Mel Broughton
Mel Broughton (A3892AE) **Updated 17th July**
On 13th July, Mel was found guilty of arson charges at his re-trial. He is currently in Bullingdon prison, but will probably be moved in the very near future. He has to serve the remainder of his 10 year sentenced, passed in February 2009.
Mel Broughton A3892AE, HMP Bullingdon, PO Box 50, Bicester, Oxon. OX25 1WD
Mel was remanded on 14 December 2007 and was sentenced on 13th February 2009 to 10 years for animal rights related offences against Oxford University animal lab.
Birthday: 5th July
Letter from Mel, 21st October 2009
Dear All,
Not too much has changed for me since my last letter. I have now started on my Open University course and have also undertaken an A-level in Critical Thinking. One of the important elements when you’re in high security facilities like Frankland is making sure you keep your mind active. These are very sterile environments where virtually no other interlopers from the natural world are encountered, but sometimes at night I can hear migrating birds call as they pass over. It’s a nice reminder that in the real world these creatures have no time for the obsessive rules of men.
At the time of writing I continue to await news of my appeal date. The wheels of justice do turn incredibly slowly and patience is a virtue you get plenty of practice at. I would like to thank everyone who continues to write to me. It really doesn’t matter how mundane the news, it’s just knowing that someone you may never have met has connected with your situation and has taken the time to write to you.
There really isn’t much that I can say about my day to day life here that wouldn’t bore the pants off the most indulgent listener. I endeavour to make the most of my time by reading and learning as much as I can. I continue to feel as I have always felt. No matter how negative an experience or situation may be there is always an opportunity to develop yourself.
It’s good to hear that ordinary people continue to speak out and demonstrate on behalf of the voiceless. At a time when protest of any nature is increasingly demonised and legislated against it becomes more crucial than ever to speak out. For abused and exploited animals those voices are, more often than not, all they have.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you all.
Mel
Letter from Mel, 21st August 2009
Dear All
I’ve been at HMP Frankland since the beginning of June and have settled in o.k. I came here from Woodhill as a Category A prisoner, but at the start of my third week was downgraded to Cat.B.
The immediate big difference was the improvement in the food, after 18 months of what, at times, was a very poor vegan diet at Woodhill, Frankland was a big improvement. This was in no small part down to a very good S.O. in the kitchens, and the professional approach taken by the VPSG. Here at Frankland, the No.1 choice on the menu is Vegan, those who fail to opt for one of the other choices are automatically given a vegan meal. I haven’t heard anybody complain if they forget to fill out their menu sheet and are given the vegan option.
I am now employed full time in the Computer Workshop and in the last couple of weeks I’ve done a couple of short summer courses run by the Education dept. Last week I did a course on Human Rights, their history and current status. The course included examples of Human Rights abuses in Burma, and the development of the Civil Rights movement in America. I very much hope that one day students will study the demise of the mass exploitation and abuse of animals, as they now study the fall of Communism and the Berlin Wall.
I have recently been granted permission to order footwear from ‘Vegetarian Shoes’ and toiletries from ‘Honesty’, these small steps are very important for raising the issue of one’s right to pursue an ethical lifestyle, even whilst imprisoned…..It has always concerned me greatly that religious/faith considerations are given a greater degree of respect than is given to those trying to maintain their ethical standards in prison, but with the almost daily drip, drip of news stories concerning the devastating effects that society’s rapacious meat-eating diet is having on the global environment – perhaps that is all about to change.
The latest news I have is the receipt of a letter from the Criminal Appeals Office informing me that a single judge has granted leave to appeal against conviction, at the moment I am not sure when the hearing will be, as it’s subject to a number of factors.
I have now been in prison for 20 months, and in that time experienced a range of emotions. Up to now I have spent all my time in High Security establishments, and I can assure you that it’s no holiday camp: but as with all experiences in life, the positives are there to learn from, if you have a mind to.
Finally I must say a big thank you to everyone who has written, and continues to write to me. I endeavour to reply to all your letters even if, at times, it can take a while. I enjoy reading all the letters I receive, no matter how mundane the news.
I wish you all well and thank you for your support.
Mel