Crime Solicitors

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is defending criticism from MPs over prisoners who have been signed up for driving lessons funded by the taxpayers and charities.

MPs have expressed concern that prisoners are being allowed out of jails to take HGV driving lessons to improve their chances of getting a job when they complete their sentences.

In 2013, a total of 190 prisoners had lessons or passed tests with driving schools contracted by the MoJ to provide lessons.

Charities are also funding HGV driving lessons, the Mail online reports. Inmates at Standford Hill open prison on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent are being sent on HGV and forklift truck training courses to stop them re-offending.

HMP Standford hit the headlines two weeks ago, after convicted armed robber Michael Wheatley – known as the “Skull Cracker” – escaped from the prison and travelled to London by train before being recaptured.

Conservative MP Philip Davies – who represents Shipley in West Yorkshire – was given details of the driving lessons scheme for prisoners in an official answer to a Parliamentary question.

Mr Davies said:

“This is just another example of the soft justice we have in this country, which is why so many people have lost faith in the criminal justice system.

“Prisons are places where persistent and serious offenders are sent to be punished for their crimes.

“It should not be the place to have driving lessons at the taxpayer’s expense.”

An MoJ spokesman said:

“Only prisoners who pass a rigorous risk assessment can take driving lessons, which they are expected to pay for themselves.

“Our priority is to rehabilitate prisoners and driving lessons can help secure work on release so they don’t return to a life of crime.”

Some driving lessons are paid for by donations given to charities such as the Salvation Army. Prisoners are expected to repay the cost of the lessons from their wages when they have completed their sentence and secured employment.

Prisoners have certain rights and privileges in jail, with each individual prison establishing the privileges inmates can have. Privileges – such as TV viewing time or extra recreation periods – can be increased for good behaviour or withdrawn as part of a disciplinary measure, which is known as the Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme.

Prisoners also have certain rights in prison, including access to healthcare – including access to mental health services – as well as protection from bullying and racial harassment and the right to spend 30 minutes to an hour outside in the open air each day.

Prisoners also have the right to contact a solicitor.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis crime solicitors can advise on prisoners’ rights in jail, including access to services such as healthcare and mental health services – as well as access to training, education and exercise facilities.

Duncan Lewis can also advise prisoners on appealing convictions and sentencing appeals, as well as applications to the Parole Board – and compensation claims for unprovoked assaults in prison or injuries sustained in prison as a result of another party’s negligence.

For expert legal advice on prisoners’ rights contact Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.