Thomas White, a prisoner who has been serving an indefinite jail term for stealing a mobile phone, set himself on fire in his cell after 12 years behind bars. His mental health has deteriorated significantly during his time in prison, with reports indicating that he suffers from psychosis and religious delusions. Despite desperate pleas from his family, Thomas has not been transferred to a hospital for the care he urgently needs.
His sister, Clara, has been campaigning tirelessly for his transfer to a psychiatric hospital, fearing that he may attempt to take his life again if he remains in prison. She expressed her concerns about the impact of the incarceration on her brother’s mental health, noting that he has refused medication and is now being forcibly dosed with injections.
The case of Thomas White highlights the devastating consequences of the since-abolished imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentences. Introduced in 2005 and scrapped in 2012, these sentences left thousands of offenders in legal limbo, with no release date in sight. The reforms passed earlier this year will lift the life-long licence conditions for 1,800 released IPP prisoners who have spent at least five years in the community, but do little to help those still behind bars.
Clara described her brother as a once “healthy-minded” and “handsome” young man who has now spent over a decade in prison due to an IPP sentence handed down just before the law was changed. She emphasized that Thomas has already been punished far beyond what was just, and that the lingering effects of the IPP sentence will haunt him for the rest of his life.
While the recent reforms offer some hope for previously released IPP prisoners, there is still much work to be done to address the plight of those still incarcerated. Campaigners have called for continued efforts to push for the complete abolition of the IPP sentence and ensure that all individuals affected by it receive the support and care they need.
As the fight for justice continues, it is important to remember the human cost of these legal injustices. Thomas White’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need for reform and compassion in our criminal justice system. Let us hope that his case, and others like it, will spur meaningful change and prevent further tragedies from occurring.
