At forty years of age in 2007 I found myself in prison and received a twelve year sentence for drug trafficking: six in prison six on licence.… Read more “Why I wrote ‘My Life Began At Forty’, by Michael Irwin”
Category: Guest blog
Right Side Up: A Prison Nightmare, by Michael Irwin
In and around the 19th of June I normally write an annual blog reflecting on the previous year and how far I’ve come (or not) since my… Read more “Right Side Up: A Prison Nightmare, by Michael Irwin”
Steve Hall: A rejoinder to John Lea’s review of Revitalizing Criminological Theory
By Steve Hall: One of the advantages of the blogosphere is that we all get a chance to respond to our critics. This is not something that… Read more “Steve Hall: A rejoinder to John Lea’s review of Revitalizing Criminological Theory”
Michaela Booth on victims and redemption
Redemption What does it mean to be free? Can I ever be free? For people who want ‘justice’, do they know what justice means, or is justice… Read more “Michaela Booth on victims and redemption”
Mental health care: Is changing policy changing minds?
A question of direction: ‘How did we get here and are we going the right way?’ A critical analysis, written by Feleena Mason, Oxford Centre for Criminology You… Read more “Mental health care: Is changing policy changing minds?”
Locked Away, by Emma Hetherington
Foreword It is my belief that there is always truth in the compassionate perspective. This perspective is sometimes lost in otherwise intelligent, intellectual academic writing. Narratives are… Read more “Locked Away, by Emma Hetherington”
Reflections of a lifer on the prisons crisis.
‘I grew up in prison’ Derek tells me. Standing around 180 cm with dark green eyes and greying hair he looks quite good for someone whose life… Read more “Reflections of a lifer on the prisons crisis.”
On leaving prison: Michael Irwin’s account
My arch nemesis Governor has to sign me out. He quips, ‘Thank God you’re leaving Michael. Maybe now we can get some peace’. My retort ‘I always… Read more “On leaving prison: Michael Irwin’s account”
How can I make them see? On innocence – by Drew
Another innocent in prison “Would the foreman of the jury please stand,” the court falls silent… The ultimate question is asked “How do you find the defendant:… Read more “How can I make them see? On innocence – by Drew”
Interview with Josie Bevan, blogger at prisonbag.com
Josie Bevan’s husband Rob was imprisoned last June for nine years for conspiracy to defraud HMRC. She blogs at Prison Bag about her experience as a wife… Read more “Interview with Josie Bevan, blogger at prisonbag.com”