The Complex Reality of Imprisonment for Public Protection: The Case of Matthew Booth
In a troubling case that highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, Matthew Booth, a 33-year-old father from Bolton, has gone on the run to avoid being recalled to prison indefinitely. This situation raises critical questions about the efficacy and fairness of the IPP system, which has been the subject of intense scrutiny since its inception.
Understanding the IPP Sentencing System
Introduced by the Labour government in 2003, IPP sentences were designed as a tough-on-crime measure aimed at protecting the public from offenders deemed to pose a significant risk. Under this system, offenders received a minimum jail term but no maximum, leaving their release date uncertain until they were deemed safe by the Parole Board. This lack of clarity has led to significant concerns regarding human rights, particularly regarding the indefinite nature of these sentences.
In 2012, the UK government abolished IPP sentences due to these concerns; however, the abolition was not retroactive. As a result, thousands of individuals, including Booth, remain trapped in a system that can lead to repeated recalls for minor breaches of license conditions.
Matthew Booth’s Journey Through the System
Matthew Booth’s journey through the IPP system began at the young age of 16 when he was sentenced for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. After serving six years, he was released in 2013, but his struggles were far from over. Since his release, Booth has faced four potential recalls to prison, despite not being convicted of any new offenses.
His most recent recall stems from allegations that he resumed a relationship with the mother of his children, Abigail Vernon, without notifying his probation officers—a requirement of his release. Booth argues that he is being punished for actions that do not constitute a crime, stating, "I am getting recalled every single time for no charges, no crime. How am I doing years because someone said something about me?"
The Impact on Family Life and Mental Health
The repeated recalls have taken a severe toll on Booth’s family life and mental health. He expresses deep concern about the impact of his situation on his children, stating, "I can’t do it. I can’t go there again and miss my children and not see my kids from inside prison." His partner, Abigail Vernon, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing that Booth is still being punished for actions from his teenage years. "Every time he gets out and starts building his life back up again, it gets taken away," she lamented.
Booth’s mental health has deteriorated under the strain of the IPP system. He describes feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, stating, "My mental health is seriously bad. I am worried about everything right now." The fear of returning to prison looms large over his life, creating a cycle of anxiety and despair.
Advocacy and Calls for Reform
The situation has drawn attention from advocates and campaigners who are calling for reform of the IPP system. Shirley Debono, co-founder of IPP Committee in Action, has highlighted the trauma that indefinite recalls inflict on prisoners and their families. "The reason they go on the run is because they need to get their head around it," she explained. Debono argues that the system needs to be re-evaluated to prevent further suffering for individuals like Booth.
Vernon has also voiced her frustration with the ongoing situation, asserting that the conditions imposed on Booth are unfair and unjust. She strongly denies allegations of past abuse that have contributed to his strict license conditions, stating, "Any relationship he enters into he has to let them know, but we aren’t in a relationship."
The Official Response
In response to the growing concerns surrounding the IPP system, a spokesperson for the HM Prison and Probation Service defended the recall process, stating, "Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and as the public would rightly expect, they are recalled to prison if there are concerns for the safety of those in the community." This statement underscores the ongoing tension between public safety and the rights of individuals who have served their sentences.
Conclusion
The case of Matthew Booth serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with the IPP sentencing system. As he navigates the difficult terrain of life on the run, the implications of his situation extend far beyond his personal struggles, raising critical questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the long-term effects of punitive measures on individuals and their families. As advocates continue to push for reform, the hope remains that the system can evolve to better balance public safety with the rights and dignity of those it seeks to manage.