James Says Inmate Death At Pentonville Prison Is Tip Of The Iceberg
As one man dies and two others are injured in an attack at Pentonville prison, James explains why this is indicative of much bigger problem.
“It would appear that the Pentonville murder is the tip of an iceberg, because wherever else you look you find evidence that this ongoing round of so-called austerity is causing all sorts of problems.”
It’s not easy to generate sympathy for prisoners, but James turns the focus to prison guards who are also feeling the effects.
“In the 6 months to December 2015... 2,690 assaults against staff.
"So if I struggle to make you care about the plight or condition of the prisoners, then focus instead on the fact that prison staff getting attacked by these prisoners is rocketing as well.”
Budgets and conditions in prisons rarely make the frontages, but a problem appears to be developing, and as James says “It’s almost the definition of a story that unfolds in the dark.”
