‘He’s been punished enough’: Family’s plea for IPP prisoner who set himself alight

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I asked him why he stopped taking his medication and he broke down on the phone and said, ‘So that I get the courage to kill myself.’” open image in gallery Thomas White with his sister, Clara, and his mother, Margaret, in Manchester in 1985 His assessment comes as 1,800 released IPP prisoners who have spent at least five years in the community are finally set to have their life-long licence conditions lifted on Friday, under reforms passed earlier this year. This month the country’s former head of judiciary, Lord Thomas, branded the jail terms “morally wrong” as he backed The Independent’s campaign for IPP prisoners to have their sentences reviewed. open image in gallery Thomas White set himself alight in his cell in HMP Manchester, better known as Strangeways Under reforms to life-long licence conditions coming into to force on 1 November, 1,800 IPP offenders who were released at least five years ago will have their licences automatically terminated. “IPP offenders who have served their time in prison and lived safely in the community for years should not be subjected to a lifetime licence and today we have taken a significant step in addressing this.” If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123, email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.