Former Top Judge Calls for Urgent Help for Prisoners Serving Indefinite Jail Terms
Britain’s former top judge, Lord John Thomas, has voiced his concerns and support for The Independent’s campaign aiming to review the sentences of prisoners serving indefinite jail terms, deeming them “morally wrong”. Lord Thomas, who served as the Lord Chief Justice from 2013 to 2017, has emphasised the need for the government to take responsibility for these controversial and enduring prison sentences.
Expressing fears that individuals incarcerated under the now-abolished Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences are being left to languish unfairly, Lord Thomas highlighted the inherent flaws in such lengthy and open-ended jail terms. He articulated that the current system could lead to individuals being confined with no clear release date, facing what he described as an “inherently unfair” punishment.
Lord Thomas’s call for action comes in response to distressing cases brought to light by The Independent, including that of James Lawrence, a father who remains in prison 18 years after receiving an eight-month sentence for a non-violent offense. The eradication of IPP sentences in 2012 did not retroactively apply, leaving over 2,700 IPP prisoners stranded in limbo, awaiting a parole board’s decision for potential release.
The dire situation is further exacerbated by more than 700 IPP prisoners serving beyond their minimum term by over a decade, with a tragic toll of at least 90 prisoners taking their own lives under such circumstances. Despite concerns over the potential risks of releasing these prisoners, Lord Thomas underscored the urgent need for a systematic review and reevaluation of their sentences to ensure fairness and proportionality in line with the gravity of the crimes committed.
Lord Thomas has urged for the reform of the parole release test, advocating for a recalibration that emphasises equitable sentencing that aligns with the principles of justice and rehabilitation. Stressing the need for political courage to address the prevailing crisis of sentence inflation and prison overcrowding, he emphasised the imperative of acknowledging the state’s role in rectifying the injustices inflicted upon the IPP prisoners.
Emphasising the paramount importance of public protection while also recognising the duty of the state to rectify past wrongs, Lord Thomas pointed out the detrimental impacts of prolonged incarceration on prisoners, potentially exacerbating their risks and making them more vulnerable to reoffending. Expressing solidarity with The Independent’s campaign, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the IPP sentencing system to prevent further harm and ensure justice for those currently trapped in its grip.
In response to Lord Thomas’s impassioned plea, the Ministry of Justice acknowledged the need for reform and reiterated its commitment to supporting rehabilitated offenders by shortening the mandatory licence periods. The dire plight of IPP prisoners and their families continues to be a pressing concern, prompting ongoing efforts by advocacy groups like the Howard League for Penal Reform to address the pervasive injustices and advocate for urgent reforms.
The IPP scandal remains unresolved, with thousands of individuals still ensnared in a punitive system that has been widely condemned for its detrimental effects on prisoners and their families. As the call for reform and justice grows louder, Lord Thomas’s advocacy shines a spotlight on the urgent need for comprehensive and compassionate action to rectify the persisting injustices endured by IPP prisoners and pave the way for a more equitable and humane criminal justice system.