HC Deb 26 February 1998 vol 307 cc334-5W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the cases considered in(a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997 and (d) 1998 by the Life Sentence Review Board; indicating the paramilitary affiliation of the offender; how long he or she had served; and what decision was taken. [30030]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 25 February 1998]: The Life Sentence Review Board's advice to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is confidential. The paramilitary affiliation of prisoners is recorded for prison management purposes, not for classification.

During 1995, the Life Sentence Review Board considered 41 cases (19 Loyalists, 10 Republicans and 12 non-terrorists). Of these, 23 prisoners were recommended for consultation with the judiciary. The remaining 18 cases were deferred for periods of between one and five years for future consideration by the Life Sentence Review Board.

During 1996, the Life Sentence Review Board considered 47 cases (24 Loyalists, 11 Republicans and 12 non-terrorists). Of these, 23 prisoners were recommended for consultation with the judiciary. The remaining 24 cases were deferred for periods of between one and five years for future consideration by the Life Sentence Review Board.

During 1997, the Life Sentence Review Board considered 51 cases (22 Loyalists, 18 Republicans and 11 non-terrorists). Of these, 25 prisoners were recommended for consultation with the judiciary. The remaining 26 cases were deferred for periods of between one and five years for future consideration by the Life Sentence Review Board. Since October 1997, the maximum deferral in any individual case has been three years.

The first Review Board meeting of 1998 is taking place today, therefore comparable statistics for 1998 are no yet available.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors determine whether or not a prisoner's sentence is reviewed by the Life Sentence Review Board; what is the statutory basis of the board; and what are the criteria for a life sentence review. [30031]

Mr. Ingram

[holding answer 25 February 1998]: The cases of life sentence prisoners in Northern Ireland are normally reviewed by the Life Sentence Review Board at the ten year point of sentence but in some cases this review can take place earlier where the individual circumstances warrant such action. The cases of those sentenced to be detained during the pleasure of the Secretary of State are normally considered at the eight year stage of sentence. Again this may be earlier where the circumstances of an individual case suggest that it would be appropriate.

There is no statutory basis for the Life Sentence Review Board.

There are no set criteria for life sentence reviews. Each case is considered on its own individual merits. However, before the Review Board will recommend to the Secretary of State that a provisional release date should be set, it must be satisfied that the offender has served a period sufficient to reflect the gravity of the offence and that release would not present an unacceptable risk to the public.