MARK LEECH FRSA

“I consider myself very lucky as Director General to have had you around, your place in penal reform is unparalleled, and I consider you not only a colleague but also a friend”
Sir Martin Narey, former Director General of HM Prison Service, now adviser to the Secretary of State for Justice

Mark Leech FRSA is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading authorities on prisons and penal reform. His unparalleled expertise stems from a transformative personal journey—from serving nearly 20 years in 62 British prisons to becoming a respected advocate, author, and reformer.

From Inmate to Influencer
Born in Manchester in 1957, Mark’s early life was marked by adversity. After losing his mother at age eight and entering the care system, he became entangled in crime, culminating in a sentence for armed robbery. During his incarceration, he was involved in riots and rooftop protests but also pursued education, studying law through the University of London. He successfully challenged prison authorities in over 40 legal cases, including landmark decisions in the House of Lords – today’s Supreme Court – that changed British prison law and cemented prisoners’ legal rights.

Championing Reform Through the Written Word
While still in prison, Mark began writing for The Guardian, becoming the first prisoner to contribute regular columns on the prison system. He authored award-winning plays, including The Facts Speak For Themselves, a 90-minute court-room drama for BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Night Theatre, which won him the BBC Radio Drama Award. His autobiography, A Product of the System, offers a candid account of his experiences.

Architect of Prison Knowledge
Upon his release in 1995 he joined Liverpool-based Prison Law solicitors AS Law as Consultant to the Prison Law department. In 1998, with the actor Stephen Fry who is also an ex-offender, Mark founded UNLOCK the award-winning national charity for reformed offenders and was its Chief Executive for four years. Later, in 2003, he established publishing house Prisons Org UK, one of the first companies to utilise the firm’s web address as the company name, and where today he serves as Chief Executive in what is a Ministry of Justice Approved Book Retailer – one of only a handful in the UK.

He directs The Institute of Prison Law  offering the Certificate of Competency in Prison Law, and edits and publishes several key resources, including:

The Prisons Handbook, the definitive 1,400-page annual reference book on the penal system of England and Wales;

Converse, the largest circulation national monthly prisons newspaper;

The Cell Companion the #1 bestselling guide to serving and surviving a prison sentence; and

Prison Law Index the definitive annual guide to prison law cases and materials.

Advocate for Transparency and Accountability
Mark’s relentless advocacy has led to significant reforms. His exposé in The Independent prompted the establishment of the ‘Urgent Notification’ protocol, ensuring that recommendations from HM Prisons Inspectorate are acted upon. In 2024, his two-decade campaign culminated in a policy change mandating the public disclosure of deaths in custody within a week—a move he regards as one of his most impactful achievements.

A Life Reimagined
Today, Mark resides in northern Thailand with his partner and their three children. Beyond his professional endeavours, he is a qualified helicopter pilot and enjoys the tranquility of rural life.

Esteemed by Peers
Mark’s contributions have earned him accolades from the Royal Society of Arts, who in 2009 awarded him a Fellowship, and notable figures in the field of corrections too:

“One of the most sensitive, resourceful, humane, energetic, intelligent, dynamic and tenacious prisoners I have ever met”

Roger Kendrick, Governor HMP Glenochil 1997.

“Britain’s leading ex-offender expert on the policy and practice of the prison system”
Edward Fitzgerald KC, Head of Doughty Street Chambers, London

“The sanest, best-informed, commentator on prison issues”
Phil Wheatley CB, former Director General of the National Offender Management Service and former Director General of HM Prison Service

“Focused, tenacious, committed, Mark’s experiences have given him answers to questions other experts can only guess at”
Baroness Scotland QC, Attorney General for England and Wales

For comprehensive insights into the UK prison system, Mark Leech’s work at The Prison Oracle remains an indispensable resource.