Blogs & News

“Fair access to justice or undermining vulnerable defendants”

With the speed of sentencing those who committed atrocities in last summer’s London riots, there is a chance those vulnerable defendants will find themselves caught up in what has been seen as the judiciaries “hard-line” approach to crime. Although acting as a deterrent.  There is a risk defendants with learning difficulties and mental health problems will find themselves consumed up in a procedure they don’t understand. With a 1/3 of all prisoners’ having a low IQ it is even more important for fair access to be given, rather than sweeping the issue under the carpet. The effect otherwise will be an increase in further criminal convictions rather than a deterrent.

For further information visit the Guardian Newspaper.