LIFE SENTENCES
Acknowledging the importance of remembering crime victims and the challenges they endure is crucial. It is also important to recognise the families and friends of individuals serving life sentences and the lasting negative effects this has on their lives.​
Currently, in the UK, a significant portion of the prison population is serving life sentences, leaving thousands of families grappling with emotional and financial challenges. The rise in long and life sentences highlights the need to remember the hidden victims left behind.
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Individuals serving life sentences must complete specific minimum tariffs before qualifying for parole. However, even after finishing their minimum tariff, there is no guarantee of release, as automatic release is not granted to those serving indeterminate sentences. Consequently, many may end up serving additional years beyond their tariff.
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With an increasing number of individuals receiving longer terms and life sentences, the prison population in this category is rapidly growing. As a result, many prisoners spend a significant portion of their lives aging behind bars. Unfortunately, the existing infrastructure and resources are inadequate for those serving extended periods in prison. There is a pressing need to address this shortfall and anticipate the resulting challenges, as these issues have repercussions that extend beyond prison walls and impact our communities.
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We are the only official network in the UK dedicated to assisting life-sentenced prisoners and their families. Our goal is to highlight their experiences and raise awareness of the effects of these sentences on everyone involved.
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Whether you are dealing with a long sentence or a life sentence, we understand the harm they can inflict. Our primary objective is to provide support and reassure you that you are not alone.
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Given the increase in life sentences and escalating minimum tariffs, we urge the government to review sentence lengths and establish comprehensive structures to address the needs of prisoners serving lengthy terms while also supporting their rehabilitation.
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From imprisonment to release and beyond, it is essential to highlight the challenges faced by prisoners and their families during their time in prison and throughout the reintegration process into society.
Our network prioritises sensitivity, confidentiality, and support for individuals serving life sentences, which is fundamental to our mission. Through our platform, we aim to educate those who engage with us about the impact of life sentences on prisoners, their families, the prison system, and the wider community.
TYPES OF LIFE SENTENCES (UK)
In the UK, Parliament has established a life sentence as the maximum penalty for many offences, allowing trial judges the discretion to impose it in appropriate cases. Various types of life sentences exist, and although some have been abolished, these changes have not been applied retroactively. As a result, thousands of prisoners in the UK are still serving life sentences under old laws. Below are the most commonly used life sentences or those that, while now abolished, are still in operation for those currently in prison.
Mandatory Life Sentence - The mandatory life sentence for murder has been in place since the abolition of the death penalty. It includes a set minimum tariff that must be served before becoming eligible for parole. If released, the individual will be on a life licence.
Automatic Life Sentence (Two Strike Life) - The now abolished automatic life sentence was introduced in section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 for anyone convicted of a second serious offence unless exceptional circumstances permitted the court to decide otherwise.
Discretionary Life - The discretionary life sentence for ‘dangerous offenders’ are given if a person commits a very serious offence.
IPP Sentence - The now abolished Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences were indeterminate and accompanied by a 99-year licence, intended for ‘serious offenders’ who posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public.
DPP Sentence - Detention for Public Protection was the IPP for offenders under the age of 18.
(After the introduction of IPP and DPP, discretionary life sentences seemed to be becoming obsolete. However, with the abolition of IPP, the use of discretionary life sentences seems to be increasing once again).
His Majesty’s Pleasure - Detention during His Majesty’s Pleasure is a mandatory life sentence imposed on individuals who commit murder when under the age of 18. HMP detainees whose tariffs have not expired, are exceptionally entitled to periodic reviews of progress in custody with the possibility of reduction in tariff. Some detainees become eligible for a review once they have reached the halfway point of their current tariffs.
Detention for Life - Detention for life is the maximum sentence for a person aged 10 or over but under 18, who is convicted of offences for which a discretionary life sentence may be passed on a person over the age of 21.
Custody for Life - Custody for life is imposed on offenders under the age of 21 but 18 or over when they are convicted of murder. Custody for life may also be imposed as a discretionary sentence.
The Automatic Life Sentence (for a second ‘listed’ offence) – The revised automatic life sentence was brought into effect for offences committed after 3 December 2012. This represents a new ‘two strikes’ policy, an automatic life sentence for anyone convicted of a second ‘listed’ offence involving serious sexual or violent crime.
Whole Life Order - A whole life order means a prisoner will never be released from prison. No Parole Board review date is set, meaning the prisoner will not have the opportunity for release except in exceptional compassionate circumstances.