Letter: Lifers plead for justice

Sir: We, as lifers, write in support of Lord Ashley's letter (25 July). Lifers are the only inmates who do not have a set date for release; a tariff is given, but we are all made uncomfortably aware that not only are we expected to serve it, but that we could serve longer, our sentence being decided not by a judge in a court of law, but by a civil servant in the Home Office.

To be considered for release, a lifer must satisfy certain conditions. One of these is that we accept and admit our guilt for the crime for which we have been convicted and sentenced. In view of the disturbing number of recent miscarriages of justice that are coming to light in the Court of Appeal, this policy can only compound the errors of a seriously flawed system and cause misery to those who are its victims.

The Home Secretary must seek to abolish the mandatory life sentence in order to serve the best interests of the public and those in custody.

Yours sincerely,

LINDA CALVEY (appealing), JULIE CHEEMA (appealing), CAROL PETERS (seeking leave to appeal), ANDREA FRANCIS (appealing), TRISH WALLIS (appealing), JOYCE WALLIS (seeking leave to appeal), MARY DRUHAN (seeking leave to appeal), LESLEY RAWLINSON (seeking leave to appeal), LILLIAN HOLLAND (seeking leave to appeal), SARA E. THORNTON (petitioning for royal prerogative of mercy)

Bullwood Hall

Hockley,

Essex

26 July