Not content with the ‘difficulties’ of having no more prison places, it seems that we can’t even get rid of the prisoners we do have without messing it up. The Telegraph (Prisoners given go ahead to sue over jail time) and Guardian (Ministers face legal challenger over jails crisis) report the latest fiasco.
I quote… “Ministers are facing a legal challenge which could force them to plough millions of pounds into prison treatment programmes because inmates are reaching the end of their sentences but cannot be freed because they have been unable to attend compulsory courses that are a condition of their release.” (Guardian)
“The Prison Service could be forced to pay prisoners tens of thousands of pounds in compensation for keeping them in jail after they are due for early release on parole.” (Telegraph)
Apparently, the going rate for detaining someone in prison after they should have been released is £1000 for the first month and £500 for each month thereafter. A shambolic state of affairs…and not a brilliant demonstration of justice and human rights.
While on the subject of laws….
More than seven new laws have come into force every day (av. 2685 per year) since Tony Blair came to power a decade ago, new research has shown – ‘a massive 98 percent by statutory instrument’. Telegraph
I have it on good authority from the Home Office forensic accountants that whatever compensation is awarded for unlawful detention will be offset by a corresponding increase in the food and accommodation charges to be deducted for the privilege of enjoying the hospitality of the Prison Service.
The Treasury, like the Bank and the Roulette Table, cannot be beaten!
I understand that such charges are to be promulgated by Stautory Instrument contributing to the total ‘Stalinisation’ of Britain!
Reminds me of Jean Valjean’s term of imprisonment in Les Miserables.
Also, I really don’t fancy the quality of justice in the Sierra Leone tribunal having heard the Judge dealing with defense counsel. Anyone know if there is any appeal from that court?