VISIT TO SEE CHARLIE

by Alan & Natalie Rayment
24 June 2007

It was a very wet day in Yorkshire when we arrived at the Prison and we were greeted by the Prison Officers. We soon got checked in and then we had the wait to go up to the main prison. Once at the Prison we both went through the checks; my fingerprints would not work and, after several times, we gave up on them. We were both checked over and ready to go through and get Charlie his canteen.

We got through to the visitors room and purchased a flask of tea and some canteen, and then we made our way to Charlie, going through various locked doors over the yard and into Charlie’s unit. The Prison Officer who took us over was a great guy chatting to us both all the way over to the unit. As soon as you enter the unit it is cold, dark and very gloomy place. We then got into the small room and we could see Charlie in the opposite cell waiting for us.

We were greeted by Charlie with a firm handshake. I jumped on the screwed down table and Natalie sat on the chair. Charlie was his usual chirpy self. Natalie handed over the canteen and Charlie made us a brew, Natalie says Charlie’s brews are better than mine…. I agree. We spoke about what we had both been up to, how our son is doing, how our holiday went and loads more stuff. Charlie told us some cracking stories past and present and we were all in stitches. We spoke about Big Brother (well it’s a fact Charlie has been on it 32 years). Charlie has a great sense of humour every visit I have had I have come away laughing.

It would have been even better if it would have been an open visit. Why is Charlie still been held like this? He has shown he can behave. When are the people who matter going to look at Charlie’s case and make the decision?

I would say to members of the public: never believe what is printed in the newspaper. Look into Charlie’s case and, if you feel it is an injustice, don’t just say so act on the matter. Write to your local MP the more support we get the better. Charlie has NEVER KILLED! He has paid his dues. He should be a free man.

Let’s keep up the fight Charlie
Box it clever brother
Alan & Natalie
www.alanrayment.co.uk