33-year-old James Ward has a low IQ and mental health problems. In 2006 he fought with his father and was given a ten-month jail sentence. Unable to cope with prison life, he set fire to his mattress and was sentenced under Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP). An IPP is a sentence with no release date. All who know James believe he is not a risk to the public, he's just a risk to himself. He is suicidal, self-harms, and needs the right support. The Parole Board is now working to find James a hostel and mental health support. His sister said she had yet to speak to her brother about his release, and was unsure whether he even knew he was to be freed. She added, ‘I hope other IPP prisoners who are way over tariff can now also be released’. IPPs were abolished in 2012, but 3,000+ people are still serving them.
Prisoner 'suicidal' 11 years into ten-month jail term
Written by David Fletcher 15 Sep 2017Additional Info
- Pray: for this case to draw attention to the urgent need to help adults with low IQ and mental health issues to receive appropriate help and treatment. (Matthew 25:36)
- More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41262920
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