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http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/local-ealing-news/2012/01/16/judge-dredd-artist-badly-injured-after-arrest-in-hanwell-64767-30132486/

Really sad  :(

I was so looking forward to meeting him in Cardiff in February , but I presume he's going to be detained for a while now. Here's hoping for a speedy outcome.

A quote from the article..

' No-one wants to have to deal with a man wielding a knife, especially on a Saturday morning.'

As opposed to having a man wield a knife at any other day of the week... :rolleyes:

Terrible news. Bad that a policeman was injured as well.

Oh , but of course. I should have mentioned that , but just focused on Brett first. I hope that all involved are ok.

Bloody hell. Awful news on every level.

This is just terrible. No idea what to add, except that I hope Brett gets well soon and that the officer who was stabbed recovers completely also. Just dreadful.

SBT

Quite sad to hear.  Mental health issues are all to often left unchecked, Mr Pound's comments about this are all too often true.

Just read this.

WTF!!

terrible terrible news! I hope they both recover swiftly.

That is grim news for everyone involved, Brett Ewins, the policeman (and the policemen put in such a difficult position) and all their friends and family.

He had a nervous breakdown in 1991 and 2004's The Dark Gate was him returning to comics after a long time away and his site (http://www.brettewins.co.uk/) says he was working on a second volume of that and a Johnny Nemo Anthology. Along with last years "The Art of Brett Ewins" and him being hailed as an influence by British graffiti artists (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/10/30/brett-ewins-urban-art-goes-inside/), along with his own artwork and exhibitions, it felt like things might be slowly turning around for him. And now this...

All we can do is hope for a swift recovery (both him and the policeman) and that he gets the help he needs to sort things out.

Thats pretty sad all round. Hope Brett gets all the help he needs.

Very sad news, hope Brett and the officer involved make a speedy recovery.

Nothing more to add really, a sad situation...

Hectic :o

A sad situation for all involved. Hopefully family,  friends and fans will help Brett through this.

Awful. Poor Brett.

Terrible situation, my sympathies go out both to the people who have a difficult and frequently dangerous job to do, and to Brett who I'm a huge fan of.  As often noticed, many of us here have been stalked by mental illness, either our own or that of our loved ones, even if it doesn't often end up as badly as this. 

Should also note that that was a very balanced piece of reporting, fair play to all involved.

Terrible, terrible news. Like the rest of us, I sincerely wish both of them a speedy and complete recovery.

Ewins is one of my favourite comic artists. I picked up Bad Company: Kano in the recent 2000AD shop sale and was marvelling at it only last week.

Jesus...

Nothing i can add other than another wish for speedy recoveries all round.

Truly shocking news.  :o

Wishing a speedy recovery to Brett both physically and mentally, as well as the policeman involved.

Sorry to hear about Brett's problems hope everything turns out ok  for him, that also goes for the policeman invovled as well.


filip

This is really, really sad.

Truly awful news.

Here's hoping for swift return to health for all those involved.

Dunk!

....two more lives ruined by violence. It's terribly sad, we read dozens of stories like this everyday in the media. It always seems to happen to someone else. Then it happens to people we care about , and it brings home to us how bad things are in the real world.

Two fellas who obviously had a lot going for themselves thrown away in a moment of irrational violence.
Sad.

really not sure what to say about this :( awful news.

I struggle with mental health problems myself and it's a lonely, lonely battle. It's a hard thing to deal with - and a hard thing to talk about in public, even to family and friends.

My heart goes out to all involved and I pray for a speedy recovery to everyone caught up in this. Let's hope that herein lies an opportunity for Brett to get the help he needs.

Words are so damned inadequate, sometimes  :'(

All the time Sharkie.

Terrible news for all involved.

From Rufus courtesy Facebook:

QuoteHe's in good hands, with his brother and his family around him.

Good to hear.

Yeah, this was pretty dreadful news... Glad to hear that Brett has some close support now, and hopefully some positive action will soon get him on the road to recovery.

Maybe we should start a thread for people wanting to convey messages of support or of a general "Brett I love your work, keep your chin up" nature?  I'm sure Wake could be persuaded to pass these along (or I can probably arrange it).

Sad news, Brett is a colossus of British comics and as such has positively affected more lives than most people ever get too. Glad to hear he is in good hands. I think some kind of message board get well soon card could be in order?

Absolutely.

Just read this. A get wellsoon Brett card would be nice aye.

Sad news indeed. His influence streaches as far as me having a Brett Ewins tattoo of Anderson on my arm.




V

"A Colossus Of British Comics"  Steven Denton

"Brett I love your work, keep your chin up" Ming

Couldn't Say It Better myself.

Very sorry to hear about Mr Ewins. I've been a very high-stress situation while suffering mental deterioration, and avoided by the tiniest fraction - doing something that would have seen me now serving my fifth year behind bars - or running in circles in a padded cell.

I've always wondered... and wondered how other boarders who suffer mental illness might react too...

If it suddenly became possible to eradicate every molecule of mental disturbance from your mind, to make you entirely at peace and level-headed .... BUT it would mean also removing your imagination, any creative ability you might possess, and all ability to think outside the box ... what would be your decision?

My decision would be no. Emphatically no.

Quote from: John Caliber on 20 January, 2012, 12:16:53 PM
Very sorry to hear about Mr Ewins.

I've always wondered... and wondered how other boarders who suffer mental illness might react too...

If it suddenly became possible to eradicate every molecule of mental disturbance from your mind, to make you entirely at peace and level-headed .... BUT it would mean also removing your imagination, any creative ability you might possess, and all ability to think outside the box ... what would be your decision?

To become a Tax Collector or Town Planner? Maybe join the Conservative Party.

Quote from: John Caliber on 20 January, 2012, 12:16:53 PM
If it suddenly became possible to eradicate every molecule of mental disturbance from your mind, to make you entirely at peace and level-headed .... BUT it would mean also removing your imagination, any creative ability you might possess, and all ability to think outside the box ... what would be your decision?

It's a hell of a good question. 

I've often said that I consider mental states outside the central distribution of the bell curve an essential part of humanity and indeed critical to the species' success, and shouldn't be treated as some kind of an aberration.  I'd include the whole range of outliers in that statement - autism, depression, schizophrenia, and so on.  That said, there's a definite point when the degree makes it a hugely undesirable state where it's no longer possible to function as you might wish, as I'm sure most of us have, like Brett, discovered to our cost.  But to eliminate it entirely?  I don't know, maybe that would be worth it, maybe not.  Ask me again tomorrow.

Update from Rufus...

"UPDATE on Brett Ewins. He's briefly regained consciousness, and was able to communicate with his brother.
PLEASE don't call the family at this time. They have a huge amount on their plate. I've passed along all the prayers, and well wishes to Brett and his family.
Thanks everyone. xxxx"

Agreed with the idea of a card.

John and TordelBack make good points in general re mental health.

O Lucky Stevie & Steve Green - cheers for the updates.

Quote from: TordelBack on 20 January, 2012, 02:43:36 PM
I've often said that I consider mental states outside the central distribution of the bell curve an essential part of humanity and indeed critical to the species' success, and shouldn't be treated as some kind of an aberration.  I'd include the whole range of outliers in that statement - autism, depression, schizophrenia, and so on.  That said, there's a definite point when the degree makes it a hugely undesirable state where it's no longer possible to function as you might wish, as I'm sure most of us have, like Brett, discovered to our cost.  But to eliminate it entirely?  I don't know, maybe that would be worth it, maybe not.  Ask me again tomorrow.

All of which makes the current highly subjective diagnosis of mental disorders/states all the more depressing, dehumanising and a pretext to prescribe the 'new' pill. The diagnostic goal posts keep changing for a lot of these 'tests', a few years ago it was all about seratonin now it's sleep disorders. I believe the causation of many variant mental conditions on the psychiatric spectra can be different for each person- just because some have a correlation of symptoms doesn't mean the treatment's the same or if treatment is necessary. I also believe all of our personalities are a totalistic amalgam of what some consider 'aberrant' traits working to try and create some kind of holding pattern most of the time, some traits adaptive, some not. The degree to which that works can be better for some than others or if their behaviour is accepted; 'modern' living doesn't always help.

Quote from: TordelBack on 17 January, 2012, 08:46:16 PM
Should also note that that was a very balanced piece of reporting, fair play to all involved.

Is it? I assume the source for the story was an official police statement -  there is absolutely no information about how exactly he came to receive "serious head injuries".

I wish Brett all the best for a speedy recovery, but I'll reserve judgement on the rest without knowing more.

Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 January, 2012, 02:22:48 AM
Is it?

For an initial report about an incident in which a policeman was injured?  Surprisingly balanced, I thought.  It presents the bare bones of a police statement, then includes supportive comments from a local MP who knows Brett, then part of an IPCC statement that they will investigate the police role in the incident.  There's no judgement, no rant against the dangers of the mentally ill, no assumption that the police handled the situation perfectly.  I'd call that remarkable.

Christ! Hope Brett (and the copper) make a quick recovery. It's a crying shame that his mental health deteriorated to such a degree that he ended up harming someone. It would be very difficult to seek help when you have become that socially insular due to paranoia or other delusional mind states though. Poor guy.

Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 January, 2012, 02:22:48 AM

Is it? I assume the source for the story was an official police statement -  there is absolutely no information about how exactly he came to receive "serious head injuries".

I wish Brett all the best for a speedy recovery, but I'll reserve judgement on the rest without knowing more.

Well the article indicated that Ewins, in the grip of mental illness, attacked a policeman with a knife, and came off worse. It did not blame either party, and in the absence of any other information, that is surely right.

Just heard about it here :

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a360814/judge-dredd-artist-brett-ewins-injured-in-police-struggle.html (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/comics/news/a360814/judge-dredd-artist-brett-ewins-injured-in-police-struggle.html)

Unfortunate news.

Quote from: TordelBack on 21 January, 2012, 07:26:07 AM

Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 January, 2012, 02:22:48 AM
Is it?

For an initial report about an incident in which a policeman was injured?  Surprisingly balanced, I thought.  It presents the bare bones of a police statement, then includes supportive comments from a local MP who knows Brett, then part of an IPCC statement that they will investigate the police role in the incident.  There's no judgement, no rant against the dangers of the mentally ill, no assumption that the police handled the situation perfectly.  I'd call that remarkable.

I've been a print journalist for 17 years, and I had absolutely no problem with this report. Looks fine to me.

- Trout

sad news indeed all the best to all...

  just been through a six month depression binge meself and as low as i was i cant imagine what he must have been feeling to go to such extremes...

trouble is depression or any mental health problem is still widely percieved with suspicion and whispers in corners and i work with nurses who should know better...
i have decided to stop tip toeing around the subject and if anyone asks me why i've been off so long i've been telling them a few have been surprisingly ok and sympathetic but you do get the odd one looking at you like you have two heads or start hiding the scissors...sharky,and anyone on here who does suffer in whatever capacity you aint alone and if anyone wants to pm me for support rants or a shouilder to snot upon, do so...

Well said, Mogz, well said.

My inbox, too, is always open.

Very sad news.

Brett Ewins,  one of my favourite 2000ad artists, especially his art on Anderson and Bad Company.
I hope the Policemans and Bretts recovery is fast.
I bought a bit of art off him through Wake a few years ago, I got the art, delighted. A few days later I got a letter from Brett apologising for not having signed the art, and offering to send it back to get it signed.
I hadnt even noticed it wasnt signed, nice guy.

David

Quote from: mogzilla on 21 January, 2012, 08:46:01 PM
trouble is depression or any mental health problem is still widely percieved with suspicion and whispers in corners and i work with nurses who should know better...

Aye. I went through a thing a couple of years back and although my family and friends were largely understanding I found it alienated and sometimes irritated others. Like, gingerly mentioning it on Facebook - which, no matter how many friends you have, is likely to get someone thinking it's a joke. I suppose that some people can't accept that others might see the world in a completely different - and TERRIFYING - way. We can't ever tell someone what to think or what to see. When we're anxious or depressed they can't see it - but it DOESN'T mean it's not real and that they should ignore it.

The Brett Ewins story is tragic but I feel reluctant to view this topic negatively as it's bought about some very beautiful and tolerant discussions about people's personal experiences and perspectives.

It depends on the depth of the depression. It is anger turned inward, thats all. Depressed people feel so helpless because they know how socially unacceptable the expression of their anger will be. In Brett's case it has sadly been explosive and damaging for him and others. That's why there are Doctors and medication to help people suffering from this terrible and common modern day affliction.

sad news been down that road my self in my late teens,took a lot of pills and almost died! but a couple years later met my wife  drop the happy pills and never looked back got 3 girls now and i am very happy ,hid that part of my life away never even told my wife! what i am trying to say is life is never that bad and if you can just hang on it can surprise you! i hope both come out of this ok!

The root of misundersanding regarding a mental state that is considered unacceptable by whatever is the orthodox psychology of the day, is that it has nothing to do with being 'evil'.

A serial killer is often categorised as 'evil', or a woman who tortures and murders her baby, but they don't do such things out of simple joy, and don't feel calm and rational afterwards. There is either a brain chemical imbalance or a deep, often long-term accumulative psychiatric propulsion behind it which is causing such distress that the 'evil' person cannot communicate it in any other way that is socially acceptable. In fact, society's ghettoising of mental illness can make such outbreaks (or 'breakdowns') much, much more imflammatory.

What does sadden (and alarms me) is that often, violent episodes act successfully to resolve many years of mental trauma and the sufferer might now be effectively cured of the inner pain. But, society may well be turning his chance of recovery on its head by locking him away. Then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy that he or she will pose a future threat if ever they should be released from custody without being tranqed to the gills. Who the heck wouldn't risk going 'crazy' if sectioned?

Speaking to my brother in law (who is a policeman) the copper who hospitalised him will most likely be reprimanded for using excessive force.




V

It's terrible news. I hope both the policeman and Brett recover well and that Brett gets support for his illness. I had just begun re reading Bad Company last week when I heard the news.

Terrible news. I can only echo the others in wishing both parties a speedy recovery. I managed to get hold of both The Dark Gate and The Art Of at the tail end of last year and these suggested that he was on the mend, I was fully expecting a triumphant return any day now. I hope he can overcome whatever demons are plaguing him, he was and is one of the greats.

Very sad to read about this as Brett's one of my favourite artists ..I'm certainly influenced by his drawing.. at least news from Rufus is good.

Some better news from Rufus, just posted on FB

"Very happy to report that Brett Ewins is making a good recovery. He is in hospital,His family are with him, and he's regained consciousness now.
I'll pass on all well wishes."

Thanks for the update!

Good to hear, thanks Steve and Rufus.

Good to hear he's on the mend. Lets hope he continues to get the support he needs.

http://ht.ly/1Goz8B <-- terrible developments, Brett has been jailed. From the sounds of it he was battered quite badly by the police.

The sadness surrounding this grows.

That report makes it sound like a desperate one sided fight, with Brett getting a severe beating and still suffering from it and now back in the pokee. No doubt the police at the Police compliants will 'look into it'  ::)

Aw fuck, how horrible.  Not to take away at all from the injuries suffered by the police officer, but Brett is One of Ours, and obviously having a fucking miserable time.  The poor man. 

Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 16 February, 2012, 11:54:29 AM
http://ht.ly/1Goz8B <-- terrible developments, Brett has been jailed.

Terrible but almost inevitable I'd assume considering he was armed and a policeman was injured. It does sound like he got taken down hard - we might roll our eyes at tales of unnecessary tasering, but in this case it might have been a mercy and saved him from serious harm harm. It'll be interesting to see what the PCC investigation has to say about the incident though.

Is really is terrible.

Quote from: Gavin_Leahy on 16 February, 2012, 11:05:42 PM
Is really is terrible.

Unable to edit, that was supposed to say.  This really is terrible. I hope that things improve, as this is a horrible turn of events.

Really beautifully massive tribute to Brett on the FP blog today http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2012/the-art-of-brett-ewins/#.T0tkdzFp2rg.twitter

Featuring tributes and unseen stuff  as well as art by Richard Elson
(http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Bad-Company-tribute-Richard-Elson.jpg)

D'Israeli
(http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Johnny-Nemo-after-Brett-Ewins-DIsraeli.jpg)

Edmund Bagwell
(http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/edmund-bagwell-johnny-nemo-kano-walter-the-wobot-ewins-tribute.jpg)

Book Cook
(http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/judge-anderson-by-boo-cook-for-brett-ewins.jpg)

It really is an inspiring and very touching thing to read.

Great stuff. I particularly liked Boo's explanation of his choice of sketch.

Is that really Brett's Dredd in Simon Gurr's piece? It looks a lot like Cliff Robinson.

Those are fab.

Only just read this thread. Very sad for everyone involved, both Brett and the copper.  Obviously nobody should stab a cop and you can't really blame them for taking down an armed and violent man, but like Tordelback said Brett is one of ours; I feel like I've grown up with him and whether rightly or wrongly I can't help feeling more worried about what happens to him.

I've also been an occasional sufferer of excruciating, crippling depression myself in the past - I'm working on fixing it permanently now.  I do a bit of writing and drawing too and to be honest I'm not sure if it's absolutely essential to the creative process; I still like writing and drawing though most of the mental health issues are in my past now.  Maybe it helps to have had it, I don't know.

Just read that second newspaper article properly and want to amend what I said in the previous post.  While it's understandable that the police would subdue someone attacking them, those injuries seem more than a bit excessive than is necessary to inflict on a 56-year-old man with mental (and physical, judging by his recent interview in the Megazine) health issues.

Some shocking and depressing news about how Brett Ewins has been treated by the Police... http://tonyvwright.tumblr.com/post/18909727661/brett-ewins

This just gets worse.  Remanded in Wormwood Scrubs with no access to his medication?  Jesus, is this really appropriate for someone in his position?

What can we do to help?

This is all grim news, no matter what he did he is ill (physically and mentally), so needs treatment.

Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 11 March, 2012, 06:10:32 PMWhat can we do to help?

Spread the word? Pass the link around to comic news sites and see if you can get the mainstream media interested - it is a good hook to hang an investigation of the treatment of the mentally ill in the prison system on so it could be there'd be some interest in this. That is what I'm doing anyway.

How about a letter-writing campaign? If enough of us write to the governor of Wormwood Scrubs asking after Brett's situation and demanding that he have full and unfettered access to the medical care he needs - maybe that would have a positive effect.

Perhaps the first port of call would be to contact his family and close friends to establish their wishes in the matter, before embarking on any kind of campaign however well-meaning.  Who would have a point of contact for his brother, for example?  Rufus, maybe?

His MP Steve Pound seemed to know Brett, maybe he would be someone to approach about the matter, but I presume the family have tried that already.

Quote from: TordelBack on 11 March, 2012, 06:28:22 PM
Perhaps the first port of call would be to contact his family and close friends to establish their wishes in the matter, before embarking on any kind of campaign however well-meaning.  Who would have a point of contact for his brother, for example?  Rufus, maybe?

His MP Steve Pound seemed to know Brett, maybe he would be someone to approach about the matter, but I presume the family have tried that already.

Good points. It'd make sense for only one person to do the contacting, so they don't get swamped (going via Rufus might be the best idea). Any volunteers?

It might also be worth sending get well cards to cheer Brett up.

Hmm this is a very complicated issue. I work with people with mental health issues and without a lot of behavioural strategies training, support plans, risk assessments and general time spent with someone, it is near impossible to adequately cope with any kind of challenging or threatening behaviour. I do not condone the use of excessive force in any arrest but i do understand that from the polices point of view there was a guy with a knife launching himself at them - people with mental health issues are usually unnaturally strong as they do not hold anything back - and he could have quite easily done a lot more damage than he did. I love brett as much as the rest of you and I hope Brett gets the treatment he needs to stop anything like this happening again x

Locked up inside a nick without proper care and medication isn't going to to him any favours. If it really is as bad as it looks then someone's balls are going to be dragged across some very hot coals.




V

most of the worrying parts of this story are social works responsibility rather than the police. For example, did brett have a care worker staying with him who had a support plan and who could explain to the police? Did brett have history of this kind of behaviour (he more or less did didn't he?) and if so why did he have access to knives? Did the police have a note of his mental health issues on record? Its unfair to say that the police should have known that he required care or medication. It always saddens me to hear someone has slipped through the social work net and am not always impressed by the way they run although they do work hard and 'make do' with limited time and resources x

My take on the stories I've read (and on balance) is that he ultimately got taken down for attacking a copper. Whether the use of force was excessive or not remains to be seen, but it's what can happen in such situations. However, it's what happened afterwards that I find more appalling: moved from hospital care without the family being informed; dragged into the dock in a hospital dressing gown while clearly not being of sound mind; locked up without access to medicine. If these reports are true, then his treatment has been shocking, and I also wonder if elements of it are actionable if a lawyer were to get involved.

Quote from: Emperor on 11 March, 2012, 06:40:19 PM

Quote from: TordelBack on 11 March, 2012, 06:28:22 PM
Perhaps the first port of call would be to contact his family and close friends to establish their wishes in the matter, before embarking on any kind of campaign however well-meaning.  Who would have a point of contact for his brother, for example?  Rufus, maybe?

His MP Steve Pound seemed to know Brett, maybe he would be someone to approach about the matter, but I presume the family have tried that already.

Good points. It'd make sense for only one person to do the contacting, so they don't get swamped (going via Rufus might be the best idea). Any volunteers?

Looks like that volunteer is me. I'll fire off an email to Rufus later.

My suggestion is that Brett's family might want to contact Private Eye. His situation and obvious poor treatment at the hands of the people we trust to defend us is right up their street.

Not exactly high profile but I suspect the Eye's circulation is greater than 2000ad's.

We only seem to be getting one version of events here.  Perhaps we should wait a bit longer to hear the other side, before we completely slag off the authorities.

I admire your equanimity and patience, Tankie, but taken direct from a fragile recovery in hospital to remand in Wormwood Scrubs without his psychiatric medication would seem like shoddy treatment for Hannibal Lector, never mind Brett Ewins.  Hardly anyone here has played down the seriousness of injuring a police officer, but there are serious questions to be asked about the subsequent sequence of events, and particularly the current situation. 

I've written to his MP asking that he look into the conditions under which Brett is held, seeing as he appeared in a favourable light in the initial press report.  It's less than nothing, especially from a non-national, but pending some information from those close to Brett I'm reluctant to get too strident.  Yet.

Brett Ewins' art gave me a great deal of pleasure as a child, and if a fan can't express his concern for his well-being in part return for that gift, who can?

I have to confess, TB, that I haven't read every post on this thread in detail or every news item about it but I just get the impression that the anti-police/authorities slant seems to be taken as gospel, when I would regard some of it as speculation.  Just because someone with a personal interest in the situation states a certain view, it doesn't necessarily follow that that person is 100% correct in what they are saying.  I think it's a good thing that you've written to his MP and, hopefully, you'll get a positive response.  I wish Brett all the best.  However, there are, in most cases, two sides to a story.

Quote from: Emperor on 12 March, 2012, 07:24:24 PM

Quote from: Emperor on 11 March, 2012, 06:40:19 PM

Quote from: TordelBack on 11 March, 2012, 06:28:22 PM
Perhaps the first port of call would be to contact his family and close friends to establish their wishes in the matter, before embarking on any kind of campaign however well-meaning.  Who would have a point of contact for his brother, for example?  Rufus, maybe?

His MP Steve Pound seemed to know Brett, maybe he would be someone to approach about the matter, but I presume the family have tried that already.

Good points. It'd make sense for only one person to do the contacting, so they don't get swamped (going via Rufus might be the best idea). Any volunteers?

Looks like that volunteer is me. I'll fire off an email to Rufus later.

Your idea of one person contacting Rufus to get the family's wishes known gets my vote Emperor.  I trust you to act on my behalf in this.

Regardless of the fact we are getting mostly one sided versions of events it is clear that moving someone with severe mental health issues from hospital to Wormwood Scrubs is a rather questionable step.

I can't comment on what force was used against Brett.  The fact a police officer was ingjured is serious, albeit the injuries were much lighter than Brett's.  There is no knowing whether the force used against Brett was excessive, remember serious injury can come from 'reasonable force' as well as excessive force.

The important fact at the moment is that a very ill person, one many of us respect, is in Wormwood Scrubs when he should be in hospital.

mental health issues or not, commit a crime and you will be taken to jail once well enough pending trial. Notifying the family is the hospitals job, as is providing details on the medication. Then it is between the police, the social work and the victim to decide whether to press charges. Yes disabled people can be charged with assault, but then its usually decided that retributive punishments are a waste of time I do not know the full details on this as I have only heard newspaper and other such coverage and am only sharing my personal knowledge of this as this from dealing with it at work in scotland (variations may apply). If there really has been any misconduct then yes, 100% look into it further - the social work should be doing that anyways - but I would definitely ask the family and find out more first x

Ps give rufus my number while you're at it ;P jk!

there's loads of guys in prison whoo need medication and very often can't get it- it isn't as simple as 'having a line from a doctor'. There are sanctioned drugs like methadone and valium etc for addicts and ibuprofen for general use- sometimes people find it hard to get those- it's easier to get valiums off another prisoner- or any other drugs, than any kind of medication. There is a strict procedure to go to get medication and there is no way round it- because of the severe staff shortages in prisons, paperwork takes ages to get attended to and this is the cause of so many delays.
Meanwhile you have jails full to capacity with a great many people locked up who are in desperate need of medication and just cannot get at it. I've seen some pretty fucked up guys in prison for a fair amount of time before being released, and it's a hard ride in there for anyone vulnerable.

It's hard to fathom any kind of social justice or rehabilitation, or , indeed, even sense out of this system. It's very dis-spiriting to see really.

sorry if that sounds bleak as fuck, but it is what it is.

Quote from: Dog Deever on 13 March, 2012, 09:53:00 PM
sorry if that sounds bleak as fuck, but it is what it is.

No no Dog, you're mistaken - prison is a luxury hotel, three meals a day served to you free of charge, plasma TVs in every cells, free gym membership, your friends and family coming to visit all the time, hot-and-cold running drugs.  At least that's what I understand to be the case from radio talk shows and comments sections of almost all news sites.  There's an unpopular tax currently on the go here in Ireland, and the Number 1 comment on every site I visit is: "I'm not paying, they can lock me up instead, I fancy a few weeks holiday at the government's expense".  It makes me want to scream.

it's bravado that's picked up on- I heard guys say all the time that it was like a holiday camp etc, but those same guys also has bitter complaints and lots of problems while inside- the very culture itself is detrimental to anyone's mental health.
It suits people to pick up on the idea of that they have it easy inside- sure they have food and a bed- shit food that was cooked by other prisoners who may hate you and may be skimming foodstuffs to exchange for tobacco/ drugs/ scrolls. Meat dishes with very little meat left are common.
It's cut-throat in there and there are predators and prey. Unfortunately the systems rarely work how they look on paper- thanks to a slew of paper work tick-boxes to 'prove' the system works, generally filed by people who would shit a brick if they had to rub shoulders with actual prisoners.
In Scotland, the prison budget has to be cut by 5% every year. At what point does (did?) that start cutting into a systems ability to function on the ground, despite what the paperwork says.

And people who have never experienced it and the mass media would love us all to believe it's a dawdle in there- of course they would- then they can cut the budgets year in, year out and pretend that prison actually serves any real purpose other than to get people out of the way for a while.
I worked in one for 6 years, two in fact, so I've seen enough to laugh tales of prison being easy- I've often pointed it out to guys who have been blahing about how easy it was to other cons- 'that's nae whit ye said 2 weeks ago when yer co-pilot smashed you in the head with a mug over a 1/4 oz of tobacco owed.'

I would rather pay up any fine in instalments- no matter how large, than spend one entire week in there.

the prison system as a whole is an entirely different matter. Like did you know that drugs are such a problem that they have to have 'drug free' areas of the prison as hard drugs are so common. This is because people just throw things over the wall all the time. My cousin works in a prison doing drug rehabilitation.

But yes i totally agree that prisons are over filled and under staffed :( x

Quote from: Dog Deever on 13 March, 2012, 11:34:52 PM
I would rather pay up any fine in instalments- no matter how large, than spend one entire week in there.

Just to be clear, I agree entirely, and in every particular.

My wife has done work in prisons, and it scared the crap out of her.  Worse, I have a good mate who's been working in the probation service for nearly 20 years now, and on the rare occasions he talks about his work it would move you to tears.

Quote from: Judo on 13 March, 2012, 11:46:40 PM
Like did you know that drugs are such a problem that they have to have 'drug free' areas of the prison as hard drugs are so common.

well- yeah I did. People who have never had drug habits before can easy come out with an addiction- it's actually fairly common. To spend your time gouched rather than having to actually experience the reality of it is a fairly attractive prospect.

Quote from: Judo on 13 March, 2012, 11:46:40 PM
This is because people just throw things over the wall all the time. My cousin works in a prison doing drug rehabilitation.

Yeah- tennis balls and oranges packed with stuff, or sometimes just a blatant chunk of hash going over. Much of this is organised from inside though, mobile phones are a valuable commodity inside, and access to the internet can be had then. There is a heartening amount of human ingenuity in there- even if it is being channelled in entirely the wrong direction.


No worries TB- I know you were satirising the populist view f pokey.

From Alan Mitchell via Facebook:

Quote

"Is there are opportunities to get him a legal brief or to engage the support of mental health campaigners? I would go to the press with this story if I were you. The Guardian, Time Out The Times ... we need to turn this into a story by spinning it on the local news and in the press."

On a more positive note...
Mail is a very big thing for most prisoners, anything to counteract the isolation from the rest of the world no matter how trivial, can keep spirits up. I assume if you go for days without hearing from anyone you would start to wonder if you have been forgotten by the world at large. Mail can represent that continued connection.

I would definitaly agree with mail.
It was the same when I was on a tour when I was in the army. Mail call was a must.




V

We're seeing a parallel in the recent murder of Afghans by the mentally ill US soldier. They're now talking about the Death Penalty for him! That's just bloody evil .... at best it's Manslaughter, but the guy's in the worst possible place at the worst time. But, since all governments think nothing of sending soldiers to politically legimitate deaths, this soldier's fate is sealed by the slapdash of a pen. A war that no government in its right mind should have entered into ... the lines between enemy and friend blurred, state of the art weaponry readily at hand ... it's the US Army's mismanagement that is at fault.

Quote from: TordelBack on 13 March, 2012, 01:23:02 PM
I've written to his MP asking that he look into the conditions under which Brett is held...

Good stuff, Tordels - you've inspired me to follow suit.

I wrote a quick email to Mr Pound (Brett's MP) and fired it off a moment ago. I kept it short:

"Dear Mr Pound,

"It has come to my attention that comic book artist Brett Ewins, following an incident mid-January, is now being held in Wormwood Scrubs with no access to the medication he requires for his mental health issues.

"I beg you, Mr Pound, to please look into the situation of Mr Ewins with all possible dispatch and to ensure that one of our most talented and beloved artists receives the medical treatment he so desperately needs.

"Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully, etc., etc."

The MP's email address is:  stevepoundmp@parliament.uk   and I also CC'd my own MP.

Not entirely sure what to make of Mr Pound's reply, which I post here as a direct Ctrl+c/Ctrl+v:

I am very well indeed of the circumstances surrounding my friend, neighbour and constituent Brett Ewins.


I'm visiting him again next week.



Steve Pound.

(I think the word "aware" might be missing - which would seem quite apt from a politician!  :lol:  )

Last post from me for a bit - sorry to be hogging the thread but I thought this line in a second email from Mr Pound might be interesting:

146 e-mails since 10am has an impact,SP.

Which section of the mental health act (MHA) is he being held under?

To the board!
I wrote the following to MP Stephen Pound and am just cutting and pasting here to show others the bit part I played...I lurved Bad Company in many ways and the best bit in my opinion was the way things were slowly revealed, this added to my interest and made sure I read all of Book 1.

If we are going to work together to make sure Brett gets the correct treatment or treated correctly.I think we should use the board to maintain a continuity so as not to waste anyones time in keeping abreast of what we do done didn't. I just followed the sharks idea of poosting what he had written in order to either encourage or show others what he thought best.

"Sir

It has come to my attention that a member of your consituency is currently being detained in Prison and hasn't been given the medicine he needs for an already diagnosed condition. I myself came to know Brett through a story I was mad about called Bad Company. The Story was featured in perhaps the best of British comics for a generation and kept me entertained whilst serving the armed forces in Germany. I am now a Paranoid Scizophrenic and have an insight into mental health going back to 1995. Through my experience it has been the case that if I refuse to take my medicine I would be forced to take an injection to ensure I did not go untreated. How is it with the great leaps in understanding with regards to Psychiatry someone in need of help and who has been diagnosed is allowed to get by without treatment?"

Anthony Green

Good idea, Duvet.  Here's what I wrote in my letter, and taking Sharky's lead I've just e-mailed it as well (still hung up on the idea that postal correspondence is taken more seriously). 


Dear Mr. Pound,

I write to you to express my concern for the welfare of your constituent Mr. Brett Ewins, and to ask that you do all in your power to see that he is accorded the care and support he undoubtedly deserves.  I am not myself a UK citizen, but I came across your name in the initial newspaper report on the incident where Brett and a police officer were injured during an altercation, and was impressed by the balanced and

Quotesupportive nature of your quoted comment on what is obviously a very difficult sequence of events. 

While I do not know him personally, Brett gave me a very great deal of pleasure as a child and teenager with his artwork for comics and magazines like 2000AD, Citadel and Deadline, and I was deeply saddened to hear of his present situation. 

While in no way downplaying the seriousness of the events that accompanied Brett's injuries and his being held on remand, it seems the absolute least I can do as someone who has benefited from his tremendous talent to ask that you as his public representative, and someone who knows him personally, ensure that he is receiving all the medical care and emotional supports that he requires, and that his treatment within the legal system takes full account of his particular circumstances.

Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter,

Yours sincerely,

No idea what happened with the quoting there, apologies.

An additional letter I wrote to Steven Pound MP
(Just thought I'd keep the board up to speed)

Sir
I wrote to you yesterday regarding the care and treatment of your constituent Brett Ewins. I discussed what I wrote in that e-mail with others and they suggested that maybe the tone in my letter blamed you regarding his care. If my e-mail came across with the tone of blame I apologise! I am honestly worried that perhaps he isn't being given medication appropriate to his condition and was trying to see if you could account for it in a way that I would better understand. I, as a paranoid schizophrenic am only too well aware that should someone with a mental affliction not take their medication they will end up ill and inevitably be made to take their medicine via an injection that might have a lasting effect for up to two weeks. I understand that the medical jargon for this forced treatment is a "Depo" and the patient whether they be in prison or at liberty will benefit as a result.

Could you clarify for me whether he is refusing to take his medication or being denied? To be denied is in my limited understanding incredulous, as I feel mental health has ever since the discovery of neuroleptics and anti-psychotic medicines shown success in treating the severest of mental ailments. I am also aware that every patient within the mental health side of medical treatment is different and not all medications suit all people but even if there is a slight chance that he might benefit from treatment it has to be better than no treatment at all.

Thank you for your time

Anthony Green

This is the reply I got today from Steven Pound, it seems he is dealing with a lot of concerned people wishing Brett well!!!

Dear Anthony Green,
Thanks for this and absolutely no blame was identified by me.

I am in daily contact with the prison governor and with Brett's family and it is difficult to respond individually to the scores of people who are contacting me from all over the world on this subject.

It is a justified tribute to the genius of Brett Ewins but very difficult to deal with when the NHS "reforms", Afghanistan and the emerging situation in Irma demand so much time and attention.

I've just received another letter from the governor and am visiting again next week.

I'll try to construct a mechanism by which I can reply to all the people who are contacting me - even if it will not be a personal message.

Best wishes,

Steve Pound.

QuoteI'll try to construct a mechanism by which I can reply to all the people who are contacting me - even if it will not be a personal message.

If you like you can give him my public email address (mighty.emperor@gmail.com) and I can then pass on any updates here and punt them over to the comics press (through Bleeding Cool, DTT and the FP blog, who have a high profile and interested parties will spot the news there and pass it on) or I can email him directly.

Emperor, I think it best for you to write to him as I would merely be acting as a middle man...sorta
fofaflore like which is I think best avoided..so Sir if you wouldn't mind...

You guys are great for doing this, as are the previous for other people(Shark is an angel), as a person of limited motivation I will be forever impressed.

The reply by Brett's MP to several boarders seems on the face of it to be very bland but, of course, it will be.  When or if Brett got his medication; what type of medical treatment he's receiving; what are the circumstances of his incarceration are all highly private, personal matters.  Even if his MP knew the answers to these questions, (which I seriously doubt), he is not going to disclose them to people who might then "plaster" it all over the World Wide Web.

Whilst I support the campaign to help Brett and would wish to add my name to it, I think we need to be realistic about what information we're going to be told.  Of course, there's nothing to stop Brett, himself, (or with his permission, his family) from giving out information, which apparently they already have done, but you're not going to get it from his MP.

they spend silly money on silly things like the olympics and don't even get me started on the edinburgh tram system, while health and care is so under funded. Does anyone know what sort of involvement the social work had with him?

Random rant about public policy and mental health...
A lot of the chaotic state of the care profession comes down to the governments swing between labour and conservatives ie changing public attitudes. The conservatives policy on mental health was to have care homes which was cheap to run but often had ethical issues, especially around keeping disabled people 'out of sight, out of mind'. Labours attitude was that if someone was able to live in their own home, then they should be able to do so, which is very expensive but highly ethical. Now we have the conservatives back in power they have been making severe cuts in funding to the care sector but as there are not enough care homes as labour shut most of them, they can't just go back to their old way. So now we end up with peoples lives caught up in a policy struggle and *dramatic squirrel* this aint a news paper, its peoples lives. Poor funding means inadequate care for the people than need it - either reopen homes or cough up the dough. Ah politics and ethical issues, how upsetting the world is x

A tribute from Henry Flint:

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2012/for-brett-ewins-from-henry-flint/

I got a reply back from Steve Pound, he is visiting Brett on Friday, he will let me know what happens and I'll circulate the update.

Quote from: Emperor on 24 March, 2012, 07:28:26 PM
A tribute from Henry Flint:

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2012/for-brett-ewins-from-henry-flint/

That's beautiful.

Quote from: JOE SOAP on 26 March, 2012, 07:02:10 PM

Quote from: Emperor on 24 March, 2012, 07:28:26 PM
A tribute from Henry Flint:

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2012/for-brett-ewins-from-henry-flint/

That's beautiful.

He wrote a bit more on his blog:

Quotehe was the first professional to contact me when I was 17, 5 years before getting my first break. Thanks for the encouragement, Brett.

http://henryflint.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/tribute-to-brett-ewins/

OK Steve has sent me this to circulate to everyone, it sounds like things are improving there:

Quote30th.March 2012.


I visited Brett in Wormwood Scrubs this morning and although it took some time for me to get used to his new heavily bearded appearance I was greatly relieved to find him in far better spirits than when we last spoke.

He is receiving nearly all his medication and lacking only one particular tranquiliser but I'll do what I can to sort this out.


Brett now has his own cell and is producing a huge quantity of writing including work on his novel and many songs and poems.
He has asked me to remind people that the Johnny Nemo collection will be published next year!

We had a typically amazing Brett Ewins conversation for an hour and ranged over Buddhism in Thailand, adventures in Iceland, the art of Edward Lear, the "Black Freighter" pirate comics of the late 1950s/early 1960s,  Henry Thoreau, standards of food available in Hanwell pubs and I almost missed the bombshell that Brett is engaged to marry a world famous singer/performer later this year.
More details of Brett's betrothed to follow!


Brett is pinning his hopes on a bail hearing due within a fortnight and he is very hopeful that he will be allowed home then.
His lyrical description of his longing to walk a country lane and look at the sky proved to me that Brett is not only one of the finest British artists of all time but a Writer of striking beauty and originality.
He is working on a spy novel and I can't wait to read it!


People who know Brett well will be interested to hear that he now has a full luxuriant white beard but is very thin and still has to use his walking cane.
He is currently reading all of Louis Theroux and his mind is as sharp as ever on detail.

At one stage we were talking about Spike Milligan and I mentioned that he used to live in Orme Court off the Bayswater Road. Brett gave the exact address and told me that he used to write to Spike when he was a student at Drayton Manor !

Brett is smoking "to pass the time" and I was told that I could bring in a Postal Order for him to buy some tobacco  but that it had to be made out to the Governor.
When I arrived I was told that I had to post in the order – even though I was actually in the prison at the time!

If anyone is planning to send anything I strongly suggest that you look at the Wormwood Scrubs website for details of what may and may not be sent.


I am very grateful to "mighty emperor" for posting this information and sparing me having to write to the scores of Brett's admirers who have contacted me.


I've known Brett as a neighbour and a constituent for 25 years and I will continue to do all that I can to help at this time.

The prisons minister, Crispin Blunt, is very much aware of the situation and the governor at the Scrubs has received many a message urging better treatment for Brett.

The very considerable improvement in the medical treatment may well reflect these sources of pressure!


I'll try to update you on the bail hearing as soon as possible.


Steve Pound MP,
Ealing North.

Thanks again to Steve for looking into this - we don't want special treatment for Brett, we just wanted the right treatment, and it sounds like he is now getting this.

That's heartening to read, Emps - many thanks for keeping us up-to-date.

That all sounds very encouraging. Credit to Steven Pound who really seems to be doing what he practically can.

Excellent. Well done Emps and Steve Pound. It's very heartening to hear that Brett's on the up and fingers crossed that his bail hearing goes well.

Quote from: Emperor on 30 March, 2012, 03:16:58 PM
OK Steve has sent me this to circulate to everyone, it sounds like things are improving there:

Quote30th.March 2012.


I visited Brett in Wormwood Scrubs this morning and although it took some time for me to get used to his new heavily bearded appearance I was greatly relieved to find him in far better spirits than when we last spoke.

He is receiving nearly all his medication and lacking only one particular tranquiliser but I'll do what I can to sort this out.


Brett now has his own cell and is producing a huge quantity of writing including work on his novel and many songs and poems.
He has asked me to remind people that the Johnny Nemo collection will be published next year!

We had a typically amazing Brett Ewins conversation for an hour and ranged over Buddhism in Thailand, adventures in Iceland, the art of Edward Lear, the "Black Freighter" pirate comics of the late 1950s/early 1960s,  Henry Thoreau, standards of food available in Hanwell pubs and I almost missed the bombshell that Brett is engaged to marry a world famous singer/performer later this year.
More details of Brett's betrothed to follow!


Brett is pinning his hopes on a bail hearing due within a fortnight and he is very hopeful that he will be allowed home then.
His lyrical description of his longing to walk a country lane and look at the sky proved to me that Brett is not only one of the finest British artists of all time but a Writer of striking beauty and originality.
He is working on a spy novel and I can't wait to read it!


People who know Brett well will be interested to hear that he now has a full luxuriant white beard but is very thin and still has to use his walking cane.
He is currently reading all of Louis Theroux and his mind is as sharp as ever on detail.

At one stage we were talking about Spike Milligan and I mentioned that he used to live in Orme Court off the Bayswater Road. Brett gave the exact address and told me that he used to write to Spike when he was a student at Drayton Manor !

Brett is smoking "to pass the time" and I was told that I could bring in a Postal Order for him to buy some tobacco  but that it had to be made out to the Governor.
When I arrived I was told that I had to post in the order – even though I was actually in the prison at the time!

If anyone is planning to send anything I strongly suggest that you look at the Wormwood Scrubs website for details of what may and may not be sent.


I am very grateful to "mighty emperor" for posting this information and sparing me having to write to the scores of Brett's admirers who have contacted me.


I've known Brett as a neighbour and a constituent for 25 years and I will continue to do all that I can to help at this time.

The prisons minister, Crispin Blunt, is very much aware of the situation and the governor at the Scrubs has received many a message urging better treatment for Brett.

The very considerable improvement in the medical treatment may well reflect these sources of pressure!


I'll try to update you on the bail hearing as soon as possible.


Steve Pound MP,
Ealing North.

Thanks again to Steve for looking into this - we don't want special treatment for Brett, we just wanted the right treatment, and it sounds like he is now getting this.

Awesome news i'm pained as to why it took some PRESSURE to sort this out shouldn't his medical background and situation have been enough? nevermind the main thing is he's doing better.

And, as promised, the update is now doing the rounds:

http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2012/03/brett-ewins-mp-makes-statement-on.html

http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/2012/brett-ewins-update/

And now Bleeding Cool:

www.bleedingcool.com/2012/04/01/when-stephen-pound-mp-visited-brett-ewins/

Which gets listed on Google News, which is handy if people are monitoring that for updates:

www.google.co.uk/search?q=brett+ewins&tbm=nws

Amazing and excellent news - Has anyone had a look at those sending guidelines - would they accept the inevitable Mark Howard Thank You Brett tribute comic?

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, the rules on what can be sent to Scrubs are pretty restrictive: stationary and stamps, religious jewellery/wedding ring, washcloths & towels, or postal orders.   if Brett is spending his time writing, maybe stationary would be appropriate.

Many thanks for all your efforts on our behalf, Emperor.

I hope noone would think it bad taste, but when a member of Parliament makes a statement that the new Johnny Nemo collection is out later this year, and that he wishes to thank the Mighty Emperor, we really are through the looking-glass.

LOL, indeed. Although Steve has been called "Ealing North's tattooed bruiser" by Private Eye so he isn't your average politician. Now if I could get David Cameron to curse my name during PMQs... ;)

Quote from: Temponaut on 01 April, 2012, 08:50:42 PM
Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, the rules on what can be sent to Scrubs are pretty restrictive: stationary and stamps, religious jewellery/wedding ring, washcloths & towels, or postal orders.   if Brett is spending his time writing, maybe stationary would be appropriate.

Yes there are strict limits on what can be sent and I assume his friends and family have most of his needs covered. It'd be best to wait to hear back from the family.

Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 01 April, 2012, 06:20:59 PM
Amazing and excellent news - Has anyone had a look at those sending guidelines - would they accept the inevitable Mark Howard Thank You Brett tribute comic?

Sharky is a little burnt out from sorting out two of these on the run but if anyone is interested in helming another one then speak up - there is plenty of material out there (linked above) I'm sure we scoop up so part of the work is already done and sharky will, I'm sure, be happy to lend his expertise and advice (and I'm sure we can rummage up the contacts to get some other droids interested). It is just that the restrictions might it might have to wait until he is out, so it might have to wait a bit.

Pah! My local MP's been on Top of the Pops!  :lol:

Best wishes to Brett, though. I was very pleased to hear things have improved a little. Here's hoping he's out soon.

- Trout

Quote from: Emperor on 01 April, 2012, 11:48:08 PM

Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 01 April, 2012, 06:20:59 PM
Amazing and excellent news - Has anyone had a look at those sending guidelines - would they accept the inevitable Mark Howard Thank You Brett tribute comic?

Sharky is a little burnt out from sorting out two of these on the run but if anyone is interested in helming another one then speak up - there is plenty of material out there (linked above) I'm sure we scoop up so part of the work is already done and sharky will, I'm sure, be happy to lend his expertise and advice (and I'm sure we can rummage up the contacts to get some other droids interested). It is just that the restrictions might it might have to wait until he is out, so it might have to wait a bit.

I'd be happy to help with a third project if that's what everyone wants.

However, this one's a different kettle of fish and may get a lot of publicity and interest, which is partly why I've been reticent to kick it off. One of my biggest fears, given the heavyweight tributes that have already been created, is that this will be turned into some kind of "charity comic" sold to raise money for this charity or that - and I really don't want that. If I'm to be involved then must be under the same basic idea as the last two - just one hard copy from the fans to the recipient, something personal and unique.

Another thing is that I can't depend on my printer to do this job cheap as he has in the past because he's a friend - this project may well run to a hundred pages given the publicity Brett's plight has already got, so I'd need someone else to take on the task of printing the One Copy as professionally as possible.

As it's a bigger and more prominent project we'd need it to look right - and whilst my meagre graphic design skills have been adequate for what's been needed up to now I feel that a more professional touch may be needed this time around, so there's that.

There's also the question of contacting Brett's family and running everything by them before the printing's done.

I'd also need someone to to the publicity - contacting prospective contributors whilst trying to keep it as quiet as possible to save ruining the surprise.

I'm more than willing to act in an editorial role or an advisory role or even simply as a contributor but I have to admit that this is one project I don't think I can handle on my own.

If there's an appetite to move forward with this then I propose we form a virtual committee (we are British, after all!) and take it from there.

Thanks for the info and very happy to hear he is (as) well (as possible). I hope all the best for Brett at his hearing (and wedding!) x

Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 02 April, 2012, 12:21:50 AM
However, this one's a different kettle of fish and may get a lot of publicity and interest, which is partly why I've been reticent to kick it off. One of my biggest fears, given the heavyweight tributes that have already been created, is that this will be turned into some kind of "charity comic" sold to raise money for this charity or that - and I really don't want that. If I'm to be involved then must be under the same basic idea as the last two - just one hard copy from the fans to the recipient, something personal and unique.

Another thing is that I can't depend on my printer to do this job cheap as he has in the past because he's a friend - this project may well run to a hundred pages given the publicity Brett's plight has already got, so I'd need someone else to take on the task of printing the One Copy as professionally as possible.

Surely people would understand that if you just told them "there will be one hard copy, one only and it's for Brett" is easy to understand - and in terms of professional printing UKomics can turn out something lovely looking for relatively little and I, for one, would be happy to contribute pennies for a single polished issue.

[Emp edit: fixing quotes]

Good to hear things are improving, Lolfox gave us this news at Hi-Ex.

oh, and remember this MP next time your cursing politicans, there are a few decent ones.

The news has percolated through to the Ealing Gazette:

www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/local-ealing-news/2012/04/02/mp-pound-visits-judge-dredd-artist-in-jail-64767-30678381/

Just saw this, well done Emperor, and well done Steve Pound.  Hope things continue to improve.

On a side issue, I thought 'Black Freighter' comics as mentioned in Stephen Pound's update was only a name for pirate comics used only within Watchmen.

I can't imagine what Pound was thinking by choosing this moment to announce Brett's engagement to "an international singing star"... it's almost goading the tabloids to get involved.

Fingers crossed for his bail hearing.  It's this week, isn't it?  On the 2nd, it was reported as being a fortnight away so that's got to be around about now-ish.
Has anybody heard anything?

Steve Pound just sent me an update.

He appeared in court, pled not guilty, the trail date was set for 6th.June and he was remanded in custody until then - which is a bit of a blow.

So some news, none of it good I'm afraid.

I'll see if Steve wants a lengthier statement released but that is the meat of it.

Damn... He could have been released for his trial. He is no more a danger for someone else or for himself.

I hope that the sentence will be at its maximum a general collectivity working hours punishment and nothing more.

I know what it is when you "lose" your mind in a violent nervous breakdown crisis: I suffer from this.

In my personal case, if I was implied in a such affair, I would have pled guilty with this arrangement of general collectivity working hours and public excuses to the hurt Policemen.

I think that this punishment would be a strong benefit therapy for my mental disease. But it is me. I am not  Brett Ewins.

May he finds at last some peace in his tired mind. Because, believe me, perps, it is a really tiring disease...

If there is a plan on doing a comic for him- I'm more than willing to contribute some art.

I would be happy to contribute to a Brett Ewins comic. Very happy, in fact.

Trial should have been today - any news?

Quote from: The Amstor Computer on 06 June, 2012, 03:57:57 PM
Trial should have been today - any news?

Nope. Steve has been CCing me in on his general Brett Ewins emails and I've not had anything in the last few days (once I managed to recall what my password was - although as I was throwing permutations at it, I still don't know). When I get anything I'll pass it on, but it is doubtful there'll be any official kind of statement until the trial is over.

Just did a quick check for any reports in the news but found nothing, although it might take a little time for it to trickle down.

If nothing pops up on the radar in the next couple of days I'll give Steve a nudge.

Guessing things are still silent on this front, Emperor? Wondering if the trial been continued to a later date...

Just wondering, myself, if there had been any news... Guess not.

Quote from: The Amstor Computer on 28 June, 2012, 03:25:09 PM
Guessing things are still silent on this front, Emperor? Wondering if the trial been continued to a later date...

I've not had an update. I can drop Steve Pound a line and see what's what but he does CC me in on relevant emails so I assume there is no news. Of course, he might not wish to comment on anything in too much depth while a trial is ongoing... If the trial did start properly on June 6th it would have been over by now and we'd have heard something, so my guess is it might have been put back pending expert testimony or some such. I'll see what I can find out.

Quote from: Emperor on 29 June, 2012, 07:31:14 PM
I've not had an update. I can drop Steve Pound a line and see what's what but he does CC me in on relevant emails so I assume there is no news. Of course, he might not wish to comment on anything in too much depth while a trial is ongoing... If the trial did start properly on June 6th it would have been over by now and we'd have heard something, so my guess is it might have been put back pending expert testimony or some such. I'll see what I can find out.

No worries. Not sure  how things work in the English courts, but I've just been involved - as a witness - in a court case in Scotland that called in March and was continued until May with no witnesses taken, then ran again in May with only myself and one other being taken up as witnesses, was continued again until June when my wife and another gave evidence, and has now been continued again until September, and all this from an incident that happened in early July 2011! The accused in this case aren't in custody, but I'd have hoped that a speedy trial and resolution would have been possible in Brett's case.

Let us know what you hear anyway.

Yes I suspect it is something exactly like that.

Quote from: The Amstor Computer on 30 June, 2012, 02:41:37 PMLet us know what you hear anyway.

As soon as I know something I'll pass it on. I emailed Steve after I posted the above note, so if there is anything going on I'm sure he'll let me know.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/2000ad-judge-dredd-artist-stabbed-policeman-court-told-8124839.html

2000AD Judge Dredd artist stabbed policeman, court told

London comic artist was 'sprayed with CS spray, hit twice with a truncheon and struck in the head as he resisted arrest'

An acclaimed comic strip artist who drew 2000AD's Judge Dredd stabbed a police officer with a kitchen knife after being sprayed with CS spray, hit twice with a truncheon and struck in the head as he resisted arrest, a court heard.

Brett Ewins, 56, spent three weeks in hospital after collapsing from a cardiac arrest when he was eventually restrained at his home in Hanwell, west London.

Two police officers attending an incident at a neighbouring property on January 14 entered his house to prevent a breach of the peace after hearing "shouting and ranting", Isleworth Crown Court was told.

They were confronted by Ewins allegedly wielding a four-inch kitchen knife.

To defend themselves PC Andrew McKelvie and his partner Matthew Harries sprayed Ewins with pepper spray and hit him twice on the arm but he kept coming at them, a jury heard.

Fearing for their lives one of the officer's struck Ewins around the head with his baton but still Ewins came at them, the court was told.

David Allan, prosecuting, said: "The officers sprayed him with CS spray but it had no effect. One of the officers then struck him on the arm twice with his asp but still it did not stop him.

"When the officer thought he was in imminent danger of being stabbed he struck him on the head.

"Mr Ewins stabbed towards his neck, but the officer put his arm up to try and protect himself and the knife plunged into his arm.

"It was with such force the knife was buried right up to the handle inside the officer's arm."

The court heard the injured officer was able to escape and PC Harries restrained Ewins on the floor until back up arrived.

Mr Allan continued: "As a result of that Mr Ewins suffered a cardiac arrest outside the property.

"He was given CPR by the police officers and paramedics and taken to hospital where he remained for three weeks until he made a recovery."

When Ewins, who now uses a walking stick, was interviewed about the incident he said he could not remember any of it.

The artist, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and is on medication, is charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. He admits stabbing the officer, but claims he was acting involuntarily after being struck on the head.

An expert witness for the defence will say the blow sent him into a state of unconsciousness similar to sleepwalking so he did not know what he was doing.

Mr Allan told the jury: "The defence are not going to be suggesting that he was insane rather he did not know what he was doing.

"We say you can infer from the way he was behaving and common sense that when he stabbed this officer in the arm he intended to cause him really serious bodily harm."

The trial continues.

shouts and rants = 'sprayed with CS spray, hit twice with a truncheon and struck in the head'     :o

4" kitchen knife.

"It was with such force the knife was buried right up to the handle inside the officer's arm."

Chesus!

What a tragic turn of events for all involved.

Quote from: Proudhuff on 11 September, 2012, 09:39:09 AM
shouts and rants = 'sprayed with CS spray, hit twice with a truncheon and struck in the head'     :o

They were confronted by Ewins allegedly wielding a four-inch kitchen knife... When the officer thought he was in imminent danger of being stabbed he struck him on the head.

Probably important not to ignore that bit, eh?

Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 11 September, 2012, 05:15:46 PM

Quote from: Proudhuff on 11 September, 2012, 09:39:09 AM
shouts and rants = 'sprayed with CS spray, hit twice with a truncheon and struck in the head'     :o

They were confronted by Ewins allegedly wielding a four-inch kitchen knife... When the officer thought he was in imminent danger of being stabbed he struck him on the head.

Probably important not to ignore that bit, eh?

Nor the bit about two officers forcibly entering his home.  I've had this happen to me (more than twwo, and armed), and my reactions were not what you might call rational, and my only mental impairment at the time was being asleep.   

It's a shitty situation all round, not least because an officer doing a bloody difficult job was stabbed and a personal hero of mine was sprayed, beaten and stressed to the point of cardiac arrest, but I don't think there's any point us trying to break it down into right and wrong: that's the court's job.  It's all crap.

I, for one, am shocked that two men invading the home of an elderly man with mental problems ended badly, but in the defence of the police officers involved, Brett Ewins does kind of look like a Brazilian electrician.

Apart from the fact that the Brazillian Electrician didn't actually do anything. Unfortunately Brett did.

I would strongly urge board members to resist commenting on ongoing court proceedings. Even a website can be held in contempt of court.

- Trout

I'm not unsympathetic to the officers' post-event difficulties, but I maintain that it is not difficult to predict that forcing your way into someone's home would provoke a hostile response even if the resident was fully in possession of their faculties at the time.

...aaaand attempts to edit that last post to reflect Trouty's sound advice can apparently go fuck themselves as the "modify" button once again pulls a disappearing act.  Awesome.

I think we could do with a little mod attention in this thread. I realise people have strong opinions, and they're entitled to them, but it's best to let a court case run its course first.

Trust me: I've been doing some training on the issue in recent weeks, and have to warn you all that English courts are taking a very dim view of prejudicial reporting these days. That could conceivably include message board comments.

By "very dim view" I mean criminal convictions and four-figure fines for those who comment and those who run the website. Hopefully I'm overreacting but in newspapers we tend to play it safe.

Best wishes

- Trout

I am very concerned about the Standard report, but as wise heads have said, now is not the time to make comment.

Listen to the trout, children.
If there's anything you advise be removed, let me know. Otherwise, everyone else stop commenting directly on this case.

I have to say I find it hard to read this thread and I've no particular interest in commenting on it, it's all awful.

QuoteI have to say I find it hard to read this thread and I've no particular interest in commenting on it, it's all awful.

Yeah, same too, other than I loved his work, especially the Anderson/ Bad Company 1,2,3 work. His Anderson is the definative for me.

Quote from: maryanddavid on 12 September, 2012, 12:22:54 AM

QuoteI have to say I find it hard to read this thread and I've no particular interest in commenting on it, it's all awful.

Yeah, same too, other than I loved his work, especially the Anderson/ Bad Company 1,2,3 work. His Anderson is the definative for me.

I loved his Anderson. A few years ago, some of his prelims were being sold and I'm still thrilled that I bought one.

I got a Bad Company and Dredd prelim round that time too. Its on greaseproof paper, really great stuff.

Quote from: opaque on 11 September, 2012, 07:06:40 PM
Apart from the fact that the Brazillian Electrician didn't actually do anything. Unfortunately Brett did.

Shouting and ranting in your own home is now a crime? i can never watch TV again!

The court case - apart from the sentencing - is over, and Tony "Riot" Wright has an update:
http://tonyvwright.tumblr.com/post/31540483084/brett-ewins-2

Quote from: Professah Byah on 19 September, 2012, 05:41:09 PM
The court case - apart from the sentencing - is over, and Tony "Riot" Wright has an update:
http://tonyvwright.tumblr.com/post/31540483084/brett-ewins-2

I've said too much on this thread already, but that excellent, measured piece made me feel sick to my stomach. 

Quote from: Professah Byah on 19 September, 2012, 05:41:09 PM
The court case - apart from the sentencing - is over, and Tony "Riot" Wright has an update:
http://tonyvwright.tumblr.com/post/31540483084/brett-ewins-2

I wish to point out i love Brett's art and have been a fan of his from the start and always will be ...but

What a load of fairy tale shite ......

I am glad that Brett was found not guilty of GBH with intent.

Must admit to some bafflement that his defence were unable to argue that he was not responsible for his actions at the time of the incident. Seems to me like there is somewthing wrong with the law in this area.

Quote from: Fatboydale on 19 September, 2012, 08:30:07 PM

I wish to point out i love Brett's art and have been a fan of his from the start and always will be ...but

What a load of fairy tale shite ......

Although it points out the problems with the police's reporting etc the thing is it seems to be based on 'he's never done that before so it can't have happened'. I guess he's never stabbed anyone before, but he still did that to the police officer. I'm guessing legally that very action means everything else (did they break in or not) doesn't really matter.

Anyway, hope getting to this stage means he can get pushed towards being helped more quickly with his condition than might have been possible in the past and especially within the prison system.

Quote from: opaque on 19 September, 2012, 10:28:54 PMI'm guessing legally that very action means everything else (did they break in or not) doesn't really matter.

If they had broken in (and please note, I am not saying or suggesting that they did), then the prosecution's witnesses' testimony would be perjury, so I suspect it would really matter.

Further, asking whether Brett would ever have stabbed anyone if the situation had been handled differently is a valid question.  It seems very, very unlikely.

Gods know I would hate to have to do those cops' jobs, and my heart goes out to the couple affected by the stabbing, but that doesn't mean I have to accept that their handling of this matter was ideal.

https://twitter.com/GothicBlue/status/247471183367389185

It's all so sad. I admire the talented person that Brett Ewins is, and I hope he can look forward to some happiness.

Quote from: TordelBack on 20 September, 2012, 12:30:59 AM
Further, asking whether Brett would ever have stabbed anyone if the situation had been handled differently is a valid question.  It seems very, very unlikely.

Very true. But he did it. Although circumstances can be taken into account doing what he did is still a crime isn't it?

Quote from: TordelBack on 20 September, 2012, 12:30:59 AM
Gods know I would hate to have to do those cops' jobs, and my heart goes out to the couple affected by the stabbing, but that doesn't mean I have to accept that their handling of this matter was ideal.

Incredibly true. And I hope someone has already made the compliant to the IPCC to get that addressed

Quote from: Professah Byah on 20 September, 2012, 01:41:28 AM
https://twitter.com/GothicBlue/status/247471183367389185

Did they mention this to his solicitor?

Quote from: Trout on 20 September, 2012, 03:23:05 AM
It's all so sad. I admire the talented person that Brett Ewins is, and I hope he can look forward to some happiness.

Well said Trout, couldn't agree more.

Quote from: opaque on 20 September, 2012, 09:22:40 AM

Quote from: Professah Byah on 20 September, 2012, 01:41:28 AM
https://twitter.com/GothicBlue/status/247471183367389185

Did they mention this to his solicitor?

That's hearsay which doesn't really count in courts. If it was corroborated by an investigating officer or other witnesses in offical statements it might be different.

M.

Quote from: Trout on 20 September, 2012, 03:23:05 AM
It's all so sad. I admire the talented person that Brett Ewins is, and I hope he can look forward to some happiness.

What Trout said.  I've loved Brett's art since I first started reading 2000AD, and saying that his work has been important to me for the 30-odd years since then is no exaggeration.  Whatever the details of the case and how it's been handled, the main focus should be Brett's welfare and I sincerely hope he gets the support he needs.  Tony's comments and updates are much appreciated!

The sole Bad Company page I have (thanks, Rufus!) features a grunt that I always thought bears more than a passing resemblance to Brett... Probably my imagination, but hey.

(http://i.imgur.com/zvvhf.jpg)

Quote from: Mikey on 20 September, 2012, 10:45:36 AM

That's hearsay which doesn't really count in courts. If it was corroborated by an investigating officer or other witnesses in offical statements it might be different.

If they talked to the original poster I mean. Not hearsay if you were actually there. Of course it still comes down to who do you believe but still...

Brett Ewins Released (http://sexdrugsandcomicbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/brett-ewins-released.html?zx=da0c41772b3ad7b1)

QuoteThe good news is that Brett is out of prison, as of this afternoon. He has been found guilty of the lesser assault charge (Instead of GBH), and is awaiting sentencing. However, the judge has released him on a form of bail. Having served 9 months on remand, partly unconscious in hospital, and the rest in a standard jail (where he shouldn't have been), it is extremely unlikely that he'll return to prison, as that will count as time served.

Brett is back on medication and under psychiatric care for the forseeable future, and will now hopefully be able to start rebuilding his life again after this terrible incident.

Nice one, Chosen Rider.  That's better news than I expected.

Is there anything we grown up earthlets can do to help Brett out? Flog a print or just find a way of sending some cash his way.

Andy

Fantastic news.  Hopefully things will be a bit brighter for Brett, and I'll definitely support any efforts to do something to help keep his chin up.

Really glad to hear this.

Good to hear - thanks for the update.

Brilliant news.




V

Excellent to hear and I hope things will stabilise for Brett.

M.

Quote from: AndyLee on 26 October, 2012, 07:19:57 PM
Is there anything we grown up earthlets can do to help Brett out? Flog a print or just find a way of sending some cash his way.

Andy

The Art of Brett Ewins is a print on demand title, I'd imagine he gets royalties for every copy sold.

Good to hear.

Appending some welcome positive news about Brett to this thread:

Looking well and has written a novel. (http://downthetubes.net/?p=12072&fb_source=pubv1)

Cheers!

Jim

Get in!  That news completely salvages an otherwise grotty day, cheers Jim!

Excellent news! And now I have a Brett Ewins novel to look forward to as well!  :D

Thanks Jim!

Yes, very good to hear that Brett's been out and about; I imagine he got a very warm reaction to his appearance at  the Gosh event.  Any mention of the upcoming Johny Nemo / Best of Milligan & Ewins collection?

Good news.

Fingers crossed he feels up to a convention appearance in 2014 so fans can pour on some appreciation and show what high regard he's held in.

Dunk!

This news just in from Peter Milligan:

"I can also confirm that Titan are publishing The Complete Johnny Nemo, all the old insanity plus one equally bloody crazy new tale. This will be coming out next year, maybe late spring."

:)

Cue me buying my third different Johnny Nemo collected edition!

Excellent news!

Titan Books announced the new Nemo collection at NYCC - see the book details on a photograph down on this page:

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/10/10/noel-clarke-writes-new-comic-girl-1-for-titan-comics/ (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/10/10/noel-clarke-writes-new-comic-girl-1-for-titan-comics/)

Release date looks like July from the photo.