Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Big Rinty

Rinty has now gone into hospital and isn't expected back. A padlock seals his cell, and a forlorn note is attached to his cell-card, "OSH" - Outside Hospital".

The cancer that was only diagnosed a few short months ago has brought him near the end.  His friend, Erwin James, has written about Rinty the man in his books and on his blog: www.erwinjames.co.uk/blog.

This situation is sad enough.  It is made worse by some weasel Governor overriding a security assessment that says Rinty only needs to have one screw by his bedside (he can hardly walk), and instead insisting on two of the prison service's finest guarding a man at death's door.

What price dignity?

7 comments:

  1. Somehow Rinty's story strikes me as incredibly sad. I hope his last days are as dignified as possible. I also hope he's aware of how many people are thinking of him.

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  2. It wouldn't surprise me, if they demanded he be handcuffed to the bed!

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  3. Thanks for updating us on Rinty, Ben. I loved Erwin's book: A Life Inside.

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  4. It could be worse! If he were a pregnant woman, he would have to give birth with handcuffs on. I read a story about this years ago in the papers.

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  5. @Anonymous.
    This man's dying - not having a baby!

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  6. Yes, I appreciate this update on big Rinty too Ben, your observations are insightful and they illuminate the injustice and indignation of this whole situation. You are doing a marvelous service in that respect Ben.

    When that time comes as it inevitably will do for Rinty, I pray that his spirit assends with grace and that he gets peace, love and rest.

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  7. I believe Rinty has since died, thoughts are with his friends and family. RIP Rinty xx

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