HC Deb 08 December 1987 vol 124 cc128-9W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when John Manley, recently sentenced to life imprisonment by Leeds Crown court, was last examined by a Home Office doctor; what assessment was made by that doctor of Manley's condition; if the doctor's report was made available to Bradford magistrates; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

In reports to Bradford magistrates' court on 6 November 1986 and I December 1986 a consultant forensic psychiatrist indicated that, in his opinon and that of other staff at his hospital, Mr. Manley should be regarded as suffering from a psychopathic disorder of an inadequate and hysterical type. He indicated, however, that although Mr. Manley had the potential for acting aggressively after he had been drinking to excess, he was a danger to himself rather than to others. The doctor last saw Mr. Manley on about 17 December 1986.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Bradford probation service was not informed when the arrangements for supervising John Manley were transferred from Lincoln to Bradford; why his records were not passed to Bradford probation service; and why he was placed in a hostel.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

On 9 April 1986 Mr. Manley appeared before Lincoln Crown court and was bailed to a hostel in Bradford. The decision to place Mr. Manley in the hostel was a matter for the court.

Unfortunately, as a result of a failure in communications, the Bradford probation service was not made aware of Mr. Manley's status as a conditionally discharged restricted patient. He was, however, under the supervision of the warden of the hostel and was seen by a liaison probation officer for the hostel.

On 28 April 1986 Mr. Manley was made subject to a probation order with a condition of residence at the hostel. His supervising probation officer learned a few weeks later that Mr. Manley was a conditionally discharged restricted patient. He made contact with Lincolnshire social services department, who subsequently sent him papers concerning Mr. Manley.