HL Deb 23 July 1982 vol 433 cc1143-4WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that the Jersey authorities have no say whatsoever on the question of whether or not a person from Jersey serving a life sentence in a prison in England should be released on licence.

Lord Elton

In accordance with Section 26 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967 (as amended by the Criminal Law Act 1977, Schedule 12, paragraph 2), prisoners convicted and sentenced in Jersey and transferred to England and Wales to serve their sentences are considered for release as if they had been convicted and sentenced here. For a life sentence prisoner, such consideration includes consultation with the Island trial judge, if he is available. This is in accordance with Section 61 of the Criminal Justice Act 1961, which provides that the Home Secretary may release a life sentence prisoner on the recommendation of the Parole Board and after consultation with the Lord Chief Justice and, if he is available, the trial judge.