Letter from Kerry Whitburn
January 28th 2004, from HMP North Sea Camp.
Please note that Kerry was released on January 30th 2004.
"HI EVERYONE!" Hope everyone out there is fine and well, and living a positive cruelty free life. Course you are! So, here I am again! For those who don't know, I'm serving a 2-month sentence for attempting to 'steal' 2 marmoset monkeys from a tiny, bare cage in a grotty pet shop in Nottingham. I won't go into detail, as those who know me will confirm that if I give the whole complex story I'll be writing a novel, not a short article. Oooh, I nearly broke into a waffle then, during that last sentence. So, for Jo-Ann's sake, all I'll say is the pet shop appeared on an undercover T.V. documentary, and was voted 2nd worse in the UK.
So, went to court on Jan 5th and received 2 months but will only serve one. Hell, this animal rights lark can really get you in trouble, can't it! Maybe I'm expected to come to prison and learn my lesson, don't you think? Hmmmm, nah - maybe I won't! Besides, I'm illiterate when it comes to the law concerned with the abuse of animals! Sorry, your honour.
Anyway, from the court I was taken to the land of 'Robin of the Hood'! Unfortunately there were no men in tights to rescue me as I drove through Sherwood! It was dark when I arrived at the prison, so didn't quite get a look at the outside view. For some reason I thought Nottingham Prison was an old castle! Don't ask me why as I don't know!
It's strange, as even though I've been to prison before I still experience the feelings of anxiety and apprehension. Well, by my 'crimes alone', I have absolutely nothing in common with 99.9% of the other inmates. Therefore, the main immediate concern is 'WHO' I'm going to be sharing with. Now, where the hell is Maid Marion, when you need her!
The first words I usually speak are, "Have VPSG phoned you because I'm a vegan prisoner and ..."? But as usual, I had nothing to worry about as within 48 hours the catering manager had been to see me, and a reception officer had spoken to me regarding my toiletries.
It is a frustration, I'd expect, for any individual to be unable to maintain hygiene. So imagine the thought of being locked up and not being fed correctly while also not able to maintain hygiene!? YEEUK! But because of VPSG, and all of you who support them (for us) this isn't a concern when entering prison. Have to be honest - the vegan food at Nottingham was very good. They also use outside catering, whilst the catering manager appeared quite educated re. vegans.
After 10 days I was moved from my trench in Beirut... I mean my cell in Nottingham... to North Sea Camp. As it's an open prison I considered going skinny-dipping in the North Sea. However, there is an 'invisible boundary' around the prison, so my sea side trip had to be postponed. When told I was moving to North Sea Camp I thought I was being made to work on an oil rig! Anyway.. the food here is excellent: even had my first ever prison vegan pudding.
Well, to everyone who's written to and supported me, other prisoners and VPSG - I thank you from my heart and soul. Prisons aren't holiday camps - but support eases the stay.
Love and lib,
Kerry xx