Criminal Cases Review Commission refers indefinite sentences of five men for appeal

Referrals all relate to controversial imprisonment for public protection scheme or its equivalent for childrenUK politics live – latest updatesFive men have had their indefinite sentences under the imprisonment for public protection (IPP) scheme, or its equivalent for children, referred for appeal.The decision by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) was made in light of the court of appeal quashing three prisoners’ indeterminate sentences on the basis that their young age and level of maturity was not properly taken into account when they were sentenced.Benjamin Hibbert, who was convicted of three counts of sexual assault in 2009 and sentenced to a minimum tariff of two years. He was 15 or 16 at the time of the offences.Stuart O’Neill was 20 when sentenced to a minimum term of three years and six months for rape in 2009.Jay Davis was convicted of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence in 2006 and sentenced to a minimum term of nine months. He was 19 at the time of the offence.Luke Ings was convicted of two counts of robbery and two counts of battery in 2006 and sentenced to a minimum term of one year nine months minus 81 days on remand. He was 17 at the time of the offence.James Ward was convicted of arson and criminal damage in 2006 and sentenced to one year minus 63 days on remand. He was 20 at the time of the offence. Continue reading...