As part of a series of Sixth Form Lectures, Year 12 had the unusual opportunity to listen to a convicted murderer speak about prison life and issues surrounding crime and punishment.

Erwin James served twenty years in prison for murder and is now a writer for the Guardian and lectures on controversial issues such as punishment and rehabilitation.

In an extract from his article in the next edition of the Newgate Papers (the Sixth Form Magazine) Dom Smithies describes meeting the man who gained his “utmost respect”.

“Mr James had quite a sad, harsh childhood which he believes, whilst a contributory factor, cannot be blamed for him starting out on a life of crime. He committed his first crime at a very young age: he robbed a sweet shop, and he said that he remembers believing that ‘society owed him’: “I had lived an itinerant, dysfunctional existence from a very young age. For a number of years I had been subjected to serious violence and emotional deprivation that I am not going to go into detail about. By the age of 10, I was running wild, sleeping rough and I didn't really know where I was supposed to belong in the world.”

“Whilst in prison, he filled his time reading books borrowed from the library.  He was inspired to use the time effectively to better himself after being motivated by a psychologist that spent a long time persuading him that he had some worth. However he acknowledges that he is one of a very select few that did productively use his time. He said that the majority of the prisoners didn’t have the option to read and borrow books because they could not read and write. I found this shocking. He went from having no self worth to believing in himself, and with help and support, sat some exams and got some certificates and qualifications which increased his self-esteem.

“He believes, and I agree, that more needs to be done to motivate the people in prison and to rehabilitate them. While some people believe they should be ‘left to rot’ or ‘forced to do manual labour’ as part of their punishment, I do not believe that would be effective in supporting their re-integration into society when released.

“During his time in prison, Mr James obtained a job writing articles for the Guardian called ‘life inside’.  This helped to prepare him for when the time came for him to be released. Around 70% (90% for under 20’s) of people re-offend within two years after they are let out of prison.  This demonstrates that current measures are insufficient. Most re-offending is due to the fact that ex-offenders have difficulty obtaining employment, some have nowhere to go, and many are disadvantaged by unequal treatment.

“After the talk I decided to research Mr. James and found quite a long article on his life before, during and after prison - similar, but in a lot more depth, to the talk he gave to us. I would recommend reading it to those who have not heard his talk as it is a truly inspirational story (http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/apr/24/erwin-james-journalism ).

“Amongst all of the inner demons, I have always believed guilt to be the most powerful. Mr James acknowledged that much as he might wish to, he cannot undo what he has done. However, what I believe is important is that he is trying to make up for what he has done, and the fact that he is spending his life trying to make up for it is admirable. “My behaviour was unforgivable and I seek no forgiveness now.” “Guilt was the emotion that hit me the most powerfully, a strong sense that I did not deserve to be out here enjoying the pleasures that free people enjoy.” After a lot of reflection and meditation in prison he acknowledged his crimes and his wrong-doings and swore to do only good in future. 

“Ironically, I have always believed that it is those that genuinely acknowledge that they do not deserve to be forgiven for the wrong-doings they have committed that are the ones that deserve forgiveness. I have always believed in forgiveness, even for the worst crimes which is why I have always strongly opposed the ‘lock them up and let them rot’ approach to punishment. Although prison is a means to protect society, and a means of punishment, I have always believed that there is no greater punishment than guilt; it is a mental punishment after they have acknowledged and realised what they have done wrong, and I believe prison should provide an opportunity for criminals to reflect on what they have done.

“I have the utmost respect for Erwin James - not for what he has done in the past but for what he’s doing now. I found his talk to be the best so far and believe he is a genuine inspiration as he can demonstrate that anyone can turn their lives around.”

Dom Smithie’s (Yr 12) full article can be found in the next edition of the Newgate Papers.