Students sample life behind bars

Students sample life behind bars

Fifty criminal justice students from the University of Central England are taking part in a debate with prisoners behind bars.

The students will travel to HMP Grendon near Aylesbury on Tuesday to tour the prison and eat alongside the prisoners.

Students will propose that prisons should be abolished during the debate, and prisoners will oppose the motion.

HMP Grendon is home to 200 high tariff violent and sexual offenders.

'Engage in intelligent debate'

"It is the only prison in Europe that operates wholly as a therapeutic community - it is special and unique compared to other prisons," said UCE course director Professor David Wilson.

Prison governor Dr Peter Bennett said: "Inmates benefit from the opportunity to engage in intelligent debate with students.

"And students are able to gain an insight into the therapeutic experience and its positive effect on changing the lives of inmates by helping them to gain self respect and respect for others."