Inside - One Man's Experience of Prison - Paperback

by John Hoskison (Author)

This is a true story of a journey to hell and back. In 1994 John Hoskison was a highly respected and successful professional golfer. One evening he shattered his world when he broke a discipline he had maintained for twenty years and accepted a drink before driving home. This single moment of weakness had tragic consequences. On the short journey he hit and killed a cyclist and was sentenced to three years in prison. Devastated by his actions Hoskison was thrown into an unimaginable world of regret and remorse. He knew he would never escape the pain he had caused and thought a prison sentence totally justified. Only one thing saves Hoskison - the incredible attitude adopted by the widow. The story describes the forgiveness he receives which acts as a catalyst for his survival. As a first time offender Hoskison was led to believe he would spend time in an 'open' prison, the sort he had read about in the papers. Instead he spends his time in some of the toughest prisons in Britain. The story grips from the start when Hoskison swaps the safety of green fairways for the medieval squalor of HMP Wandsworth, where drug taking and violence are rife and prison officers can throw victims to the hard men. Reviews "This is a must read book. Not just an insight into how prison really is but a real life story that illustrates just how quickly your life can turn upside down. There but for the grace of God..." John Francome, Bestselling Author and Champion Jockey. "A journey to hell and back. Entertaining, and 100 times more scary than any drink/drive campaign." FHM Magazine "Ought to be compulsory reading for all Home Office ministers." Allan Massie - Daily Telegraph 'This brave and important book should be read by all those who have anything to do with the treatment and condition of those committed to our prisons. The book should be made required reading for all those serving in the prison service and those who join in the future. - Lord Ramsbotham - Chief Inspector of Prisons 1995 - 2001

Author Biography

As a young man John Hoskison played the European PGA golf tour and went on to lead Europe against the USA in the PGA Cup matches. However, one night he broke a discipline he had maintained for 20 years and accepted a drink before driving home. On the journey he hit and killed a cyclist and received a three year prison sentence. He survived the next few years because of the incredible forgiveness of the widow. Since John was released from prison, he has spoken at over 300 schools, to over 100,000 pupils, about the need to say 'no' when necessary, whether it is to do with drugs, alcohol or simply speeding in a car. He has also spoken to judges on the Judicial Studies Board and many prison governors. Over the last few years he has spoken in prisons, young offender institutions and secure units. John now spends his time motivating people to turn over a new leaf, writing books, teaching golf and very occasionally competing in tournaments.