Father Wrongly Imprisoned for Waving Starting Pistol Released After 18 Years
A father who was wrongly imprisoned for waving a starting pistol has finally been released after spending nearly 18 years behind bars. James Lawrence, now 38 years old, was originally sentenced to an eight-month minimum term in 2006 for carrying an imitation gun for protection after a near-death experience. However, due to the discredited imprisonment for public protection (IPP) jail sentence, Lawrence ended up serving 25 times longer than his original sentence.
In a heartbreaking revelation by his mother, Mandy Lawrence, it was shared that James had made six attempts on his own life while in custody. She expressed the agony of seeing her son suffer in prison for nearly two decades, far beyond what he was initially sentenced for. The toll on the family has been immense, with Mandy expressing her fear of not being able to see her son properly before she passes away.
Long Over-Tariff IPP Prisoner
James Lawrence’s case is emblematic of the plight faced by almost 3,000 IPP prisoners who are still languishing in prison. Despite the abolition of IPP sentences in 2012, those already detained were not released, leading to a situation where many prisoners, including Lawrence, have served far beyond their minimum tariff. In Lawrence’s case, he needed only four months and 14 days to complete his original eight-month sentence, yet he has spent close to 18 years in custody.
Labour peer Lord Woodley has pushed for a bill to have all IPP prisoners resentenced, highlighting the shocking injustices faced by individuals like James Lawrence. The flawed system of IPP sentences, with no maximum term, has resulted in hundreds of prisoners serving years beyond what they were initially sentenced for, leading to a crisis in the prison system.
Inhumane Treatment and Mental Health Struggles
The psychological toll of the indefinite sentences, described as ‘inhuman’ by the UN special rapporteur on torture, has had devastating effects on individuals like James Lawrence. Once a talented footballer and a kind-hearted person, Lawrence has struggled with his mental health while in custody, leading to multiple suicide attempts. His mother recounted the harrowing experiences of seeing her son in distress and feeling helpless in the face of the unjust system.
Recall Merry-Go-Round and Struggles
James Lawrence’s story is not unique among IPP prisoners, as many have experienced the recall merry-go-round where minor breaches of strict licence conditions result in being hauled back to prison. Despite no further convictions, Lawrence has been recalled to prison five times, facing the anguish of being separated from his family and unable to rebuild his life outside the confines of prison walls.
Calls for Resentencing and Justice
Mandy Lawrence has been a vocal advocate for the resentencing of IPP prisoners, starting with those with the lowest original tariffs. She emphasized the need for urgent action from the government to address the injustices faced by individuals like her son, who have been trapped in a broken system for far too long. The failure to act on recommendations to resentence IPP prisoners has only perpetuated the suffering of those still behind bars.
Government Response and Support
In response to the ongoing crisis of IPP prisoners, the Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the need to support those still serving sentences. Efforts to provide additional support, including access to rehabilitation programs and mental health services, have been highlighted as essential in addressing the needs of prisoners like James Lawrence. However, the urgency of resentencing all remaining IPP prisoners remains a pressing issue that requires immediate action.
Subheadings:
The Plight of IPP Prisoners
The Toll on Families
Calls for Resentencing and Reform
As the debate continues on the fate of IPP prisoners, the stories of individuals like James Lawrence shed light on the human cost of a flawed and outdated system. The need for justice, compassion, and reform in the criminal justice system is more pressing than ever, as families continue to suffer the consequences of prolonged incarceration and unjust sentences. It is time for action to ensure that no one else falls victim to the injustices faced by James Lawrence and countless others.
