William McKee spent decades working inside Northern Ireland’s prison system during some of its most violent and politically charged years.
Recorded at his home near Carrickfergus, William talks about his early life, joining the Prison Service and entering a world where prisoners were organised along paramilitary lines. He recalls the pressures faced by prison officers, threats against his life and the difficult decisions involved in managing some of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous prisoners.
This is the first of three conversations with William McKee. Part Two examines the murder of loyalist leader Billy Wright inside the Maze Prison, while Part Three explores William’s work as an author and the books he has written about his experiences.
Recorded in Carrickfergus, County Antrim.
Content note: This episode contains discussion of violence, paramilitary organisations and the Troubles.
Relevant Links
","author_name":"Fender Jackson"}