But Simon Hattenstone got nowhere near the truth (it helps to become a fellow inmate)... lifers are promised parole if they do this long and difficult course; then, when it is successfully completed, "sorry... but if you now do THIS course..."
Lifers exist in a world of broken promises. That is disgraceful and shocking.

It would make sense if a lifer community was created that reflected real life. A small town where they could live a normal life - but cut off from the general population ( after all the reason they are locked up is because they are deemed a danger to the rest of us )

There they could learn to function in a normal way. Get the help they need. Earn a wage either making things or serving in the local shop etc. Alcohol would obviously be banned but perhaps they could have at least one piece of entertainment from the outside brought in per month. There could be a chapel they could attend and a health centre as well to monitor them.

Surely we need to be humane towards people who have made a mistake. As Christians we HAVE TO FORGIVE them. That is what God has ordered us to do. Otherwise we are not following God's law.

Therefore, Why cant they create a TOWN for lifers ( or anyone with a sentence over 15 years min ) in say SCOTLAND where there is plenty of room. Keep it a long way from everywhere else. Build a 40 feet fence around it - but make it very pleasant inside so that these people can actually feel that they are forgiven and allowed to lead some sort of life.

Of course there are some who will say that the death penalty should be introduced for killers - but a life for a life is basically dropping down to their level and makes a society no better than a killer. That is why the USA for me is basically a sick place. You cant kill people - God does not allow that - it is against his commandments - and Jesus made it quite clear that we must love our enemies.

Until we restore CHRISTIAN VALUES ( even if people dont believe ) our World will never be safe and never be a happy place.