Strangeways Unlocked: The Shocking Truth about Life Behind Bars

Based on first-hand accounts from former prisoners and staff, Strangeways Unlocked provides a darkly funny, harrowing, and heartbreaking look at the reality of prison life. It explores the lives of notorious criminals, dangerous gangsters, repeat offenders, and those who made wrong decisions, revealing the inside story of one of the UK's most infamous high-security prisons. The book highlights the dark underworld of the prison system, including riots, drug trafficking, and the Imprisonment for Public Protection system, where individuals serve indefinite sentences for petty crimes. It also sheds light on the struggles of staff, who are grappling with a failing prison system and caring for men with mental health issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A harrowing and heartbreaking exploration of the realities of prison life, with first-hand accounts from individuals who found themselves on the wrong side of the cell doors.

Neil 'Sam Samworth' served as a prison officer at HMP Manchester, also known as Strangeways, for eleven years. During his tenure, he witnessed a wide range of individuals, including notorious criminals, dangerous gangsters, and repeat offenders, as well as those who made unfortunate decisions. In this gripping and eye-opening book, he delves into the inner workings of one of the UK's most notorious high-security prisons, uncovering the truth about what life is truly like behind bars.

Through his extensive research and interviews with former prisoners and staff, Samworth paints a vivid picture of the dark underworld of the prison system. He describes riots that can break out at any time, the sudden convergence of gangbangers, the prevalence of Class A drugs and contraband, and the challenges faced by staff in a failing prison system.

One particularly poignant story involves a prisoner who loses his eye in a fight with an inmate, highlighting the dangers and violence that exist within the prison walls. Another individual is convicted of theft but becomes addicted to spice, illustrating the devastating consequences of substance abuse within the prison system. Additionally, Samworth sheds light on the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) system, which has led to individuals serving indefinite sentences for petty crimes, often without the chance of release.

The book also delves into the struggles faced by staff who work tirelessly to care for men with mental health issues, often at the expense of their own well-being. The staff members grapple with a failing system that struggles to provide adequate support and care, while also dealing with inmates who pose significant risks to themselves and others.

Strangeways Unlocked offers a raw and gripping account of life in prison, providing a unique perspective on a world that many can only imagine. The book sheds light on the systemic failures of the prison system and the urgent need for reform. It serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of incarceration and the importance of addressing the root causes of crime and social inequality.

In conclusion, Strangeways Unlocked is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of prison life and the challenges faced by those who are incarcerated. It is a harrowing the book that provides a powerful and unforgettable account of a life that many can only imagine.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 131 x 196 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529064230