In a world where the lines between law enforcement and criminals sometimes blur, George Shipton's story stands as a testament to the gritty reality of the UK's prison system. Known for his roles as a traffic warden, topless waiter, and most notably as one of the most notorious prison officers in the United Kingdom, George Shipton recently sat down with the Criminal Connection Podcast to share his extraordinary experiences. From his early days growing up in South London to managing some of the UK's most dangerous inmates, Shipton’s journey is as fascinating as it is harrowing.
The Early Days: From South London to the Streets
George Shipton's life began in the rough and tumble neighbourhoods of South London. Raised in a strict Irish household, George was no stranger to the physical discipline that characterised many homes of the 1970s. He describes his upbringing as a tough yet formative experience, one that instilled in him a deep sense of resilience and humour—a necessary tool for surviving the challenging environments he would later navigate.
Growing up in South London during the 1970s was no walk in the park. The streets were a battleground where young George learned to hold his own. "It was fists up all the time," he recalls. "You had to learn how to fight, and humor was what got me through." This humor, coupled with a no-nonsense attitude, would later become his trademark in the prison service.
The Transition: From Traffic Warden to Prison Officer
Before donning the uniform of a prison officer, Shipton spent time as a traffic warden—a role that, while less dangerous, was certainly not without its challenges. "I used to do about five tickets a day, if that," he says with a laugh, recalling his days patrolling the streets of London. Despite the unpopularity of the job, Shipton learned valuable lessons about authority and public interaction that would serve him well in his future career.
But it was in the prison service where Shipton truly found his calling. Encouraged by a desire to do something meaningful and escape the monotony of his previous jobs, Shipton joined the ranks of the prison officers at Belmarsh Prison, one of the UK's most infamous institutions.
Life Inside Belmarsh: A World of Danger and Respect
Belmarsh Prison is not for the faint-hearted. Housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the UK, including IRA members, armed robbers, and mass murderers, the prison was a hotbed of tension and violence. Shipton quickly established himself as a firm but fair officer, earning the respect of both his colleagues and the inmates.
"I was just literally being who I am," Shipton explains. "I wasn't there to bully anyone. I just treated them like people." This approach, while unconventional, proved effective. Inmates respected him for his straightforwardness and his willingness to treat them with a level of humanity often absent in such environments.
One of Shipton's most challenging assignments was in the High-Security Unit (HSU) at Belmarsh. This unit was home to the most dangerous prisoners, including high-profile IRA members and notorious criminals. The environment was intense, with constant threats of violence and escape attempts. Yet, Shipton thrived in this atmosphere, using his unique blend of humour and toughness to maintain order.
The Human Side of a Tough Job
Despite the harsh realities of his job, Shipton never lost his sense of humour. This, he believes, was crucial to his survival. "You've got to laugh through the day," he says. "I'd rather have them laughing and letting off steam than sitting there brooding."
One of Shipton's more memorable pranks involved convincing an inmate to go on what he called the "Jam Diet." The inmate, desperate to lose weight, was told by Shipton that the secret to weight loss was to eat as much jam as possible to increase the acidity in the body and burn fat. The inmate took the advice seriously, only to return weeks later, having gained a significant amount of weight. When the inmate confronted Shipton, the officer couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "You believed jam was going to make you lose weight?" Shipton asked, barely able to contain his amusement.
This incident, like many others, highlights the complex relationship between prison officers and inmates. While there is a clear line of authority, Shipton's approach blurred this line just enough to make life inside a little more bearable for everyone involved.
The Banged Up Experience: Reality TV Meets Real Prison Life
Shipton's notoriety reached new heights when he participated in the reality TV show Banged Up, where celebrities experienced life behind bars. His role on the show was to replicate the real prison experience as closely as possible. "They asked me to run it like a proper prison, and that's what I did," he says. His no-nonsense approach quickly earned him respect, both from the celebrities and from the viewers at home.
One of the most significant moments on the show involved Sid Owen, better known as Ricky Butcher from EastEnders. Owen found himself struggling with the harsh realities of prison life and was close to quitting the show. It was Shipton who convinced him to stay, using a combination of tough love and genuine concern. "You're mugging us right off," Shipton told him. "You can't do eight days bang-up? Do it standing on your head."
This moment, like many others on the show, revealed the psychological toll that prison life takes on individuals, even those who are only experiencing it temporarily. It also demonstrated Shipton's ability to connect with people, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Reflections on a Life Less Ordinary
Looking back on his career, Shipton remains proud of the work he did, despite the challenges and dangers. "You only own the prison because the prisoners say so," he says, reflecting on the delicate balance of power within the walls of Belmarsh. "If they want to go, they'll go. If they're organized, they'll go."
For Shipton, the key to maintaining order was always about respect—both giving it and earning it. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the toughest environments, humanity can prevail.
As George Shipton continues to share his experiences through interviews and podcasts, his legacy as one of the UK's most notorious and respected prison officers continues to grow. Whether he's recounting tales of his days as a traffic warden, his time inside Belmarsh, or his stint on Banged Up, one thing is clear: George Shipton is a man who has lived a life less ordinary. And in doing so, he has left an indelible mark on those who have crossed his path—whether behind bars or on the streets.