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Learco Chindamo's release from prison may be delayed by 12 months

By John Hirst

Learco Chindamo's release from prison may be delayed by 12 months

This report from This is London.

I would question Learco Chindamo's lawyer's decision to ask the Parole Board to delay making a decision whether to direct his release for another 12 months to give him a better chance at success.

Given that Learco Chindamo is a model prisoner who has done all the required courses and has displayed remorse, nothing will be gained by keeping him in custody simply because his lawyer has got cold feet.

The Parole Board should reject the lawyer's application which amounts to stalling for time. If the prisoner needed to undergo a course to improve his chances that would be one thing. However, to seek the delay on the ground that the Parole Board might not direct his release because it is deemed he will not have served long enough is nonsense. It is the Parole Board's duty to decide the issue on or shortly after tariff expiry.

Unfortunately, the Parole Board does take heed of tabloid headlines and the Board will come in for criticism if it directs the release of Chindamo. The Board and the lawyer need to exercise courage to make the right decision in spite of those trying to turn a criminal into a political prisoner.

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on April 21, 2008 (boomark / email).