Some wit has pinned up on the notice board outside the stores, ‘If it fits, hand it back.’
It seems that over twenty pads (cells) have been broken into during the past two weeks, and more than two hundred phonecards have been stolen. The old lags tell me that it has to be a crack-head if he was desperate enough to break into the hospital. By the end of the week, the thief has broken into the chapel and the canteen (shop).
Some inmates are claiming they know the culprit.
6.00 pm
A prisoner who recently arrived from Highpoint says he’s going to beat me up before he’s released. This threat was made during my morning rounds in front of a group of his mates. He must be around thirty and is in for GBH.
I confess to feeling frightened for the first time in months.
DAY 387
FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 2002
8.00 am
This morning the same prisoner turns up at the hospital. I try to look calm. He apologizes for what he said yesterday, claiming that it was a joke and I obviously misunderstood him. ‘I would never do anything to harm you Jeff.’ I suspect he’s worried that his threat may reach the ears of an officer, which would result in his being shipped out to a B-cat. Bullying is considered to be a worse crime than taking drugs. I nod, and he quickly leaves the hospital.
6.00 pm
David (post-office robbery) tells me that the prisoner from Highpoint who threatened me had a visit from Jim (robbery, antiques only), Mo (terrorist) and Big A1 (GBH) in the middle of the night. They explained what would happen to him if Jeff came to any harm, or words to that effect.
I’m touched that three inmates whom I do not know that well feel strongly enough to watch my back.
I gave Big A1 out LBW in last week’s cricket match, and he hasn’t stopped grumbling since.
DAY 391
TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2002
Mr Berlyn drives me over to Lincoln for an interview with Chris Moreno and Chris Colby, the owner and dir
ector of the Theatre Royal Lincoln.
Both men could not have been more welcoming and kind. They make it clear to Mr Berlyn that they need ‘volunteers’ and would welcome other prisoners to join me. Mr Berlyn seems satisfied that a real job of work exists, and that I could be of some service to the community. He says he will recommend that I start work on Monday.
DAY 393
THURSDAY 15 AUGUST 2002
2.00 pm
A prisoner called Hugh attacks an officer in the north block. She arrives in hospital with a broken cheekbone. Hugh is immediately transferred to Lincoln Prison and will be charged with assault. The officer tells Linda that she will be claiming compensation, and expects to be off work for at least four months.
5.30 pm
‘Lucky Ball’ arrives at NSC – the man who claimed to have won the lottery and proceeded to spend his non-existent winnings.
7.00 pm
It’s my last day as hospital orderly. Stephen (two years, VAT fraud, £160,000) takes my place. I will continue as Saturday orderly so I can keep my daily bath privileges, when Stephen will have the day off.
DAY 306
SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2002
8.00 am