A NEW service allowing prisoners to keep in touch with loved ones is coming to Winchester Prison.

It has been developed by a businessman who spent several months there on remand.

Derek Jones, now 39, was at the jail five years ago. While there, he found it frustrating to wait several days for letters from relatives.

Inmates are denied internet access in jail, so their only means of communication are post, phone, and visiting days.

Mr Jones thought about the problem, and while in his cell, came up with a solution. While prisoners cannot send e-mails, he thought it might be possible to receive them.

However, turning the idea into reality was likely to prove tricky.

"I didn't know anything about computers, except how to send e-mails, and nothing about starting a business."

However, he was able to join a training course in the jail that gave him the basic information required.

Once released, he started to put his idea into action, and launched emailaprisoner.com in March 2006.

The Home Office gave permission to trial the system at Guys Marsh Prison in Dorset.

The system works by friends and relatives sending e-mails to the jail, which are printed on a fax machine. The firm provides the paper and hardware, and there is no cost to the taxpayer.

Prisoners then receive the printout in an envelope that day, making it faster than the postal service.

It is also slightly cheaper than a first class stamp, as each message costs 30 pence.

Mr Jones added that it was also useful for foreigners in British jails, who often wait weeks for letters, and pay more for phone calls.

Following the successful pilot in Dorset, the scheme has been extended, and has 7,000 users. Winchester will become the 16th prison to have the service, which goes active on Monday, March 17.

Mr Jones, who lives in Bath, has visited Winchester Prison twice in the last six months to set up the scheme.

"It feels totally amazing to see the place from both sides.

"It's quite a turnaround for me going from convict to company director, although, it does go to show that if the education is available in prison then it will get used."

Talks are continuing with the Home Office to see if the scheme can be extended nationally.

3:43pm Monday 10th March 2008

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