Lack of local prison is a ‘ridiculous’ situation

Oct 23 2008 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

A MAGISTRATE has joined the growing campaign for a prison in North Wales saying it is crazy such an institution has not been built already.

According to Michael Bishop, a JP of 12 years, it is vital that the region gets a multi-purpose prison with different sections for male, female and young offenders.

He is the latest prominent figure from the criminal justice world to speak out as the campaign for a prison gathers momentum.

“It’s absolutely crazy that we have people from North Wales in custody in 25 different prisons in the England. It’s ridiculous,” he said.

“While it’s quite right to punish the offender, if you place them in a prison many miles away in England you are also punishing the family.

“They have to find the money up front to get a train ticket and while it’s refundable, the fare can be difficult to find. Depending on the location it can cost a family up to £250.

“It also makes it difficult for people like probation officers because they have a statutory duty to visit offenders. If they have to go to somewhere like Durham or Essex it’s maybe a two-day trip.”