Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gloria De Piero and Crispin Blunt

Tuesday 8th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab)]

T7. I wrote to the Justice Secretary six weeks ago on behalf of my constituent Gary Thrall, but have not yet had an answer. May I ask him again to look at this case and at the fact that 16 months on from a vicious knife attack, Gary has yet to receive a final settlement from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority or to be advised of the likely time scale for the settlement, which is preventing the family from moving on?

[Mr Blunt]

I will, of course, investigate the case that the hon. Lady brings to my attention. I will get in touch with her directly.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gloria De Piero and Crispin Blunt

Tuesday 17th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Blunt]

My hon. Friend has raised a valid operational concern about Friday releases. However, holding prisoners whose statutory release date falls at a weekend until the following week is unlawful, and we do not think it right for prisoners to be let out early: they should serve the custodial period required by law. Our duty is to manage the operational issue of Friday releases. That includes ensuring that all prisoners are properly prepared for release, and implementing restorative justice as part of that preparation where appropriate.

[Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab)]

My constituent Gary Thrall was left for dead after a vicious knife attack last year. His first contact from Victim Support came five weeks later, when it was suggested that he might like to meet some knife attackers. Does the Minister agree that that is a gross misuse of restorative justice, and what can he do to ensure that the same thing does not happen to other people?

[Mr Blunt]

I read about that case in the papers. It is plainly important for restorative justice to carry the confidence of victims. They should not be placed in a position in which they are required to take part in restorative justice disposals; restorative justice should be a right for them to exercise when they see fit, and when it is clearly in their interests to do so.