CAJ Report July/August 1998
Prisoners applying for early release
? Whatever release date is set a prisoner is entitled to accelerated release if the date falls two years after the Act comes into force (for prisoners sentenced before the Act came into force or who were in custody awaiting trial before it came into force) or two years after the sentence began for those sentenced after the Act came into force. The accelerated release day will then be either two years after the Act comes into force or two years after the sentence began.
? All prisoners shall be released on licence. The licence conditions are that they will not support a terrorist organsiation or become involved in acts of terrorism. In addition in the case of a life sentence prisoner that they do not become a danger to the public. This licence may be suspended by the Secretary of State if they feel the person concerned has broken or is likely to break the licence conditions. Where a licence is suspended the case will be referred to the Sentence Review Commissioners who will decide whether to confirm or revoke the licence.
If release is refused
The Commissioners must give notice of their decisions and the reasons for them to the prisoner and the Secretary of State. Rules made under the legislation may indicate whether and in what circumstances future applications may be made.
Stephen Livingstone |
