
I trust any profits from this tome will be going straight back to the prison service as we have fed and clothed and given him a bed for six years, and additionally why should he profit from his various crimes.
Well the tax he pays on his earnings will be paying towards housing others in prison. He’s been punished and now he’s earning a living. You’d be moaning if he was still committing crimes and was on benefits.
He’s not benefiting from his crimes, but from his experience in prison.
Instead of a lifetime of negativity, why don’t you BUY IT and LEARN something??
Sadly and on but one note, there is no such thing as ‘Rehabilitation’ in prison(s) and yes, I know such for sure!!
Wèekly photos please:)