1000 prisoners rioted in Strangeways, Manchester because of.... overcrowding.

If only they could see the state of play today.

When I arrived at Risley, it was a new, clean, spacious and modern establishment due to new policies following the rioting. The old Risley was then being used as the TAC, and it looked very bleak. Our governor was Brendan O'Neill who'd been in charge at Strangeways during the riots. He'd learned great lessons and had a policy of treating inmates fairly. Risley was an example of a "good" prison. It was a Cat C, fairly open plan although still with high perimeter walls. There was no segregation between 'normals' and 'VPs'. Anyone found abusing the system was shipped out to a less hospital prison at 7am, so that by the time the rest of us were unlocked the troublemaker had been removed. It helped to teach people tolerance of others. We all had to live together and set any prejudices aside. There was a good education block run by Manchester City College, and a reasonable library. No TVs in cells though.

That was in the 90s. I hear the new governor changed things back to the standard prison format. It now has an 'us' and 'them' atmosphere. Pity really. A gigantic step backwards.

Actually it was Brendon O'Friel .. not O'neill.

Age catching up!