Letter: Fairness in prison

Sir: I have been a prison visitor for a number of years, and wholeheartedly support the sentiments of Tim Colbourne of the Howard League (letter, 2 July).

I am visiting a "lifer" who has served 15 years for a crime passionel for which he received a tariff of 12 years. He is sensitive, very intelligent and articulate, but his preparation for outside life over the years he has been in prison has been absolutely abysmal.

The punishment is removing the prisoner from everyday life, not treating him or her as scum day in and day out. Perhaps prison officers' selection and training needs to be reviewed.

Mrs P M RADICE

Kendal, Cumbria