§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Attorney-General how many appeals against conviction and/or sentence were heard by the Court of Appeal during 1988–89, and so far during 1990, in which the appellant had been released from prison before the hearing of the appeal; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralIn 1989, of 2,951 appeals, 23 appellants were released from prison and a further 43 were released on parole before the hearing of their appeals. The figures for 1990 to date are that, of 1,006 cases, two appellants were released from prison and 12 were released on parole before the hearing of their appeals.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Solicitor-General aware that it is unacceptable that someone should have his appeal heard after he has finished serving his sentence? That does the law no credit. Is not the legal system brought into disrepute every time an appeal is so long delayed that it is of little value to the prisoner and reduces his sentence not a jot?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI agree with the hon. Gentleman in principle, but it must be realised that, for example, an 18-month sentence can lead to someone being released on parole in only just over six months. Of the cases coming forward, one third are ready within six months and 80 per cent. are ready within 12 months. The aim is always to bring on first those that are most urgent.