Monday 22 March 2010

A foot over the fence ... almost

My move to the Mount has been a positive one. I am enjoying my new job in the library here and the food is definitely of a higher standard. I am optimistic that I will get help here to move to a lower tariff prison, all of which has helped me to feel more upbeat.

My parole hearing went ahead last Wednesday. I was not allowed to attend and as yet am not aware of any decisions made in my absence. Although I hold little hope of being released, I have allowed myself to imagine what outside life would be like.

The freedom to see my family and friends, eat whatever food takes my fancy and walk freely on the streets. To be free from the hell I have suffered for so long now.

I am well aware that only new evidence could clear me now, despite the uselessness of my legal team! Even when I am released it is unlikely that my name will ever be cleared.

While listening to Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 the other day I was intrigued by a case that sounded very similar to my own. Susan May was wrongly convicted of the murder of her Aunt. She served 12 years and although she is now free from prison is still faced with the task of clearing her name.

As Susan says in her interview, 'I am out of prison, but not free.'

I have written to Jeremy Vine and sent the letters off to the BBC explaining the similarities in our cases. Fingers crossed that I get a reply.

Links:
Roger Gordon's website
Susan May's story and video