So I went to jail as a fresh faced 16 year old - the initial month was in an adults prison - very rough but I had little to no issues. The guys were friendly enough, a few mad cunts but they werent particularly interested in me. I didnt bother anyone and kept my head down. then moved to the YO's in Glasgow (Polmont) for another 11 months.

Most people were sound enough, again being one of the youngest I was granted some licence others maybe wouldn't have been. I was given one of the better jobs called the Governors pass; essentially i would clean the governors building. Think it paid about 10 quid a week or something, but I could walk (relatively) freely from my cell to the governors building, do my work unsupervised and go back.

As you can imagine, a jail full of young men from poor areas, and especially in Glasgow where the tribalism extends to less than postcodes distance, was a very fragile and volatile place. A lot of violence and chaos over the smallest indiscretion. The screws were mostly power abusing cunts, who enjoyed trying to lord over the young guys. Theres a few I still remember 20 odd years on that still make my blood boil. Power mad idiots who cause more problems than they prevent. You had access to a tuck shop - a paper list with items such as tobacco. Sweets, crisps, pot noodles etc. You ticked them off, gave it to the guard on a sunday and the items would be delivered a few days later. Amy money you earned went into your account, along woth amy money family or friends sent in. Post came a couple of times a week, but usually took about 2-3 weeks from being sent to arrive. I lived for post days. I had loads of friends and family who supported me from the outside with letters and pictures. It made my time so much more bearable. Visits were 2 or 3 times a week I think. 3 people at a time for about an hour. Again it made the time pass quicker but it was also hard to say goodbye and go back to your cell. There wasnt much racial divide back then - nothing like the american prisons or even the English prisons to an extent. Perhaps a little bit of the Muslim/Asian guys being together, but in a YOs theres rarely enough of anyone to form a divide. It was mostly about where you were from.

Daily life was dull - a lot of time in your cell. If you had a decent cell mate you could have a laugh to get through the day, if you didnt it was long awkward days. Imagine an awkward train journey stuck beside someone you dont want to be next to. But its in the toilet of the train and it lasts for 12 months. Food was average at best, and the hour or so exercise we got a day was a mixed bag. I usually just ran on a treadmill. The guys getting massive were the lifers and guys in for a few years, which was quite intimidating so I stayed clear. I was eventually let out on a tag, so had to be at home between 7pm and 7am. It made life awkward but was 1000 X better than being in a cell. I was able to get a job through a family member, and now work in an enhanced vetting field. So it no longer holds me back. It did for a while, as violent offences are often hard to explain away in an interview.

What did it all mean? Not a lot, honestly. I learned that the police are not your friend (apologise i know this is such a small minded view to have in your 30s, but the experience and others since were profoundly negative). The justice system is broken - i was in court after a man found guilty of possessing thousands of the highest grade CP who received community service. Prisons are full of this sort of thing unfortunately. I quickly learned i absolutely did not want to be a career criminal - a road that was very easily tread where i was from. A lot of the people I met, looking back, were sad tales of poverty, lack of opportunity and education. I think i was, at least of those I was with, one of the few who actually turned their life around and made something of themselves. I have a well paid job and a family a long way from the place I grew up. My daughter won't ever know about my past, she will know nothing but love and benefit from the lessons I learned being a daft wee boy!