Why is it that seemingly normal people turn into zombies as soon as they slip into a uniform? There are exceptions and fondly recalled are the ships officers I served under. These real men were of an officer class whose rank never went to their heads, nor did they ever abuse their authority.

Katie was serving a 16-month jail sentence at Polmont Prison in Falkirk, Scotland, after hitting a jogger while driving Credit: Michael Schofield – The Sun Glasgow

The 21-year-old was bullied and tormented while in jail, her have parents claimed Credit: Facebook

Sadly, there is the self-delusional authority of many in uniform who seem attracted to the state-approved serge for no other reason than their tunic gives them demonic state power over others.

A short chat reveals many to be semi-literate. Those tasked with people management tend towards insolence and are often found in UK airport staff. We all know receptionists who treat their health practice clients with disdain. Yet, the professionals who employ them are well-educated, courteous and often humble.

Heart-wrenching was the story of 21-year-old Katie Allen who took her own life in her prison cell after she was forced to parade naked in front of prison guards. The devastated parents of Katie believe their 21-year-old daughter was targeted for strip searches because of her submissive nature and bullied and terrorised by other inmates.

There for the grace of God go most of us, your children and mine. After consuming four glasses of cider the young driver had struck a 15-year-old teenager, who went on to make a full recovery. Katie was jailed despite the injured youth’s family begging she be spared a custodial term. Katie was handed a 16-month death sentence in February.

Katie’s devastated parents claim she was made to parade naked in front of prison staff Credit: Facebook

Her mum Linda told the Daily Record that Katie was “strip-searched after almost every visit” and lost 80 per cent of her hair due to stress. She said: “The searches were supposed to be random or intelligence-led but it always seemed to be her.

“She was an easy target. There was an incident when they were training guards and they chose Katie to be strip-searched. She was absolutely distraught after that because she was made to stand naked while they had a conversation.”

The dreadful allegations came after it emerged Katie was bullied relentlessly by fellow inmates before her suicide.

Michael’s dad Gordon said: “Katie said she deeply regretted what had happened and came across as genuine, sincere and repentant. Neither Michael, I nor my wife Margaret wanted a custodial sentence for Katie.

“Katie had written to us again from prison to apologise for a second time and restated that she didn’t know she had hit Michael. The whole thing has been a tragedy for her family.”

The suicide rate in Britain’s prisons is 10 times that of the general population. Clearly, we have a uniform culture of immorality and bullying. In my opinion, police officials and prison guards are not and never will be officers as we servicemen see the officer class. 

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