It’s been a good month for prisoners. First came the news that dozens will be released early to ease on overcrowding. Then there was even better news that those on early-release would get a £200 goodbye, courtesy of the taxpayer.
But today there’s consolation for those still behind bars - a story in this morning’s Sun revealing how jailbirds in Wakefield are being given £1,300 worth of football gear. You guessed it, all paid for by the taxpayer.
What a bizarre set of priorities the prison system has. On the one hand they can’t afford to keep them locked up, so give them a cheque when they leave. On the other they’re funding all sorts of amenities the law abiding can seldom afford. So, commit a crime and you can compete in the all-Britain inter-cell-block football cup. Obey the law and struggle to buy the new England strip. You couldn’t make it up!