End scandal of indefinite jail terms, Britain’s probation chief urges Starmer
Indefinite jail terms are an ‘affront to justice’ - probation watchdog
- The chief inspector of probation, Martin Jones, has called for an end to indefinite jail terms (IPP), warning that almost 2,500 prisoners remain "trapped" by the now-outlawed sentences.
- Jones supports new proposals, including setting release dates within two years of parole review and providing mental health support, to address the ongoing injustice.
- He cautioned that many IPP prisoners, some jailed for minor offences, will die in custody without intervention, noting a high number of self-inflicted deaths both in prison and after release.
- Jones stated that the continued detention of individuals whose original crimes were not serious constitutes an "affront to justice" and advocated for judicial oversight of recall decisions.
- He views the government's increased funding for probation services as a crucial opportunity to resolve the IPP crisis and ensure proper management of complex cases in the community.