Mozzarella maker gets inside help in jail row
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
MICHAEL HOWARD, the Home Secretary, has been asked by a Tory MP to approve pounds 50,000 compensation to an Italian businessman who claims the Home Office stole his idea for prisoners to make and sell Italian-style cheeses using milk from prison service dairy herds, writes Rosie Waterhouse.
The move by Sir Derek Spencer, MP for Brighton Pavilion, will add to the embarrassment of Mr Howard, who this week will receive a report criticising the cheese factory at East Sutton Park prison in Kent, which is losing money and polluting waterways.
Edgardo Pasquali, of Brighton, says he has been frozen out of the business he began, and is taking legal action to get compensation from the Home Office for loss of earnings and expenses. He claims this totals pounds 167,000.
The cheese farm, which opened last August and makes mozzarella and ricotta, has now been taken over by prison service staff. Robert Fulton, director of Prison Industries and Farms, said: 'We do not dispute that he has put time and effort into this project. We are trying to reach a reasonable settlement which recognises that, but also recognises what he owes us.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments