Friday 13 May 2011

Justice must be seen to be done - really?

The BBC reports that Eric Illsley has been released after just three months of a twelve month sentence for misuse of public funds. Not much point in prosecuting David Laws then, is there? Illsley is quoted thus:
"Twenty-three-and-a-half years as an MP and that is behind me now. So I look to the future, a new career."
And what career is open to anyone accused of fiscal malfeasance? Oh, yes, of course - one within the Westminster 'bubble' - nothing like looking after your own, is there?

From prisoners advice (which may, or may not, be extant), I note that:
"The Criminal Justice Act 2003

For prisoners whose offence was committed on or after 5 April 2005:
Determinate sentence of 12 months or more (except extended sentences) - automatic release at ½ way; no parole eligibility; licence continues until SED;
Determinate sentences of under 12 months - CJA 1991 applies; automatic release at ½ way; no parole or licence arrangements;
Extended sentences - automatic release at ½ way point of custodial term; parole can be applied for at the end of the custodial term; licence continues throughout the specified extension period.
Extended sentence imposed on or after 14/7/08 - the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (CJIA) amends the CJA 2003 so that there is no automatic release date; parole can be applied after ½ of the custodial term; licence continues throughout the specified extension period.
"
Automatic release at half sentence and no parole eligibility - so since when was one quarter equal to one half?

Perhaps there is a lawyer amongst my readers? (Where's CharonQC when you want him?)

Does the decision to release Illsley appear to have a certain 'aroma' attached?

One again, just asking......................

6 comments:

The Gray Monk said...

As you noted at the beginning of the post, it's called looking after their own ...

DerekP said...

Perhaps he has receipts to prove he was in for six months?

Chuckles said...

No, it must be seen to be believed.

WitteringsfromWitney said...

TGM: Yup.

DP: Forged, obviously......

C: That too.......

Anonymous said...

No, one is automatically released after serving half of the sentence in prison but one can also be eligible got Home Detention Curfew which can bring the release date forward by up to another 4 months. Unless one is violent HDC is nearly always given so they have just followed the usual procedure.

WitteringsfromWitney said...

A: If you say so.... :) However, I still believe the sentence handed down should be the sentence served.