Ending the IPP nightmare - The long, long road to freedom

Emma McClure has represented one particular IPP client throughout his sentence. With Emma’s assistance he achieved release during the Covid pandemic shortly after his tariff expiry date without full testing in open conditions. Unfortunately, he was then recalled shortly afterwards and received a further custodial sentence for minor offending linked to a mental health crisis.

The following Parole review was beset with many issues which caused lengthy delays in the review which were persistently challenged by Emma. Emma was able to successfully argue for his re-release at the next review with more robust mental health support.

The following year, Emma’s client became eligible for IPP termination following a change to the law in 2024, allowing for a review three years after first release. Emma put together a thorough application arguing for his licence termination, highlighting the full history of the case and requesting that the reconsideration period be reduced.

As a result of Emma’s efforts, the Parole Board directed that his licence should be terminated one year after his second release. Emma also successfully argued for a significant reduction to the reconsideration period. This meant that he did not have to endure another anxious three weeks. He is now, finally, a free man.

He wrote to her to say:

"I want to thank you for a number of reasons, one for being there throughout the years, putting powerful reps in on paper and in oral speech to the numerous panels over the years. You helped me in so, so many ways, gave me your ear when I was worrying about things, and gave me courage and determination to keep up the good fight on IPP and with no doubt secured my freedom which I grabbed with both hands and changed my life, exactly one year passed since my release and the Parole Board ended my IPP.

I have never been so happy and now it’s time to start a new chapter of my life, finally free and you will go on to keep fighting until all of the IPPs are free. So, once again, thank you and I will always be so grateful. You are the ultimate Queen at IPP."