A 28 year old ex-convict from Dublin who was convicted for armed robbery and assault amongst other crimes over the years. His story of how he began in crime at age 16. He came from a family of 10 children living in a two room flat. He was sent to St. Patrick’s for driving without insurance on a stolen motorcycle.  He recalls the fear of his first night in the cell, the over sized shirt and boots and how he had a job scrubbing floors. 

When he got out, he soon lost his job and went back to petty larceny.  After being in and out of the courts, he was remanded to Mountjoy prison on the serious charge of armed robbery.  The charge was dropped, but he returned to the prison many times.

He describes in detail the everyday life in the prison including the chamber pots, breakfast, recreation time, and dinner.

Problems include boredom, loneliness and missing the joys of everyday life.   Relationships with fellow prisoners and officers can be difficult.

Produced by Patrick O’ Gorman

Presented by Colm Keane

First Broadcast 24th January 1983

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries.