New Hope for IPP Prisoners as Five Cases Referred to Appeal Courts
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has taken a significant step by referring five cases involving abolished Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) and Detention for Public Protection (DPP) sentences to appeal courts for reconsideration. This move offers renewed hope to prisoners who have been held indefinitely under these controversial terms, which were scrapped over a decade ago in 2012.
Background on IPP and DPP Sentences
IPP and DPP sentences were open-ended measures introduced to detain individuals deemed a risk to the public, but they have faced widespread criticism for keeping thousands in jail far beyond their original tariffs. Many of those affected were children at the time of their offences, highlighting the severe and disproportionate nature of these sentences. The abolition in 2012 did not apply retrospectively, leaving numerous prisoners trapped in a system described by critics as torturous and unjust.
Recent Legal Developments and CCRC Review
The CCRC launched a major review following recent Court of Appeal rulings that set important precedents for overturning these sentences. Cases such as those of Leighton Williams and Darren Hilling have demonstrated the potential for successful appeals, with Williams serving nearly 16 years for a 30-month tariff before his IPP sentence was quashed and he was released in May 2024. These rulings have paved the way for the current referrals, which are part of a broader effort to address the lingering injustices of the IPP/DPP system.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Prospects
The CCRC is currently reviewing approximately 110 IPP and DPP cases, actively encouraging others who have exhausted their appeal rights to come forward. This proactive approach aims to provide a pathway to justice for those still incarcerated under these indefinite terms. The referrals to appeal courts mark a critical moment in the fight against what has been labelled a shocking and inhumane practice, with hopes that more prisoners will soon see their sentences reconsidered and potentially overturned.
