Alex Cavendish
Metro
United Kingdom
Contact Alex
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Past articles by Alex:
BBC’s reboot of Porridge might get a laugh but the reality of prison is far from funny
As far as classic comedy is concerned, the original series of prison sitcom Porridge has proved to be a perennial goldmine for the BBC. Since it was first shown on... → Read More
10 every day items that are banned in prison and why they’re considered contraband
Our troubled prisons may be awash with illegal drugs, alcohol and illicit mobile phones, but there are plenty of other prohibited items that may not seem so obvious. The Ministry... → Read More
Letters to prison: Why prisoners have pen pals and who writes to them
Although our prisons are chronically overcrowded, they can be very lonely places. Some complete strangers opt to write to prisoners they may never have met - but who are they... → Read More
Votes for prisoners: The rights and rules for convicts explained
Former Prime Minister David Cameron once said that the very thought of it made him feel 'physically ill'. No, he wasn’t speaking about acts of terrorism or murder. He was... → Read More
A smoking ban in UK prisons could lead to months or even years of rioting
Pilot schemes have show an increase in violence and self-harm. → Read More
Getting a tattoo in prison is a really bad idea – here are a few things you might not know
Prison tattoo guns are DIY contraptions you won't want near your skin. → Read More
Prison smoking ban will worsen the crisis behind bars
A smoking ban risks destabilising an already out of control prison system → Read More
The rise in prison suicides is not surprising – even overcrowded jails can be lonely places
It can be a mental health issue but sometimes there's just not enough support. → Read More
Prison violence hits record levels but we shouldn’t be surprised
Staff shortage, drug and mental health issues are all factors. → Read More
The truth about rape and sexual assault in prison, from a man who has been on the inside
For any first-time offender facing the prospect of a prison sentence in Britain the fear of sexual assault – including rape – is a major concern. There are few modern... → Read More
8 ways smugglers get contraband items into prisons
There has been an increase in the use of remote-controlled drones in recent years, for example. → Read More
Going to prison? Here’s our guide to what to pack, from someone who has done time
These are the essential items you need to take with you to prison, from flip flops to an address book. → Read More
The smoking ban could spark a long, hot summer in English prisons
It could be disastrous if the prison smoking ban is forced through too quickly → Read More