Lisa Burton recently represented an IPP prisoner at his Parole review who had been recalled to custody following his arrest for alleged further offences.
Lisa made numerous enquiries with the police force involved regarding the status of their ongoing investigation. The response from the police was slow and unsatisfactory, and Lisa requested their attendance at the client's oral hearing.
They were robustly questioned by the panel and cross-examined by Lisa. Lisa argued that, despite the ongoing investigation, the client's risk could be safely managed on licence and her client did not need to remain in custody while the police concluded their investigations.
The Parole Board Panel agreed and directed Lisa's client's release.
It is unusual for a panel to be persuaded to release someone on licence if there is an ongoing investigation and the outcome in this case was testament to Lisa's tenacity and advocacy skills.