favouritism.

And the convicted armed robber, who served five years and seven months in the prison, has attacked comments that the recession is affecting counselling for prisoners.

Health and Social Services Minister Mr. Quinton Edness said recently there would be a review of rehabilitation and psychological counselling programmes for the maximum prison. But it would be held up because of the recession.

However, the ex-inmate said: "The recession has nothing to do with it.

Counselling was not taking place on a regular basis two years ago.

"In fact, it all depended on who you were. If you had any grievances you received no counselling or education at all.'' The man, who asked not to be named, told The Royal Gazette that prisoners in Casemates had to apply for counselling or education.

"That meant they would look at every application and decide whether you could have counselling or even a job,'' he said. "If you had a history of talking out of turn you would not get it.

"I once reported that prison officers had been rough on a prisoner for no real reason. After I reported it, I found I could not get counselling.

"There were some bad things going on in there but you were not allowed to say anything about it or you would end up losing your rights.'' With improved numbers of people trained for counselling and support services, he said he hoped the situation might improve.

The former prisoner added: "I was given a 10 year sentence and it is a psychologically disturbing experience. You need help with your personal problems.

"You need to be involved in educational programmes and you need jobs to pass the time and help you learn from the system.

"It is no help being locked away for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It can be disturbing for prisoners.

"Being in prison is a psychological state. If you are doing nothing it is even worse. And when you want to talk to somebody they do not want to hear it.'' Mr. Edness has admitted shortcomings in the professional counselling offered by the prison but announced that training schemes were underway to improve matters.