Legal Questions and Answers by
Jonathan Stones of John Barkers
Question :-
What a joke prison sentences have become when millionaire inmates sentenced to four years behind bars are within a matter of 12 months driving to their theatre jobs in their BMWs, lunching at the best restaurants in town and spending week-ends at home, not to mention enjoying beanos with their friends in the Tory Party.
So called reformers are now arguing that prison does not work. What a surprise that is!!
Archer's antics have done us one favour in that they have highlighted just what is going on. The picture is beyond belief.
Answer :-
Could I leave Lord Archer to one side for a moment and concentrate first on the system and its aims?
A criminal sentenced to four years would, with good behaviour, normally expect to serve around two years in prison. He would then be eligible for parole. So twelve months is about halfway through the period of incarceration.
The inmates of open prisons are low risk and steps are taken to prepare them for re-integration back into society when they are paroled. To that end many are allowed to do useful part time work or community service. Surely a good thing?
They are also allowed weekend home visits. Again surely a positive thing, both for the individual and his family?
Admittedly things do become rather surreal when the prisoner is very wealthy individual, not to mention a 'celebrity'. A prisoner driving to his work in a clapped out old motor and lunching in the local café would not excite any interest. Lord Archer with his BMW and his Italian restaurants certainly did.
Would people, I wonder, prefer that he was not allowed to use his own car? That he should be taken to his job in a prison car or vehicle - with the tab picked up by the taxpayer?
In attending the lunch or party or whatever it was, Archer broke the rules and as a result ended up back into a higher category prison.
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