Fiona reports on visit to Stuart

Fiona here, reporting on this morning's visit to Stuart Highway in Berrimah Jail.

Before going through into the prison I asked at the desk for the form required for an ex-prisoner to visit a prison inmate. This, I had been led to understand was merely a formality.

The desk officer asked who the ex-prisoner was. I told him "Gary Meyerhoff" and was told the "The Superintendent has said that that person is not allowed to visit any inmate in this institution."

I asked why and was told that it would have to be taken up with the Superintendent.

I left it at that and went on in to visit Stuart.

He was in good spirits, happier now to be back in maximum security where the overcrowding isn't as bad as in medium, and there is no TV - a bonus for Stuart. He is frustrated at the slowness of accessing Legal Aid as he fills in form after form trying to lodge an appeal against his conviction/sentence.

As I said, Stuart is in good spirits, but that could have been that the 4 of us cheerful souls had arrived to break up the monotony and poor conditions of life in Berrimah jail. For future reference, even if you are booked for an hour visit this can usually be extended to 2 hours simply by asking the prison officers on duty in the visiting area.

We are trying to coordinate visits so that the maximum number of people get to visit Stuart. Up to 4 people can visit once per week. If you would like to visit Stuart please click here.

If you haven't already written to Stuart Highway please find the time to pen a few words from the outside, letting him know he's not forgotten. His address:
Stuart Highway, PO Box 1407, Darwin, NT, 0801.