Christmas in the Clink - what inmates can expect behind bars
What's it like in the Clink for Christmas?
Not as good as on the outside, but prisoners will know today is a bit different different to the other 364 they are behind bars.
The doors will slam shut like every other day but there will be a Christmas feel to the menu when it comes to the food.
Anyone approaching Wolverhampton on the train from Staffordshire will see the huge complex of prisons where thousands of prisoners languish in Oakwood, Brinsford and Featherstone prisons.
In Staffordshire, which has one of the highest numbers of inmates of any county in the country due a multitude of a jails including HMP Dovegate, Stafford and even Young Offenders Institute Swinfen, inmates could be waking up to a "festive breakfast pack" instead of porridge.
Each prison will have turkey and Christmas pudding on offer for but those who want alternatives could opt for beef and suet bake, smoked haddock and mozzarella patties with homemade tartare sauce, and vegetable Wellington.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/featherstone-prison
HMP Featherstone prisoners will be getting a traditional Christmas dinner, if they choose.
Festive Vegan Slice
Roast Chicken Leg
Roast Turkey
Roast Potatoes, Pigs in Blankets (NH), Seasonal Vegetables, Stuffing, Gravy
Christmas Pudding & Custard
At HMP Brinsford, the Crimbo lunch choice was:
Half Roast Chicken, Halal & Non Halal available
Country Mushroom Pie Roast Pots Fresh mixed veg
Christmas pudding
Mince pie & custard
HMP Stafford is one of the UK's oldest prisons, first opened in 1793. Now the gaol is a Category C prison which since 2014 is just the preserve of sex offenders.
A previous festive menu revealed for Stafford prisoners were spoilt for choice.
Homemade Nut Roast, Grilled Tomato & Roast Potatoes Suitable for Vegetarian of Halal
Fish With Lemon & Prawn Dressing Suitable for Halal
Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Sausage & Bacon Roll and Roast Potatoes
Roast Pork, Apple Sauce, Stuffing & Roast Potatoes
Chicken & Spinach Curry & Rice Suitable for Halal
Stuffed Butternut Squash Suitable for Vegan, Vegetarian & Halal
Noodle Grill & Sweet Chilli Sauce Suitable for Vegan, Vegetarian & Halal Served with Creamed Potatoes, Sprouts & Gravy
Christmas Dessert & Custard Or Fresh Pineapple
The Ministry of Justice is clear to emphasise the festive food is at no extra cost to the taxpayer and "meets the prisoners' nutritional, religious and cultural needs".
However, though the food on offer might fascinate those with a culinary bent, the atmosphere in prison on Christmas Day can be more volatile than normal as emotions can run high. Or low, with prisoners with mental health issues including depression being especially vulnerable.
One former inmate who was incarcerated last Christmas in HMP Oakwood told the Express & Star: "Christmas Day is one of the best days and the worst days in prison."For those of us who have got kids it is all about getting hold of a phone off someone.
"Mobiles are illegal but every wing has a few and if you have one it could be one of the most profitable days of the year."
He added: "Say on a normal day you could charge someone a few quid, or swap a bit of baccy or mamba to use the phone on Christmas Day it will be triple or even more."
He added: "Especially if you can Facetime on the thing. Prisoners are no different than anyone else, they want to see their loved ones on Christmas Day."
Jail is the last place anyone would want to be on Christmas Day but unlike most other dinner tables across the land one festive staple will not be pushed to the side, avoided or ridiculed.
The now free former prisoner said: "In jail if there are sprouts about no-one is going to complain or turn their nose up at any kind of fresh veg. Even if the cook boils the life out of them.
"But, all I know is this year, I can eat my my Christmas dinner and look forward to a cigarette afterwards knowing I will not have to look over my shoulder smoking it.
"Being free is will be the best present of all."
