It was pretty easy to guess who was going to be released. Well it was if you had read the Radio Times because their reviewer admitted to coming to different conclusions on all 3 cases. The Parole Board have to determine if they are likely to reoffend whilst on parole, not likely to reoffend ever.
Last nights cases were
Mukhtar brutally murdered his brother's wife in 1987, three months after he arrived illegally into Britain. Since his conviction he spent time at a secure hospital believing he was God. Now, back in a high security prison, he says he's safe to release. His brother believes he is still evil and should die in prison.
Barry led a gang of armed robbers, the proceeds of his violent robberies were used to feed his £600 a day crack cocaine habit. Sentenced to twelve years he wants to get out after serving just six years and claims he is no longer a danger.
Michael settled a personal vendetta with the police by firebombing his local police station with Molotov cocktails. Diagnosed with a personality disorder he says his score is settled and will not re-offend.
The only one not to get out was Barry. The Panel weren't convinced that his "business plan" was viable if his relationship broke up (he met the women whilst in prison) and that it could drive him back to drugs, oh and a Canabis admission last year didn't help. I felt a degree of sympathy for him since he seemed sincere and had obviously put alot of effort in trying to get something "out" of prision.
Mukhtar looked lossed. He didn't speak English, he apparently showed some remorse. He was deported and he was deported. His brother, whose wife he and his sister murdered, was devastated.
Michael was a bit scary. But the panel thought he was unlikely to reoffend in the brief period of time he was getting parole and that is the thing they consider.
Strangely the panel only get to meet the parolee if he's a lifer, for Michael and Barry its a totally paper exercise.
I found it a compelling hour.
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