§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many times Lancelot George Turnbull had previously absconded from an open prison prior to being sent to Ashwell prison; and what criteria he adopts in deciding to allow a prisoner with a previous record of absconding to be placed for a second time in an open prison;
(2) whether he will make a statement on the criteria which he adopts in deciding whether a man serving a life sentence for a violent crime, including murder, should be sent to an open prison; and what steps he takes to maintain public confidence in this regard;
(3) if he will make a statement on the absconding from Ashwell prison of Lancelot George Turnbull. serving a sentence of life imprisonment for murder.
§ Mr. MellorA life sentence prisoner is considered for transfer to an open prison only after careful assessment in a number of different prisons over a period of years. The advice of the Parole Board is sought in every case and transfer to an open prison is subject to the personal authority of a Minster. As in every decision relating to the progress towards the possible release on life licence of such a prisoner, public safety is the paramount consideration. Each case is considered on its individual merits and transfer to an open prison would not be ruled out solely because of the nature of the prisoner's offence or because of a previous abscond without taking account of other factors. but no life sentence prisoner is transferred to an open prison until he is thought no longer to present any serious risk of re-offending.
Mr. Turnbull was convicted in April 1976 of the murder of a male acquaintance and was sentenced to life imprisonment. When it considered his case in June 1983, The Parole Board recommended his transfer to an open prison with a further review after 12 months in open conditions. This recommendation was accepted and Mr. Turnbull was transferred to Leyhill open prison in September 1983. However, he failed to settle and absconded the following month. He surrendered to the police after four days and was immediately returned to closed prison conditions.
As far as is known, he committed no offences during the period he was unlawfully at large. His case was next considered by the Parole Board in December 1985. The board recommended that Mr. Turnbull should again be tested in open conditions before consideration was given to his suitability for release on life licence and proposed that his case should be reviewed 18 months after his transfer. Having considered all the circumstances of the case, including the previous abscond from Leyhill, my right hon. Friend decided that the recommendation should be accepted. Mr. Turnbull was transferred to Ashwell open prison on 2 April. At about 4.45 am on 2 May, Mr. Turnbull was found to be missing from his room. He had previously been seen by the night patrol at about 3.45 am. The prison was immediately searched and the police were informed as soon as it was apparent that Mr. Turnbull had absconded. He has not so far been apprehended.