Bridport Literary Festival: Talk with former prison governor

Bridport Literary Festival is inviting Ian Acheson to discuss his new book Screwed: Britain’s Prison Crisis and How to Escape It. 

The talk will held at The Bull Hotel, Bridport, on Monday, November 4 at 10.30am.

The book looks at the politics and the operational decisions that have impacted prisons. His account details how rats roam freely, prisoners are forced to use slop buckets, violence and intimidation are normalised and it may be easier to get a bag of heroin than a bar of soap.

This is a timely topic as recently it was announced that the government is releasing 1,100 more prisoners early as part of its emergency plan to ease overcrowding in jails in England and Wales.

Offenders serving more than five years will be released on licence after spending 40% of their time behind bars, a scheme that excludes those convicted of serious violence, sex crimes and terrorism.

Mr Acheson served for 20 years as both an officer and prison governor.

In 2015, the then Secretary of State for Justice, Michael Gove, asked him to lead an independent review of prison extremism.

In his words, he witnessed the uniformed organisation he was proud to serve "crumble into lethal disarray."

Acheson outlines how a new corporate culture and mission, putting its faith in the officers who walk the landings every day, could achieve a much-needed revolution in the way the service is run.

Bridport Literary Festival, known affectionately as BridLit, is now in its 20th year.

READ MORE: Bridport Literary festival announces series of talks

It takes place in venues around the town From November 3 to 9. There will be talks from writers from many genres – fiction, children’s books and nonfiction including politics, nature writing, history, art, poetry, memoir and the environment.

To book tickets for BridLit events, go to the festival website – bridlit.com – or contact Bridport Tourist Information Centre in Bucky Doo Square or call them on 01308 424901.