Just a few practical matters to consider:
When the offender attends court, he should make sure that he's got plenty of cash in his wallet. Although this will be taken from him when he gets to prison, the amount will be credited to his prison account and it will enable him to buy some 'luxuries' (e.g.newspapers or packets of biscuits) while he's 'inside'.
He should also pack a bag with things like a radio, mp3 player, etc, together with a few books, writing paper, pens, envelopes and stamps. (Plus, of course, personal items, like photos of his kids). It's extremely important that he should keep hold of the bag in court or, if he's not permitted to hold it while he's in the dock, he should hand it to a court official or security guard. If he gives it to his wife or barrister, they won't be permitted to get it to him once he's in the cells, so he won't be able to take it to prison with him.
Chris