Scottish Premiership manager to bring jail experience to BBC prison debate

When David Martindale, the Livingston manager, appears on BBC Scotland’s Debate Night on Wednesday (21:00 GMT), he is happy to bring his “lived, real-life experience” to a discussion about prison reform.

After admitting to charges of drug and money laundering, the Livingston manager, 51, was sentenced to a six-and-a-half year in prison in 2006.

Two MSPs, an MP, and a journalist will join Martindale on the panel of the Question Time-style show in Bathgate.

The former Motherwell and Rangers youth player joined the Livi coaching staff in 2014 and rose to the position of manager in 2020 after graduating from college and beginning to work in football coaching after his release.

He is the top-flight manager in the Scottish region right now with the longest tenure.

About appearing on the program, Martindale said, “It’s obviously well beyond my comfort zone.” Every day of the week, I could talk football with anyone, and I think the conversation would be well-informed.

Prison reform is what I believe is most important for me, despite the fact that it’s probably not my strongest skill set to sit with politicians.

I’ve spent time in prison, come out, and have been rehabilitated, in real life. And from both living in and around the prison system, I think I have a fairly educated opinion of it.

Martindale has conducted talks to help others avoid repeat offenses.

He continued, “I still receive requests on social media.” “I still receive letters from the club. I’ve still written bits and pieces about prison reform and similar things.