A MOTHER-OF-THREE has spoken out about her anger after being charged £125 while visiting her partner in prison.
She was less than impressed with the amount her family spent that day, from the modified dress code to the cost of food.
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In her viral videoTikTok user CJ (@carmeljade1) talked about her recent visit to her partner in prison.
She explained that she had visited the prison before without any problems, but that the prison had recently introduced a dress code for visitors, which she was unaware of.
CJ’s young daughters were told they would not be allowed to enter the facility if they were wearing Crocs.
She called the new rule “completely ridiculous,” pointing out that most children wear shoes from this brand.
Not wanting to disappoint her children, she decided to drive 20 minutes to the nearest store that sold children’s shoes.
She bought two pairs of trainers for £46 from Next and spent £30 on petrol for the day’s outing.
Once inside, the family bought some snacks to get them through the hours-long visit.
The children enjoyed pizza wraps, sausage rolls, crisps, chocolate and ice cream.
However, CJ was not happy when he heard that the total cost for refreshments was £49.
“[This] “My prison visit has just cost me £125. I am absolutely devastated by how the day has gone,” she told her followers.
The angry mother said she would no longer go to the facility to visit her partner because of the rising costs and the changed dress code.
“I’m not going back, I’m done with prison visits. They want to control every little aspect of your visit, even your shoes,” she said.
However, TikTok users were quick to point out that prisons are known for being tough on visitors.
“The irony. A prison with rules like a real prison should have, horrible for the poor criminals,” wrote one viewer.
“It’s prison, not Butlins,” said another follower.
What are the rules for visiting prisoners?
British prisons have strict dress codes for visitors and also items that are prohibited on the premises. The following items of clothing are not allowed:
- Hats, scarves or head coverings not worn for religious reasons.
- Sunglasses.
- Sheer or revealing clothing.
- Articles that contain offensive or insulting words or gestures.
- Mini skirts or dresses and shorts that do not reach mid-thigh.
- Visible or exposed underwear.
- Smart watches.
The following articles are prohibited:
- Weapons, contraband, or anything else intended for the prisoner.
- Alcohol.
- Aerosols.
- Cell phones, pagers, recording equipment.
- Toys.
- Used to be.
- Chewing gum.
- Tobacco, lighters, matches and other smoking paraphernalia.
- Large amounts.
- Tools.
Source: Gov.UK
“Prison is not a holiday camp,” a third person agreed.
Other viewers expressed sympathy for the issue and shared their own experiences visiting loved ones who are incarcerated.
“I got rejected for wearing flip flops when a girl was wearing flip flops a week ago!!” wrote one TikTok user.
“Honestly they keep changing the rules. Every time I go they complain about something I’m wearing,” another follower said.
“Each visit costs me £140 with the canteen and the journey there as mine is 180 miles away. We go every week and in three years when he is home I will be rich again,” said one person.
