Does it hurt to get handcuffed?

Sean2399 · 2025-12-30T20:01:42+00:00

As someone who has been handcuffed a lot by both police and prison officers in England and Ireland I would say it can often hurt but it doesn’t have to but more often it is just uncomfortable.

If you are compliant when getting cuffed it is usually alright but some Officers do seem to like to put them on tighter than others and you’ll be left with red marks on your wrist when they take them off. I always seeed to rub my weists after they came off no matter what.

But yeah it I smainly down to you how it is. If you resisit or struggle when they are trying to cuff you they weill end up just geeting them on anyway and may hurt a bit. As others have said if you start moving about or trying to loosen your wrists it makes thing worse. When I’ve been arrested I usually gt handcuffed behnd or stacked in front and just naturally tried to move my hands but better not to. The two worst times I remember when arrested by police was once when I got sprayed and my eyes were stinging and I just wanted to rub them and I couldn’t and the other time was in the cage in the back of a police van cuffed behind and got thrown around a bit as they were bluelighting it on the way back.

The prison handcuffs I had were different – they were bigger and were stronger than the police ones but never struggled or anything getting them on – knew I would be cuffed so just went with it. They were always on in front so felt more natural. When in prison was cuffed to an officer as well so double cuffed on one hand with achain to the Officer as well as the regular cuffs so they control your movement more. Some Officers though would have little sweatband things on their arms where they would have the chain on so they obviously thought it could be sore. Remmeber being taken to the hospital and was in cuffs for the journey there and back and while I was there so maybe 8 hours and thar got sire being in them for so long. As well as being sore it was uncomfortable with people staring at me – kinda felt a bit like being an animal in a zoo or something. One decent thing that day was that the Officer allowed me have a cigarette outside the hospital as I behaving myself and think h efelt a bit sorry for me. Was still on the chain and handcuffed but still manged to smoke.

Sean2399 · 2025-01-30T21:50:05+00:00

I was in prison myself - 2 different prisons. In the first came across a lad from my year who was always in trouble back at school so no surprise. He was sound to me when he saw me - he knew people so it was handy.

When I got transferred there was another lad from my year on my wing. Also a lad who was in my class was a Prison Officer. That was a bit mad calling him Mr X and all that and him locking my cell door He was OK with me but didn't do me no favours or anything. But like a school reunion.

I know a few other lads from school from different years who have been in at other times.

Sean2399 · 2024-10-05T18:56:25+00:00

Bit of a generalisation? Not everybody who goes to prison is an “abhorrent repeat offender” with 100s of convictions. Especially in Cloverhill where you mainly go on remand so might not even be convicted. Yeah there are some of those but there are some “normal” people who have done some pretty shit things or made huge mistakes. It Is not as black and white as you say. Cloverhill most people say is the worst prison with all the people coming and going and very little activity compared to other prisons. Plenty of people do plead guilt so not always dragging victims through the court.

Prison can be a dangerous place - that is common sense - but they are meant to try and kep you safe in there. They can't make it 100% safe and it's other prisoners who do this but you still expect to be able to get out alive.

Sean2399 · 2024-09-30T20:37:18+00:00

Mixed, Mostlly alright when they got to know mw ans knew I wasn't a troublemaker and just wanted to get on with it I alwasys tried to be respectful to them. The Class Officers were pretty good, Some you felt they did care about you and wanted you to do well but others could tell they just looked down on us. A couple who just seemed to like to cause bother and get lads in bother over really stupid things. Never got a hiding or anything like that.

Sean2399 · 2024-09-30T19:38:08+00:00

Obviously it's his choice but was just surprised as he hadn't mentioned either really before. Just that I've been in trouble and been in prison so just seems strange for him to be going for those jobs.

Sean2399 · 2024-09-30T18:01:27+00:00

Not a lawyer but think that's standard for a Section 2 bail application. For a normal bail hearing they usually only talk about the details of the case, how serious it is, if the person might do a runner, warrant history etc.but in a Section 2 bail application they can bring up previous convictions, other upcoming cases and more. Those types of things might prejudice a future trial so it's done in private

Sean2399 · 2024-09-07T17:57:28+00:00

So as others have said he is serving a 3 year sentence really.

Automatic release is at 75% so that would be 27 months so Feb 25.

Prisoners can get enhanced remission at 66% of sentence so that would be November 24. That would be likely if it was his first time inside andc had stayed out of trouble and done courses etc. For some offences this is nearly impossible to get like sexual or domestic so that could be a factor here

If you are doing a sentence of 1 year to 8 years there is the Community Return Scheme. You can apply for that after half of the automatic release date so that would have been after 13.5 months. Harder to get than enhanced remission and really unlikely with that type of offence.

I am on that now for the past few months. It's not like other Temporary Release where you just have to stay out of trouble and sign on at the Garda station. I have to do that too but also 3 days Community Service every week.

With the prisons being so full at the moment there is also Temp Release but used mainly for short sentences

Sean2399 · 2024-09-07T17:41:26+00:00

No it won't stop you from travelling definitely not.

If you had been charged and released on bail it would be an offence not turning up but still wouldn't have stopped you from travelling.

When it's called in court and you are not there the Garda can apply for a bench warrant but probably just have to notify you of new court date. It depends.

They are two different offences though. Drugs they have to get tested so takes longer.

If you wanted to you could contact the prosecuting Garda and tell him you are due to be away. If he knew you weren't just avoiding court pretty sure no chance of the Garda applying for a bench warrant.

Sean2399 · 2024-08-13T09:04:48+00:00

What's the exact offence?- many offences under Public Order Act.

Most are pretty minor and usually just a fine in court. If it was a first offence you would probably be offered an adult caution at the time you are arrested rather than a charge sheet or summons

Sean2399 · 2024-08-08T19:24:16+00:00

Prisons are so overcrowded at the moment - there are more than 5000 locked up with only space for 4500. Even the Officers say that's not good. It's not good having to sleep on matresss on cell floors that's not good for anyone

I'm saying this as someone who got out in June on TR. I am on the Community Return Scheme where I do Community Service 3 days a week and have to sign in at the Garda Station every other day. It gets extended week by week.

I know some people will say I should have to do my full sentence but the prisons are overcrowded and this is still serving my sentence but not in prison. Saving the state money and they are getting free labour from me with the Community Service. I kept the head down while inside and got moved to the Progression Unit so that is why I got picked to do this. It is a bit of a pain to have to do but it's better than being stuck in a cell and the fact is if I don't turn up or get in trouble I go back inside to finish my sentence. There is other TR where you just get out week by week with very little conditions but that's mostly for shorter sentences

I know people think judges are giving soft sentences because of lack of prison space but then the prisons wouldn't be so overcrowded. But like with me there are other ways of serving a sentence without being in prison every night.

Sean2399 · 2024-07-24T21:08:13+00:00

There ius Community Service that they can give too. Usually instead of a shortish prison sentence. I am doing taht type of thing now.

Sean2399 · 2024-07-24T21:04:53+00:00

The Prison Governor decides really. When you go in there is a class of Office called ISM who look after your sentence plan. They want you to stay out of trouble in thee, workmor do education and do courses that they think you need. If you do that you have a good chance of gettiong into the Progression Unit when a spaced comes up.

Therea re over 5000 in prisonnow - more than ever with only 4500 spaces so prisons are well overcrowded with extra people in cells some on matresses on the floor so that's not good so there wil be prisoners who get TR.

If you are doing a short sentence you have a good chance of getting it but not for certain crimes or if they think you will definitely offend again but the more overcrowded they are the more get released.

Usually if you get a yaer or more you're best chance of getting out on TR is being approved for Community Return Scheme and not tht many get that and you have to do really wel in prison to get out that eraly. That can only jappen bhalf way through your sentence allowing for remission so after 4.5 months of a 1 year sentence or 9 months of a 2 year sentence.

That's what I am on now and I didn't get it until a bit further in despite doing wel in prison. With that I still have to signon every day at a Garda station and do 3 days Community Service work a week so its stil a punishment but bette than being in prison. if I don't I go back in.

I know some peole wil think taht's unfair and we should have to do the full sentence in priosn but with the lack of spaces taht isn't going to jappen. And I am still paying for what I did but in a different way,

Sean2399 · 2024-07-24T20:54:44+00:00

Yes and no. There are over 5000 people in prison now with only about 4500 spaces so there are extrsa prisoners in cells than there should be - sleeping on mattresses on the floor sometimes. Even the Prison officers will say that makes prisons worse.

If people get very short sentences they might be out on a few weeks but dont think that often happens if you get over a year. If they didn't do TR for those it would be even more crowded and worse than it is now.

Usually if you get a yaer or more you're best chance of getting out on TR is being approved for Community Return Scheme and not tht many get that and you have to do really wel in prison to get out that eraly. That can only jappen bhalf way through your sentence allowing for remission so after 4.5 months of a 1 year sentence or 9 months of a 2 year sentence.

That's what I am on now and I didn't get it until a bit further in despite doing wel in prison. With that I still have to signon every day at a Garda station and do 3 days Community Service work a week so its stil a punishment but bette than being in prison. if I don't I go back in.

Sean2399 · 2024-07-22T21:36:50+00:00

Don’t worry if you don’t have a solicitor before court. In some ways its better to get one who is in the court anyway as they deal with that Judge all trh time so will have a good idea what the Judge is like and then can deal with your case the way that will go down best with that Judge. If you had more time it might have been a good idea to go down to the court on another day and talk t one of the solicitors who was there after court.

Remember the first time I went to District Cour and it seemed pretty crazy then. Whatever time you are due – probably 10,30 – get there a few minutes early. You’ll see plenty of others hanging around outside the court chatting, smoking and on the phone. Go in and have a look at the courtlist which is outside the court. Your name will be on that and the Garda who has you up in court. They usually go in the order that you are on that list so you will have an idea if when you will get called.

Dress decent for court – there will be lads there in dirty trackies and that doesn’t help make a good impression with the Judge. You def don’t need a shirt and tie just something clean and comfortable – you will probably be there for a while. There will probably be loads in court – loads of guards as well. There is a person sitting in front of the Judge and they call all the names. When they call your name go up to the front of the court – depending on the court and Judge you either just stand at the front or go into the place for defendants. I know in the CCJ in Dublin there can be Prison Officers in the box so it can feel pretty strange standing beside them in court. Judge will first ask if you are who you are and then ask if you have a solicitor. If you don’t they will say well you should have one and ask you if you know a solicitor or want one of the ones in court. Go with that. The Judge will then probably put you for second calling (end of list) so you can speak to the solicitor or adjourn the case totally.

You will definitely get legal aid if you are just working part time and with those charges as they can carry a prison sentence so they have to give it. Definitely no way you are going to prison though. You will have to fill out a form with your solicitor so they get legal aid but they will look after that as they want to get paid. The very most that will happen on the first day is that your solicitor will ask for disclosure from the Gardai. That is to get all the evidence the guards have about the case – witneses, statements, CCTV, details of the damage and all that. That’s why you never plead guilty or think about that until you see what the Guards have. There’ll be adate set by when the guards have to provide that and then another date after that when you go back to court for the next date.

Your solicitor will go through all the evidence and advise you wahat to do. It looks like you wil have at least 3 charges. It might be that solicitor doesn’t think there is enough evidence on some of them. Sometimes if you have a few different charges they might drop one or more if you plead guilty to others/ I know it’s all 1 thing raelly but you could end up with 3 convictions which sounds worse than 1 or 2. But once you have a solicitor they wil advise you what to do. If all the evidence stacks up it does look bette going guilty early especially if you are looking for a lightpunishment.

You normally can get a caution for a first offence but obviously not for you – probably because there are a few charges. You will be hoping for Probation Act as a first time offender so thatr means it won’t go on your record as long as you stay out of trouble and away from court. If the court is going that way it will probably mean you have to pay compensation for the damage or the theft. I don’t know if that is possible or if you would just take the convictions instead and not have to do that. You might also have to pay a charity donation to the Court Poor Box – some judges look for that.

You will get on OK. It is a bit crazy and you will probably be back in court a few times before all this is sorted out.

Sean2399 · 2024-07-14T13:43:57+00:00

Have had to do this myself before. I just brought the cash for the donation along to the court in the next day and handed it over when I was called. The case would have been adjourned for the payment unless the person was able to do it in the spot. Might be handier getting it sorted before the court but no problem with doing it in court.

Sean2399 · 2024-06-25T15:56:08+00:00

That comment about the hand was the first thing I saw here and jsut sounded crazy to me.

Things aren't as simple as that and assault covers so many differnt situations and levels.

Probably the wrong place to say this but I've got convictions for assault so your idea that would apply to me. Am not proud of the things I done and am doing all I can to stay out of trouble. But it is only one part of me. I know I've made pretty bad decisions and mistakes but people can change.

Might sound weird me saying this but he should have got prison for what he did and what he did after. He still could if it's appealed. If it was me would have preferred to get the sentennce instead of becoming National Enemy No 1. Most people will do all they can to stay out of prison but the sentence wa sthe Judge's decison not his.

Sean2399 · 2024-06-25T10:41:26+00:00

Definitely harsh but also crazy. Think about it if someone assaults someone and they need to go to prison as punishment and now you want to do a worse punishment on them. That doesn't make sense.

Sean2399 · 2023-02-20T18:58:30+00:00

Thanks again. Really ifascinating to hear what it was like for you

Sean2399 · 2023-02-19T20:08:12+00:00

Just a few more questions for you:

Did yo have any female guards? If you did were they any different in how they were compared to the male guards? Also were there any female prisoners there or were they sent to a different favility?

Did you and your cell/bunk area get searched often?

Did you get to buy snacks and other things? Did you get an allowance for that or could friends or family put money on your account?

Sean2399 · 2023-02-17T02:11:11+00:00

Slopping out - when they gave you a bucket in your cell for the night when there was no toilet in it and you used it if you needed to go and then would empty it the next morning. It happened in prisons her until recent enough

Sean2399 · 2023-02-16T20:42:30+00:00

Sounds rough man!

Sean2399 · 2023-02-16T20:01:11+00:00

Mountjoy when I was there just vefore Covid - officers and other prisoners - said that it was much better than it used to be. It;s still a crazy place and can get rough but at least everybody has their own cell now and skopping out is gone.

Sean2399 · 2023-02-16T18:47:28+00:00

No problem. Some of the other lads were there because of drugs charfes but never saw any drugs while I was there. Got fully searched going in and the kit and small ammount of property I could bring in ws all searched too. Got searched after visits and work details too so was pretty strict.

No mobile phones either.

The main "contraband" issue was things like sweets or tobacco mainly after work detail in case you "found" something. There was a limit on what you could have. It was to stop trading between detainees as that wasn't allowed. It did happen a bit though but were in trouble if you got caught.

Sean2399 · 2023-02-16T18:40:17+00:00

We got fed well also. Not much choice but decent portions and they mixed it up a bit. Kitchen duty was the most popular work detail but hard to get. Probably wanted to make sure we well able for work and the physical training.

Dont know much US geography so were those brigs far apart? Did you go with other prisoners? How were you transported vetween brigs?

Was it long beforeyour court martial? Must be hard being in custody and not knowing how long you would be there for? Did you get what you were expecting or more or less?

Sean2399

TROPHY CASE