5
2.
to gain by repeating pleas that have been considered already,
of
but it does no harm and causes little trouble to let them
continue petitioning and, occasionally, the comparison
petitions enables inferences to be drawn as to the guilt
of the prisoner, the circumstances of the offence, or e.g.,
the respective parts of the prisoner and his accomplices.
As regards petitions of complaint that are not so
grossly false or so insolently worded as to call for
disciplinary action, it is usual to warn prisoners against
repeating complaints that have been fully investigated and,
in extreme cases, to have them told (as above) that they
will not be allowed to petition for a period; but in such
circumstances it is not the prison Governor but the Secretary
of State who decides whether a prisoner should be allowed
to petition or not.
The circumstances in which Governors should disallow
petitions are indicated in Prison Standing Order 381 (copy
enclosed: see 381(2)(3)(4).)
I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
R. Blackwell