Immate beats 'complaints system'

John's private war against the system began with a misplaced airline ticket.

It belonged to another prisoner, but a careless guard had tucked it into the convict's property bag by mistake.

When the officer later discovered his error, he rummaged through John's belongings to retrieve it.

Each prisoner is entitled to a property bag, where he stows his valuables and personal effects.

The contents are private, and the bag can only be opened with the prisoner's written authorisation.

The offending CSD officer ignored the regulation and faked John's signature.