Drug smuggler describes life inside 'world's toughest jail' where British backpacker is currently being 'left to rot'
A man who was arrested on drug trafficking charges has revealed what life inside San Pedro prison in Bolivia is really like.
The prison is currently housing British backpacker John Henshaw who was travelling when he was reportedly arrested at La Paz International Airport.
Henshaw was allegedly found with a small amount of cannabis upon his arrest.
Advert
The jail, which featured on the TV show, Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons is known for being one of the most dangerous in the world.
Thomas McFadden spent five years inside the 'hellhole', but after being released in 2000, he was able to tell his terrifying tale.
McFadden revealed that when he arrived, he was shocked to learn he would need to pay to get in, and to buy his own cell.
He told The Mirror: “It was only the equivalent to $5, but I didn’t have anything and turned my pockets out to show them I had no cash.
“I had to promise the British Embassy would pay when I got a visit. That seemed to satisfy them.
“Then - even though he knew I had no money - the major told me I would need to buy my own prison cell.
“He produced this large blue book with lots of columns and what looked like dates.
“I was so hungry, I was struggling to understand what was happening. Then the corporal who had been translating, explained it was a list of cells that were for sale."
McFadden, whose story was told on documentary, Wildlands, was told a cell would cost $5,000 (£3,950) which he could not afford.
He explained how one area of the prison was like a hotel, with TVs and jacuzzis. But the other end housed those who could not pay for cells, areas of which were often freezing cold and deprived of food.
McFadden explained that when he first arrived, he was 'beaten every day'.
“It didn’t stop until I could fight back," he said.
"I hardly went out to begin with because I was worried what would happen. I would go to the washrooms really early in the morning, so that I wasn’t attacked."
Currently, according to John Henshaw's family, the 39-year-old British backpacker is sleeping on the floor surrounded by up to 30 other prisoners.
Although the jail had an original capacity of 600, it reportedly now holds around 3,000 prisoners.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up to raise money for John, which would help with his legal costs and provide any essentials. This has raised almost £4,000 so far.
John's ex-partner, Toni Rimmer, has spoken out about the conditions he is living in.
She and his 15-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn Henshaw, are both extremely worried over his safety and are desperately trying to get him home.
"He's a good person. It's absolutely horrific in there," said Toni.
"He can only get money in drip feed from the embassy. The only food he has been able to buy for himself is a ham and cheese toastie. He gets a bowl of broth a day, that's it.
"You pay for the privilege of getting a cell, and he hasn't even got one yet.
"I'm scared because he's a British man. He doesn't deserve what's happening to him in there, he's had no previous charges.
"It's been nearly 50 days, I'm really worried. He doesn't have visitors so he doesn't have a clue what's going on. If he's got a load of money, he'll just get robbed.
"His daughter is going through exams and is so stressed - she just wants her dad home safe. He's a really good dad and his daughter is really missing him."
Lucy Devine