I wrote a day or two ago about the “needs of the offenders” vs the needs of the victims.

Today, I’m pointed at an excellent piece in the Graundian about dads in prison recording bed-time stories for their kids at home – a project that has since been extended for serving servicemen and women.

No doubt some on the right will see this as disgraceful. More evidence that those on the inside are gifted hi-tech equipment that the innocent unconvicted on the outside can ill-afford. And no doubt those mouth-frothing swiveleyes are only a hop-skip and a jump from those bemoaning single families.

It’s an excellent initiative, keeping fathers close to their children and keeping offenders grounded in family life. Strong support mechanisms, and a reason not to re-offend are all helped by this project. Inmates are also learning useful skills they can put to work when they complete their sentences.