episode description
Epsiode 1 follows newly-convicted killers from sentencing at court through the system as they are helped to face up to years behind bars. As one officer explains, “They're gonna be here for a long time. A 17 year sentence isn't a big sentence here.” Inside the general population of the prison, the film reveals the day-to-day reality for some of the five hundred men living there - who combined are serving well over four thousand years in custody. These ‘lifers’ speak candidly about their crimes, their struggles in prison and their remorse – or lack of it; “It’s like being dead, but you are still alive”, explains one Lifer. Part of the rehabilitation programme is to get these men to face up to taking someone’s life; whilst some are prepared to admit their guilt – others refuse and maintain their claims of innocence. The film follows one prisoner hoping to be released after 34 years inside, spending time in more open conditions. For some prisoners, after decades of being locked up – adjusting to 2017 Britain can be the hardest part; for some, leaving is the last thing they want.
