Having raised at Prime Minister’s questions the tragic case of a constituent whose mother, sister and stepfather were killed in a dangerous driving crime, James has now received a response from the Prisons Minister.
James highlighted the driver was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for three counts of causing death by the dangerous driving. However, the family contacted James after they were recently told he may be released imminently to be deported, having served only three years. James asked the Prime Minister to pursue “all potential avenues to prevent and early removal given these terrible circumstances.” He highlighted that under the Early Removal Scheme it is possible to prevent release of an offender where it would undermine public confidence in the scheme or justice system.
Commenting on the response from the Prisons Minister:
“This is a deeply disappointing response which does not seek to delay the release or use powers under the Early Removal Scheme for decisions which may undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system to be referred to the Chief Executive of HM Probation and Prisons Service. What could do more to undermine public trust than allow this offender out of prison having served only three years for killing three people?
“Ministers are in positions of power – not bystanders – yet in this case the minister is being passive and failing to act by saying this is purely an operational matter. If I was in his position, I would be asking at the very minimum for an explanation as to why a referral did not happen and for it to be reconsidered. But he has chosen not to do that.
“Once again the system has let down Summer and her family and I deeply regret this criminal looks set to be freed, while they are suffering this tragic loss.”
