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Free IPP prisoners and make more room for the real scum in our society... Rapists, murderers, child molesters and sex offenders...

In England and Wales, the imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence was a form of indeterminate sentence introduced by section 225 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (with effect from 2005) by the Home Secretary, David Blunkett. It was abolished in 2012 by the justice secretary Ken Clarke.

The sentence was designed to protect the public from serious offenders whose crimes did not merit a life sentence. The Offenders sentenced to an IPP are set a minimum term (tariff) which they MUST spend in prison. After they have completed their term they can then apply to the Parole Board for release.

Despite its abolition in 2012, as of November 2019 there were still 2,223 prisoners (male & female) still serving the sentence. There's 9 in 10 of whom are passed their tariff expiry date.

David Blunkett who was home secretary from 2001 to 2004 stated in 2014 that although he believed the legislation had been "necessary to safeguard the public", he "very much regrets" that the government was not clearer in setting out sentencing criteria for judges.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that indeterminate prison sentences are a violation of Article 5(1) of the European Convention of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to liberty and security. The ruling applies to prisoners detained beyond the minimum term of their sentence. (garden court chambers)

The possible impact IPP sentences have on a prisoners mental health can be devastating. Those serving have been left feeling worthless, frustrated, anxious, depressed, suicidal at the thought of effectively serving life sentences for crimes that would otherwise have merited determinate sentences. Unfortunately, this psychological torture has seen several people serving this sentence commit suicide, as they believed this to be the only way out as there was no end in sight.

One prisoner stated: “It’s wrong, like they said when they abolished the IPP…I committed an offence aged 18. I’m 31, still sat in prison…I should have an end‐date to my sentence. Other people get an end date.” (russellwebster.com)

An ex offender shared his concerns and worries regarding the possibility of a recall back to prison once he was released back into society. He stated: “The only way to avoid a recall is by having as little contact with other people as possible…I never once went on a bus. If I had to go to the shops, it was eyes down and in and out and back home. At work I was in fear to make new friends…Any disagreement or upset will put me back into prison.” (russellwebster.com)

While another prisoner said: “So long as I’m under IPP I have no life, no freedom, no future. I fear IPP will force me to commit suicide. I have lost all trust and hope in this justice system…Each day I feel more and more fear and dismay and I am starting to dislike life...I have to suffer in prison in silence. Accept it or suicide. That’s my only options left.” (russellwebster.com)

People make mistakes, some more than others, but surely these prisoners shouldn't have to spend the rest of their lives locked up and unethically treated when there's child molesters and murderers who commit far worse crimes with much lesser  sentences.

The effect an IPP sentence has on the prisoners family can be extremely emotional, stressful and deeply harmful to their health/mental health.

A family member of an IPP prisoner stated: “I’ve been doing this since my early forties. I’m 59 next birthday. It has consumed my life. I haven’t had a life for myself…It’s not fair.” (prisonreformtrust.org.uk)

While another said: “The officers do not really understand IPP, they treat them like any prisoner on a determinate sentence, which they are not. It is stressful not knowing when they will come home, and they think about that every day while they are inside.” (prisonreformtrust.org.uk)

The Home Office initially estimated that the sentence would result in 900 people going to prison. However, over 8,000 IPP sentences were imposed, placing severe strain on prison, probation and parole board resources. Resulting delays to parole hearings and difficulties accessing offending behaviour programmes in prison, which were considered necessary in order to demonstrate reduced risk, left many prisoners struggling to work towards their legitimate release. (prisonreformtrust.org.uk)

The aim of this petition is to raise awareness about IPP sentences, what they entail and the effects it has on the prisoner and their families

My MAIN aim is to get enough people to sign it so something can finally be done about it. To be the voice of the prisoners and family members who has had to go through and are still going through this diabolical breach of human rights.

#Borisjohnson #Welshgovernment #UKGovernment #Homeoffice