Pagan convicts allowed magic wands in cells

Hundreds of Pagan worshippers locked up in British jails have been given the right to take twigs into their cells to use as magic wands.

The ruling, which also allows hoodless robes and rune stones, was made to ensure the 300 or so Pagans currently serving sentences have the same rights as other religions.

The permission to use the “religious artefacts” was agreed after consultation with the Pagan Federation which advised the prison service on what equipment its members needed.

There are estimated to be one million Pagans in Britain – around 300 of whom are in prison.

A Prison Service spokesman said yesterday it was not known how many had taken up the offer.

He said: “There are certain religious artefacts pagan prisoners may be allowed in their cells, but each is subject to risk assessment. If a prisoner fits the stipulated criteria they are permitted to use a piece of twig from prison grounds that they can then decorate to represent a wand. These are not supplied at public expense.”