I have a job in Preston which I’ve been in for the past 12 months; I work five days a week and I am allowed to go home for seven days resettlement leave every 8 weeks, also I have occasional day’s at home to visit my family, I do not think that I can be realistically classed as a danger.Even the statement on my parole refusal that I am in danger of re-offending is ambiguous, as it does not state categorically exactly, what offence they think I may commit. For example, I was guilty of two section 18s, which I pleaded guilty to and received an eight year sentence for which was over twenty years ago and that debt to society is paid in full.

I am most definitely not going to go out and commit a murder (for which I was found guilty of and have always denied.) In the light of modern legislation regarding the use of cannabis, it is hardly an offence which will cause major complications in my freedom, particularly as I do not feel the need to use it any longer.

I do not understand the implication that I am a potentially violent person. I have been in many situations during my prison life where violence has been an option and I have always walked away from it. My mistake was that 20.6 years ago I jumped into a fight that was not mine in the mistaken belief that I was defending my friend who was being severely beaten. I did hurt three people during that fight; my other mistake was to believe that if I told the truth I would be dealt with fairly by the authorities.

I have tried very hard during my incarceration to follow the rules. Obeying the laws, rehabilitating and educating myself. I believe from that perspective I have succeeded, I have never succumbed to the temptation of admitting guilt to a crime I did not commit just to try to gain my release. I have always told the truth. I can only come to the one conclusion left to me, and that is that I am being punished still for maintaining my innocence.