28/08/2026
What a start to the week, Sara sat at a Parole Board hearing Monday for a pre-tariff lifer who was sentenced at just 15 years old. The decision came through Monday afternoon, and the Panel recommended progression to open conditions.
On the face of it, this should not have been a particularly complex case. However, the prison commissioned psychological report recommended that our client remain in closed conditions to undertake further work through the personality disorder pathway. We did not agree with that conclusion.
This is where careful case preparation and the right independent expertise really matters. We sought an independent psychological assessment and turned to Cat Phillips and her fantastic colleague Amy Hesketh to assist us. The independent assessment provided the holistic analysis we considered was missing from the prison report, including proper consideration of our client’s age at the time of the offence, his developmental maturity and the significant trauma in his background.
Importantly, the Panel confirmed that they preferred Ms Hesketh’s assessment. For Sara, this case demonstrates why effective parole representation is not simply about putting forward arguments. It is about understanding the evidence, identifying where the assessment of risk may be incomplete, and obtaining the right specialist expertise to ensure the Panel has the fullest possible picture.
Risk must be assessed holistically. That means considering not only historical offending and current presentation, but also factors such as age, maturity, developmental history and trauma, and understanding how these interact with the person’s current risk.
Today’s decision is a fantastic result for our client and, more importantly, represents a significant step forward for someone who has spent the vast majority of his life in custody. It is also a useful reminder of the importance of thorough preparation, challenging conclusions where necessary, and ensuring that the right expert evidence is before the Parole Board. 👏🏼
