And if you'd like to read more about her experiences in Russia and why more people there aren't standing up to the despicable invasion of Ukraine, Jana's very moving new book 'The Good Russian: In Search of a Nation's Soul' has just been published:
www.hachette.co.uk/titles/jana-...

Very glad you thought so, that's kind, thanks Mark - and totally agree

Hatfield's governor Mick Mills told me: "I absolutely sympathise 100 per cent with the victims of crime... You’ve got to have a justice system that serves and prevents victims. That’s what we’re about."

Here is my long read. See what you think...

🧵10/10
inews.co.uk/news/crime/i...

I also visited a tiling warehouse that has now employed about 25 prisoners from Hatfield, where the manager said the inmates are better workers than agency staff.

🧵9/10

During my tour around HMP Hatfield, I met a murderer who was on his way out for a shift at work, and sat in the cell of a prisoner serving six years for a knife attack who showed me his matchstick models.

🧵8/10

We can’t lock every criminal away forever, even if sometimes we wish we could. Open prisons aren’t the easiest solution to crime, but if they prevent more victims, perhaps we shouldn’t just go with what’s easiest.

🧵7/10

I wished the best for this man. He can’t change the past, he’s been punished – as he deserved to be – and now he seeks redemption. But somewhere out there is his victim’s family, who probably still feel just as devastated as my friend.

🧵6/10

I had a heartfelt conversation with this prisoner, who seemed down despite being just months away from release. It turned out he was jailed for death by dangerous driving, having killed a good friend, and remains consumed by guilt.

🧵5/10

They gradually allow offenders out to visit families and even start jobs when approaching the end of their sentences – after being assessed they’re of low risk and genuinely want to reform. They can be controversial but stats show they reduce reoffending.

🧵4/10

Weeks later, I found myself speaking with an inmate at HMP Hatfield, an open prison near Doncaster. I was visiting to learn how these places aid rehabilitation.

🧵3/10

Messaging my friend afterwards, it was hard to know what to write. But one remark which came more easily than others was my sincere hope that the man responsible will be “banged up for as long as possible.” I meant it.

🧵2/10