Ron Brierley’s case is the tip of a very large iceberg when it comes to elderly people and healthcare in prison.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to grow old, especially for those behind bars. It’s a reality we often overlook, but the prison population is aging, and with that comes a growing need for something we all deserve: compassionate care at the end of life. This isn’t just about medical treatment; it’s about basic human dignity.

One of the things I noticed as I entered my grimy first cell in jail was that there were no glass mirrors on the walls. I quickly found out that glass mirrors are banned in jail; no doubt because glass can be easily smashed, shattered and used as a weapon.

Even though it looks like Santa has forgotten us this year, we both have some ill-defined, unspoken hope that it will be a better day.

The thought of spending any time in close contact with Jonny sets my heart racing – and not in a good way.

The other old men and I never thought our lives would come to this. But here we gather again, like withered autumn leaves, awaiting the 7 am call for muster. Occasionally we stare at the large blank television screen which has been positioned high up in a corner of our small common room. What are we looking for?