Release Issues and Parole Board Knock-Backs
It is always extremely disappointing when one has gone through the parole process to either a paper review or Oral Panel to find one is "knocked-back". Here at Atkins Law we take the attitude that where this occurs, and challenge is not available, such knock-backs are positives. In our experience, grieving over a decision which may go against a recommendation by the Parole Board (for release, for example) can waste many months of time of a life sentence prisoner.
Our usefulness to life sentence prisoners arrives in picking up from the Home Office’s decision and ensuring that the reasons given cannot be used again in any future Hearing.
Where cases are progressed in such a way it is then possible for us to make special applications to the Lifer Review and Recall Section at the Home Office. The LRRS have the power to refer a case to the Parole Board at any time. We negotiate and make powerful representations to have a case brought forward in terms of time so that the knock-back becomes that much less onerous.
Our aim, as is our clients, is release on life licence.