Just Had Letter From Son In Prison...

[Smowball]

Well, he says he is ok (well he would say that wouldn't he) and that they have sorted out his medication very quickly. He says it is very hot in there and can I get his sister to send in some of his t shirts, underwear etc( all his clothing is at her house in his car).
You aren't allowed to smoke in prisons at all now apparently - which I didn't know - so he has ordered an e-cig which arrives on Friday.
He's appealed against his sentence but isn't very hopeful. Am not sure who suggested to him to appeal. He's also enquiringly about being released on tag, but if everything is refused then his release date is 26th January.
Oh and he's got a book from the prison library and is reading that.
So it seems quite an upbeat letter - that may be for my benefit but was lovely to hear from him.

[murraymints]

that's good smow... you know maybe a bit of time away from it all will help concentrate his mind a bit ?

[Smowball]

It might well do - he's got enough time now to think hasn't he.

[murraymints]

tell him to try and bring a prison sweater home..the Norwich ones were prized on the street and changed hands for a lot of money !!

[Tilly2]

I'm glad his medication has been sorted, Smow. That was one of your biggest worries, wasn't it?

[anneasquith]

Ye tell him to steal from prison, that's a positive step to recovery .!!

[murraymints]

anne.. bit of light hearted humour.. I worked in that nick and know hundreds went out on the streets for money !

[nailit]

Hya Smow, that is so weird. I was JUST going to PM you on Facebook to ask if youd heard from your son yet and this pops up on AB.
Anyway, all sounds positive.
//Oh and he's got a book from the prison library and is reading that//
The prison library was always my first port of call when starting a sentence, I never read so much...especially in the days before in cell TV's.

[nailit]

//You aren't allowed to smoke in prisons at all now apparently//
Ive mentioned before that the no smoking ban is been rolled out across all UK prisons. My sons mate has been in HMP Oakwood for 7 months and they have just banned smoking. He says that other cons are smoking tea leaves or anything else they can get their hands on. A bit cruel in my opinion to ban a perfectly legal substance that helps cons get through their time

[ummmm]

Glad he's got his meds sorted. I think that was the main worry.

Hopefully he's as upbeat as he sounds. The thought of prison might have been worse than the reality...especially if he's in a lower cat.

If he can get into books the time will go by much quicker.

[cassa333]

Are the cons supposed to go cold turkey?

They could give them all patches and by the time they get out might have kicked the habit!

[ummmm]

They prob do give them patches but smoking is sometimes hand to mouth habit.

[nailit]

//If he can get into books the time will go by much quicker//
When ive been inside ummmm, I read between 3-6 books a week (before I got a job in there) I knew some cons who were illiterate and couldn't imagine how much their time dragged.

(sorry Smow, don't mean to hijack ur post...)

[ummmm]

And regarding the smoking. It doesn't take long for the body to get over nicotine addiction but harder to break the habit.

[murraymints]

seems a bit unfair but think it was to do with the exposure to smoke in the work place by guards

[pastafreak]

It's good you've had positive news,Smow. If he's upbeat it can only help the time go quicker.
I'm a bit surprised smoking would be banned completely. We keep a "secret" stash of tobacco to be doled out to some clients as it's deemed to help relax them when they may be particularly stressed.

[nailit]

Minty, most of the screws ive known in jail, smoked as well. From what ive heard they wernt too happy about the ban either (and the fact that they have been left to deal with a load of irate prisoners)

[murraymints]

PC gone a bit over the top ?

[Smowball]

Sorry guys - house phone rang. Yes the medication was my biggest worry so am really pleased that's sorted. I've just put some money on his account as I think he wants to get a radio. Apparently they can choose certain bits from Argos and WH Smith's catalogues.

[murraymints]

must be a relief to you smow... a hard way to achieve things...but every cloud... xx

[-SharonA-]

According to the Sunday papers, it is like one big party with booze, takeaways inside!!! They seem to have more fun than me.

Anyhow Smow, glad you heard from your son and you can relax a little.