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Armed robber freed against advice | Armed robber freed against advice |
(19 minutes later) | |
An armed robber who shot a jeweller had been freed from jail a year earlier against the advice of prison, probation and medical staff, the BBC has learned. | An armed robber who shot a jeweller had been freed from jail a year earlier against the advice of prison, probation and medical staff, the BBC has learned. |
Sean Henry, 35, of south London, was convicted of the attempted murder of Darren Prior in West Sussex in 2005. | Sean Henry, 35, of south London, was convicted of the attempted murder of Darren Prior in West Sussex in 2005. |
The shooting during a £50,000 raid followed a decision by a Parole Board panel to free Henry on licence after he had served 13 years for murder. | The shooting during a £50,000 raid followed a decision by a Parole Board panel to free Henry on licence after he had served 13 years for murder. |
A "lack of detailed written reasons" were given for why advice was ignored. | A "lack of detailed written reasons" were given for why advice was ignored. |
It had been recommended that Henry should spend two years in an open prison, in order to re-adapt to outside life, before getting a full release. | It had been recommended that Henry should spend two years in an open prison, in order to re-adapt to outside life, before getting a full release. |
Bullet hit phone | Bullet hit phone |
Parole board officials have now said that prisoners like Henry will spend time in open jails in future unless "exceptional circumstances" are presented. | Parole board officials have now said that prisoners like Henry will spend time in open jails in future unless "exceptional circumstances" are presented. |
He was originally jailed in 1990 for kicking and beating a person to death when he was just 17. | He was originally jailed in 1990 for kicking and beating a person to death when he was just 17. |
We wish to convey our sympathies to the victim and his family for the trauma they have suffered Parole Board statement | We wish to convey our sympathies to the victim and his family for the trauma they have suffered Parole Board statement |
The BBC investigation found he was released on life licence in May 1999, but was sent back to jail after seven months for failing to keep his probation appointments. | The BBC investigation found he was released on life licence in May 1999, but was sent back to jail after seven months for failing to keep his probation appointments. |
The Parole Board said two further hearings refused Henry's release, before a third panel concluded "that it was not necessary for the protection of the public that he continued to be detained". | The Parole Board said two further hearings refused Henry's release, before a third panel concluded "that it was not necessary for the protection of the public that he continued to be detained". |
He was released on 24 August 2004. | He was released on 24 August 2004. |
In September the following year, Henry shot Mr Prior as he chased him down an alleyway in Horsham, West Sussex. | In September the following year, Henry shot Mr Prior as he chased him down an alleyway in Horsham, West Sussex. |
The manager of Amore Jewellers, which had been looted of diamond rings worth £50,00, only survived because the bullet ricocheted off the mobile phone in his suit jacket pocket. | The manager of Amore Jewellers, which had been looted of diamond rings worth £50,00, only survived because the bullet ricocheted off the mobile phone in his suit jacket pocket. |
Darren Prior chased Henry after he stole £50,000 of diamond rings | Darren Prior chased Henry after he stole £50,000 of diamond rings |
Henry, of Wallington, was convicted in May of attempted murder, robbery and possessing a firearm, and sentenced last month to at least 15 years in prison. | Henry, of Wallington, was convicted in May of attempted murder, robbery and possessing a firearm, and sentenced last month to at least 15 years in prison. |
The Parole Board said a review of Henry's case was carried out in April 2006, while he was on police bail in connection with the armed robbery. | The Parole Board said a review of Henry's case was carried out in April 2006, while he was on police bail in connection with the armed robbery. |
One of its findings was "the lack of detailed written reasons given by the panel for their decision not to test the prisoner in open conditions before considering release". | One of its findings was "the lack of detailed written reasons given by the panel for their decision not to test the prisoner in open conditions before considering release". |
Crimewatch appeal | |
"The panel members in this case have all been advised in writing of the findings of the review committee," a Parole Board statement said. | "The panel members in this case have all been advised in writing of the findings of the review committee," a Parole Board statement said. |
"Since this case took place, the Board has formally adopted a policy that the release of an indeterminate sentence prisoner from 'closed' conditions should only take place in exceptional circumstances," it added. | "Since this case took place, the Board has formally adopted a policy that the release of an indeterminate sentence prisoner from 'closed' conditions should only take place in exceptional circumstances," it added. |
"The Board wishes to convey its sympathies to the victim and his family for the trauma they have suffered." | "The Board wishes to convey its sympathies to the victim and his family for the trauma they have suffered." |
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Herbert commented: "Serious questions must be asked about why a murderer was released onto the streets against official advice. | |
"The foreshortening of sentences gravely undermines confidence in the penal system." | |
Henry and an accomplice were caught after a prison officer recognised him on a BBC Crimewatch appeal. | Henry and an accomplice were caught after a prison officer recognised him on a BBC Crimewatch appeal. |