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While serving a two-year sentence for drug-related offenses, Pratik Doshi experienced a profound sense of shame. To conceal his situation, he would tell his relatives that he was still pursuing an accountancy degree at university. Doshi, now 30, explained, “There was so much shame… as an Indian, you are either a doctor, lawyer or an embarrassment.” His university studies at the University of Plymouth came to an abrupt end in 2016 when he was arrested and later convicted on charges of conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession with intent to supply cannabis.
Following his release, Doshi has worked hard to rebuild his life. He is currently employed by Breakthrough Social Enterprise, a government-backed organization that provides workshops nationwide, including places like Suffolk and Norfolk. These sessions aim to help former prisoners develop skills in IT and artificial intelligence, enhancing their chances of securing employment. Doshi reflects on his journey by noting, “It’s a double-edged sword, the same rebellious nature that got me in trouble, is the same rebellious nature that helps me get through the shame.”
Statistics from the Ministry of Justice reveal that approximately 20% of offenders find employment within six weeks after their release from custody in the year leading to March. Doshi shared insights into prison life, recounting how he and another inmate, Narenthiran, were placed on the foreign national wing despite both being British nationals. “A lot of prisoners of colour get put on that wing,” Doshi noted. Narenthiran described this wing as having “much better vibes than the other wings because it was made up of people who had genuinely made community.”
Racial issues within the prison system remain significant. Foreign nationals represent about 12% of the prison population in England and Wales, while individuals from minority ethnic groups make up roughly 27%, compared to 18% in the general population. Narenthiran highlighted that racial slurs are frequently used by both staff and inmates, with particular tensions noted in Exeter Prison. According to a 2024 report, Exeter has one of the highest violence rates among adult male prisoners in England and Wales. Doshi emphasized the importance of ethnic minority ex-offenders advocating for prison reform, stating, “It is important for ethnic ex-offenders to [advocate for reform] because we have a deep, lived experience. There aren’t a lot of ethnic minorities who are [working in prison-reform]. Everyone is too scared to step out of line.” Recently, the two visited Parliament to push for increased racial equality in the prison system
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