Compensation for Parole Delays
Compensation is due to an IPP prisoner based on delays by the Parole Board. The case was handled by Sara-Jayne Pritt of Swain & Co solicitors who brought judicial review proceedings having earlier issued a Writ of Habeas Corpus.
Swain & Co sought a declaration under Article 5(4) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Judge found that there had been unacceptable delays of over 3 months. The Parole Board delayed issuing directions and there were delays in communicating a decision. This was even after allowing the Parole Board a “margin of latitude”. Sara-Jayne said, “The Judge concluded that, given that liberty was an issue, that margin could not be very great. The case was put on hold to allow negotiations in respect of damages but if there is no agreement I will take the matter back before the Court so that an award can be fixed.”
I hope that this case brought home to the Parole Board the need to avoid delays and also gave a clear warning that infringing Article 5 (4) rights is liable to result in compensation.”
Sara-Jayne Pritt is a prison lawyer at Swain & Co Solicitors in Liverpool.