On Thursday 27 April, pupils from Year 10, 11 and the Sixth Form Society were invited to hear a talk given by Guardian journalist and editor Erwin James. Despite being a successful writer and author, this is not what Erwin is most famous for: he is a convicted murderer, who was released in 2004 after serving 20 years of a life sentence. His visit to Shiplake was to discuss the criminal justice system, and his own experiences of being in prison.
Upon meeting Erwin, it was clear that any pre-conceived notions of what a convicted murderer would be like were quickly dispelled; he is a softly-spoken, polite and well-presented gentleman. The students and staff members who had packed the Lecture Theatre to hear his talk were listening with rapt attention. Erwin asked for no forgiveness, and nor did he shy away from his past. Instead, he explained how he had ended up in the situation which led him to commit unspeakable acts. The audience learnt of a traumatic and violent childhood, which resulted in Erwin being taken from his father following the death of his mother, and how he had begun to commit crimes (such as burglary) at the age of just 10. But, Erwin made clear, this was not an attempt to justify his past; he is ashamed of it, and that was abundantly clear. Erwin went on to speak at length about the British prison and criminal justice system, and the statistics of people with a criminal record living in the UK. He also spoke about the effects of being in a prison, and the lack of support for prisoners that can lead to repeat offending, depression and, in some cases, suicide. It was a harrowing discussion but highlighted issues that are not topics of everyday discussion, which really helped to open the students’ eyes. Erwin himself chose to read and educate himself whilst he was behind bars, which was aided by education classes in prison, and a prison psychologist, Joan Branton, who had an enormous effect on Erwin’s redemption.
Erwin’s talk was candid and lucid, and incredibly insightful. He challenged stereotypes about ‘bad people’ and encouraged the pupils to think for themselves. He was honoured to have been invited to the College, where we learnt how he’d left prison, become a professional writer and involved with a number of charities. It was a fascinating afternoon and break from the norm, and will stay in the minds of the students for years to come.