HL Deb 05 July 1994 vol 556 c68WA
Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the distinction between "denial of guilt" and a "failure to address an offence" in parole reviews where parole has been refused.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

It is not a function of the Parole Board to challenge the safety of a conviction. The main factor to be considered when assessing suitability for release on parole is whether it will place at risk the safety of the public. As part of this assessment, consideration is given to the question of the inmate's willingness to confront and to tackle their offending behaviour. Denial of guilt may present difficulties in this, but some progress should be possible in helping an inmate become aware of and understand factors, weaknesses of character, or behavioural problems which led to the circumstances in which the offence took place.

Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the failure "to address her offence and the harm it did" was the only reason for refusing parole to Mrs. Carol Riley (GB1136—HM Prison Drake Hall) and, if not, why have these other reasons not been given to her.

Earl Ferrers

I can confirm that, in reaching the recommendation not to grant parole to Mrs. Riley, the reasons which were given by the Parole Board were that "she has not yet addressed her offending behaviour, or realised the harm it did".

Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether or not it is the policy of the Home Office or the Parole Board to refuse parole where the only reason for refusal of parole is "denial of guilt".

Earl Ferrers

There is no rule or policy which is exercised by either the Home Office or the Parole Board which automatically prevents a prisoner who denies guilt from being released on parole. Such prisoners can be and have been released, where it is concluded that it is safe to do so.

Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the number of prisoners currently serving sentences where a failure to "address an offence and the harm it did" is the only reason for refusing parole.

Earl Ferrers

No statistics of this nature are kept.