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A Bit of a Stretch

The Diaries of a Prisoner

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A Bit of a Stretch

By: Chris Atkins
Narrated by: Chris Atkins
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About this listen

Where can a tin of tuna buy you clean clothes? Which British education system struggles with 50 percent illiteracy? Where do teetotal Muslims attend AA meetings? Where is it easier to get 'spice' than paracetamol? Where does self-harm barely raise an eyebrow?

Welcome to Her Majesty's Prison Service, a creaking and surreal world that has been left to rot for decades in the shadows of polite society. Like most people, documentary-maker Chris Atkins didn't spend much time thinking about prisons. But after becoming embroiled in a dodgy scheme to fund his latest film, he was sent down for five years.

His new home would be HMP Wandsworth, one of the oldest, largest and most dysfunctional prisons in Europe. Horrifying, moving and darkly funny, this is the unvarnished depiction of what he found. With a cast of characters ranging from wily drug dealers to corrupt screws to senior officials bent on endless (and fruitless) reform, this is the reality behind the locked gates. Full of incredible and hilarious stories, A Bit of a Stretch reveals the true scale of our prison crisis and why it is costing us all.

Includes exclusive bonus chapter, available only from Audible.

©2020 Chris Atkins (P)2020 Audible, Ltd Criminal & Forensic Psychology Mental Health True Crime Funny Witty

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Profile Image for LAURIE FAEN

A real eye opener

I heard about the book via Adam Buxton podcast, and glad I did. Though I live on the other side of the world I have no doubt by that things are any better here. Mental illness and drug addiction are not crimes.
The book is well researched and beautifully read. Totally engrossing and at times really amusing.
A sad testament to our value system.

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